Josh Minott Could Be Nets’ Hidden Gem in 2026-27

Every NBA offseason brings a new group of players looking to make the jump. Some are former lottery picks waiting for a bigger opportunity, while others are young players who quietly earn the trust of their coaching staff and prove they deserve more minutes.

For the Brooklyn Nets, Bleacher Report believes that player could be Josh Minott.

In its “Every NBA Team’s Most Disrespected Hidden Gem” article, Bleacher Report highlighted one player from each franchise who could be ready for a bigger role during the 2026-27 season. For Brooklyn, the outlet selected Minott, a 23-year-old wing who has quickly become one of the more intriguing young pieces on the roster.

“A 6'8" wing who's only 23 and recently became a 40 percent three-point shooter? What's not to like about Josh Minott?” Bleacher Report wrote.

After spending the early part of his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves and later the Boston Celtics, Minott found a much bigger opportunity after joining the Nets last season. The move came at an important time for the young forward, who was dealing with a nagging ankle injury that limited him during his stint in Boston.

Even while battling through that injury, Minott showed enough in Brooklyn for the Nets to believe there was more to unlock.

Over 16 games with the Nets, Minott averaged 10.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals while shooting 39.5 percent from three-point range in 19.3 minutes per game. His ability to make an impact without needing consistent touches made him an ideal fit for a Brooklyn team looking for versatile role players.

Minott’s biggest strength has always been his defensive ability. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a wingspan that nearly reaches seven feet, he has the physical tools to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes and create transition opportunities.

That defensive impact was on full display during Brooklyn’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, when Minott recorded a career-high 24 points along with three steals and three blocks. Offensively, he showcased the quick release and confidence from three that made him a valuable option in catch-and-shoot situations.

For a Nets team that spent much of last season searching for players who could impact the game without demanding the ball, Minott checked a lot of boxes.

Brooklyn showed its belief in his potential this offseason by re-signing Minott to a two-year, $9 million contract. The move came after the team declined to retain Ziaire Williams, who had filled a similar role as a young wing. Rather than investing in a more expensive veteran option, the Nets decided to bet on Minott’s upside.

General manager Sean Marks also acknowledged how much Minott accomplished while dealing with injury.

“He was playing on one leg with us for most of the time here,” Marks said during his end-of-season press conference. “So it's nice to get that ankle taken care of, and then again, have another big summer for a young man like that.”

A healthy offseason could be a major factor in determining Minott’s next step. The Nets added veterans such as Julius Randle, Keon Ellis and Moritz Wagner this summer, but the team’s future success will also depend on young players like Minott proving they belong in the rotation.

With his combination of size, shooting ability, and defensive versatility, Minott has the type of skill set that fits the modern NBA. The biggest question now is whether he can turn a strong 16-game stretch into consistent production over an entire season.

If he can, Brooklyn may have found one of the league’s more underrated young wings on a team-friendly contract.

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