Josh Minott and Terance Mann addressed the Nets’ evolving roster, their changing roles, and the importance of veteran leadership as Brooklyn enters the 2026-27 season with a young team and a lofty goal of 50 wins.
The Brooklyn Nets are heading into the 2026-27 season with one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, but Josh Minott and Terance Mann understand that developing that young talent will require everyone to buy into their roles.
The two Nets spoke with reporters together Monday at Media Day, discussing Brooklyn’s expectations for the upcoming season, the team’s veteran additions, and how their own roles could change as the roster looks to take another step forward.
For Minott, that change is something he is already prepared to embrace.
After finding an opportunity to make an impact last season, Minott acknowledged that his role could look different this year with the Nets adding more ball-dominant players and experienced veterans to the roster.
“I’m fully bought in on the goals of the team,” Minott said. “I understand that my role is very likely going to change from what you guys saw.”
That does not appear to be a concern for the 23-year-old forward.
Minott said the Nets will have to collectively buy into whatever roles are established if they are going to reach their goals, which include a team target of 50 wins.
“I don’t fear at all,” Minott said of his changing role.
One of Minott’s biggest focuses heading into the season will be making an impact defensively.
The forward said defense has been emphasized throughout his career and believes it will be especially important as Brooklyn adds players who will have the ball in their hands more frequently.
“I’d say everything starts defensively,” Minott said.
Minott also expects to spend more time playing off the ball rather than running the offense. He pointed to cutting, setting screens, and finding ways to create opportunities for teammates as areas where he can contribute.
“I understand I probably won’t be running any offense, which I’ve got no problem with,” Minott said. “Just finding ways to impact the game, whether that be defensively or off-ball cutting, setting screens to get people open, things like that.”
While Minott is preparing for his role to evolve, Mann will be one of the players expected to help provide stability for a roster filled with young players.
Mann said Brooklyn’s veteran additions, including Julius Randle, Keon Ellis and Mo Wagner, are exactly what the team needed.
“They’re going to be able to regulate the locker room and not make it like high school all the time, but a little more serious,” Mann said.
Mann believes those veterans can help the younger players understand what it takes to succeed in the NBA while also bringing experience from winning situations.
That leadership will be important for a Nets team that is not simply looking to develop its young players, but also wants to compete.
Mann said the goal from the beginning has been to reach 50 wins, meaning the team cannot afford to approach the season solely as a learning experience.
“We’re going to have to go in there with the mentality that we’re going to get 50 wins,” Mann said.
For Minott, that means accepting whatever the team needs from him.
For Mann, it means helping the younger players understand how to approach the NBA.
And for Brooklyn, the hope is that those two things can coexist as the Nets try to turn their young talent into a competitive team.
