Keon Ellis and Noah Clowney know earning minutes won't be easy on a crowded Nets roster. Both players discussed their roles, the competition ahead, and what they hope to bring to Brooklyn this season.
The Brooklyn Nets are heading into the 2026-27 season with plenty of competition for playing time, and Keon Ellis and Noah Clowney understand that earning minutes will require everyone to embrace their roles.
The two Nets spoke with reporters together at Media Day on Monday, discussing their roles, the team's young core and what they hope to bring to Brooklyn this season.
For Ellis, joining the Nets provides an opportunity to reunite with head coach Jordi Fernández, whom he has worked with previously.
Ellis said he was drawn to Brooklyn because of the number of young players on the roster and the opportunity to help them develop while continuing to grow himself.
“I just wanted to be here with a lot of young guys trying to build towards something,” Ellis said. “I feel like I can come in here and spread my wings and just help some of these young guys.”
Ellis also knows what his biggest responsibility will be once the season begins. After establishing himself as a strong perimeter defender, he wants to continue making an impact at the point of attack.
“That’s just what I do,” Ellis said of his defense. “That’s my job.”
The 26-year-old also believes he can get back to the level he showed as a shooter earlier in his career after a more inconsistent season from three-point range.
“I feel like I can get back to that,” Ellis said. “I know I can shoot the ball.”
Ellis also spoke highly of Fernández, saying he knows what the coach expects and believes their previous experience together will help them build a strong relationship in Brooklyn.
“He’s fit for the job,” Ellis said. “We’re a good mesh.”
While Ellis is entering his first season with the Nets, Clowney is preparing for his fourth NBA season and a potentially different role within Brooklyn’s frontcourt.
With Julius Randle joining the team and Josh Jefferson and Danny Wolf also competing for minutes at the power forward spot, Clowney acknowledged that his offensive opportunities could change.
The focus of his offseason, however, was becoming a better defender.
“I’m just trying to be a better defender,” Clowney said. “Whatever I do, I just want to do it better than everybody else.”
Clowney also understands that he may not get as many opportunities to shoot as he did last season, making shot selection and efficiency more important.
“I probably won’t shoot as much as I did last year,” Clowney said. “But I’m going to shoot better shots, keep the offense flowing and just make the most of my opportunities.”
When asked about entering his third season and the other factors surrounding his role, Clowney kept his approach simple.
“It ain’t nothing changing,” Clowney said. “Try to get better, win games, keep it simple, keep the main thing the main thing. All the other stuff ain’t part of my job description. I play basketball.”
Clowney also has an opportunity to learn from Randle, who brings 13 years of NBA experience to a young Nets roster.
Clowney said he has enjoyed watching Randle’s career and learning from the way the veteran handled his early years in the league before expanding his game.
He also said going against Randle in practice will provide a valuable challenge.
With Nic Claxton no longer in Brooklyn, Clowney could also see some changes in the frontcourt alongside Day’Ron Sharpe, who is expected to take on a larger role at center.
Still, Clowney does not anticipate his responsibilities changing drastically.
“I feel like most things are going to be the same,” Clowney said. “Me and Day’Ron will probably switch a lot of the same things, but I don’t really know the schemes yet.”
The competition for minutes extends beyond Clowney and the team's frontcourt.
Ellis pointed to rookie Drake Powell as one young player who has already stood out defensively, praising his full-court pressure, physicality and ability to defend without fouling.
Both players also acknowledged that the competition throughout the roster can benefit the team as a whole.
“There’s a lot of people that deserve minutes,” Clowney said. “Just make the best man win.”
For both players, earning opportunities will come down to making the most of their roles and helping push their teammates forward.
