The Nets have several options at point guard heading into the 2026-27 season, but one question stands out: Will Mikel Brown Jr. earn the starting job on Day 1, or will Nolan Traoré, Ben Saraf or a veteran get the nod?
One of the biggest questions facing the Brooklyn Nets heading into training camp is who will start at point guard when the 2026-27 season officially begins.
Mikel Brown Jr. has a strong case for the job after Brooklyn selected him No. 6 overall in this year’s NBA Draft, but there is still a question of whether Jordi Fernández will hand the rookie the starting role right away or make him earn it first.
The debate recently came up among Nets fans on Reddit, with several different opinions on who could ultimately be running the offense on opening night.
Some believe Brown should start on Day 1 simply because Brooklyn selected him. Others pointed to Nolan Traoré, who was also drafted by the Nets this year, as a potential candidate to earn the job. Ben Saraf, who earned a starting role at times as a rookie last season, was also mentioned, while veterans such as Keon Ellis and Terance Mann could factor into the competition depending on how training camp goes.
One Reddit user suggested that Brown could begin the season coming off the bench while playing around 20-25 minutes per game before eventually forcing his way into the starting lineup. Another argued that Fernández would be unlikely to give a rookie the starting job immediately unless Brown completely dominates training camp.
Traoré also has his supporters. One fan pointed to his playmaking ability and toughness as reasons he could have a chance to start, while acknowledging that his outside shooting still needs to improve.
The makeup of Brooklyn's roster could also play a role in the decision.
With Julius Randle, Michael Porter Jr. and Egor Dëmin all expected to have significant offensive roles, there is an argument for easing Brown into the NBA rather than immediately putting the responsibility of running the offense on him from the opening tip.
But Brown has a pretty strong case to start.
Brooklyn selected him sixth overall for a reason. He was one of the top prospects available in the draft, and the Nets clearly see him as an important part of their future. None of the other potential point guard options enter the season with the same draft position or expectations surrounding them.
That does not guarantee Brown will start, but it would be surprising if he does not have a major role from the beginning.
Training camp could ultimately settle the competition. If Traoré, Saraf, Ellis, or Mann clearly outplay Brown, Fernández will have a decision to make. But if Brown looks as advertised, it may become difficult to keep him out of the starting lineup.
There is also the possibility that Fernández chooses to bring Brown off the bench initially while still giving him significant minutes. That could allow the rookie to get comfortable at the NBA level without immediately having to carry the offense, while also giving the Nets another ball-handler with the second unit.
Either way, the point guard competition should be worth watching once the Nets get on the court for training camp.
Brown has the inside track in my eyes, but whether Fernández gives him the starting job immediately or makes him earn it will be one of the first interesting decisions of the new season.
