Breaking down Nets’ 2024-25 roster heading into NBA training camp

Posted by Admin September 29, 2024 NBA

The Post’s Brian Lewis takes a deep dive into the Nets’ 2024-25 roster before training camp begins.

Nic Claxton

Age: 25

Position: C

Height/Weight: 6-11/215

Coach Jordi Fernandez insists Claxton can win Defensive Player of the Year. The rising young center might be the most complete player on the roster.

Noah Clowney

Age: 20

Position: PF/C

Height/Weight: 6-9/210

Even the Nets were surprised at how quickly the teen rookie came on down the stretch. He’s looked good in pickup games. Can he vie for a starting spot blocking shots next to Claxton?

Dorian Finney-Smith

Age: 31

Position: PF

Height/Weight: 6-7/220

Able to opt out after the season, the veteran probably has more value to a contender. Will he get moved before the deadline?

Bojan Bogdanovic

Age: 35

Position: SF

Height/Weight: 6-7/226

He had multiple surgeries after the season. Though there haven’t been any buyout talks, the 35-year-old deadeye shooter is still doing individual work and hasn’t been playing pickup yet.

Cam Johnson

Age: 28

Position: SF/PF

Height/Weight: 6-8/210

A veteran on the market like Finney-Smith, except he’s got three more years left on his deal — and the best jumper on the roster.

Cam Thomas

Age: 22

Position: G

Height/Weight: 6-3/210

He averaged 26.6 points from his March 9 return from injury onward, and 28.0 over the final 10 games. Can he challenge for a scoring title?

Ben Simmons

Age: 28

Position: PG

Height/Weight: 6-10/240

His health will be the first-, second- and third-biggest questions of camp. He’s cleared and looked good in pickup games, and the three-time All-Star’s availability will determine the season.

Dennis Schroder

Age: 31

Position: PG

Height/Weight: 6-1/175

The nominal starter at the point and a proven leader from international play, will he earn the job in camp?

Ziaire Williams

Age: 23

Position: F

Height/Weight: 6-8/185

Brooklyn grabbed the 2021 lottery pick, and a future second-rounder, in an offseason salary dump from the Grizzlies. He’s reportedly looked good in summer workouts.

Day’Ron Sharpe

Age: 22

Position: C

Height/Weight: 6-9/265

Will he lay claim to the backup center job behind Claxton, or will that go to Clowney?

Trendon Watford

Age: 23

Position: PF

Height/Weight: 6-8/237

He showed some ability as a secondary playmaker down the stretch last season.

Keon Johnson

Age: 22

Position: G

Height/Weight: 6-5/185

He’ll get a $700,000 bonus if he’s on the roster on Opening Night.

Shake Milton

Age: 27

Position: SG

Height/Weight: 6-5/205

Arrived from the Knicks in the Bridges deal. With his next two years non-guaranteed and the team retooling, his Nets future is in flux.

Dariq Whitehead

Age: 20

Position: F

Height/Weight: 6-6/220

Injuries essentially ruined the first-round pick’s rookie season. After a lackluster Summer League, one of the league’s youngest players will look to show he’s healthy again.

Jalen Wilson

Age: 23

Position: F

Height/Weight: 6-6/220

He was the MVP of Las Vegas Summer League. Now can the second-round pick earn a spot in the rotation?

Yongxi “Jacky” Cui

Age: 21

Position: G

Height/Weight: 6-5/190

Nets owner Joe Tsai has said he wanted a player from China, and the best young prospect on their national team just got a two-year, two-way deal.

Jaylen Martin

Age: 20

Position: G

Height/Weight: 6-6/216

Signed as a two-way player in February, after being on one with the Knicks (and spending part of last season in Westchester).

Amari Bailey

Age: 20

Position: G

Height/Weight: 6-4/189

Former second-round pick who spent most of last season with G-League Greensboro is on an Exhibit 10 and could vie for the last two-way spot.

Killian Hayes

Age: 23

Position: PG

Height/Weight: 6-5/195

A solid defender and good passer, Hayes is a poor shooter. Fixing his shot could be the key to the Exhibit 10 invitee making the roster, a tall order since he’s not eligible for a two-way due to service time.