Imagine a team starting the season as the NBA’s laughingstock, winless in their first seven games and staring down the barrel of a historically bad season. That was the Brooklyn Nets just weeks ago. But something remarkable has happened—they’ve transformed into a completely different team, winning three of their last four games and showing signs of life that have fans cautiously optimistic. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the wins; it’s about the how and why behind this turnaround.
The Nets’ resurgence isn’t a mystery. Michael Porter Jr., when healthy, has been a dominant force, while their once-abysmal defense has shown significant improvement. Add to that the growing contributions from their rookies, and you have a recipe for progress. Since November 16, the Nets are 4-5, a far cry from their 3-16 record just over a week ago. Sure, they’re not championship contenders yet, but the trajectory is undeniable.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Are these wins sustainable, or are they simply a product of a softer schedule? Two of their recent victories came against struggling teams like New Orleans and Charlotte. While it’s true that beating weaker opponents is better than losing to anyone, it raises questions about their ability to compete against tougher rivals. Still, as Coach Jordi Fernández aptly put it, ‘It’s never easy to win an NBA game.’ This team has fought hard in close games, and that grit is starting to pay off.
Take rookie Egor Dëmin, for example, who dished out seven assists against New Orleans, or Danny Wolf, whose all-around play (12.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists in his last five games) has caught the eye of Porter himself. ‘Danny has really shown he’s NBA ready,’ Porter said. ‘He’s ready to contribute to winning right now.’ Even with growing pains like turnovers—Dëmin and Wolf each had three in their last game—the progress is undeniable.
And this is the part most people miss: The Nets’ turnaround isn’t just about individual performances; it’s about a collective shift in mindset. ‘You can feel, as a group, we’re getting better,’ Porter said after their win over New Orleans. ‘We’re a completely different team now than we were in Games 1 through 7.’ Back then, they were giving up 120-plus points per game and looked destined for disaster. Now, Fernández’s patience and strategic adjustments are paying dividends, especially on defense.
But the road ahead is far from easy. Their schedule is about to get brutal, with upcoming games against powerhouses like the Mavericks, Milwaukee, Miami, Toronto, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Golden State, and Houston. Here’s the controversial question: Can the Nets maintain this momentum against elite competition, or will they revert to their early-season struggles? Fernández is ‘happy with the way we’re evolving,’ but the real test is yet to come.
Meanwhile, consider this: the New Orleans Pelicans, who the Nets recently beat, are in a far worse position. Despite drafting Zion Williamson first overall in 2019, they haven’t won a playoff series in nearly a decade and currently hold the league’s worst record. The Nets, on the other hand, are at least moving in the right direction, even if their path is uncertain.
So, what do you think? Is the Nets’ turnaround for real, or is it just a temporary blip? Are they truly a ‘completely different team,’ or is their success fleeting? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some heated opinions!
