BROOKLYN — Sources close to the situation say the Nets are increasingly optimistic that Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. can help accelerate the franchise's rebuild into a newer, more advanced form of rebuilding.
Randle joins Porter in Brooklyn as the Nets attempt to move forward following a 20-62 season and three consecutive years of declining win totals.
According to team sources, the organization believes the roster now contains the ideal mixture of veterans, prospects and players young enough that fans can still say “just wait two years” without technically lying.
Randle is expected to take on a major offensive role alongside Porter, while Egor Dëmin, Day'Ron Sharpe, Noah Clowney and Brooklyn's collection of recent draft picks continue developing.
The Nets also selected Mikel Brown Jr. sixth overall this summer, giving the franchise another player whose career can be projected into virtually any outcome depending on how optimistic the person speaking is.
Brooklyn officials reportedly spent the offseason studying several possible timelines.
One had the Nets competing soon.
Another had them developing patiently.
A third simply contained 14 first-round picks connected by arrows.
Sources say everyone ultimately agreed to “see what happens.”
There is already some optimism surrounding the new group, with Porter publicly discussing the possibility of Brooklyn winning more than 50 games.
Nets fans have responded cautiously.
After several years of rebuilding, they understand the process.
Step one: acquire players.
Step two: develop players.
Step three: convince yourself this might actually be interesting.
Brooklyn has officially reached Step Three.
