Nets Banking on Porter’s Range, Thomas’ Role Unclear as Lottery Odds Loom
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Porter touts elite three-point credentials
Brooklyn’s new forward Michael Porter Jr. arrived with a bold claim about his shooting ability. In a recent conversation with YouTube influencer PlaqueBoyMax, the 26-year-old said only Golden State’s Stephen Curry is a clearly superior long-distance shooter. “Stephen Curry, that’s the only one I’m giving like a clear elite, can shoot better than me,” Porter remarked, adding that Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Duncan Robinson, Trae Young and Damian Lillard belong in the same tier as he does.
Porter is coming off one of his most efficient years, hitting 50.4% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc. The Nets absorbed roughly $80 million owed to him over the next two seasons in an offseason trade with Denver, banking on that efficiency to stretch opposing defenses.
Thomas signs qualifying offer amid uncertain rotation
Shooting guard Cam Thomas accepted a one-year qualifying offer, keeping him in Brooklyn but leaving his long-term future unsettled, NetsDaily reported. With five recent first-round picks on the roster, team insiders believe Thomas could see fewer minutes as the organization prioritizes player development. One source branded the situation “another failure in asset management,” while another predicted Thomas will still find ample opportunities to shoot.
Early projections place Brooklyn in lottery hunt
Peter Botte of The New York Post listed the Nets alongside the Jazz, Wizards and Hornets as leading candidates for the NBA’s worst record—and, consequently, the best odds in next year’s draft lottery. Brooklyn’s youth-heavy lineup is a key factor in that projection.
Koch family acquires slice of NFL’s Giants
Julia Koch and the billionaire Koch family, who hold a 15% stake in Nets parent company BSE Global, have purchased a minority share of the NFL’s New York Giants, according to Brian Lewis of The New York Post. BSE Global also owns the WNBA’s New York Liberty and operates Barclays Center.
Source: Hoops Rumors
