Julius Randle told rookie Mikel Brown Jr. following the draft that the Brooklyn Nets would “shock the world” this season. The three-time All-Star isn't backing off that stance as the season approaches.

“Whatever your expectations are, whatever expectations are that are put upon us, we’re gonna exceed them,” Randle told reporters while hosting a back-to-school clinic Saturday at the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center. “We’re gonna do things at a very high level. We’re gonna build. We're gonna come in with the right habits every single day, and we’re gonna do exactly that, [shock the world].”

There isn't much optimism surrounding the Nets as they shed the tanking label entering the 2026-27 campaign. Brooklyn shook up its roster this offseason, adding Randle, Brown, Keon Ellis, Moe Wagner and Josh Jefferson. Those additions haven't increased confidence in the rebuilding squad's ability to make a play-in push.

The Nets' over/under win total is set at 24.5, the second-lowest in the NBA, ahead of only the Sacramento Kings (20.5), per FanDuel Sportsbook. Their ability to exceed those expectations will hinge on Randle and Michael Porter Jr.'s play, as well as the development of their numerous young prospects.

Randle has proven to be a competent offensive engine during the regular season.

Julius Randle confident Nets will exceed expectations during 2026-27 campaign

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) looks to drive against Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) during the first half at Barclays Center.
John Jones-Imagn Images

The 6-foot-9 forward has averaged 22.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists on .459/.341/.785 shooting splits over the last six seasons. Randle is one of four players to average over 20.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 45.0 percent or better from the field during that span.

The others? Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic.

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Meanwhile, Porter is coming off the best statistical season of his career after the Nets traded for him last summer. The 6-foot-10 sharpshooter averaged 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists on .463/.363/.859 shooting splits in 2025-26.

Randle is bullish on what he and Porter can accomplish alongside one other this season.

“We've talked a lot. We've spent some time together… We understand each other's games really well and how we can really complement each other,” the Nets trade acquisition said. “We're two guys that obviously can both really score the ball, but we do it in very different ways. His ability to catch-and-shoot and move off the ball, being a big wing, and my ability to create off the dribble and with my passing, I feel like we'll complement each other very well. I'm actually really excited to get out on the court with him. I told him that I love playing with players like him because of how well he can space the floor. He loves big shots, big moments. And [players like him] always seem to know exactly where to be. He does it at an extremely high level, so I’m excited.”

Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr. will also play a pivotal role as Brooklyn's projected starting backcourt. Brown and Demin performed well for the Nets at summer league and shoulder heavy expectations as the highest draft picks of the Brooklyn era. Both players spent time with Randle in Texas this offseason.

Day'Ron Sharpe will step in as the Nets' starting center after the team traded Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls. The 24-year-old has been among the NBA's most productive backup centers during the last two seasons, averaging 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 56.3 percent from the field.

The Nets will open the preseason on the road on Oct. 6 against the Charlotte Hornets. They'll host the Hornets during their regular-season opener on Oct. 21 at Barclays Center.