The Brooklyn Nets hope to take a step forward in 2026-27 after two tanking seasons. They're leaning on one of the NBA's top power forwards, Julius Randle, to lift them out of the NBA's basement.

Randle joined the Nets in an offseason trade following two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves. While the Timberwolves salary-dumped him, Hoopshype ranked the three-time All-Star as the NBA's No. 11 power forward for the 2026-27 season.

“A more traditional power forward than a lot of the other players on this list, new Brooklyn Nets 4-man Julius Randle has fantastic strength for his position, often bullying smaller foes closer to the rim by burying his shoulder into their chests and powering through them,” Frank Urbina wrote. “Randle also has underrated skill, with a tight enough ball handle to drive to the rim like a battering ram. Randle can also create plays for others at a level better than he’s given credit for, possessing a strong drive-and-kick game. What’s more, Randle can at least somewhat space the floor from three, although not all that efficiently. Last season, Randle was one of just nine players to put up a 21/6/5 stat line on a list riddled with superstars such as the player who finished No. 1 in this ranking, as well as Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic, among others. He may not be the best playoff performer historically, but he’s an impactful regular-season player of the All-Star tier thanks to his powerful scoring ability and underrated playmaking.”

Randle is coming off another highly productive season. He averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists on 48.1 percent shooting across 79 appearances last season.

That type of production has become customary for the 6-foot-9 forward.

Julius Randle ranked No. 11 PF in NBA ahead of first season with Nets

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) dribbles the ball as Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) plays defense in the second half at Target Center.
Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Randle has averaged 22.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists on .459/.341/.785 shooting splits over the last six seasons. He's 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, alongside only Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic.

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Despite his impressive regular-season production, Randle struggled significantly during last year's playoffs. He averaged 16.0 points while shooting 39.0 percent from the field and 24.4 percent from three with 2.8 assists and 2.8 turnovers per game across 12 postseason appearances.

However, the playoffs likely aren't in the picture for the Nets this season, as they first need to climb out of the NBA's basement. While Randle is unlikely to factor into Brooklyn's long-term plans, the 32-year-old should be an effective floor-raiser for the rebuilding squad as it sheds the tanking label.

Randle will pair with another gifted forward, Michael Porter Jr., in the Nets' starting lineup. Porter was close to earning his first All-Star appearance last season following his trade to Brooklyn. His outside shooting should pair well with Randle's driving and mid-post scoring.

Mikel Brown Jr. and Egor Demin, the Nets' back-to-back top-1o picks, project as the team's starting backcourt. While both are inexperienced as lead ball-handlers, their outside shooting and passing ability could help open the floor for Randle.

Meanwhile, Day'Ron Sharpe will step into the Nets' starting center role after spending the last several seasons backing up Nic Claxton. Sharpe has been one of the NBA's top offensive rebounders since cracking Brooklyn's rotation. He's also shown impressive growth as a passer, averaging 4.5 assists per 36 minutes last season.

Randle's first game action will come when the Nets open the preseason on Oct. 6 against the Charlotte Hornets.