The Brooklyn Nets will lean on Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. this season as they attempt to climb out of the NBA's basement. Randle and Porter enter the season as Brooklyn's lead offensive duo after both joined the team via surprise trades within the last 15 months.

The pair of Nets forwards landed in the top-60 of ESPN's Top 100 players for 2026. Randle came in at No. 54, while Porter landed at No. 60.

“Randle fell 12 spots despite averaging more than 20 points for a fifth time in six seasons. However, his regular-season production took a nosedive in the postseason,” Bobby Marks wrote. “Randle averaged five fewer points while shooting 39% from the field and 24.4% on 3-pointers. Traded in the offseason from Minnesota to Brooklyn, expect Randle to improve the flow of the Nets' 30th-ranked offense. In the lineups where Minnesota did not play with a point guard, Randle averaged 5.0 assists per game. He has two years left on his contract, including a player option for 2027-28.”

Randle remained one of the NBA's most productive forwards last season. The three-time All-Star averaged 21.1 points on 48.1 percent shooting with 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game across 79 appearances. He was one of six players to average over 21.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists on 47.0 percent shooting or better, alongside Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Jaylen Brown and Jalen Johnson.

However, Randle struggled mightily in the playoffs, averaging 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. The Timberwolves were pleased to dump his $33 million contract to Brooklyn for no cost to create the flexibility needed to execute their LaMelo Ball trade.

Nets turning to Julius Randle, Michael Porter Jr. to lead young squad in 2026-27

Dec 23, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (17) shoots in front of Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Meanwhile, Porter rose just 10 spots on ESPN's list despite his career-best season. 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 following his trade to the Nets.

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Porter was one of three players to average 24-plus points and seven-plus rebounds while shooting over 46.0 percent from the field and 36.0 percent from three, alongside Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic.

“A change in scenery helped Porter rise 10 spots in the rankings,” Marks wrote. “Acquired last offseason from Denver, along with a 2032 unprotected first-rounder, Porter averaged a career-high 24.2 points and shot 36.3% on 3s, his fourth consecutive season shooting better than 36% from deep. Before suffering a strained left hamstring late in the season, Porter had missed just 14 games since 2023-24. He is on an expiring $40.8 million contract and is eligible for four additional years and up to $234 million.”

Pairing Randle's driving and mid-post scoring with Porter's three-point shooting should go a long way towards pulling the Nets' offense out of its league-worst ranking. Randle recently told reporters that he spent time with Porter this offseason following his surprise trade to Brooklyn.

He believes the two can complement each other effectively while leading the rebuilding squad's offense.

“It’s gonna be great,” Randle said of his fit alongside Porter. “You know, we’re two completely different players, as far as like style of play. And I think we actually complement each other very well. I can do a lot with the ball off the dribble, creating. And he’s a great catch-and-shoot guy who can really space the floor. So I think we’ll complement each other very well.”

Randle, Porter and the Nets will open training camp on Sept. 29.