The Brooklyn Nets are heading into the 2026-27 season with a young point guard rotation that could look very different from game to game. Egor Demin is expected to handle more of the on-ball duties, giving the Nets a lead guard option who may take on a larger role as the season unfolds. Day'ron Sharpe is part of the wider roster picture, but the guard rotation is the more immediate storyline for Brooklyn.
That setup matters because the Nets do not appear to be leaning on just one young guard to carry the load. Mikel Brown Jr. and Nolan Traore are also in the mix, which gives Brooklyn several promising options as it tries to sort out responsibilities in the backcourt. The result is a rotation that could be flexible, but also one that may take time to settle.
Demin's role is growing
Demin's appeal is tied to his ability to do more with the ball in his hands. The expectation is that he will take a step forward in that area during the 2026-27 season, and that fits with how the Nets appear to be structuring their young guard group. His 3-point stroke has continued to look sharp, which gives Brooklyn something to build around as he takes on more responsibility.
For a player expected to manage more of the offense, that kind of shooting progress matters. It can open up the floor, make lineups easier to manage and give the Nets more ways to keep pressure on opposing defenses. If Demin can keep that balance between shot-making and playmaking, his role could become increasingly important.
More young guards are coming along
The Nets' backcourt picture is not just about Demin. Brown Jr. made a strong first impression in his lone preseason game, showing incredible range and a promising-looking jumper. Even in a small sample, that is the type of showing that can keep a player in the conversation for more minutes and more touches.
Traore adds another layer to the mix, and that gives Brooklyn a group with multiple pathways to growth. It also means the team has options if one player needs to slide into a different role during the season.
There is also a different kind of playmaking presence in the picture with Julius Randle, who is a power forward but will also take on playmaking duties. That gives the Nets another way to create offense without putting every decision on one young point guard.
For now, the clearest takeaway is simple: the Brooklyn Nets are building around a young, evolving guard rotation, and Demin looks like the one most likely to handle the biggest on-ball load. The rest of the season will help show how far that role can grow.
