Despite parting ways with stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, Melbet App believes the Brooklyn Nets are far from a bottom-tier team. In fact, based on their current roster, they still have enough firepower to compete for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Looking back at last season, the Nets experienced plenty of ups and downs. After finally moving on from the James Harden saga in the offseason, they rebuilt their roster around Durant and Irving. With Ben Simmons—still a strong defender at the time—it seemed the Nets had quietly formed a new “Big Three.”

At that point, the team appeared to be moving forward, leaving past locker room drama behind. But in the blink of an eye, things unraveled. Off-court issues between Irving and the franchise boiled over, and management eventually sent him to Dallas to team up with Luka Doncic. Soon after, Durant requested a trade and was dealt to Phoenix, with Mikal Bridges coming to Brooklyn as part of the deal—and instantly becoming the team’s new centerpiece.

Based on the current roster, the Nets’ projected starting five likely includes Ben Simmons, Spencer Dinwiddie, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, and Nic Claxton. Among them, Simmons is the most uncertain piece. Since leaving Philadelphia, Simmons has struggled to regain form, plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, to the point where his trade value has all but vanished. However, reports now suggest Simmons is in his best shape since joining the Nets—potentially a turning point for the team.

This group of five is Brooklyn’s most talented lineup, but not necessarily the most balanced. With both Simmons and Claxton lacking perimeter shooting, spacing becomes a major concern. If Simmons is tasked with initiating the offense, Dinwiddie’s role as a scorer inevitably shrinks. While a fully healthy Simmons is undoubtedly a star-level player, entrusting him with the team’s success remains a risky proposition given his recent track record.

In short, the Nets sit in an awkward middle ground. They have promising young talent, but not enough to contend for a title. At the same time, they’ve recovered many of the draft picks lost in the Harden trade thanks to the Durant deal. Still, considering the lack of superstar-caliber free agents in recent years, Brooklyn is likely to maintain its current structure for the foreseeable future.

With no need to tank for picks, Melbet App projects the Nets will aim for a playoff berth in the upcoming season. The focus will be on developing young talent while evaluating trade value across the roster. Given that many players haven’t had a full season together, expect Brooklyn to spend time experimenting with rotations early on.

Coach Jacque Vaughn will need multiple solutions ready—both in the starting unit and off the bench. Ultimately, how he deploys Simmons could determine the player’s long-term role. Last season, Simmons began shifting into a small-ball center role with the second unit. While his height and physical profile suit that spot, his production as a backup big has been underwhelming. Ongoing back issues have slowed his movement and agility, and his lack of scoring aggression has further dampened his impact. Once hailed as the next LeBron James, Simmons’ trajectory has fallen far short of expectations.

Yet now, optimism is returning. Throughout the offseason, media reports and training footage shared via Melbet App suggest Simmons is finally regaining form. The stage is set, and the opportunity is there. If Simmons truly has emerged from his slump, he could become the catalyst Brooklyn needs to rise again in the East.