The Brooklyn Nets’ 2025–26 regular season took another step in the wrong direction Sunday night, as a 105–129 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers dropped their record to 0–6. Despite four of five starters scoring in double figures, Brooklyn couldn’t secure its first win of the season — leaving even head coach Jordi Fernández questioning his approach.
“I’m failing at trying to get my guys to play hard,” Fernández admitted postgame. “I’m trying to ask questions. Ask them questions. How can I do it, to get them to play really hard?”
It’s never a good sign when the head coach and his players aren’t aligned — and Brooklyn’s on-court results reflect that disconnect. The Nets rank fifth-worst in offensive production, averaging 112.3 points per game, and sit second-to-last defensively, surrendering 128.0 points per night.
Brooklyn entered the season with modest expectations, as most around the league anticipated a full-scale rebuild. The organization’s focus has centered on developing its five first-round draft picks while maintaining control of veterans Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas. Through six games, however, the team has struggled to find any rhythm or cohesion.
Porter Jr. addressed what he sees as the Nets’ biggest weakness — the point guard position — following their fifth straight loss. While Fernández has prioritized giving rookies Egor Demin and Ben Saraf starting opportunities, Porter Jr. noted that their lack of experience has hindered the team’s overall progression.
The issue is simple: Brooklyn isn’t moving the ball. Saraf leads the team in assists with just 3.2 per game — a figure that ranks 89th league-wide. Porter Jr. follows with 3.0, while Thomas and center Nic Claxton each average 2.8. For an offense already struggling to find rhythm, that lack of distribution has become glaring.
If Fernández wants to steer his team toward any level of competitiveness, he’ll need to instill a stronger commitment to ball movement and accountability. The Nets currently hold a -15.8 point differential — second-worst in the NBA — a stat that perfectly encapsulates their early-season woes.
One thing is clear: if Brooklyn continues to play without urgency or structure, changes will come swiftly. Porter Jr. and Thomas could be on the trade block next, and Fernández himself may not be far behind.
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