Big man Drew Timme, who recently signed a two-year deal with the Nets, recorded a double-double — 11 points and 10 rebounds — in 25 minutes off the bench on Friday in his NBA regular season debut, writes Brian Lewis of The New York Post.
“I was nervous as crap out there. But it was awesome. It was a dream come true,” Timme said. “And I like this feeling. I don’t want it to end. So I got to keep working hard so I can keep doing this.”
Guard Tyson Etienne, who is on a two-way contract with Brooklyn, also made his NBA debut in Friday’s lopsided loss to the Clippers, Lewis adds. The 25-year-old grew up in New Jersey and had several family members on hand. He finished with eight points and an assist in 10 minutes.
Here’s more on the Nets:
- Timme followed up his solid debut by putting up 19 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes during Saturday’s victory over Washington, helping Brooklyn snap a six-game losing streak, per Net Income of NetsDaily.com. Timme, who was credited for the game-winning basket when his layup attempt was goaltended, tied Derrick Coleman for the Nets’ franchise record for most points by a player in his first two games (30).
- While the players and coaches were happy to snap the six-game skid, the victory could prove harmful in the long run, notes Lewis of The New York Post. Starters Cameron Johnson (hard fall on his back) and Noah Clowney (right ankle) were both injured late in the fourth quarter, and perhaps more importantly, the win put Brooklyn a half-game behind Philadelphia in the NBA’s reverse standings, potentially reducing the team’s odds of landing the top pick in June’s draft.
- The Nets officially secured a lottery pick when they were eliminated from postseason contention on Thursday. It’s been a long and difficult wait for Brooklyn to get to this point, as Lewis writes in a subscriber-only story. June will be the first time general manager Sean Marks will have a chance to make a top-20 selection in his nine-year tenure with the team.
- The Nets control five total picks in the upcoming draft, the most of any team. In addition to their own first- and second-rounders, they also hold the rights to the first-round picks from Milwaukee, New York and Houston. It’s possible they could look to move one or two of those selections to add to their 2026 total, but don’t expect the lottery pick to change hands, according to Lewis, who takes a look at what would happen if Brooklyn and Philadelphia tie for the league’s fifth-worst record.
Keep it up
Having a capable big is game changing for the Nets. And I don’t mean it makes this a 50 win team, but it does open up the offense somewhat.
Timme has looked good, only two gms. Clowney is the future at PF. Still two solid young bigs at the 4. With Johnson and Claxton two solid starters. They can build around them. Or move them for a full rebuild. Cam Johnson is 29 yrs old, Nic Claxton will be 26 in April.
With 4 picks in first round. In a loaded draft. Nets have options. Imo Maluach does not get by Raptors or Sixers. That’s who I target. I would even trade up for him. As of now Nets probably picking 7th in draft. With six games left. They are in a battle with Sixers for the sixth pick. Sixers can’t fall out of top 6 picks. Or the pick goes to Thunder, imagine that. Nets are in a good position to rebuild this team right. All starts June 25 draft day……
Josh Giddey 22yrs old. I try to sign him. A RFA see what Bulls do.
Teams must submit a qualifying offer to a player eligible for restricted free agency between the day after the NBA Finals conclude and June 29th.
I can tell you don’t watch the Nets much, Al. That’s ok, they’re not very watchable. Claxton is a hack. He’s a guy with exactly 1 plus skill. He will not play a big role on the Nets next playoff team. And it’s also questionable that Clowney is the future 4. He didn’t progress much at all this year. good thing is he’s young so he’s got some time.
Re Timme, hopefully he develops into something. He’s not too young so he’s likely not developing a lot more but bigs take longer.