Brooklyn places two players on the top 100 list for the 2025-26 campaign.

The The Brooklyn Nets are projected to be among the worst teams in the NBA this season. However, the rebuilding team has several veterans who could be of interest to the contenders down the road. CBS Sports has released its list of the 100 greatest players for the 2025-26 campaign, and two Nets made it.

Nic Clacton entered at number 96, doc Michael Porter Jr. was number 98. The publication praised Clacton’s steady presence as a finisher and edge protector.

“Claxton has been flying under the radar because he’s been stuck on some bad Nets teams — that won’t change this season — and he’s not putting up big numbers, but he’s super solid on both ends of the floor. Even when his numbers dipped a bit last season, he still shot 75.5% from within three feet and averaged 1.4 blocks per game,” wrote Jack Maloney.

Maloney also questioned Porter Jr.’s ability. to excel in an expanded offensive role with the rebuilding Nets.

“So far, the biggest winner in the trade that sent Porter to the Nets has been the Brooklyn podcast industry. Can Porter be as productive on the court when he steps into a bigger role without Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray lining him up? While Porter is indeed an elite shooter, especially among big wings, 92.2% of his first six assists have been made by Dan in his first six assists,” he wrote Dan in the first six assists.

Clacton emerged as one of the best guards in the NBA during the 2022-23 campaign. in third place in steals + blocks, behind only Jaren Jackson Jr. and Anthony Davis. He also made significant strides offensively, leading the league in field goal percentage (70.5).

Nick Clackton, Michael Porter Jr. lone Nets on the CBS Sports Top 100 Players list

However, the 26-year-old’s production has declined over the past two campaigns. Claxton averaged 1.9 blocks per 36 minutes last season compared to 3.0 in 2022-23. He shot 56.3 percent from the field in his career compared to 70.5 percent in 2022-23.

Claxton credited some of his struggles in 2025-26 due to a long-term back injury, which he said was bothering him even after the season ended. However, after an offseason to get healthy, the Nets’ longest-tenured player said he’s ready to return to his dominant form for the 2022-23 season.

“You’re all going to see it,” Clacton said at Nets Media Day. “My back is great. Just the summer when I was able to focus on myself, focus on getting stronger, it was really good… We all know last year was frustrating for the team, frustrating for me. I didn’t play like I wanted to. I really let it go and refocused on work. Just consistency, being in the gym, it was every day with my family, I felt like my ex… really good, and I’m ready to get to it.”

meanwhile, Porter Jr. said he’s “excited to explore his offensive game,” which he feels has “plateaued” while playing a complementary role with the Denver Nuggets. The 6-foot-10 sharpshooter will play an integral role as a floor spacer and security blanket for Brooklyn’s starters.

If they perform well this season, Claxton and Porter Jr. could be trade candidates next year.