Forward Drew Timme made his debut with the Brooklyn Nets last Friday after signing a multiyear deal. In just two games, he has demonstrated his potential, averaging 15 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. As the team enters its rebuilding phase, one pivotal question arises: What’s Timme’s future with the Nets?
Evaluating Drew Timme’s Future With the Nets
At 24, Timme played for the Brooklyn Nets’ G League affiliate, Long Island Nets. Over 29 games, he averaged 23.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Known as a Gonzaga superstar, Timme excelled during his four collegiate seasons. He reached the Elite Eight and Final Four, where he demonstrated his commitment to working hard and winning under pressure.
Although the Nets lost in his first NBA game, Timme had 11 points and 10 rebounds in his debut. He expressed excitement about the opportunity and his hopes to stay in the league. “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.” Timme’s mentality paired with his versatile skill set and impressive play makes him someone worth keeping around for the Nets.
On the same evening, Timme made his debut for the Nets, Tyson Etienne, another recent G League player, also played his first NBA game for the team. While acknowledging the team’s need for improvement, head coach Jordi Fernandez acknowledged the achievement of both players. “Congratulations to Drew and Tyson with their first points in the NBA, which is pretty awesome, but we gotta be better,” Fernandez said. Timme is an ideal fit for Fernandez’s system and could develop nicely with the Nets.
The Nets’ Current Position
The Nets will not make the playoffs; they are currently in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with a 24-51 record. Their focus is shifting to the offseason, where key decisions await, such as re-signing Cam Thomas, possibly trading Nic Claxton, and potentially bringing back D’Angelo Russell. With 31 draft picks over the next seven years and substantial cap space, the team is well-positioned for strategic moves. If the lottery shakes out in their favor they would land Duke forward Cooper Flagg, widely regarded as the top college player. Even if they don’t land Flagg there are plenty of talented players who could be a key part of the Nets’ future.
Is Timme The Right Fit For Brooklyn?
Timme’s G League play highlights his abilities, and his start with the Nets demonstrates his potential. His game could be a strong fit as a bench player if the Nets include him on their 2025-2026 roster. Cam Johnson currently holds the starting forward position for the Nets. With two years remaining on his four-year, $94 million contract, the team is unlikely to start anyone over him. Johnson was a popular name in trade rumors before general manager Sean Marks shut down discussions before the deadline.
Moving Forward
This season, the team has endured injuries, losses, and trades, prompting the organization to focus on a rebuild. Over the past two decades, despite assembling elite rosters, the Nets have struggled to achieve championship success. Still, they consistently stay in the headlines with trades, free agency signings, and significant news. Now that Brooklyn is rebuilding keeping young talent will be a focus.
While he could strengthen their roster and provide valuable bench depth, it remains to be seen if the Nets include Timme on their 2025-2026 roster. Regardless, Timme being signed to a multi-year deal is an encouraging sign for his future with the team. Developing Timme could align with the team’s rebuilding strategy and offer long-term benefits. On young teams, diamond-in-the-rough type of players often emerge Timme could be that for the Nets. Ultimately given his solid play so far and the Nets’ position as a rebuilding team keeping Timme would be wise.
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