The Nets Lost 62 Games Last Season, and Their Playoff Answer Played Just 7.4 Minutes

The Brooklyn Nets are trying to bounce back from a brutal 20-62 record last season, and they are bringing in new blood like free agent Keon Ellis to shake things up. The team is hoping Ellis’s ability to defend on the perimeter and shoot the three-pointer helps them win more games, but Ellis himself is aiming to bring something less tangible to one of the youngest teams in the NBA: playoff experience.

Keon Ellis Aims for “Even Keel” Amidst Big Hopes

Ellis, 26, is heading into his fourth season, but he only got his first taste of playoff action last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He says seeing “the preparation that goes into each game, it’s definitely way different than regular season.” That insight into the postseason grind is something he believes can help a young Nets roster. “But, just me staying even keel, that’s just something that I do,” Ellis explained, “I think with those type of situations that we had in the playoffs, that kind of is just similar. But, I would just say it’s more of the same thing that I already do.” It sounds like the Nets are banking on his steady presence as much as his on-court skills.

Big Expectations on Limited Playoff Experience

Ellis split last season between the Sacramento Kings and the Cavaliers. While he did make it to the Eastern Conference Finals with Cleveland, he played just 7.4 minutes per game during that run. He averaged 6.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, shooting 44.0% from the field and 36.3% from behind the three-point line for the 2025-26 season. With a reputation as a 3-and-D wing, Ellis is likely to be one of the veterans coming off the bench. Head coach Jordi Fernandez will certainly be looking for ways to use him nightly. The Nets have just kicked off their preparations for the 2026-27 season with training camp starting this week, and Ellis knows he has both the experience and skillset to contribute.

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Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.