Noah Clowney Adjusts to New Role for Brooklyn Nets

The Nets forward prepares for a pivotal season while adapting to a new position in the team rotation.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Basketball

Noah Clowney Adjusts to New Role for Brooklyn Nets

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Noah Clowney has entered the final year of his rookie contract with the Brooklyn Nets, transitioning into a bench role for the 2026-27 season. This shift comes after the forward started 60 games for the franchise during the previous campaign.

Why it matters

Clowney faces a critical year for his professional future as he enters the final season of his rookie deal without an extension. The arrival of Julius Randle on the roster has forced adjustments in the team lineup and competition for playing time.

Clowney averaged 27.0 minutes per game in 2025-26 and enters the new season following a preseason where he shot 60.0 percent from three-point range. He previously started 60 games while shooting 50.6 percent on two-point field goal attempts.

The players

Noah Clowney

The forward was the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft and plays for the Brooklyn Nets.

Julius Randle

The veteran player has joined the Brooklyn Nets roster for the current season.

The details

Clowney is focusing on refining his defensive skills to differentiate himself from teammates and increase his court time. His preseason effort included an average of 9.8 points and 2.8 rebounds across four appearances, where he saw 20.8 minutes per game.

Noah Clowney was selected in the 2023 NBA draft.
Clowney started 60 games for the Nets throughout the 2025-26 season.
Clowney averaged 9.8 points across four games in the 2026 preseason.
The 2026-27 season marks the final year of Clowney's rookie contract.

Season Trajectory

Clowney's shift to a bench role directly impacts his ability to showcase value for his next contract under the current NBA rookie scale contract structure. This adjustment forces the Nets to balance veteran integration with the development of their former first-round pick.

Fantasy managers should note Clowney's diminished role as a starter, which likely lowers his total fantasy output compared to his 2025-26 campaign. His efficiency from three-point range may offer specific value in deeper leagues if he maintains his preseason shooting clip.

The takeaway

Players in their final rookie season often find success by specializing in high-demand defensive roles when offensive touches become limited. Clowney's ability to maintain high three-point accuracy while adapting to a smaller workload will be the primary metric for his success.