Nets’ Jalen Wilson Faces Roster Competition Ahead of New Season
Last season, no Nets player participated in more games than Jalen Wilson, who played 79, tying with Keon Johnson for the team lead before Johnson was released.
As the Nets gear up for the regular season next week, Wilson is likely to encounter stiff competition for a roster spot. The team is in the process of incorporating five first-round draft picks in their 2025-26 roster overhaul.
Following the waiving of Drew Timme and former first-rounder Darik Whitehead this week, the Nets now have one available standard roster slot remaining for their season opener against the Charlotte Hornets on October 22 in North Carolina.
Wilson, along with fellow wing Tyrese Martin, who is entering his third year in the NBA, are both operating on non-guaranteed contracts and will probably compete for that last spot on the roster.
“I’m always confident, and I know I’ll be ready,” Wilson mentioned at an event at PS 335 in Crown Heights. “I’ve had confidence in my abilities, especially after some strong pre-season games and winning one in China.”
The Nets returned from China on Monday and will wrap up their preseason schedule in Toronto on Friday. After that, they must finalize their roster of 15 standard contract players and three two-way players by next Monday.
As for Wilson, who is 24, if he makes the opening roster, his guaranteed salary will increase from about $88,000 to roughly $382,000. His $2.22 million annual salary must be fully guaranteed by January 10.
In comparison, Martin’s contract is a bit different; it doesn’t include a partially guaranteed salary of $2.19 million for the 2025-26 season, but it also must be fully guaranteed by the same date.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Wilson was selected by the Nets as a second-round pick out of Kansas in 2023. Last season, he averaged 9.5 points per game, starting 22 out of 79 games, while shooting 33.7 percent from beyond the arc.
“Staying healthy and taking care of your body is really crucial in the NBA,” Wilson remarked. “I appreciate our performance team for keeping us ready to play; I’m lucky to be able to contribute.”
In terms of expectations heading into his third season, Wilson expressed his desire to improve: “I just want to get better every year and become the best defender, teammate, and shooter I can be.”
He also aims to “continue to be a sponge” and absorb knowledge from his teammates while providing support to the rookies, who he feels have looked impressive during training camp.
“I know I’m not exactly a veteran, but I’ve played longer than some of them,” Wilson noted, referencing teammates like Dayron Sharpe. “This is my third year, and I want to be a person they can rely on for guidance, and I can learn from them too.”
Although it’s still uncertain if Wilson will secure a spot on the Nets, he is optimistic about the team’s rebuilding efforts under second-year coach Jordi Fernandez after a challenging 26-56 season.
“We’re focusing on improvement and winning, striving to get one percent better every day,” Wilson reflected. “People may have their opinions, but internally, what Jordi has encouraged—improving every day—is our sole mindset.”
Wilson, who grew up in Texas, expressed that Tuesday’s event at PS 335 was particularly meaningful for him. Alongside Adidas, he surprised elementary students with new sneakers, backpacks, and school supplies, and also held a basketball clinic for fourth and fifth graders through the Brooklyn Basketball Youth Program.
In roster news, the Nets also signed guard Malachi Smith, who is expected to play primarily for Long Island in the G League, and claimed Terry Roberts and Trevon Scott off waivers.
