Michael Porter Jr. predicts Nets will win more than 50 games

The Nets won 20 games last season. Michael Porter Jr. thinks they’ll win more than 50 this season.

Nobody can accuse the man of managing expectations.

Porter made the prediction during an interview shared by Fullcourtpass, explaining why he believes his partnership with newly acquired Julius Randle can work.

“He can get downhill, draw a double team, and then swing it to me,” Porter said. “I can shoot the three.”

Porter also pointed to the improvement of Brooklyn’s younger players and said the team will “definitely surpass” whatever expectations outsiders have set. 

Asked directly whether the Nets will cross the 50-win mark, Porter didn’t retreat. “Yeah, I do,” he said.

That would qualify as surpassing expectations.

Brooklyn is coming off a 20-62 season, and its betting win total has been listed at 24.5. Reaching 51 victories would require a 31-game improvement and likely place the Nets among the Eastern Conference’s top four teams.

Still, Porter’s basketball argument isn’t entirely ridiculous. Randle can create advantages with the ball, while Porter remains one of the league’s most dangerous catch-and-shoot threats. Brooklyn also has young talent in Egor Demin, Mikel Brown Jr., Noah Clowney and others.

That roster may be better. Thirty-one wins better is another matter. But, hey, this is September. Everyone is healthy, every offseason addition fits perfectly and nobody has lost a game.

If Brooklyn reaches 50 wins, Porter will look like a prophet. If not, this clip should enjoy a long and productive life on social media.