New York Sports Today

New York Sports News Continuously updated

Nets Heavily Interested In These 2025 NBA Draft Prospects

by

Brooklyn Nets General Manager Sean Marks (left) speaks to head coach Jordi Fernandez (right) during Media Day

If the 2024-25 season ended today, the Brooklyn Nets (5-9) would be projected to have the No. 6 and No. 7 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Considering their talent level, they should probably have a worse record than a few teams who are below them in the standings right now.

The Atlantic Division is heavily featured in the draft’s top-three, with the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers projected to have the No. 1 and No. 3 pick, respectively. Sandwiched in between them is the Washington Wizards. Rounding out the upcoming draft’s top-four is the Utah Jazz, who would pick No. 4.

Among those teams are two —the Raptors and Sixers —that have been ravaged by injuries to key players. Of that duo, only Philadelphia was expected to be playoff contenders. How soon they get it together is a mystery, but they shouldn’t be at the bottom of the barrel.

All of that being said, the NBA Draft Lottery complicates matters. A team’s draft projection is based on team record and lottery odds. However, any combination of lottery teams could land a top-four pick.

Nets Heavily Interested In These 2025 NBA Draft Prospects

The pearl of the 2025 NBA Draft is Duke freshman forward Cooper Flagg, who captivates scouts with his all-around game. Yet, not every NBA executive is sold on the idea that Flagg is a lock to go No. 1. There’s at least one who believes Rutgers freshman forward Ace Bailey, an elite shot-maker and defender, is a challenger for that spot.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

After he stood out among current NBA players during the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, Baylor freshman guard VJ Edgecombe put his name in the hat. Rutgers freshman guard Dylan Harper is another top prospect and dark horse at No. 1.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
In fact, Nets general manager Sean Marks “has attended multiple Rutgers’ games, including the preseason exhibition with Rick Pitino’s St. John’s club… when Bailey and Harper combined for 45 points,” according to NJ.com reporter Adam Zagoria.

If Flagg really isn’t the clear-cut No. 1 pick, it may not be him wearing Brooklyn Black next season, but Bailey or Harper. That certainly could be the path taken if they don’t land the first pick. Coopermania makes it hard for people to believe. Nonetheless, for a team looking to replace All-Star talents like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, this truly tracks.

Interestingly, Bailey’s closest player comparison is arguably Durant, another long-limbed scorer. Harper’s father, Ron, is Irving’s godfather.

Who Are The Best Fits For Nets?

Based on the team’s roster, multiple top prospects would be a fit.

Flagg could play the role Ben Simmons is currently in as a point-forward who pushes the pace. However, he’d likely be more durable and less passive. Harper could replace Dennis Schroder as the team’s franchise point guard, his length giving him greater defensive value than the German floor general.

Bailey, as previously mentioned, has a skillset with shades of Durant. Just as important is the fact that Cameron Johnson —currently third on the Nets in points per game (16.9) —is more of an off-ball specialist rather than on-ball scorer.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Edgecombe, a rarefied athlete with two-way upside, could also be a difference-maker. He plays at the pace Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez wants. He isn’t overly ball-dominant, so he can fit smoothly beside Cam Thomas in the backcourt. At the defensive end, he might be the best guard prospect since Dwayne Wade, a Hall of Famer.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

If they need to replace Thomas after failing to agree to an extension, Edgecombe does have competition at shooting guard. Texas freshman guard Tre Johnson has gotten off to hot start this season. Though he’s cooled down a bit, he projects to be much better three-point threat than Edgecombe.

The post Nets Heavily Interested In These 2025 NBA Draft Prospects appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.