The Brooklyn Nets have just one game left in their 2024-25 NBA season and once the year is over, they can fully turn their attention to the 2025 NBA Draft. The focus for Brooklyn has presumably always been on the upcoming draft class given that the franchise is hoping to select its next star or two over the next couple of years in order to get back to title contention.
The Nets head into the 2025 Draft with four first-round picks: their own, the Milwaukee Bucks, the New York Knicks, and the least favorable of the first-round picks between the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Phoenix Suns. Not to mention that Brooklyn also has their own second-round pick so they could make as many as five picks in the Draft if they keep all of their selections.
The Nets will finish the regular-season sixth in the Lottery odds, meaning that they have a 9.0% of getting the honor of selecting Duke forward Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick and also have a 37.2% chance of their pick landing in the top four. With that being said, here is how ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo projected Brooklyn’s upcoming Draft class in their mock draft:
#6: Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
“Fears emerged as a top freshman despite being one of the youngest players in college basketball (he turns 19 in October). His combination of size, speed, pace, shotmaking and shot creation gives him significant long-term upside, as he gets anywhere he wants on the floor, either to create opportunities for teammates while dishing on the move, to finish skillfully in the lane or to get to the free throw line. The Nets have a significant void in their backcourt, and Fears’ youth and talent could make him a player they’d want to closely study.”
#18: Nolan Traore, G, Saint-Quentin
“Traore has been up and down all season and will need to find another gear with his productivity and efficiency as NBA scouts turn their attention to international prospects. His Saint Quentin team (12-12) is fighting for a playoff berth in Pro A France, and will need Traore at his best in its final six regular-season games. His outstanding speed, shot creation and passing prowess could be intriguing to a team drafting in this range, but he has taken some lumps this season in a bigger role, struggling with perimeter shooting, decision-making and physicality on both ends. The final stretch of the season should give scouts a better feel for Traore’s NBA readiness. Some might be surprised to see the Nets take another point guard after selecting Fears at No. 6 in this mock draft, but the Nets will likely need to take swings on upside and could be intrigued with Traore’s potential at this stage in the draft.”
#26: Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
“Thiero missed eight games because of a knee injury to end the season, unable to contribute to Arkansas’ postseason run beyond a brief return in its Sweet 16 loss to Texas Tech. He is expected to be ready for the pre-draft process, allowing him to improve his standing. Thiero is one of the best athletes in the draft class and a consistent competitor, but he will be a project for his next team. He needs to improve his ball skills and shooting as well as defensive positioning and tendencies. A team such as the Nets, who hold four first-round picks, could bring him along as a high-energy role player.”
#27: Yaxel Lendeborg, F, UAB
“Lendeborg is testing the draft process, weighing a move to Michigan next season versus the potential for securing guaranteed money in the draft. With his ability to handle, pass, shoot and rebound, the 6-9 power forward has the two-way versatility and skill that NBA teams covet. Brooklyn, with its four first-round picks, could promise a player such as Lendeborg that it would select him to ensure he stays in the draft. He has more upside than a typical 22-year-old because he has been playing basketball seriously for only five years, including only 11 varsity games in high school.”