The Nets own four first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, including the No. 8 overall pick after falling in the lottery.
It’s the first time the Nets have had a lottery pick since the 2010 NBA Draft when they selected Derrick Favors at No. 3 overall.
After a 26-54 season, how will GM Sean Marks use the draft capital he’s acquired to rebuild Brooklyn’s roster?
Here’s what the draft experts have the Nets doing in the first round on June 25…
Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, ESPN
No. 8: C Khaman Maluach, Duke
Height without shoes: 7-foot 3/4
Weight: 252 pounds
Age: 18
Maluach appears firmly in consideration in New Orleans and Brooklyn, but he is also seen by some teams as the most likely among the second-tier players in the Nos. 3-8 range to experience a slight drop if a surprising prospect disrupts this part of the draft, though perhaps only a few slots down the board.
Maluach fills a clear need that many teams are looking for: He’s a true center who can serve as a defensive anchor in the paint and has significant potential for growth physically and skill-wise. He plays with tremendous intensity and is beloved by coaches and teammates because of his unique off-court intangibles.
His ability to protect the rim, cover ground in a variety of pick-and-roll schemes, and provide vertical spacing as a roller and cutter, while sprinting aggressively in transition, will appeal to any team seeking a center to build around in the long term. — Givony
No. 19 (via Bucks): PF/C Asa Newell, Georgia
Height without shoes: 6-foot-9
Weight: 224 pounds
Age: 19
Newell is another player who appears to have helped himself in the predraft process, having showcased his physical tools and room for growth as a shooter, helping some teams better understand the potential versatility he could provide as a stretch-4. Still, he has a somewhat wider range on draft night, drawing consideration from teams in the back half of the lottery but with scenarios also in play where he could slip into the late teens or early 20s.
The Nets have understandably been among the busiest teams in the predraft process, holding picks in every part of the first round and five selections in the top 40. Most around the league expect Brooklyn to be active in trades this week, though it’s not yet clear exactly what that will look like, the prospect of trading up from here to acquire a second lottery pick is among the scenarios the Nets could explore.
Although the team is unlikely to roster five rookies, Brooklyn has brought in the vast majority of the draft for workouts, giving it more first-hand information on the class than any other team. The Nets are also viewed as a desirable destination by many agents, due to the minutes and opportunity they have available next season. Newell’s long-term upside could be appealing to them as a developmental addition here. — Woo
No. 26 (via Knicks): PG Nolan Traore, France
Height without shoes: 6-foot-3
Weight: 175 pounds
Age: 19
With four first-round picks at their disposal, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Nets take several talent swings, hoping to uncover gems with some of their later selections.
The Nets have a void in the backcourt, depending on what they do with their first few picks, and this situation will be considered highly attractive to any of the guards slated to be picked in this range.
After starting the season projected as a top-10 pick, Traore’s draft stock dropped because of inconsistent play, but there’s still plenty to like with his size, ballhandling, playmaking creativity and upside, making him a worthy gamble for a team in Brooklyn’s situation and at this point in the draft. — Givony
No. 27 (via Rockets): PF Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s
Height without shoes: 6-foot-8 1/4
Weight: 232 pounds
Age: 20
As previously mentioned, these Nets picks — particularly the pair in the 20s — are viewed around the league as fluid, depending on what moves Brooklyn ultimately decides to pursue this week.
Fleming was not invited to the NBA draft green room, pointing to the likelihood he might fall to the back of the first round. He hasn’t gathered much momentum over the past month but remains in consideration due to his physical tools and improving 3-point shooting. While not a flashy player or immensely skilled, his length, improvement track and late-blooming trajectory point to untapped potential. — Woo
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report
No. 8: PF Noa Essengue, France
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 194 pounds
Age: 18
Pro comparison:Jerami Grant, Pascal Siakam
Noa Essengue may not make it to the United States for workouts with his team now in the German BBL Finals. His physical tools, motor and improving offensive skills have played a key role in Ulm’s run.
Picking up easy baskets, crashing the glass and occasionally making spot-up threes, Essengue has been a consistent contributor among pros despite being the second-youngest draft-eligible prospect.
A rebuilding team that can afford to be patient could see a strong upside bet in Essengue if his growth continues at its current rate.
No. 19 (via Bucks): PG Nolan Traore, France
Height without shoes: 6-foot-3
Weight: 175 pounds
Age: 19
Pro comparison: Lonzo Ball
Nolan Traore flew to Treviso for official measurements, and they were strong, with the 19-year-old point guard coming in at 6’3″ in socks with a 6’8″…
