The Nets have been involved in discussions to trade into the 2024 NBA Draft, but since they have not made yet, it has been difficult to pair them with specific prospects.
We simply do not know where the Nets will ultimately land on the draft board, which makes it nearly impossible to predict or who will be available by the time they are on the clock.
However, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Brooklyn has called front offices with selections as early as the 20s, and teams such as the Phoenix Suns (No. 22), Knicks (No. 25), Minnesota Timberwolves (No. 27), Utah Jazz (No. 29) and Boston Celtics (No. 30) appear to be open for business.
Although pre-draft rumors sometimes prove to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors, and in reality, anything can happen on Wednesday and Thursday, Fischer’s reporting at least gives us a starting point in terms of identifying prospects projected to be available in that range of the draft who fit the Nets’ needs.
With that in mind, here are five players Brooklyn should target, if it were to strike a deal with Phoenix, New York, Minnesota, Utah or Boston in those respective slots in the first round.
No. 22: Tyler Kolek | Guard | Marquette
Dennis Schröder stepped in and played well after the Nets acquired him at last season’s trade deadline. But with Schröder aging, Ben Simmons’ questionable availability and Dennis Smith Jr. set to enter unrestricted free agency next week, Brooklyn desperately needs to add depth at point guard — whether through trading into the draft or by other means.
Unless the Nets pull of a blockbuster deal to get into the No. 3 – No. 14 range on Wednesday night, they will likely be out of range to select some of the more touted floor generals in this year’s class, such as Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard, Providence’s Devin Carter or Duke’s Jared McCain.
But there are still high-level playmakers projected to go later in the first round, like Kolek, who averaged 15.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game this season as a senior at Marquette. While he is not an above-the-rim kind of player, he is a crafty lefty who can get to the rim, get others involved and knock down shots from deep.
As a senior entering the NBA, he probably will require less of a learning curve compared to younger guards in this draft. And his presence would create easier scoring opportunities for guys such as Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton — should he re-sign with Brooklyn.
No. 25: Kel’el Ware | Center | Indiana
The Nets have excelled at identifying and developing talent at the center position in recent years, with Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe serving as the latest examples.
But if Claxton does decide to take his talents elsewhere in free agency, Brooklyn will have a major void to fill in its frontcourt entering next season. Ware has all the tools to develop into the team’s next success story at center.
Ware, standing at 6-11, offers many of the same skills that Claxton does on film. Elite athleticism. Lob threat. Rim protection. And as a 42.5% 3-point shooter, is offensive ceiling may be higher than Claxton’s already.
Ware’s motor appears to be his biggest question mark, but the pure talent is undeniable. If 20-year-old does end up being Brooklyn’s pick, first-year head coach Jordi Fernandez and his staff may have an exciting project on their hands.
No. 27: Ryan Dunn | Forward | Virginia
Dunn is viewed as one of the better defenders in this year’s class and what team would not want to add another dog to the roster? Effort was a major problem for the Nets at certain points last season. That is one thing Fernandez will never have to question when it comes to Dunn.
Even though Dunn plays on the wing, he is an elite rim protector on defense that is constantly disrupting plays with his length. And while he is far from the most skilled offensive player in this year’s class, he moves well off the ball, finishes at the rim and does not let the ball stick in his hands.
Many thought Bridges was burnt out by the end of last season. Well, Dunn is the exact type of player who can add depth behind him, making his nightly workload a little lighter.
No. 29: Tyler Smith | Forward | G League Ignite
If the Nets launch a full rebuild, they may want to take a chance on players with high upside, like Smith. This season with G League Ignite, Smith often struggling to react on defense and showcased a limited bag on offense.
But Smith is just 19 years old, and at his age, he has shown great feel in the post and solid shooting mechanics. With the right development staff in place, more can be brought out of the 6-9 forward.
No. 30: Pacome Dadiet | Forward | France
The Nets recently worked out Dadiet, according to HoopsHype. If true, it means the team has already had eyes on him for a while.
Selecting the 18-year-old toward the end of the first round would be another upside swing for Brooklyn. At 6-7 with a 6-9 wingspan, Dadiet has great size for a wing and could one day develop into a premiere defender.
