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Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nets 2025 NBA draft big board 2.0: Best fits at pick No. 8
The Brooklyn Nets came away from the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery with the eighth overall pick, something that the franchise was hoping wouldn't happen heading into the event. However, Brooklyn went into the Lottery knowing that they could have come away from the Lottery with a less-than-ideal pick and now, they have to move forward with different plans for who to use that pick on. The Nets had ideas of getting lucky enough to get the first overall pick, giving them the ability to select Duke forward Cooper Flagg, but that outcome did not come to fruition. Be that as it may, the 2025 class still has some players after Flagg that have the potential to become impact players at the next level and Brooklyn has to make sure that it does its homework. Advertisement This will be the first time since 2023 that the Nets will have multiple first-round picks in the same draft so they have a chance of adding multiple players that can fit into the framework of the team's current rebuild. Here are five players that would be a good fit for Brooklyn at the eighth overall pick, assuming that they are not trying to trade the pick in an effort to move up: Derik Queen, C, Maryland Mar 23, 2025; Seattle, WA, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) passes the ball against the Colorado State Rams in the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Queen, listed at 6-foot-10 and 246 pounds, showed plenty of promise towards the end of the NCAA regular season and boosted his stock significantly with what he did during conference tournament time and the NCAA Tournament. What would make a selection of Queen interesting is how the Nets foresee him fitting alongside starting center Nic Claxton, who will be entering the second year of his four-year, $97 million contract next season. Advertisement If the Nets are looking for a big man to add to the rotation for next season, the decision for Brooklyn at this spot would be between Queen and possibly Duke center Khaman Maluach, if he remains on the board. Queen's appeal at this point in the predraft process is what his offensive game could look like at the next level, even though any team that drafts him would have to be willing to build around his defensive limitations if he is going to play center full-time at the next level. "I don't think that Derik Queen is the best big in the draft. That's basically the argument, he is also going to be 21 during his rookie season. He's a grown man out there. Yeah, he's the safe pick –polished, strong in the post, but doesn't have a ton of upside," a scout told HoopsHype on Queen, per Cyro Asseo de Choch. Khaman Maluach, C, Duke Mar 29, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) dunks the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide forward Grant Nelson (4) during the second half in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images Maluach, listed at 7-foot-2 and 250 pounds, had a promising freshman season that rightfully made many around the NBA excited about what he could do at the next level thanks to his size and shot-blocking ability. Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 71.2% from the field and 76.6% from the free-throw line, but he had the worst game of his first season at Duke at the worst time. Advertisement In the National Semi-finals against the Houston Cougars, Maluach showed all of the weaknesses of his profile as he put up just six points and one block in 21 minutes played. Maluach disappeared against a physical, veteran Houston team and while Maluach showed plenty of promise that will not take him out of the top-10, the hope is that he wouldn't have lows like that in the NBA. "Maluach is raw but huge and super athletic. Hands aren't great, though. One guy I know called him a lankier DeAndre Jordan. But maybe Rudy Gobert's hands? Yeah, and not the same instincts as Gobert. DJ was also underrated in terms of feel. And Maluach isn't some elite rim protector. I see the appeal, but he has a ways to go. Starting center? Probably. Star? I'm not sold," a scout told HoopsHype, per Asseo de Choch. Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois Feb 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) shoots the ball over UCLA Bruins guard Skyy Clark (55) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images Jakucionis, listed at 6-foot-6 and 200 pounds, could be attractive to the Nets on the basis of being a bigger guard that is able to handle the ball and make things happen for himself and his teammates. During his freshman season at Illinois, Jakucionis displayed his ability to play through contact and use his size to his advantage, especially in terms of scoring and passing. Advertisement Jakucionis' positional size is intriguing given that most teams would love to have a point guard that can see over any defender while forcing opposing teams to employ different defensive strategies to counter what bigger point guards tend to offer. Jakucionis carried a heavy load for Illinois, but it's fair to wonder if he can do the same thing at the next level with some of his physical attributes being around average. "Kasparas has the vision, but the assist-to-turnover ratio's rough. Secondary creator at best – not a franchise PG. I don't love that comp to Tyrese Haliburton. Tyrese's assist-to-turnover ratio was elite. Jakucionis has issues there. He's more of a secondary creator. Tyrese was 9.3 assists to 1.6 TOs after his first 25 games that rookie year. Jakucionis is nowhere near that," a scout told HoopsHype, per Asseo de Choch. Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina Mar 1, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Collin Murray-Boyles (30) celebrates a play against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images Murray-Boyles, listed at 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds, is one of the more interesting prospects in the Draft given that his position in the NBA will most likely have to be as an undersized power forward that has some issues shooting the ball from deep. What Murray-Boyles brings to the table on Day 1 is his ability to get into the paint and score at the rim through contact thanks to his frame and strength. Advertisement Murray-Boyles has caught the eyes of many thanks to his physical style of play that looks like it would translate easily to the next level as people envision him getting to the basket and in the paint at will. However, Murray-Boyles' size suggest that he would be a big small forward or a small power forward and if he can't shoot better than 26.5% from three-point land, it will be tough to see him on an NBA floor as anything other than a micro-ball center. "I don't like his game at all. The fact that people even think he's going to be a lottery pick is crazy. He can't even play the three – he moves slowly. And sure, he's a great defender, but honestly, Grant Williams had more offensive talent coming out of college than this guy," a scout told HoopsHype, per Asseo de Choch. Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State Mar 23, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jase Richardson (11) dribbles defended by New Mexico Lobos forward Atiki Ally Atiki (6) in the second half during the NCAA Tournament Second Round at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Richardson, listed at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, made his way up the draft boards with the way that he played once he entered the starting lineup for Tom Izzo's Spartans. Once February came around, Richardson averaged 14.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 48.6% from the field and 35.6% from three-point land while playing 28.2 minutes per contest. Advertisement Richardson's physical profile suggests that his best position would be at point guard, but it's clear that his game leans more into that of a scorer than a facilitator so his fit in the NBA will determine how his game translates. For a team like the Nets, Richardson would be able to find his role at the next level while also providing the team with another guard who can get his own shot anytime he wants, similar to restricted free-agent Cam Thomas. "Because of his dad he is a coach's kid who plays with that veteran savvy. Not the biggest or most athletic but always in the right spot defensively. Developing into a reliable catch-and-shoot threat. Floor is high as a rotation piece – think a smaller Donte DiVincenzo with better playmaking," an assistant coach told HoopsHype, per Asseo de Choch. This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets 2025 NBA draft big board 2.0: Best fits at pick No. 8
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Nets 2025 NBA draft big board 2.0: Best fits at pick No. 8
Nets 2025 NBA draft big board 2.0: Best fits at pick No. 8 The Brooklyn Nets came away from the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery with the eighth overall pick, something that the franchise was hoping wouldn't happen heading into the event. However, Brooklyn went into the Lottery knowing that they could have come away from the Lottery with a less-than-ideal pick and now, they have to move forward with different plans for who to use that pick on. The Nets had ideas of getting lucky enough to get the first overall pick, giving them the ability to select Duke forward Cooper Flagg, but that outcome did not come to fruition. Be that as it may, the 2025 class still has some players after Flagg that have the potential to become impact players at the next level and Brooklyn has to make sure that it does its homework. This will be the first time since 2023 that the Nets will have multiple first-round picks in the same draft so they have a chance of adding multiple players that can fit into the framework of the team's current rebuild. Here are five players that would be a good fit for Brooklyn at the eighth overall pick, assuming that they are not trying to trade the pick in an effort to move up: Derik Queen, C, Maryland Queen, listed at 6-foot-10 and 246 pounds, showed plenty of promise towards the end of the NCAA regular season and boosted his stock significantly with what he did during conference tournament time and the NCAA Tournament. What would make a selection of Queen interesting is how the Nets foresee him fitting alongside starting center Nic Claxton, who will be entering the second year of his four-year, $97 million contract next season. If the Nets are looking for a big man to add to the rotation for next season, the decision for Brooklyn at this spot would be between Queen and possibly Duke center Khaman Maluach, if he remains on the board. Queen's appeal at this point in the predraft process is what his offensive game could look like at the next level, even though any team that drafts him would have to be willing to build around his defensive limitations if he is going to play center full-time at the next level. "I don't think that Derik Queen is the best big in the draft. That's basically the argument, he is also going to be 21 during his rookie season. He's a grown man out there. Yeah, he's the safe pick –polished, strong in the post, but doesn't have a ton of upside," a scout told HoopsHype on Queen, per Cyro Asseo de Choch. Khaman Maluach, C, Duke Maluach, listed at 7-foot-2 and 250 pounds, had a promising freshman season that rightfully made many around the NBA excited about what he could do at the next level thanks to his size and shot-blocking ability. Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 71.2% from the field and 76.6% from the free-throw line, but he had the worst game of his first season at Duke at the worst time. In the National Semi-finals against the Houston Cougars, Maluach showed all of the weaknesses of his profile as he put up just six points and one block in 21 minutes played. Maluach disappeared against a physical, veteran Houston team and while Maluach showed plenty of promise that will not take him out of the top-10, the hope is that he wouldn't have lows like that in the NBA. "Maluach is raw but huge and super athletic. Hands aren't great, though. One guy I know called him a lankier DeAndre Jordan. But maybe Rudy Gobert's hands? Yeah, and not the same instincts as Gobert. DJ was also underrated in terms of feel. And Maluach isn't some elite rim protector. I see the appeal, but he has a ways to go. Starting center? Probably. Star? I'm not sold," a scout told HoopsHype, per Asseo de Choch. Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois Jakucionis, listed at 6-foot-6 and 200 pounds, could be attractive to the Nets on the basis of being a bigger guard that is able to handle the ball and make things happen for himself and his teammates. During his freshman season at Illinois, Jakucionis displayed his ability to play through contact and use his size to his advantage, especially in terms of scoring and passing. Jakucionis' positional size is intriguing given that most teams would love to have a point guard that can see over any defender while forcing opposing teams to employ different defensive strategies to counter what bigger point guards tend to offer. Jakucionis carried a heavy load for Illinois, but it's fair to wonder if he can do the same thing at the next level with some of his physical attributes being around average. "Kasparas has the vision, but the assist-to-turnover ratio's rough. Secondary creator at best – not a franchise PG. I don't love that comp to Tyrese Haliburton. Tyrese's assist-to-turnover ratio was elite. Jakucionis has issues there. He's more of a secondary creator. Tyrese was 9.3 assists to 1.6 TOs after his first 25 games that rookie year. Jakucionis is nowhere near that," a scout told HoopsHype, per Asseo de Choch. Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina Murray-Boyles, listed at 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds, is one of the more interesting prospects in the Draft given that his position in the NBA will most likely have to be as an undersized power forward that has some issues shooting the ball from deep. What Murray-Boyles brings to the table on Day 1 is his ability to get into the paint and score at the rim through contact thanks to his frame and strength. Murray-Boyles has caught the eyes of many thanks to his physical style of play that looks like it would translate easily to the next level as people envision him getting to the basket and in the paint at will. However, Murray-Boyles' size suggest that he would be a big small forward or a small power forward and if he can't shoot better than 26.5% from three-point land, it will be tough to see him on an NBA floor as anything other than a micro-ball center. "I don't like his game at all. The fact that people even think he's going to be a lottery pick is crazy. He can't even play the three – he moves slowly. And sure, he's a great defender, but honestly, Grant Williams had more offensive talent coming out of college than this guy," a scout told HoopsHype, per Asseo de Choch. Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State Richardson, listed at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, made his way up the draft boards with the way that he played once he entered the starting lineup for Tom Izzo's Spartans. Once February came around, Richardson averaged 14.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 48.6% from the field and 35.6% from three-point land while playing 28.2 minutes per contest. Richardson's physical profile suggests that his best position would be at point guard, but it's clear that his game leans more into that of a scorer than a facilitator so his fit in the NBA will determine how his game translates. For a team like the Nets, Richardson would be able to find his role at the next level while also providing the team with another guard who can get his own shot anytime he wants, similar to restricted free-agent Cam Thomas.
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NBA mock draft 2025: AI draft predictions for all 30 first-round picks
NBA mock draft 2025: AI draft predictions for all 30 first-round picks Show Caption Hide Caption 2025 NBA Draft Combine winners: Raynaud, Lendeborg and Byrd These 2025 NBA draft prospects are the biggest winners from the NBA Draft Combine There appears to be very little mystery this year at the top of the 2025 NBA draft. The assumption is Duke's Cooper Flagg will be the No. 1 selection, even if the Dallas Mavericks were to make another shocking trade and deal the pick they won in last week's NBA draft lottery. Artificial intelligence has picked up on that sense of certainty ahead of next month's event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. While AI predictions for some prospects vary from the most influential NBA mock drafts, the projection for Flagg aligned with conventional thinking when USA TODAY Sports asked Microsoft Copilot to run a simulation of the 2025 NBA draft first round based on team needs, player rankings and draft order. The prospects selected after him, however, is where the AI and draft experts began to diverge The simulation, for instance, was a little higher on Maryland's Derik Queen than most mock drafts and a little lower on Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears. It had Georgia's Asa Newell, Saint Joseph's Rasheer Fleming and Israeli guard Ben Saraf as top-20 picks when most don't and predicted others expecting to go in the first round to slide. It appears, at the very least, to be a better representation than earlier attempts to get AI predictions for this year's NBA draft. Maybe the NBA draft combine helped clear things up (and led to more published mock drafts). Here's a breakdown of the 2025 NBA draft first-round picks made by Microsoft Copilot AI, as well as how to watch next month when the league's teams gather in Brooklyn to make their selections: TOUGH DECISION: NIL is giving college basketball players the power. Should the NBA draft wait? NBA draft 2025: AI predictions for every first round pick Dallas Mavericks: F Cooper Flagg, Duke San Antonio Spurs: G Dylan Harper, Rutgers Philadelphia 76ers: G V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor Charlotte Hornets: F Ace Bailey, Rutgers Utah Jazz: G Tre Johnson, Texas Washington Wizards: F Derik Queen, Maryland New Orleans Pelicans: F Kon Kneuppel, Duke Brooklyn Nets: G Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois Toronto Raptors: C Khaman Maluach, Duke Houston Rockets: G Jase Richardson, Michigan State Portland Trail Blazers: G Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma Chicago Bulls: F Asa Newell, Georgia Atlanta Hawks: F Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm San Antonio Spurs: F Liam McNeeley, UConn Oklahoma City Thunder: F Connor Murray-Broyles, South Carolina Orlando Magic: G Egor Demin, BYU Minnesota Timberwolves: G Ben Saraf, Raiopharm Ulm Washington Wizards: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown Brooklyn Nets: F Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph's Miami Heat: F Carter Bryant, Arizona Utah Jazz: G Nolan Troare, Saint-Quentin Atlanta Hawks: F Yaxel Landeborg, UAB Indiana Pacers: F Isaiah Evans, Duke Oklahoma City Thunder: G Will Riley, Illinois Orlando Magic: F Alex Toohey, Gonzaga Brooklyn Nets: F Drake Powell, North Carolina Brooklyn Nets: G/F Dink Pate, G League Ignite Boston Celtics: F/C Danny Wolf, Michigan Phoenix Suns: F Alex Karaban, UConn Los Angeles Clippers: G Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest When is the 2025 NBA draft The 2025 NBA draft is scheduled to take place over two days, with the first round scheduled for Wednesday, June 25 beginning at 7 p.m. ET and the second round slated to happen on Thursday, June 26.
Toronto Sun
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Several top draft prospects linked to Raptors with NBA lottery in the books
Team needs more size, shooting and paint scoring, so there will be plenty of options. Get the latest from Ryan Wolstat straight to your inbox Derik Queen takes part in a the Pro Lane Drill during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. Getty Images So, now what? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account It's a question Raptors fans are wondering after Monday's NBA draft lottery didn't go so well. Rest assured the team's management and coaching staff are thinking similar, but already had mapped out numerous paths before Monday based on lottery scenarios. The draft combine in Chicago runs through Sunday and then it will be time for individual workouts leading up to the June 25 and 26 draft (this is the second year it has been held on multiple days) in Brooklyn. Toronto has the ninth and 39th selections and, while it's unlikely anyone expected to go in the Top 4 or 5 will work out for them, the front office expects it will be able to get to know a significant number of prospects both on and off the court in the coming weeks. A silver lining to not moving up into the Top 4 is it will allow the Raptors to stay under the luxury tax, if they choose to, because the ninth pick's starting salary is a fair bit lower than what Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and Co. will be commanding. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Well stocked on the wing, Toronto's most pressing need is a backup to centre Jakob Poeltl (ideally someone with a shot to turn into a starter one day since Poeltl can leave as early as next season if an extension isn't worked out). Toronto tends to go for best available talent though, so picking a big isn't guaranteed. An attacking point guard would also be useful and you can never have enough shooting. It will be stunning if Flagg doesn't land in Dallas and Harper in San Antonio, with V.J. Edgecombe either going third or fourth. But the rest of the Top 10 is pretty wide open and it wouldn't be crazy to see any of the other top prospects still on the board when Toronto is up to draft. Ace Bailey, the sweet-shooting Rutgers forward long seen as a lock at third or fourth has seen his stock fall a bit in recent weeks, including when he measured in shorter than expected at the combine. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Two of the draft's best shooters, Texas guard Tre Johnson and Duke wing Kon Knueppel, probably go earlier, but one might slip as Gradey Dick — billed as the best shooter in his class two years ago — did to Toronto at 13. The workouts will shake things up as teams get enamoured with and also fall out of love with prospects. Right now, Maryland freshman centre Derik Queen and gigantic Duke centre Kaman Malauch are most commonly linked to the Raptors at nine in mock drafts. Here's a look at some of the players Toronto will likely take long looks at: KHAMAN MALAUCH This is about an obvious a fit as it gets. Malauch is huge (7-foot-2 with a ridiculous 9-foot-7 standing reach and 7-foot-7 wingspan, matching or coming close to last year's top centres Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey) and he's one of the younger players available. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Yes, he's likely the rawest of the candidates for No. 9 and looked awful on the boards in Duke's last game, but Malauch should be able to contribute immediately behind Poeltl and, in time, could grow into a good player. He already has shown promise against grown men for South Sudan in international competition and his outside shooting continues to progress. Khaman Maluach (left) of the Duke Blue Devils reacts with a teammate after losing Saturday's game against Houston. Getty Images DERIK QUEEN At 6-foot-10 and nearly 250 pounds with an uncommonly versatile offensive package that includes an ability to destroy opposing big men off the dribble and in the post despite not being a ridiculous athlete, there are some DeMarcus Cousins similarities with Queen (though he's not as heavy as Cousins and has a far less impressive wingspan). He seems like a perfect fit on offence under Darko Rajakovic and another walking mismatch on a team that could use one. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The issues with Queen are he is nowhere close at the other end of the floor and, like Cousins, might regularly get exploited. He's also a bit short to bang with the NBA's biggest centres and not yet enough of a shooting threat to stretch the floor at power forward. Plus, Queen's combine performance was rough, to say the least. He's an obvious talent, but the limitations are the type that lead to a lot of empty calories and not a lot of wins. JEREMIAH FEARS Every year there are some late risers who start creating a buzz around NCAA conference tournament time and just keep building it. Fears might be head of the class in the category in 2025. He showed flashes of brilliance down the stretch for Oklahoma and some real star potential even though he's one of the four youngest players expected to be taken in the first round. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. With that youth comes some inexperience — the turnovers are way too high and the outside shooting is erratic — but Fears probably goes before Toronto is up because of his size and shot-making abilities. He nearly matched Harper's shooting numbers at the combine and is an outstanding free-throw shooter, indicating the three-point shot will come around. Read More KASPARAS JAKUCIONIS There's also a lot to like with another even-bigger point guard in the 6-foot-6 Jakucionis. The Illinois freshman also is young, can shoot, get to the free-throw line and create. On the other hand, his decision-making is terrible so far, leading to tons of turnovers and, though he tries defensively, he gets targeted at this point. If the Raptors believe they can iron out his deficiencies, it's easy to see a match, given his size and excellent work on pull-up shots, a skill the team covets and needs more of behind Immanuel Quickley. KEEP AN EYE ON Tre Johnson, Kon Knueppel, Thomas Sorber, Noa Essengue, Nolan Traore, Jase Richardson, Nique Clifford, Collin Murray-Boyles, Rasheer Fleming, Asa Newell, Danny Wolf. @WolstatSun Relationships Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto & GTA Celebrity Columnists
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA mock draft: Nets projected to take Derik Queen with 8th pick
The Brooklyn Nets did not have their desired outcome during Monday's NBA Draft Lottery as they ended up with the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Brooklyn came into the event with the odds not in their favor in terms of getting the first overall pick, but they could still end up with a player that has plenty of potential as they head into the 2025-26 campaign. Following Monday's Lottery results, the Nets were projected to select Maryland center Derik Queen with the eighth overall pick in the Draft in Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman latest mock draft. Brooklyn entered Monday with the sixth-worst record in the NBA for the 2024-25 season and while they had a 37.2% chance of getting a top-4 pick, they also had a 50.3% chance of getting the seventh of eighth pick. Queen could be an interesting prospect for the Nets. Advertisement "Queen's skill level, scoring versatility and passing IQ have been strong enough indicators of offensive success that certain teams will be willing to look past his defensive limitations," Wasserman wrote in his section on Queen. Queen, standing at 6-foot-10 and 246 pounds, could be someone that the Nets could add to the roster that would present a different skillset from starting center Nic Claxton and backup center Day'Ron Sharpe if he returns in free-agency. At the moment, Queen projects to be an offensive hub kind of center as he was 13th in the Big Ten in usage rate (26.6%) while averaging 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 52.6% from the field and 76.6% from the free-throw line. With free-agency beginning soon after the NBA Draft, Brooklyn will have to make a decision based on the information that they have at that time. Either way, the Nets are at the point of their rebuild where acquiring talent is more important than getting players who fit the current roster because this version of the team will definitely be different from the roster that will compete for a playoff spot in the near future. Brooklyn wasn't lucky enough to earn the first overall pick and the right to select Duke forward Cooper Flagg, but they will have to make the best of the selection they wound up with. This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: 2025 NBA mock draft: Nets projected to take Derik Queen with 8th pick
