The next steps are a mixture of challenging, exciting, and even a bit scary all at once. There is a team with many questions moving forward. Currently sitting at 23-49, they are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, alongside the Sixers, Hornets, and Wizards. As a team that was meant to tank for the entire year, one thing we can say for sure is that they have some promising young players—but are they enough?

The Nets are playing with a group of young players trying to prove themselves, with a core group consisting of players like Nic Claxton, Cam Thomas, Cameron Johnson, and D’Angelo Russell. This clearly hasn’t been enough to compete at a high level consistently, let alone contend for a national championship. So, what’s next? Let’s break down a couple of potential scenarios.

The NBA Draft Route:

This year’s NBA draft presents an opportunity for the Nets to build a strong, young core. With Cam Thomas, Cameron Johnson, and Nic Claxton already on the roster, this gives the team a chance to draft high-level talent. Here are a few players to keep an eye on:

Cooper Flagg (Duke):
Cooper Flagg would be the best-case scenario for the Nets. He is by far the best player in the draft and has even had the opportunity to play with NBA players over the summer. If the Nets can land him, he would be an immediate game-changer.

Rutgers products Ace Bailey or Dylan Harper:
While Rutgers struggled this year despite having two top prospects, both Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper had impressive individual seasons. Dylan Harper, in particular, would provide much-needed guard help—an elite-level player on both ends of the floor. This would address a key area of weakness for the Nets. Pairing him with Cam Thomas would create a dynamic scoring duo and help mitigate Thomas’s defensive liabilities. Meanwhile, Ace Bailey would strengthen the frontcourt. A 6’10” athletic big man, Bailey can score both on the perimeter and inside while also offering shot-blocking ability. This would be a great addition for the Nets.

Derik Queen (Maryland):
A 6’10” big man who can score from all three levels—what’s not to love? Derik Queen would further bolster the frontcourt. His ability to shoot from the perimeter and score inside would complement Nic Claxton well, while also helping spread the floor.

After several years of having no draft picks, this is the year the Nets have the chance to make a splash. With a young core and potential role players like Keon Johnson, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Ziaire Williams potentially returning, the Nets could set themselves up for a quick turnaround, similar to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In my next post, I’ll be discussing free agency, coaching, and more.