Brooklyn targets a high-octane backcourt reset with Darius Acuff Jr. before eyeing versatile frontcourt playmakers to bolster a roster hungry for superstar talent and defensive interior size.
With the 2026 NBA Draft just one week away, ESPN's Jeremy Woo released his updated 60-pick mock, projecting the Brooklyn Nets selecting Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff Jr. at the No. 6 overall selection.
Acuff has become a more popular name for Brooklyn over the coming weeks, with Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor also predicting the Nets drafting the reigning SEC Player of the Year.
Following a strong draft combine performance, Acuff confirmed meeting with the Nets, while articulating what he wants to bring to an NBA franchise.
"Definitely a superstar point guard," Acuff said. "I'll bring a lot of excitement to any city I go."
With high expectations, Acuff had a simple answer about what he defines success as, saying he wants to be a superstar at the next level.
"A lot of accolades. Being on a winning team," Acuff said. "It starts with the PG."
After Acuff, Woo marked Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson as Brooklyn's next pick.
Jefferson is an extremely versatile offensive player, using his size and passing ability to fill up the stat sheet, along with scoring 16.4 points per game.
Last season for the Cyclones, Jefferson notched two triple-doubles, while leading his team in rebounding (7.4) and finishing just shy of the team-lead for assists (4.8).
In Jefferson's top performance of the season, he recorded a 17-point, 12-assist, and 10-rebound showing, adding four steals and keeping the ball out of harms way with zero giveaways.
This stellar performance helped Iowa State dominate UCF 87-57, catalyzing a 5-game win streak.
Getting younger in the front court should be a main priority for Brooklyn, as starting big man Nic Claxton has seemingly peaked.
Should Michael Porter Jr. stick around long-term, Jefferson could fill a Nikola Jokić type facilitating role that Porter excelled with in Denver.
At the No. 43 pick, the Nets selected South Florida forward Izaiyah Nelson to round out Woo's projected class.
Nelson averaged 15.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game last season, shooting over 56-percent from the field.
After three seasons with Arkansas State, Nelson swept the American Conference's awards, winning Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year.
Nelson led the Bulls to a 25-win season, leading them to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in nearly 15 years.
Adding Acuff, Nelson, and Jefferson would address Brooklyn's needs, giving the roster a much-needed offensive lift.
