Fresh off a blockbuster trade for Julius Randle, Brooklyn eyes a franchise-altering haul. Discover why Mikel Brown Jr. and two collegiate champions could redefine the Nets' future.
The Brooklyn Nets made a move late Monday night, acquiring Julius Randle and the No. 28 overall pick just one day prior to the 2026 NBA Draft.
With the No. 6, 28 and 43 overall picks in this year's class, the Nets have a great opportunity to fill multiple holes on their roster.
Here are the final projections for Brooklyn's incoming draft class.
Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 6 Overall)
Brown and the Nets met multiple times throughout the pre-draft process, with members of the front office even visiting the Louisville standout in his hometown of Orlando, Florida.
“Talking constantly with Mr. Marks and Coach Jordi (Fernández),” Brown Jr. told Clutch Points’ Erik Slater on Monday. “The biggest thing [Marks] emphasized if I get selected there is building that relationship with Jordi. You gotta have a great connection there. So to be able to pick his brain on a lot of things and learn his system and come in and make an impact right away was big.”
Despite missing some of his freshman season due to injury, Brown shined, averaging 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
Among the talented guards projected within the lottery, Brown's physical upside shines through, with the 6-foot-5 guard possessing electric finishing ability and quickness.
In a 40-point blowout win over ACC-rival NC State, Brown tied a program-record with 45 points, shooting over 60-percent from the field and 3-point range.
Brown seemingly couldn't miss from deep, knocking down 10-of-16 long balls and knocking down all seven of his free throws.
This mix of size and shooting ability will be hard to pass up for a Nets team still searching for a bonafide guard scorer.
Alex Karaban (No. 28 Overall)
As the most accomplished collegiate player in the class, Karaban helped the UConn Huskies win two National Championships.
Karaban never had a season shooting less than 34.7-percent from deep, while constantly giving maximum effort on the defensive end.
At 6-foot-7, Karaban has a 6-foot-11 wingspan, possessing the size and length to compete at the next level.
Like he always did, Karaban elevated his play in March Madness, averaging 16.2 points per game, including a 27-point flurry against UCLA in the second round.
While Karaban is a fringe first round prospect, the Nets need a culture setter.
Tobe Awaka (No. 43 Overall)
Last season, en route to a Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year award, Awaka's 353 total rebounds ranking eighth nationally despite coming off the bench in 36 of 39 games.
For a Nets team looking to replace Nic Claxton's production on the glass, Awaka would do just that.
Awaka also had a good showing at the combine, displaying his 37.5-inch vertical leap and knocking down enough spot-up 3-pointers to show room for growth.
If Brooklyn secures Brown, Awaka, and Karaban, the team would have its star guard, supplementing the roster with winning players at the collegiate level.
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