A defensive anchor with burgeoning floor-spacing potential, this Vanderbilt standout offers the versatile rim protection and pick-and-pop upside Brooklyn lacks in its current frontcourt rotation.
The Brooklyn Nets have two second-round picks -- Nos. 33 and 43 -- expanding the range of prospects to choose from in the 2026 NBA Draft in 10 days.
Lorenzo J. Reyna and Matthew Feldman of the NetsRoundtable have covered various prospects who are likely second-round picks: Tennessee's Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Purdue's Braden Smith and Arkansas' Trevon Brazile.
Saturday’s profile will focus on Vanderbilt Commodores center Jalen Washington. He carved out an increased role at Vanderbilt after spending three seasons playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Floor Spacing Potential
Washington showcased the ability to space the floor at Vanderbilt despite low volume. He confidently shot threes when left wide open, which is a key part of improving as a shooter.
The same applies to mid-range jumpers. His floor-spacing ability would make it difficult for teams to run zone defenses and make him a nice pick-and-pop threat.
Developed Into A Defensive Anchor
The 6-foot-10 center broke out as North Carolina’s defensive anchor in his third season. Washington possesses the lateral quickness and instincts to guard the pick-and-roll and then recover to protect the rim.
He averaged 0.8 blocks for the Tar Heels in the 2024-25 season, then jumped to 1.3 last season for the Commodores. His defensive versatility helps expand his coverage area and the defensive schemes Washington can execute.
Area of Concern
Washington’s shooting potential is promising, but he’s only converted 31.1% of his threes throughout his career. Defenses will target his weakness by packing the paint and living with a wide-open three from Washington.
While it is a concern, Washington can remedy this issue. He has the confidence and a solid jump-shooting base, which leaves the 6-foot-10 center to accumulate multiple reps in practice.
Draft Range
Washington hasn’t appeared in many mock drafts, suggesting he’s likely a priority undrafted free agent. He did complete a pre-draft workout with the Sacramento Kings recently, which could put him on Brooklyn’s radar as well, given the team’s draft proximity.
Are the Nets a Fit?
The former Commodore would fit nicely with the Nets. He has the skill set of a traditional big man: sets hard screens, is a lob threat and has a post game.
Add his shooting potential, and he is a floor-spacing big that helps lineup versatility. Brooklyn’s two centers, Day’Ron Sharpe and Nicolas Claxton, aren’t floor spacers.
Adding Washington to the mix — and developing his game in the G League — would deepen the Nets’ center depth and offer floor spacing versatility.
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