Boasting elite playmaking and defensive instincts, this NC State standout offers high-upside finishing at the rim. Discover how his versatility aligns with Brooklyn’s mid-second-round draft assets.
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 next month.
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 Braeden Smith and Arkansas' Trevon Brazile.
Friday's profile will focus on NC State guard Quadir Copeland. Copeland is a four-year college player, spending his last season playing for the Wolfpack.
Finisher First, Playmaker Second
The 6-foot-6 guard does not shy away from contact when driving to the rim. He can decelerate and shoot a one-foot floater over the defender or contort his body in the air for a tough finish.
His ability to play through contact created many and-one scenarios for Copeland. He shot 5.4 free throws per contest and converted 77.5% of his attempts.
Copeland's driving prowess also opens passing windows to feed open teammates. Defenses collapse in response to Copeland's penetration, leaving a shooter or a trailing teammate wide open.
He averaged 13.9 points and 6.6 assists during his senior campaign at NC State. Copeland's 6.6 assists ranked 12th in the nation, making him a versatile threat on the court.
Great Defensive Instincts
Copeland positions himself well in the passing lanes and has great anticipation to generate steals. He averaged a career-high 1.8 steals for the Wolfpack last season and 1.4 steals for his career.
The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native recorded three or more steals in 10 of his 34 games. He recorded a season-high five steals against Virginia Tech on Feb. 7 and four steals against Texas in the NCAA Tournament West Region First Four round on March 17.
Area of Concern
A significant weakness in Copeland's game is his three-point shooting. He's a low-volume, low-percentage shooter despite nailing 39.7% of his 1.7 attempts last season.
Copeland has shot 28.5% from beyond the arc throughout his career. While his recent shooting percentage is promising, the volume needs to increase to carve out a meaningful role in the NBA, especially as an older player.
Draft Range
The NC State product hasn't appeared in many mock drafts, only in No Ceilings' Nathan Grubel's mock. He projected the Nets to draft Copeland with the 43rd pick, which marks him as a mid-second-round pick.
However, the lack of appearances in mock drafts suggests he's more likely a late-second-round or priority undrafted free agent. Copeland is a solid finisher and playmaker, but his inefficiency from three hurts his stock.
Are Nets a Fit?
There are too many guards on Brooklyn's roster to consider Copeland a fit for the squad. Factor in his weakness, and it's tough to envision a spot for him on the Nets, unless he develops in the G League.
Egor Dëmin, Ben Saraf, Nolan Traoré and Drake Powell are all young guards who'd play over Copeland. While his finishing, playmaking and defensive anticipation are valuable, Brooklyn is too guard-heavy to add Copeland.
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