Already AJ Dybantsa teased a potential return to college for next season. What impact does Friday's Wilson injury news have on Brooklyn?
The Brooklyn Nets look like they'll have to rearrange their NBA Draft board.
First, AJ Dybantsa of BYU teased a possible return to college amid the top overall pick hype (Dybantsa has been linked as a Nets possibility). But North Carolina's Caleb Wilson faces a new dilemma ahead of the June draft...which impacts Brooklyn too.
Here's what NBA insider for ESPN Shams Charania revealed Friday.
"North Carolina's Caleb Wilson broke his right thumb in a non-contact drill in practice Thursday and has undergone season-ending surgery," Charania posted on the social media website X, formerly known as Twitter.
Wilson is already dealing with some late season ailments as North Carolina makes its push for the Atlantic Coast Conference title and a spot in March Madness.
Yet will this thumb surgery impact his draft standing?
"Wilson is expected to be cleared during the NBA pre-draft process, where he'll compete to be the No. 1 pick in June," Charania said.
So that presents good news for the Nets if they opt for Wilson. But at the same time, Wilson is heading into the league raising questions on durability.
He's the second high-profile draft prospect to be faced with availability for an entire game. Darryn Peterson of Kansas is another facing similar criticism including cramping late during games. That dilemma has left many draft experts wondering if Peterson is even worth taking at No. 1.
Wilson, meanwhile, presents his own high ceiling as an impactful true freshman. The website NBADraft.net compared him to a young Chris Bosh and Jermaine O'Neal
"Wilson is a long and lean 6’10 215-pound forward with excellent dimensions and physical tools for a primary PF (power forward), including a 7’ wingspan and a wiry frame that is gradually filling out," the evaluation began. "Outstanding athletic ability; runs the floor like a deer, has excellent body control & fluidity for his size, and is an explosive leaper who gets off the floor in a hurry in both his first and second jumps."
He's also called a "mismatch waiting to happen; budding versatility as an offensive talent who can convert over smaller frontcourt players and use his short-area quickness and ball skills to give bigger/slower players fits."
But this ailment could convince the Nets to look for a prospect with limited health setbacks. Kingston Flemings of Houston is one who's rising on boards as a point guard option. Cameron Boozer of Duke is another making a push for top pick status.
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