One Brooklyn Nets draft possibility got hit with a setback: Caleb Wilson of North Carolina.
The Brooklyn Nets will learn where they'll select in the 2026 NBA Draft on May 10. Brooklyn is rising as a contender to land the top overall pick in the lottery.
But now one major college basketball injury could alter the Nets' draft plans.
North Carolina freshman sensation Caleb Wilson got hit with a massive setback earlier on Thursday.
"North Carolina star forward Caleb Wilson is out with a fracture in his left hand, the school announced. There is no specific timetable for his return at this point. Huge, huge news coming out of Chapel Hill. Wilson was averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds," ESPN college basketball insider Jeff Borzello posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.
Nets inside for ClutchPoints Erik Slater reacted to the massive draft-shifting news.
"Significant injury news for one of the draft’s top prospects," Slater posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.
Wilson earned rave reviews coming out of high school -- earning five-star status by national recruiting outlets. He even made history: Becoming the first high-profile recruit to announce his college basketball choice on Inside the NBA when the iconic show was aired on TNT.
The 6-foot-9 forward earned raved pre-draft reviews already via the website nbadraftroom.com.
"A big time talent at the power forward position who has all the size, athleticism and tools to be special. Wilson is a quick, twitchy and springy athlete with good length," the scouting report read. "He plays above the rim with ease and can throw it down on defenders. His first step and overall athletic ability is truly special for a player his size."
Offense wasn't the only rave review, though.
"Wilson has elite potential on the defensive end and is already a standout defender who can lock up ball handlers on the perimeter and challenge shots in the paint. He moves his feet incredibly well for a 6-9+ player and has truly special defensive abilities," the report read.
The scouting evaluation added how Wilson: "Has the makings of a nice mid range game and outside shot. Can hit the step-back, using his quickness to create space. Has a good looking shooting form and is likely to be a floor-spacer at the NBA level, although the consistency might not be there early in his career."
Wilson earned "some Chris Bosh vibes" in reference to the past NBA Finals winner with the Miami Heat. But still needed some offensive polish.
But now Wilson's hand will be scrutinized during the pre-draft process should he come out for the 2026 class. Signs point to Wilson becoming a one-and-down.
Brooklyn can still hope for AJ Dybantsa (BYU), Darryn Peterson (Kansas) or Cam Boozer (Duke). Yet the Nets must hope to land in the top three to claim either one of those talents.
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