X Breakdown: Fan Reactions to Nets Drafting Tyler Bilodeau

Ahead of the second round in the 2026 NBA Draft, there was plenty of speculation surrounding who the Brooklyn Nets would look to pick up with their last pick, No. 43 overall. 

I went to X to find out what the predictions were and stayed to see how people reacted when the pick came through. 

First, let's see who the options were.

Arizona guard Jaden Bradley averaged 12.1 points and 3.7 assists in the 2025-26 season and was viewed as a potential backcourt addition for Brooklyn. Playmaking and defensive intensity are considered two of his strengths. 

Other prospects linked to Brooklyn included Estonian forward Henri Veesaar, a big man with floor-spacing ability who averaged 17 points and 8.7 rebounds in his lone season at UNC. He transferred from the University of Arizona after two seasons and was drafted as No. 52 to the Los Angeles Clippers before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks.

Felix Okpara, a well-known rim protector from Nigeria, spent two years playing at Ohio State University before finishing his career at the University of Tennessee. Standing at 6-foot-11, he received SEC All-Defensive Team honors in the 2025-26 season. The Washington Wizards took him 46th overall in the second round.

Emanuel Sharp, known for his perimeter shooting, was also in the mix. He played his full college career at the University of Houston where he earned NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional Most Outstanding Player and Big 12 Conference Championship Most Outstanding Player achievements in 2025. He is originally from Tel Aviv, Israel and was drafted as No. 45 by the Sacramento Kings.

It seems like fans were expecting a rookie pick that aimed to fill the big spot after the franchise recently traded starting center Nic Claxton. The pick wasn't exactly what Nets fans had spent the day predicting and Brooklyn instead opted for another skilled forward, prompting plenty of debate across X about the team's priorities heading into next season.

Now let’s look at No. 43, Tyler Bilodeau, a forward from UCLA and the reactions on X. 

A pre-draft analysis highlighted his excellent shooting and ability to space the floor, but also noted a lack of defensive strength. Bilodeau played two seasons for the Oregon State Beavers before transferring to UCLA. During his senior year, he posted career highs across the board, averaging 17.6 points per game, shooting 87.3% from the free-throw line and 46.4% from 3-point range. 

He led the Bruins in scoring during both seasons he played as well as earned two third-team All-Big Ten selections.

The overall grade we’re seeing is in the low B-to-C range. It’s likely Brooklyn will offer him a two-way contract while Mikel Brown Jr. at No. 6 and Joshua Jefferson at No. 28 are expected to receive guaranteed contracts. In the comments of most posts, there's a 50-50 split of fans for and against the pick. 

For: 

Against: 

The early reactions on X to Bilodeau's selection suggest supporters see an elite shooter who could outperform his draft position, while critics remain focused on Brooklyn's decision not to address its need for size.

As the Nets continue their rebuild, Bilodeau will have the opportunity to show which side of the debate got it right.

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