Welcome to The Long Forecast on NetsDaily.
Championship week is in full swing, the NCAA tournament is right around the corner, and this is the time of year when we really see what these prospects are made of.
Here are the latest developments over the past week regarding players in this June’s NBA draft class, along with a draft order update.
Where do the Nets’ picks sit?
At 17-48, the Brooklyn Nets currently own the league’s fourth-worst record behind the Washington Wizards (16-48), Sacramento Kings (16-51), and the Indiana Pacers (15-50).
As for the organization’s two second-round picks, they are currently slotted at Nos. 34 and 44 overall. The three picks combined rank third in Tankathon’s Draft Power Rankings.
Here are the latest mock drafts from Tankathon and Bleacher Report.
Reed Jr. is the type of big man that every NBA needs.
The Huskie plays with unmatched physicality and does the dirty work inside while standing at 6’10” and 260 pounds.
This season, he’s averaging 13.8 points and 8 rebounds while shooting 63.8% from the field, and over his last five games, he’s been even better — 14.4 points and 10 rebounds per game on 67% shooting.
Due to his size and rebounding ability, Reed Jr. has been able to tilt games in UConn’s favor this season and profiles as an NBA-ready player.
He isn’t as athletic as some scouts like in modern-day centers, but he is very effective, which will make up for it.
Mullins still looks the part of a high-level shooting guard at the next level, but he has struggled in recent outings.
The freshman is averaging 12 points while shooting 36.4% from 3-point range, and the jumper still clearly remains his calling card.
But over the last four games, his shot just hasn’t fallen.
Over that span, Mullins is averaging 9.8 points while shooting just 38% from the field and 29.6% from three (8-for-27) during that stretch.
The tools are still clear. Mullins has good size, a smooth handle, and the feel to attack closeouts or create in the mid-range. He competes defensively and brings energy that coaches look for in a guard on that end of the floor.
Right now, though, the recent shooting slump is enough to push him into the “faller” category.
López is arguably the most interesting international prospect in this year’s class, and he is already garnering interest from NBA teams.
The Nets seem to be one of those teams.
Sean Marks personally flew nearly 12,000 miles to scout López earlier this season along with fellow NBL prospect Dash Daniels, the brother of the Hawks Dyson who’s equipped with similar defensive chops….
Playing for the New Zealand Breakers of the NBL, the 18-year-old is averaging 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, two assists, 1.2 steals, and a block while shooting just over 50% from the field.
He is a great finisher, can defend multiple positions, and continues to develop his outside shot (32.6% from three).
His upside and defensive ability are what have scouts watching the 6’8”, 220-pounder so closely.
Thaim is one of the most underrated centers in this year’s draft class.
The 7’2” sophomore has put together a strong season at Cincinnati, averaging 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 52.5% from the field after transferring from UCF.
The main appeal, though, is with his tools.
He’s a very smooth mover for his size, while possessing excellent rim-protecting instincts.
Beyond that, his offensive upside is fascinating, as he’s shown flashes of perimeter shooting ability, hinting at the possibility of becoming a modern stretch big.