Welcome to The Long Forecast on NetsDaily.
March Madness is here, but for the Nets, their focus remains on draft position while everyone and their mother is locked in on their brackets.
With the season winding down, every game plays an integral role in the Nets’ draft position and where they will pick in a loaded draft class.
Where do the Nets’ picks sit?
Currently holding at 17-53, the Nets own the NBA’s third-worst record, trailing only the Washington Wizards (16-53) and the Indiana Pacers (15-55). As of Saturday, they are 2.5 games out of having the best lottery odds and 1.5 out of second. They’re also a half game ahead of the Sacramento Kings who they play Sunday.
The team’s second-round selections are currently slotted at Nos. 33 and 43 overall. The 33rd pick is their own, the 43rd the Long Angeles Clippers. Note this as we all look forward to the last Wednesday and Thursday of June: of the 10 drafts Sean Marks has run in Brooklyn, he’s made trades within 48 hours of the first round nine times.
Here are the latest mock drafts from ESPN, Tankathon and Bleacher Report.
Smith’s case has been getting harder to ignore.
Over his last five games, the guard has stacked a whopping 55 assists while showing strong command of Purdue’s offense…
While he remains inconsistent as a scorer, pouring in over 13 points in two of his last five outings, while not surpassing six in the other three.
At 6’0”, he is never going to be renowned for his physicality, but he plays with a high IQ and has a great feel for the game…
In a class riddled with intriguing prospects, Smith is rising due to his success as a facilitator. It should be noted that Brooklyn hasn’t drafted a player under 6’3” since 2021 when they took 6’1” Marcus Zegarowski of Creighton at No. 49 in the second round.
Quaintance’s rapid fall down boards isn’t due to his talent whatsoever, but rather attributed to his inability to remain on the court.
His appearances have been limited this season while he recovers from a torn ACL, and when on the floor, he has been playing in a limited capacity while struggling to remain consistent.
It is a very strong draft class, and as the NCAA Tournament continues, top prospects continue to strengthen their portfolio while Quaintance remains in post-surgery recovery limbo.
Haugh is starting to look like one of the most reliable players in this year’s draft class…
Over his last five games, the Florida product is averaging 15.8 points per game and 6.2 assists, while his full-season averages include 17.1 points and 6.2 rebounds…
What stands out most is his consistency.
He offers versatility on both ends of the floor and remains a highly reliable rebounder. Haugh can also space at a high level, which is appealing to talent evaluators. He’s currently projected to be taken around the end of lottery, midway between the Nets two current picks. And yes, you never know what will happen on Draft Night.
Punch is starting to catch eyes as an intriguing second-round swing.
This season, he is averaging 14.3 points and 6.7 boards with elite efficiency, averaging over 51% from the field.
Over his last five games, he has had two 20-point games while logging 10 rebounds and two blocks to complement 24 points against Kansas…
He plays with a very high motor and projects as a player whose game will translate seamlessly to the next level…
Whether the TCU product declares for this year’s draft or waits until 2027 remains unknown. At the moment, he’s not projected in either round this year. So next year, with a less maybe much less attractive draft, it might be better for him — and others in similar situations — to wait a year.
In the meantime, just sit back with a beverage of your choice and binge, binge, binge on the madness.