April 6, 2026, 9:17 p.m. ET
The Brooklyn Nets are nearing the end of their 2025-26 NBA season after enduring another rebuilding campaign that will hopefully provide them with their next franchise player via the 2026 NBA Draft. Brooklyn has been trying to win as many games as possible while developing the younger players on the team, but the Nets are also hoping to get lucky for the Draft.
Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Nets selected five players from the 2025 NBA Draft: guard Egor Demin, guard Nolan Traore, forward Drake Powell, guard Ben Saraf, and forward Danny Wolf. While each of the rookies have had their fair share of successes and struggles, Brooklyn still needs more talent on the roster if it is going to compete as soon as next season.
That’s not to say that these rookies won’t be a factor in the rotation next season, but the Nets are where they are in the Lottery standings for a reason given how much the team has struggled this year. With that being said, here are five players to pay attention to in Monday’s NCAA Tournament National Championship Game between Michigan and Connecticut that could be draft prospects for the Nets (with the help of Tankathon’s Big Board):
Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan
At this point in the NBA Draft calendar, Lendeborg has proven that he’s worthy of a Lottery pick after what he’s done for the Wolverines. While Lendeborg is playing through an injury on Monday, he is coming off an 11-point, three-rebound performance against Arizona in the Final Four.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Braylon Mullins, G, UConn
Mullins has had some solid performances for the Huskies throughout the NCAA Tournament, including hitting a huge three-pointer against Illinois in the Final Four. Mullins is expected to be taken towards the end of the Lottery so he could be outside Brooklyn’s range, but a lot can change between now and the Draft.
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Mara is expected to be taken towards the end of the first round, but if he slips a few spots, he could be taken with the Nets’ earliest second-round pick. Mara has shown his ability to protect the rim and score around the basket this year, but his 26-point, nine-rebound outing against Arizona likely elevated his stock.
Morez Johnson Jr., F, Michigan
Johnson had been part of one of the country’s best frontcourts thanks to his ability to play around Lendeborg and Mara while being efficient with his offensive touches. Johnson could be within Brooklyn’s range given that he’s firmly expected to be a second-round pick and the Nets could look to change the frontcourt.
Alex Karaban, F, UConn
Karaban had a hot start to the NCAA Tournament thanks to his overall scoring output, but predictably so, the competition has stiffened since the first weekend. Karaban is another one of the players projected to be a second-round pick so if the Nets want to add more shooting to the roster, he could be the pick.