The Brooklyn Nets are hoping that luck is on their side when the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery comes around on Monday, especially since the preferable outcome is getting the first overall pick. However, Brooklyn began the 2024-25 season knowing that they could have any pick in the Lottery so they have most likely planned for what they would do at every spot in the top-14.
The Nets did not have the best season that they could have asked for as they finished the campaign with a 26-56 record, good for the sixth-worst tally in the league. The good news is that the Lottery could push Brooklyn up the Draft order, but at the same time, the event could push them back as far as the 10th overall pick, putting them far from selecting the cream of the crop in the class.
Advertisement
Be that as it may, the Nets have to be prepared for anything to happen during the Lottery and it’s possible that they could be content with the sixth overall pick if they have a player that they like at that spot. Without further ado, here are some players that the Nets could consider if they head into the Draft with the sixth overall pick:
Tre Johnson, G, Texas
Mar 19, 2025; Dayton, OH, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Tre Johnson (20) high fives Xavier Musketeers head coach Sean Miller after making a three point basket in the second half at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Johnson, listed at 6-foot-6 and 190 pounds, seems to be competing with Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe for the best off-ball guard in the Draft at this point in the pre-draft process. While Edgecombe is expected to go higher in the draft due to his physical tools and the potential of his jumpshot, Johnson appears to be the guy that could be the best scorer in the class if his realizes his full potential.
Advertisement
Johnson, who Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman compares to Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro, is coming off a rookie season at Texas that gives plenty of scouts optimism of what he can be in the NBA. “Scouts believe Tre Johnson will remain in the top-five mix with eye-test approval on the self-creation and shotmaking that fueled his 19.9 points per game,” Wasserman wrote in his latest mock draft.
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Mar 29, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) dunks the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide forward Grant Nelson (4) during the second half in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Maluach, listed at 7-foot-2 and 250 pounds, had arguably the worst game of his freshman season at the worst time for his draft stock in the NCAA Semi-finals as he seemed to be overmatched against the Houston Cougars. However, at this floor, Maluach looks like the kind of guy that can step on an NBA floor on Day 1 and be able to be a rim-protecting, rim-running big at the least.
Advertisement
Wasserman compares Maluach to Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams and while Williams has some issues with injuries and consistency on a game-to-game basis, Maluach may be able to prevent either of those flaws from affecting him at the next level. “There is still plenty of optimism out there in the long-term potential tied to his 7’2″ size and mobility for finishing, rim protection and shot-contesting,” Wasserman writes.
Derik Queen, Maryland, C
Mar 23, 2025; Seattle, WA, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) passes the ball against the Colorado State Rams in the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Queen, listed at 6-foot-10 and 246 pounds, showed plenty of promise towards the end of the NCAA regular season and boosted his stock significantly with what he did during conference tournament time and the NCAA Tournament. What would make a selection of Queen interesting is how the Nets foresee him fitting alongside starting center Nic Claxton, who will be entering the second year of his four-year, $97 million contract next season.
Advertisement
Queen is compared to Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun by Wasserman and it’s easy to see why with the way that Queen moves on the offensive end of the floor with some sneaky athleticism to boot. “Queen’s skill level, scoring versatility and passing IQ have been strong enough indicators of offensive success that certain teams will be willing to look past his defensive limitations,” Wasserman writes.
Kon Knueppel, G/F, Duke
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) walks off the court after losing to the Houston Cougars in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Knueppel, listed at 6-foot-6 and 217 pounds, projects to be the kind of player that will be a floor-spacer for whatever team he goes to given his ability to shoot the basketball during his freshman season at Duke. While Knueppel doesn’t seem like the kind of player that will be able to create shots for himself and others, his shooting ability is vital for any team looking for more shooting.
Advertisement
Knueppel, whom Wasserman compares to Nets forward Cam Johnson, could be the kind of guy that allows Brooklyn to build around whoever comes to the roster that will have the ball in their hands, especially if Johnson ends up getting traded somewhere else this summer or during next season. “Knueppel should look like the ultimate plug-and-play wing for teams that miss out on some of the higher-level creators,” Wasserman writes.
Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia
Jan 28, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Asa Newell (14) shoots against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Newell, listed at 6-foot-11 and 220 pounds, profiles to be the type of big man that can play some power forward and play some center depending on the personnel around him. Newell did a little bit of everything for Georgia as while he was their best scorer around the basket and in the dunker spot, he also showed off his ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter and make some plays for his teammates.
Advertisement
Newell, whom Wasserman compares to Memphis Grizzles forward Brandon Clarke, will probably be best hanging in the dunker spot on offense and operating in the pick-and-roll while defending the rim and switching on the defensive end of the floor. “Newell ultimately gives off safe-pick vibes with his 6’11” size and movement, consistent production, defensive tools and reliable touch whenever he gets it in the paint,” Wasserman writes.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: 2025 NBA Draft: best fits for Nets with sixth overall pick