The Brooklyn Nets sit pretty with five first-round selections heading into the 2025 NBA Draft, and The Post’s Brian Lewis has mapped out his vision for how the organization might deploy this treasure trove of picks.
Pick #8: Khaman Maluach, Center, Duke
Standing tall with a ridiculous 7-foot-6 wingspan, Maluach brings the kind of length and mobility that makes front office executives salivate. The fact he’s only been playing basketball for five years might give some teams pause, but his ceiling as a rim protector and alley-oop target could prove irresistible for Brooklyn’s brass.
19th Selection: Asa Newell, Forward/Center, Georgia
Newell represents the type of asset that could anchor a package deal, potentially helping Brooklyn leap into lottery territory. Teams like San Antonio (picking 14th), Phoenix (10th), and Toronto (9th) could find themselves in discussions. Should the Nets hang onto him, Newell delivers the size and flexibility their frontcourt rotation desperately needs.
22nd Pick: Rasheer Fleming, Power Forward, St. Joseph’s
At 6-foot-9 and 232 pounds, Fleming embodies the modern 3-and-D archetype that every team covets. His ball-handling skills leave something to be desired, but his frame and shooting stroke make him either a solid developmental piece or attractive trade bait down the line.
26th Overall: Nolan Traoré, Point Guard, Saint-Quentin
Traoré’s draft stock has taken a tumble since early season projections had him in the top 10 conversation. That slide creates an opportunity for Brooklyn to snag a player with genuine floor general upside, betting on his long-term development curve paying dividends.
27th Selection: Hugo González, Small Forward, Real Madrid
The wrinkle here involves whether Brooklyn actually retains all five picks—and González’s European contract situation adds another layer of complexity through potential buyout negotiations. Still, Nets scouts have kept close tabs on the Spanish prospect, drawn to his overseas seasoning and skill package.
Lewis’s projections paint a picture of Brooklyn balancing immediate needs with future flexibility, using their draft windfall to mix developmental prospects with potential trade ammunition.
