Nets' player connection discussed in relation to Raptors' Scottie Barnes

Jon Conahan

•
Nets linked to player compared to Raptors' Scottie Barnes image

TL;DR

  • Brooklyn Nets' future draft success depends on lottery position.
  • Jonathan Wasserman projects Caleb Wilson to be a top prospect in 2026.
  • Caleb Wilson, a freshman forward from North Carolina, is showing star potential.
  • Wilson is averaging impressive stats and displaying high-IQ play.

While the 2025 NBA Draft didn't go as planned for the Brooklyn Nets, this organization still has some encouraging prospects ahead. 

The Nets' future draft success hinges significantly on their lottery position. 

The Nets can't be blamed for not always receiving the draft picks they desire, as that's simply the nature of the lottery system. 

When considering the Nets' future objectives, identifying a promising young player consistently ranks as a primary goal. 

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report recently projected that in the 2026 NBA Draft, the team would pick Caleb Wilson, a forward from North Carolina who is performing as one of the nation's top players.

“The idea that the 2026 draft may now have a big four has been discussed. Caleb Wilson's offensive emergence and production have become major storylines, with the freshman averaging 20.6 points on 67.3 percent shooting to go with 10.0 boards, 2.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks…

“Flashes of high-IQ passing and shooting range—plus the defensive tools and movement that were always signature selling points deemed translatable—suddenly suggest Wilson is separating into a clear top-five prospect,” he wrote.

Wasserman identified Scottie Barnes as his professional counterpart, though Wilson will undoubtedly need to progress to that level eventually. In the initial phases of North Carolina's season, he's appeared capable and genuinely has the potential to become a star in the future.

More news:

Senior Editor