Welcome to The Long Forecast on NetsDaily.
We are officially in 2026, which means the NBA draft is now this year!
As the NCAA season progresses, we see more players making a name for themselves as a super-talented
draft class continues to take shape.
Where do the Nets’ picks sit?
Currently, Brooklyn owns the league’s fifth-worst record at 11-22.
As for their second-round picks, their own is currently slotted at No. 35 overall, while their additional night-two selection projects at No. 43.
Here’s the latest mock draft from Tankathon and Bleacher Report.
Risers
Evans dominated during the Blue Devils’ 91-87 win over Florida.
The sophomore compiled 28 points alongside three rebounds, two blocks, and an assist while shooting 47% from the field and converting a whopping 43% of his three-point opportunities.
Evans can shoot confidently from beyond the arc and is a disruptive defender. However, at 6’6” and just 180 pounds, he must put on some extra weight before the NBA’s scouting combine.
Against the North Carolina Tarheels on Saturday, Miller was unstoppable. He poured in 27 points alongside 12 assists and four rebounds, while hitting 10-of-13 shots from the field and converting his three-point chances at a 60% clip.
Miller is able to control the pace of the game and create shots for his teammates, as evidenced by his 12 assists against a highly talented North Carolina squad.
Given that he’ll be 23 by draft night and measures just 6’0”, 175 pounds, Miller may be a polarizing evaluation for some teams, but the upside and on-court production are hard to ignore.
Fallers
While it is easy to become enamored with his NBA-ready tools, particularly his defense, Sarr’s recent production at Duke has left plenty to be desired.
On the season, he is averaging 18.8 minutes per game while scoring just 6.6 points on 40.5% shooting from the field and 36.7% from beyond the arc, along with 3.5 rebounds and 0.9 assists.
While his defense and age will certainly help propel him up draft boards, consistent production in the points and rebound categories needs to follow at the NCAA level.
Spotlight of the week
Boozer has emerged as one of the NCAA’s most productive freshmen this year.
Through 14 games, he has averaged 23 points along with 9.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists on .564 shooting from the field while knocking down 34.5% of his three-point shots across 31.6 minutes per game.
At 6’9” and 250 pounds, Boozer possesses a pro-ready frame with a rare blend of scoring versatility, rebounding, and playmaking for his position, which has him firmly in the conversation as a top draft candidate.
His production has lived up to his elite recruiting hype and thrust him into early top-of-board draft projections. Still, sustained performance in marquee games and continued refinement of his game will be key for maintaining that standing as the season progresses.
Sleepers
Against Marquette on Sunday, Reed posted 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and two steals, shooting 62.5% from the field.
Throughout 23.8 minutes in 10 games this season, Reed Jr. has averaged 13.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and two blocks while shooting 63.3% from the field.
At 6’10” and 260 pounds, Reed Jr. is a great rim protector and capable of scoring at ease down low. However, he is on the older side at 22. Given that, the UConn Husky is currently expected to be a second-round selection.
This week’s watch guide
- Louisville vs. Duke: January 6, 7 p.m. tip-off. Look out for Duke’s Dame Sarr and Cameron Boozer.
- Texas Tech vs. Houston: January 6, 9 p.m. tip-off. Look out for Houston’s Kingston Flemmings.
- UConn vs. Providence: January 7, 7 p.m. tip-off. Look out for UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. and Braylon Mullins.
- Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State: January 10, 4 p.m. tip-off. Look out for Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson.
- Illinois vs. Iowa: January 11, 12 p.m. tip-off. Look out for Illinois’ Keaton Wagler.
