The Long Forecast: Toppin, Philon rise as Brown Jr. spotlights

We learned from ESPN this week Nets may have three seconds (and four picks in top 45.) It’s not just about the first.

Summarized by AI ⓘ

What is the story about?

Welcome to another week of The Long Forecast on NetsDaily.

Another week of college basketball is in the books, which means a deeper look at this year’s incoming NBA draft class.

Where do the Nets’ picks sit?

Since last week’s column, the Nets went 1-3 and hold the league’s fifth-worst record at 12-29, a game out of fourth in the Tankathon rankings.

As for Brooklyn’s second-round selections, they are currently slotted at No. 35 (their own), no. 41 overall (via LA Clippers) and no. 44 (via Atlanta). Why the change from two to three

seconds? It’s complicated and ultimately will depend on final standings come April. H/T to Jeremy Woo of ESPN.

Here are the latest mock drafts from Tankathon and Bleacher Report. Also, ESPN

Risers

JT Toppin, Texas Tech

Throughout 17 games for the Red Raiders this season, Toppin has averaged 21.6 points per game in 34.2 minutes, shooting 56.3% from the field and knocking down just 28.6% of his 3-point attempts, while corralling a whopping 11.2 rebounds per game.

Against BYU on Saturday, he poured in 27 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals while shooting 61.1% from the field and knocking down three of his four attempts from beyond the arc.

Toppin is highly athletic and has legitimate defensive upside at the next level.

Labaron Philon, Alabama

In 17 games for the Crimson Tide this season, Philon is averaging 22 points per game and 4.9 assists throughout 28.8 minutes while shooting 53.4% from the field and knocking down 38% of his 3-point attempts.

While his production is certainly promising, ahead of the NBA’s Scouting Combine, he must put on some weight, as he currently stands at 6’4” and just 177 pounds.

Philon possesses a high basketball IQ, and if he continues to play at this rate, he will be a lottery selection in June.

Fallers

Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn

While Pettiford has flashed scoring upside, his production has been uneven.

Through 18 games, he is shooting just 36.6% from the field and 27.4% from 3-point range, numbers that highlight that inconsistency.

For an explosive, shifty guard, the path forward is clear: cleaner shot selection and steadier shooting will determine his draft stock.

Spotlight of the week

Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville

During his first 10 games, Brown established himself as one of the ACC’s most dynamic freshmen.

Throughout 27.2 minutes, he is averaging 16.6 points per game alongside 5.1 assists while shooting 38.1% from the field and 26.8% from beyond the arc.

Shooting is the backbone of Brown’s game. He has clean mechanics and proven range both off the catch and off the dribble, and he shows the ability to run an offense and make sound reads.

That combination of shooting and versatility makes it easy to see why scouts remain intrigued.

If his efficiency takes a step forward as he settles back in, he has a real path to putting himself firmly in the conversation as a top selection.

Sleepers

Jaden Bradley, Arizona

Across 18 games this season, Bradley has averaged 14.1 points per game along with 4.6 assists while converting 46.7% of 3-point attempts.

Against UCF on Saturday, Bradley compiled 23 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals while shooting 54.5% from the field.

He offers solid length and is known for attacking the rim with authority. The Wildcat has really developed his shot on the outside, which makes him a threat from beyond the arc.

All of it adds up to a rapidly emerging, three-level scorer whose expanding offensive package is making him increasingly difficult to scheme against.