The Brooklyn Nets entered this season at the forefront of the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. Despite “ethically” tanking and finishing with a 26-56 record, the Nets finished lower than they would have liked in the lottery, earning the eighth overall pick.
The 2025 NBA Draft is a class full of talent and depth, but Brooklyn is in need of a franchise-level player. Thanks to the assets they acquired from trading Kevin Durant and James Harden, they have the tools needed to move up in the draft. The Nets are reportedly looking at doing so and if they are successful, they need to target this young prospect.
The Brooklyn Nets must move up to draft Dylan Harper
I pointed out the Pelicans as the ideal fit for Harper, but they are more interested in his teammate at Rutgers: Ace Bailey. However, the Nets are the next best spot for Harper in this draft.
Even with Rutgers struggling for most of the season, Harper was arguably the second best freshman in the country behind Flagg. He averaged 19 points per game, five rebounds, and four assists on 48 percent shooting. He scored 20 or more points in 17 games, including three games of 30 or more points.
Dylan Harper has all the tools to be a star in today’s NBA
He is a relentless slasher and is great at finishing around the rim in a variety of ways. He is a great playmaker, especially out of the pick and roll. He has a tight handle that allows him to get by defenders and is great at using his big frame at 6’5” and 213 lbs to create space and get his shot off over anyone.
Brooklyn already has a young guard in Cam Thomas that they love, but Thomas does not offer the same offensive versatility that Harper does. Harper is the far superior playmaker and the smarter offensive player. Thomas would benefit playing next to a playmaker of Harper’s caliber.
The Nets may not have finished high in the lottery, but they can still come away with a franchise player in this year’s class. Armed with three first round selections this year and multiple future firsts, Brooklyn has to take advantage of their war chest to continue their rebuild. Having a lead guard like Harper be the lead member of their young core would be a great start to the offseason.