The 2024-25 season proved to be a challenging one for many NBA franchises, with several teams failing to reach the playoffs despite high expectations prior to the start of the year. Among those disappointments were the Brooklyn Nets, who finished with a dismal 26-56 record and completely missed the postseason.
However, what appeared to be a lost season may have set the franchise up for a strong turnaround. With the 2025 NBA Draft scheduled for June 25, the Nets are in a favorable spot, holding six valuable picks, including five in the first round, that could reshape their roster and future.
The Brooklyn Nets Are Predicted to Bolster Their Roster With Five Key Additions
According to PFSN’s 2025 mock draft compiled by Bjorn Bergstrom, the Nets are projected to make the most of their draft capital by selecting six promising prospects: Kasparas Jakučionis at No. 8, Will Riley at No. 19, Asa Newell at No. 22, Jase Richardson at No. 26, Yanic Konan Niederhauser at No. 27 and Alex Toohey at No. 36.
Let’s break down how each player could help the team’s future.
Kasparas Jakučionis
At 6 feet 6 inches tall, Jakučionis is a dynamic combo guard out of Illinois. He averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game, showing great feel in the pick-and-roll and a polished step-back three.
His size and passing ability let him run the offense or play off the ball, giving the Nets a versatile weapon right away.
“Kasparas Jakučionis is that guy. After excelling in Europe during his short time as a pro, he dominated the college game as the leading ball-handler for the Fighting Illini. He’s a pick-and-roll maestro, dissecting the defense with ease and creating open looks for his teammates, aided by his 6-6 frame,” wrote Bergstrom in his report.
Will Riley
Also from Illinois, Riley brings scoring upside at forward. Standing 6 feet 8 inches, he posted 12.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. With smooth shooting mechanics and the ability to score at all three levels, Riley projects as a long-term piece who could develop into a strong perimeter threat and floor spacer.
Canadian Will Riley shooting off the dribble at the NBA Draft Combine.
Real pure scorer. He hit 26 out of 30 for 86.7%. pic.twitter.com/6YnEM5HGy4
— Libaan Osman (@libaanstar1) May 13, 2025
Asa Newell
The 6-11 forward from Georgia is an athletic marvel. He averaged 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and one block per game. His energy, rim-running and second-chance scoring fit well next to finesse players like Cam Johnson.
“Newell was also a terrific defender, as his versatility allowed him to switch onto guards and hold his own. He used his length to grab a steal per game, something unheard of for big men at the collegiate level,” added Bergstrom.
Jase Richardson
From Michigan State, Richardson averaged 12.1 points and 3.3 rebounds. His scoring gives the Nets added backcourt depth and another guard who can contribute off the bench. While he may need time to adjust to NBA speed, his offensive skill set makes him a valuable rotation piece.
“He uses that lack of size to his advantage, however, blowing by defenders and finishing with his patented underhanded lefty layup,” Bergstrom wrote.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser
“A seven-footer from Switzerland who spent three years at the collegiate level, Niederhauser has flown up draft boards as of late with his potential as a prototypical rim-running, shot-blocking center,” wrote Bergstrom.
With Nic Claxton one of the most talked about players in the trade rumor mill, Niederhauser could serve as a potential replacement for far less money.
Alex Toohey
Rounding out the projected haul is Australian forward Alex Toohey. The 6-8 wing thrives off the ball, cutting, running in transition and finishing with confidence.
Hot shooting from Alex Toohey who also measured almost 6-8 barefoot and made a solid leap this year in NBL. Off-ball scoring wing with functional size. pic.twitter.com/gxUbuvgx3r
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) May 13, 2025
A recent report by Rafael Barlowe on the “NBA Big Board” Substack suggests the Nets plan to keep and use all five picks instead of bundling them to move up or trade out. That points to a full-on youth movement in Brooklyn.
“The Nets now hold five first-round picks. Yes, five. While conventional wisdom suggests they’ll package a few to move up or grab future capital, one agent I spoke with, who has multiple clients projected in the 15–30 range, told me the opposite.”
“Based on what he’s hearing, Brooklyn is preparing to use all five selections. That could change with one phone call, of course, but it gives you a window into how unpredictable tonight could get,” wrote Barlowe in his report.
With a strong draft class and five promising young players coming in, the Brooklyn Nets could be on the verge of a major rebuild.
