Brooklyn Nets entered the 2026 NBA Draft with three picks, selecting Mikel Brown Jr. at #6, Joshua Jefferson at #28 and Tyler Bilodeau at #43, while still reeling from a 136‑101 defeat to the Toronto Raptors on April 12, 2026.
Who did the Nets select?
The Nets used their first‑round lottery slot to grab Mikel Brown Jr. from Louisville, a 6‑foot‑5 guard praised for elite three‑point range and play‑making. Their later first‑round choice, Joshua Jefferson, arrived from Iowa State, offering a versatile frontcourt skill set that includes ball‑handling and rebounding. In the second round the club added Tyler Bilodeau, a UCLA forward with a 7‑foot wingspan and a developing perimeter shot.
How did Sporting News grade the picks?
Sporting News handed Brown an A‑‑. The grader noted Brown’s upside as “the top guard in his class” and highlighted his potential as a 3‑point threat, while flagging a back‑injury risk. Jefferson earned a B‑, described as a solid all‑around player who posted multiple triple‑doubles at Iowa State and can stretch the floor. Bilodeau received a B‑‑, praised for his length and emerging three‑point game that could fit a modern, spacing‑oriented lineup.
What does the draft mean for a team on a five‑game losing streak?
The Nets have dropped their last five contests (0W‑0D‑5L), a stretch that has left them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Adding Brown gives Brooklyn a potential scoring spark; his 3‑point shooting could open up the paint for Jefferson’s post moves. Jefferson’s ability to handle the ball may ease the burden on point‑guard Cameron Thomas, who has struggled with turnovers. Bilodeau’s size offers a defensive plug, especially against teams that dominate the low‑post.
How might the Nets’ roster shape up after the draft?
If Brown stays healthy, expect him to compete for minutes early, perhaps rotating with Thomas in the second unit. Jefferson could see a hybrid role, splitting time between power forward and small forward, allowing the Nets to run more pick‑and‑rolls on the perimeter. Bilodeau will likely develop in the G‑League before earning a bench spot, but his three‑point attempts in practice suggest he could become a stretch‑big in future rotations. The front office also hinted that the #28 pick will officially arrive via the Julius Randle trade, adding another layer of flexibility for future moves.
What’s next for Brooklyn?
The second round of the draft kicks off on June 24, giving the Nets a chance to add a hidden gem or a veteran role player. Meanwhile, head coach Jacque Foster will have to integrate three rookies into a system that has struggled to defend the paint and convert on the perimeter. With the season looming, every practice rep counts as Brooklyn looks to snap its losing streak and climb out of the bottom tier.