5 Players Nets should target in 2025 NBA Draft not named Cooper Flagg

The 2025 NBA Draft may prove to alter the future for Brooklyn more than any other franchise in the league. 

In a mad race to rebuild, stockpiling draft capital and expiring contracts, the Nets have to ensure their 31 total picks over the next seven drafts somehow become a core of the next generation’s stars. Fortunately for Nets World, with four first-round picks in 2025, a deep class loaded with potential gives Brooklyn a better chance than any to land a foundational talent… outside of consensus No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.

1. G/F Kon Knueppel – Duke

Age: 19; Size: 6-7, 217 lbs. 

While known as one of the more complete offensive players in this draft class, Knueppel could also end up leveraging his frame into becoming a valuable team defender at the next level. The 19-year-old freshman pairs effective ball handling and efficient, reliable shooting mechanics with an ability to finish at the rim that results in necessary floor spacing and off-ball actions much more than cluttered ball dominance.

Going forward, Brooklyn is in desperate need of players like Knueppel that consistently improve due to their adaptability, in turn consistently raising their ceilings as well.

2. G Nolan Traore – France 

Age: 18; Size: 6-4, 185 lbs.

Intrigue into Traore grows as his versatile skill set displays an unmatched speed, scoring ability both off the dribble and as a shooter, and an athleticism alongside his 6-8 wingspan that lends itself to quality on-ball defense. This combo guard not only can make you pay from deep, but also uses his pace and poise to constantly attack the lane and finish through contact (setting scoring records with France’s premier LNB Pro A). Traore might not be a sure day-one impact player; however, a young talent with this much upside could be hard to pass up as the Nets plan long-term.

3. G/F Kasparas Jakucionis – Illinois (Lithuania)

Age: 18; Size: 6-6, 200 lbs.

With Jakucionis, you can't help but notice how he uses his size at guard and excellent court vision to elevate a case for becoming a new-age floor general at the next level. Good luck trying to point out many passers that are definitively better in this class, as the Lithuanian showcases an innate knack for breaking down defenses and creating offense for his teammates nightly at Illinois. Jakucionis checks a lot of important boxes: mature, dynamic, team player, facilitator, international experience, etc. – invaluable traits above much of the pack, which Brooklyn should strongly consider.

4. G VJ Edgecombe – Baylor (Bahamas)

Age: 19; Size: 6-5, 185 lbs.

Words like “intensity,” “explosiveness” and “bounce” are all extreme understatements when it comes to Edgecombe, the Allen Iverson Player of the Year winner who competed for the Bahamas Olympic Qualifier team in 2024. His quickness and agility applied to dominance in transition and playing above the rim, not to mention versatility guarding multiple positions, make him a more than promising two-way threat.

The project undoubtedly lies in building more offensive depth, although Edgecombe gives reason to believe he can develop into a reliable scorer while maintaining his uncanny body control, respectable jumpshot and effective selection. High-flyer in a Nets jersey? Makes sense. 

5. G/F Egor Demin – BYU (Russia)

Age: 18; Size: 6-9, 190 lbs.

Demin, a Russian native that previously played in Real Madrid’s youth system, is arguably the most unique 2025 prospect outside of Flagg given his ball handling skills and ability to create offensively for both himself and others, nonetheless at a towering six-foot-nine.

His offensive game should translate to just about any scheme out of the gate thanks to his natural instincts, effortless facilitation and trustworthy shooting mechanics, while his length also gives him an edge in disrupting passing lanes and creating turnovers on the defensive end. The more Demin’s outside shot improves, the more dangerous he becomes.

Understanding the lack of depth and flexibility faced during an all-out rebuild, finding someone who can generate impactful buckets in various roles from lead guard to small-ball forward is a must for Brooklyn.