In this draft class Ryan Kalkbrenner is a guy who should stand out. He might not be the most flashiest pick, but sometimes what you dont need that, sometimes all you need is a reliable, smart, and disciplined big who can do the dirty work and grow alongside the young Nets core. If Brooklyn wants to build a strong foundation, this is exactly the kind of player they should be targeting with their late first-round pick.
Brooklyn’s center situation is shaky, to say the least. Nic Claxton is on the trading block,and most likely going to be traded to a contentender this offseason. Even their number two option in Day’Ron Sharpe is heading into restricted free agency leaving the Nets need to try and figure out who is going to protect the rim and grab rebounds moving forward. That is where Ryan Kalkbrenner comes into play.
At 7’1” with a 7’5” wingspan, Kalkbrenner is a paint beast like few others in the 2025 draft class. The guy is not just tall, he is a defensive maestro, winning the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award in four straight years thanks to his timing, discipline, and ability to swat shots without fouling. His 2.7 blocks per game last season ranked him near the top in college basketball, which tells you how much of a nightmare he can be for opponents trying to score inside.
What does he bring to table offensively?
Offensively, Kalkbrenner is not the most flashy guy. He is not someone who will be breaking ankles or pulling up for step-back threes every possession. Instead, he has a great ability in finishing around the rim, setting solid screens, and making smart plays. He’s got surprisingly soft hands for a seven-footer and a reliable touch, especially on pick-and-rolls and lobs. Oh, and did I mention he runs the floor with effort and fluidity? For a big man, that is a big plus. What is more, he has added a reliable perimeter shot to his game, knocking down over 34% from three-point range on limited attempts, and boasts nearly an 80% accuracy at the free-throw line.
With Claxton potentially on his way out and Sharpe still up in the air as a restricted free agent, adding someone like Kalkbrenner gives Brooklyn a solid, long-term piece at center. He brings the rim protection and finishing ability that every team needs and can be the anchor of a defense hungry for stability.