2023 Mock Draft 2.0: Spurs roll the dice, Hornets win Wembanyama sweepstakes

The Brooklyn Nets are now up at the podium for two picks in a row, and I think they’ll be approaching this draft as if they’re starting over from square one. The team still holds onto some very good young players in Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Nic Claxton, and a few others, but I think it’s more likely than not that most of them end up leaving the team within the next few seasons, if not the next few months.

With the first of their two picks, the Nets select Indiana freshman Jalen Hood-Schifino, who at this point in the draft is likely the highest-upside lead guard prospect available. Hood-Schifino has great positional size for a point guard, standing at about 6’6”, is one of the most poised pick-and-roll playmakers in his class, and has upside as a scorer on all three levels.

A lack of scoring consistency is why Hood-Schifino fell so far in this mock draft, as he only hit about 33% of his threes on the season and only shot 2.4 free throws per game. But the Nets of all teams should have plenty of time and patience to iron out his woes as a scorer, making this one of the better landing spots for Hood-Schifino long term.