With three wins in four games, things could finally be stabilizing for the Brooklyn Nets (20-28), who had lost 11 of 13 and 17 of 21 as of late January. But from a standings perspective, damage has already been done, and it remains to be seen if they can overcome it.
If sustained, the beneficiary would be the Houston Rockets, who own Brooklyn’s 2024 first-round draft selection as part of the blockbuster James Harden trade from January 2021.
Entering Monday, Feb. 5, the Nets were at No. 8 in the NBA’s pre-draft lottery standings. That would create a 26.3% chance of a top-four lottery selection and a 6% shot at No. 1 overall.
Though the Rockets (23-26) are likely to lose their own first-round draft pick to Oklahoma City as part of the 2019 Chris Paul-Russell Westbrook trade, it’s worth noting that unlike the Harden-Brooklyn deal, the conveyance of Houston’s pick is top-four protected.
So, if the Rockets miss the 2023-24 Western Conference playoffs, they will actually have multiple chances — both with their own pick, and the one from Brooklyn, which they will receive no matter what — at securing a top-four pick in the first round 2024 NBA draft.
And if Houston loses its pick to the Thunder due to not winning the lottery, it’s becoming increasingly likely that the pick they receive from Brooklyn would be higher in the first-round order, anyway.
With that in mind, here’s a look at who draft experts have going to Houston (with the Brooklyn pick) in the latest wave of mock drafts. Keep in mind that the projected pick slot varies based on the exact date of each mock’s publication, since the standings change daily.
No. 8: Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor (6-foot-5 guard, 195 pounds, 19 years old)
(Projection made as of Jan. 30, 2024.)
Analysis by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman:
The Houston Rockets could add another wing in Ja’Kobe Walter, who could have the right frame, length, and shotmaking skill to serve as an interchangeable, 3-and-D wing.
The lack of creation and playmaking does reduce his margin for error as a shooter. But Walter does have a convincing catch-and-shoot game, a plug-and-play skill for off-ball scoring. And despite not being known for isolation or ball-screen offense, he’s found enough success attacking in straight lines, using runners and drawing fouls to score without needing advanced ball-handling or shiftiness.
No. 8: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
Kevin O’Connor, The Ringer: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky (6-foot-1 guard, 175 pounds, 19 years old)
(Projection made as of Jan. 24, 2024.)
Analysis by The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor:
Ah, how nice it must be to have one of the better young teams in the NBA and a potential top pick courtesy of the Nets. Fred VanVleet, at age 29, is the oldest starter on the team, and he’s under contract for only two more seasons after this one. As a speedy guard who could enhance Alperen Sengun in the two-man game and operate alongside Amen Thompson, Dillingham could be his successor.
No. 9: Izan Almansa, G League Ignite
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Izan Almansa, G League Ignite (6-foot-10 big, 230 pounds, 18 years old)
(Projection made as of Jan. 31, 2024.)
Analysis by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman:
Enough time has passed without Izan Almansa showing convincing signs of modern skills or scoring upside. Age is still on his side, but he’ll be drafted by a team realistically just banking on him providing consistent play-finishing and activity with his wide frame, instincts, hands, and timing.
No. 8 pick: Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
Tankathon: Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite (6-foot-8 wing, 209 pounds, 19 years old)
(Projection made as of Feb. 3, 2024.)
Analysis by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman:
Matas Buzelis has some of the most enticing highlight tape in the draft with his 6’8’’ size, athleticism at the rim, shotmaking, on-ball defense and fluidity attacking the paint.
The inconsistency and tendency to take a backseat have raised questions about his mentality and ability to impact games with his talent and skill set.
He’s still likely a better shooter than the current numbers suggests. And if that’s the case, it would unlock coveted versatility and the type of big-wing archetype teams often covet.
No. 8 pick: Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
NBA Draft Room: Dalton Knecht, Tennessee (6-foot-6 wing, 204 pounds, 22 years old)
(Projection made as of Feb. 1, 2024.)
A big-time shooter and a big-time athlete with a pro-ready game. Would be a dream pick for a playoff team.
No. 8 pick: Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
Cody Taylor, Rookie Wire: Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite (6-foot-8 wing, 209 pounds, 19 years old)
(Projection made as of Feb. 1, 2024.)
Analysis by Rookie Wire’s Cody Taylor:
Buzelis, whose parents are from Lithuania, missed the first eight games of the season due to an ankle injury. He used the time off to continue to work on his body and build his strength to handle the increased physicality of playing in the G League.
He, like the rest of the Ignite, has struggled at times but has flashed his unique skill set. He has a great blend of size and ballhandling skills and can seemingly get into the paint at ease by breaking down his defender at the point of attack with his dribble moves.
Buzelis is converting just 26% from 3-point range but looks to be a better shooter than his numbers may indicate. His good form and follow-through should enable him to improve with more reps with the Ignite and at the next level.
No. 8: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
NBADraft.net: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky (6-foot-1 guard, 175 pounds, 19 years old)
(Projection made as of Jan. 26, 2024.)
Analysis by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman:
His three-ball hasn’t been falling at the same rate it was earlier in the season, and DJ Wagner has inevitably cut into his playmaking. But Dillingham will remain a potential top-10 pick with persuasive ball-handling and shiftiness, shooting versatility, and passing flashes for an NBA combo guard.
