Nets predicted to land Duke freshman phenom in franchise-altering move

The Brooklyn Nets might just be one move away from turning their franchise around.

Their fanbase might have to wait a year, but the potential is there.

If the Nets are bad enough in 2025-26, they'll be looking at a possible superstar at the top of the 2026 NBA Draft. In ESPN's early mock draft, they've got the Nets picking third.

And in that slot, ESPN has the Nets choosing Duke freshman Cameron Boozer.

"Boozer is one of the most productive high school players we've ever seen, with a winning résumé unmatched by any prospect in recent memory. He has an elite feel for the game, and can handle, pass, shoot and guard every position," ESPN's Jonathan Givony writes. "He brings relentless physicality, crashes the glass and takes pride in dominating his matchups inside. His outside shooting has significantly improved in the past year, as well. Boozer's first-year production could rival Cooper Flagg's, which would clearly set him up as a legitimate candidate for National Player of the Year honors, even if some NBA executives question his long-term upside."

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Boozer is the son of long-time NBA forward Carlos Boozer, and he has a twin brother, Cayden.

Cameron Boozer isn't expected to quite be Flagg, but he should still be special.

He's in contention for the No. 1 pick with Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson and BYU freshman A.J. Dybantsa.

Together, they form one of the best top-threes to a draft class in recent memory.

If the Nets come away with any of them, that's a huge win.

Brooklyn also has a key incentive to tank one more season. Their pick in 2026 is top-eight protected. If it falls between 9-30, it goes to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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