The Brooklyn Nets are teetering on the edge. What started as a season filled with cautious optimism is now veering dangerously close to a full-blown collapse. With trade rumors swirling around names like Michael Porter Jr., Cam Thomas, and Nic Claxton, the Nets find themselves at a crossroads - and the solution might not be found in the trade market or on the current roster.
Instead, the advice making the rounds is a little more forward-thinking: look to the future. Specifically, the 2026 NBA Draft.
This Saturday, and the one after, could be pivotal for Brooklyn’s front office - not because of a blockbuster trade or a must-win game, but because of what’s happening in college gyms across the country. The Nets have a golden opportunity to get eyes on the next generation of elite talent, and it’s being suggested they take full advantage.
Here’s what’s on the scouting calendar: Kansas’ Darryn Peterson is set to face off against BYU’s AJ Dybantsa at Allen Fieldhouse this Saturday - a showdown between the top two projected picks in the 2026 draft. Then, the following Saturday, Duke’s Cameron Boozer will square off against North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson in a classic rivalry matchup that also features two more projected top-four picks.
The message is clear - this is where Brooklyn needs to be. Whether it’s General Manager Sean Marks, head coach Jordi Fernandez (whose team has the day off), or top scouts, the Nets should be courtside for these games. Because if this season continues to spiral, the next franchise cornerstone might be playing in one of these matchups.
Let’s break down the names worth watching:
AJ Dybantsa is making a serious push for the No. 1 overall pick. The Massachusetts native just dropped a jaw-dropping 43 points against in-state rival Utah, adding to what’s already been a dominant season for the BYU star.
He’s averaging 23.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, and has notched 13 games with 20 or more points. His scoring ability, athleticism, and East Coast roots make him a compelling fit for a Brooklyn team in search of a new identity.
Darryn Peterson, meanwhile, is holding strong as a top-tier prospect at Kansas. He’s averaging 21.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, with six 20-point outings under his belt. Peterson’s game is polished and efficient - he’s a three-level scorer with the kind of poise that translates well to the next level.
Then there’s Cameron Boozer, who brings both production and pedigree. The son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cameron is putting up 23.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game for Duke. He’s got the size, skill, and basketball IQ that scouts love, and he’s doing it all under the bright lights of Durham - just like his dad did.
Caleb Wilson, Boozer’s in-state rival at North Carolina, is another potential one-and-done talent. He’s averaging 19.9 points and 10.1 rebounds, and his two-way versatility has scouts buzzing. Wilson’s blend of size and agility makes him a matchup nightmare, and he’s quickly climbing draft boards.
For the Nets, these next two Saturdays could be more important than any game on their current schedule. If this season is indeed slipping away, the focus needs to shift toward the future - and that future might be taking shape in college arenas right now.
Brooklyn doesn’t need to panic. But it does need to plan.
And planning starts with identifying the next face of the franchise. Whether it’s Dybantsa’s explosive scoring, Peterson’s all-around game, Boozer’s NBA-ready frame, or Wilson’s upside, the answers might already be out there - they just need to be watching.