The Brooklyn Nets have a clear-cut first option in Cam Thomas. However, after the disaster that was the superstar trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, general manager Sean Marks has made it clear that he wants to rebuild steadily through the draft.
In that context, accumulating draft picks and adding a second star next to Thomas becomes priority numero uno. As a result, the 2025 NBA Draft is going to be a critical date for the Nets franchise this offseason. One analyst already has a clear name in mind that would elevate the team significantly.
Nets Could Find Running Mate for Cam Thomas
Last season, the Nets finished last in offensive rating, despite an excellent season from Thomas, where he averaged over 24 points per game. However, some of that boiled down to the lack of consistent offense outside of the flamethrowing guard.
That is where Brandon Austin of PFSN believes adding another self-creating wing could help Brooklyn significantly. In his latest mock draft, he believes Tre Johnson out of Texas is the perfect complementary piece to add to the roster.
“The Brooklyn Nets are in a transitional phase, seeking foundational pieces with long-term upside, and Tre Johnson fits the mold perfectly. While his freshman season at Texas highlighted some ball-dominant tendencies, the NBA environment could actually bring out the best in his game.”
With a three-point clip of 39..8% on close to seven attempts a game, Johnson is one of the best shooters coming out of the class, especially with a good chunk of his shots coming off the dribble.
“Johnson thrives as a movement shooter, capable of operating off the ball and punishing defenses with his deep shooting range and high release.” Even Austin believes the need for offense is impossible to ignore when looking at the Nets.
“There’s still uncertainty around Brooklyn’s offensive identity. Outside of Cam Thomas and Cam Johnson, the team lacks consistent scoring threats. At 6’6″ with a 6’10″ wingspan, the Texas freshman sensation has ideal size for a two-guard and is one of the most gifted pure scorers in the class.”
Averaging 19.9 points per game, he led the SEC in scoring with “elite shot-making ability at all three levels.” For a team still clearly rebuilding, a long-term prospect with significant upside and an NBA-ready game from the outset might be the perfect rookie.
NEWS: Texas freshman Tre Johnson, the projected No. 5 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, announced he will declare for the draft on ESPN's NBA Today.
Johnson was named SEC Freshman of the Year, after posting 19.9 points per game, shooting 37% for 3. pic.twitter.com/aPA9erRdYe
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 8, 2025
“There are clear areas for growth in Johnson’s game, particularly when it comes to finishing through contact, shot selection, and defensive consistency. Defensively, he has the tools but needs to improve his effort and awareness.
“For the Nets, Johnson offers another high-upside scoring weapon who can stretch the floor immediately and grow into a more complete offensive threat over time. He may not yet be a polished two-way star, but his offensive skill set is NBA-ready.”
With their neighbors in the city enjoying a historic playoff run, Brooklyn would like to get in on the action as well. The allure to go after a superstar, especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially on the move, is going to be a strong one.
However, the idea Marks wants to stick with might be their safest bet. All throughout the league, a plethora of teams have become perennial contenders thanks to building steadily through the draft, before adding a major piece to fit it all together.
For the Nets, making that first step is critical before they swing for the fences. With their current makeup, there might not be a better option available than Johnson, who instantly fills one major hole on the roster.
