The Brooklyn Nets wrapped up their 2024–25 campaign with a disappointing 26–56 record, finishing 12th in the East. Their offensive rating of 108.1 ranked near the bottom of the league, as the team leaned heavily on Cam Thomas for shot creation.
The Nets also lacked consistent scoring this season, but with four first-round picks, their backcourt could be due for a serious shake-up at the 2025 NBA Draft. One analyst predicts that Brooklyn will use its first pick to address both playmaking and scoring areas, selecting an Illinois guard at No. 8 overall.
Brooklyn Nets Predicted To Select Illinois Guard at No. 8 Overall in 2025 NBA Draft
In USA Today’s latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft by Lorenzo Reyes, Jeff Zillgitt, and James Williams, the Nets are predicted to use the No. 8 pick on Kasparas Jakučionis, who averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in his lone season at Illinois.
“Jakučionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer,” the USA Today wrote. “He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders.
“Jakučionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. He struggled offensively at the end of the season, shooting 32.5% from the field and committing 24 turnovers in the final four games. He had 16 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament victory against Xavier.”
The Nets haven’t had many long-term solutions in the backcourt behind Thomas, and Jakučionis offers a mix of shot creation, tempo control, and scoring variety. His ball-handling and feel for the game stood out in the Big Ten, especially in pick-and-roll and handoff actions.
Kasparas Jakucionis P&R playmaking/scoring tape.
26% AST (1.27 A/TO) — 94th %-ile in P&R handling possessions. pic.twitter.com/gaj1ZRqqat
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) June 1, 2025
However, Jakučionis still has limitations. His 3-point percentage (31.8%) suggests room for growth as a shooter. While he’s effective off the catch, his spot-up scoring and transition offense need polish. Defense, as USA Today highlighted, also remains a concern, but his ability to read the floor and get to his spots gives him a solid floor as a contributor.
PFSN’s Projection For Nets and Jakučionis
In PFSN’s latest NBA mock draft by Ian Cummings, the Illinois guard was taken off the board even before the Nets could make their pick, forcing the franchise to instead select a high upside forward in Arizona’s Carter Bryant.
“As a freshman, Carter Bryant put up modest numbers, 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, and didn’t flash much playmaking,” Cummings wrote. “But he’s just 19 and loaded with physical tools.
“At 6-foot-8, 220 pounds, with a seven-foot wingspan and 39.5-inch vertical, Bryant is a prototype wing. He’s strong, bouncy, and shot 37% from 3. He could help right away in a 3-and-D role and grow into much more in Brooklyn’s rebuild.”
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans selected Jakučionis at No. 7 despite the team having two efficient players at his position, Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson.