THE 2023 NBA Draft is set to take place later this month, with the next crop of potential superstars set to join the world’s most prestigious basketball league.

With plenty of hype around the talent in the 2023 draft class, thanks to a French phenom locked in as the number-one pick and lots of depth later down the order, June 23 (AEST) will change the future of the league in a big way.

Rookie Me Central will be continuing the NBA Draft Team Preview series, taking a look at each participating side’s draft hand and some potential options at each selection. The next side on the agenda are the Brooklyn Nets.

The Nets made a massive mid-season change to their roster by trading away superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, looking to build around some young talent. Despite trading away their two biggest names, the team still made the playoffs and showcased a young core that is set to contend in years to come.

Brooklyn now holds a trio of draft picks in 2023, and should be able to continue their building of a strong group of youth to lead the team moving forward.

Brooklyn Nets

Draft selections

21, 22, 51

Contracted players

Ben Simmons, Mikal Bridges, Spencer Dinwiddie, Joe Harris, Dorian Finney-Smith, Nicolas Claxton, Royce O’Neal, Patrick Mills, Cameron Johnson (qualifying offer), Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharp, Edmond Sumner, David Duke (qualifying offer), RaiQuan Gray (two-way contract)

With two picks in the lottery, the Nets can acquire a pair of quality players to add to one of the most versatile lists in the entire NBA. Most players on their team can play multiple positions and provide size mismatches against opposing lineups.

With the 21st pick, Brooklyn may look to continue that trend by adding someone like Jalen Hood-Schifino from the Indiana Hoosiers. At six-foot-six, he brings size to the guard position and would slot in nicely as a backcourt player, given the tools already at their disposal.

During the 2022/23 season, Hood-Schifino averaged 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game for Indiana, and has shown the ability to score using pull-up jumpshots, while also adding highlights to his game with eye-catching passes.

With the following selection, the Nets could take a gamble on an exciting prospect such as Bilal Coulibaly. While the guard is a long-term prospect, he has significant upside given his impressive athletic ability.

Playing with Victor Wembanyama over the past season, Coulibaly has caught the eye with his slashing scoring ability and capability to disrupt on the defensive end. Given they have two picks around the same mark, don’t be surprised if the Nets take the punt on him.

With their third and final pick in the draft, the Nets could target Julian Strawther if he is still on the board at 51. Known for his ability to knock down a shot off the ball, he could slot into the lineup nicely and would be a long-term replacement for Harris, who is in the twilight of his career.

The future looks bright for the Nets, who are set to add another three young guns to their team later this month with another strong draft hand.