Nets projected to take Duke F Cameron Boozer 3rd in 2026 NBA Draft

The Brooklyn Nets are done with their 2025-26 regular season and now, they can turn their attention to offseason matters, such as who to take in the 2026 NBA Draft. Brooklyn is one of multiple teams hoping to get lucky from the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, but if the Nets were to keep their third overall pick, they are projected to take one of the best players in the class.

"Now the question entering the draft process is whether his production, skill level, versatility and intangibles will be enough to ease concerns over his athletic or defensive limitations when AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson may be on the board," Jonathan Wasserman wrote for Bleacher Report. Wasserman projects the Nets to take Duke forward Cameron Boozer with the third overall pick, if that's where they end up.

"There isn't much left Boozer can show to change the minds of scouts who visualize more upside with Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson or Wilson," Wasserman continued. "He's shooting better from three (39.1 percent) on higher volume than Dybantsa, has a 26.0 assist percentage that tops Peterson, Dybantsa and lottery guards like Keaton Wagler and Brayden Burries, and grades in Synergy Sports' 90th percentile or better in ball‑screen and isolation possessions."

Boozer, 18, ended his 2025-26 season with averages of 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 55.6% from the field and 39.1% from three-point land on 3.6 attempts per game. At this point the draft cycle, Boozer is considered to be the third-best player in the class behind BYU forward AJ Dybantsa and Kansas guard Darryn Peterson. Boozer's profile seems complete, but there are some weaknesses in his game.

"Even with that profile, there is still lingering concern about his lack of quickness, vertical pop and defensive projection... there will still be evaluators who'll worry that he'll lack the height or athleticism to continue creating advantages in the NBA," Wasserman explained. Boozer, listed at 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, should have the bulk to stick around in the league, but the belief is that his skill set should make up for his lack of height at the power forward spot.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets projected to take Duke F Cameron Boozer 3rd in 2026 NBA Draft