Nets Eye Athletic Wing in NBA Draft

The Brooklyn Nets are poised to add to their roster in the 2026 NBA Draft, holding two second-round selections at picks 33 and 43. This positions them to explore a wider range of potential prospects.

Among those considered is Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal, a physically gifted player who spent two years at Virginia Commonwealth before transferring. Lawal is celebrated for his elite athleticism, showcased through ferocious dunks and a strong ability to finish in the paint.

Defensively, Lawal has proven to be a formidable rim protector, averaging a career-high 1.1 blocks in his final season with the Hokies. His athleticism allows him to cover significant ground off-ball and time his jumps effectively for blocks.

However, Lawal's shooting ability presents a significant area for development. He shot just 25% from beyond the arc last season and 37.1% in the 2024-25 season. Improving his three-point shot and free-throw percentage, where he's a career 67% shooter, is crucial for his NBA readiness.

Mock drafts project Lawal as a late-second-round pick, with some outlets placing him as high as the 53rd or 57th overall selection. For the Nets to acquire him, they would likely need to use their 43rd pick, trade down, or hope he goes undrafted, as they do not hold a pick in the 50s.