While the Western Conference has gotten a lot of love over the last decade for being the superior conference, the East has held its own. Boston and Milwaukee rank first and third in wins over the last decade, and each has won a title, but neither team is seen as the primed destination for young prospects. Instead, the title belongs to the Brooklyn Nets, according to the NBA Big Board’s Rafael Barlowe.
“One thing I’ve heard consistently over the last few weeks,” Barlowe said. “Brooklyn is the favorite destination for a lot of prospects—and a lot of agents.”
Why Eastern Conference Team Is Surprisingly Becoming A Hotbed For Young Prospects
Since 2015, Boston has had the most wins in the NBA and is one of two teams with 500 victories, alongside the Golden State Warriors. The Celtics have been a model of consistency during this stretch, which includes making two NBA Finals — winning in 2024. The Bucks have been nearly as consistent, making the playoffs nine times during this stretch and winning the 2021 title.
Toronto (No. 7), Miami (No. 8), Cleveland (No. 9), Indiana (No. 11), and Philadelphia (No. 13) have accumulated 400+ wins and maintained a winning record over the past 10 years. The Raptors and the Cavaliers have also won an NBA Championship.
Meanwhile, the Nets have not advanced to the Eastern Conference finals since relocating to Brooklyn. The Nets have missed the playoffs in the last two seasons, accumulating a total of 56 wins. Since moving to Brooklyn in 2012-13, the Nets have a losing record (446-518), though they have reached the postseason in eight of 13 seasons.
Brooklyn finished with the sixth-worst record in the NBA last season at 26-56. The Nets dealt with numerous injuries and transactions last year, as they had 24 players appear in a game and used 44 different starting lineups. As a result of the lack of continuity, the Nets were one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA this past season. They ranked 28th in offensive efficiency, 29th in points per game, and 29th in field goal percentage.
Why The Nets Are Now A Destination For Young Prospects
Brooklyn has four first-round picks and five selections overall in 2025. Moreover, the Nets have seven selections over the next two years and 29 through 2031.
Barlowe said that there are two significant reasons why Brooklyn has become a destination for prospects. He mentioned that the size of the New York market, which equates to having potential off-court appeal in terms of brand deals and exposure, and more importantly, the Nets can offer immediate playing time.
Brooklyn only has five players locked into the roster as the NBA heads into the busy portion of its offseason. The Nets have four players with team options: Keon Johnson, Jalen Wilson, Tyrese Martin, and Drew Timme. Timme, Wilson, and Johnson’s deals don’t become fully guaranteed until January 10.
Restricted free agent Cam Thomas wants to return to Brooklyn, and the Nets will likely make re-signing him a priority. It will be interesting to see if Day’Ron Sharpe will also return. However, Sharpe may have to wait for a while to see what the Nets truly want to do this offseason. Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton have been mentioned as trade candidates.
Brooklyn needs a talent upgrade overall. The Nets’ most significant needs are offensive playmakers. However, in terms of positions, adding talented guards will likely be a priority, particularly those who can play the point guard position.
Brooklyn’s first-round picks are the No. 7 pick, No. 19, No. 26, and No. 27. The Nets also own the No. 36 selection in the second round. There has also been chatter that the Nets will trade up into the top five of the draft.
Photo Credit: © Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images
The post Why Eastern Conference Team Is Surprisingly Becoming A Hotbed For Young Prospects appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.