MILWAUKEE — Brooklyn fans expected Kevin Durant to lead the team to its first-ever NBA title.
Now, many are hoping the former star will land a local prospect who has high hopes for himself.
When Brooklyn embarked on a rebuild, they staked much of their future foundation on next June's lottery pick, and Ace Bailey, a freshman from nearby Rutgers University, was one of the most popular prospects. .
The muscular forward is often likened to Durant, and the former Netizen agreed that's an apt comparison.
“Yeah, I think so,” Durant said after leading the Phoenix Suns to a 110-100 victory over Denver on Christmas Day. “Ace is a pure, unadulterated talent. He can hit the ball from anywhere with that kind of touch. The shots he can take down multiple guys with that length are insane. It's incredible to see. I can't help it.''
Durant was incredible to watch. And Nets fans hope the same goes for whoever wins the lottery.
Bayley would be one of the best-case scenarios.
Durant, a Hall of Fame hopeful, spent parts of four seasons in Brooklyn, the first recovering from a torn Achilles tendon and requesting a trade to Phoenix midway through the second half.
He played in 129 games with the franchise and averaged 29.0 points, the most in Nets (NBA) history and the best of any team.
It was Durant's departure in February 2023, though not as much as James Harden or Kyrie Irving, that closed the door on Brooklyn's title hopes. They struggled last season, but this summer they traded away Mikal Bridges and finally started rebuilding.
Now, Nets fans are already paying close attention to next summer's lottery.
Two weeks ago, they were sitting 15th in the draft order.
But after shipping point guard Dennis Schroder to Golden State and dealing with the absence of leading scorer Cam Thomas, the team entered Thursday night's game in Milwaukee with the seventh-worst record.
This gives them a 31.9 percent chance of a top-four pick, but they would need to be in the region to have a chance of landing Bailey.
Durant even compared favorably to the Rutgers star in his 18-year-old self.
“He and teammate Dylan Harper are playing great ball. They're one of my favorite teams, but I see some of my own play in the aces,” Durant said. . “I think he's a mid-range player. He's probably a little more advanced than I was at that age. But he has his issues. I can't wait to see his career grow. yeah.”
Nets fans will be happy to be with them.
Most mock drafts and big boards have Bailey ranked No. 3 behind teammate Harper and Duke University's presumed top pick Cooper Flagg.
The 6-foot-10-inch guard has an impressive wingspan and is nearly impossible to guard due to his length. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.6 rebounds, an impressive feat.
But his 33.3% from deep requires effort, as does his shot selection. As Durant said, his shot is “insane.” But he has potential.
And Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks has personally traveled the New Jersey Turnpike to Piscataway at least four times. With Bailey (and Harper) flourishing at Rutgers and the Nets betting on a June lottery pick as the foundation of a rebuild, more is sure to come.
There's another connection between Durant and Bailey — a mini Durant? The veteran superstar welcomed Bayley, Harper and two others to the Nike family last month with NIL deals.
Durant recorded the video narration.“I've been told you're part of the family now. Welcome. But you guys haven't shown me anything yet. When the time comes, I'll raise the bar. I have to deliver. Win.” A dream. No free food at our table. This family isn't for everyone. Let's see: I'm watching.
