NBA Mock Draft: Brooklyn Nets Eye French Prospect Noa Essengue at No. 8

BROOKLYN — The Brooklyn Nets might be further from contention than they’d like, but they still hold one of the most valuable trade chips in the 2025 NBA Draft: the No. 8 pick. And whether it’s used to rebuild — or flipped for a star — the pick could play a pivotal role in shaping the franchise’s direction.

In Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft, NBA insider Jonathan Wasserman projects the Nets to select Noa Essengue, a high-upside 18-year-old French forward drawing serious attention as a potential top-five talent when all is said and done.

At 6-foot-9 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan and a 9-foot-3 standing reach, Essengue has the prototypical frame of a modern power forward. What makes him even more intriguing is his athleticism — explosive in transition, rangy on defense, and efficient around the rim. He’s been making waves for German club Ratiopharm Ulm during postseason play, turning heads with his energy, footwork, and flashes of scoring growth.

“The easy baskets off rim runs, cuts and offensive rebounds have been consistent all season,” Wasserman wrote. “But he’s looking more comfortable converting off self-created drives and knocking down rhythm threes.”

While Essengue isn’t the most polished offensive weapon in this class, his on-ball potential is growing. He’s also the second-youngest player in the draft, just three days older than American phenom Cooper Flagg.

The buzz surrounding him isn’t just hype — it’s trajectory. International prospects have owned the No. 1 overall pick in back-to-back drafts, and Essengue might be next in line to make a leap. He’s already climbing boards rapidly, and Wasserman noted he could crack the top five on his personal rankings.

So what’s the bigger implication?
If the Bucks do entertain moving Giannis Antetokounmpo in the near future, Essengue is the kind of high-upside return that could reset the timeline for Milwaukee. Meanwhile, if Brooklyn opts to keep the pick, Essengue could become the foundational piece of their next era.

Either way, the Nets are positioned to make noise — whether it’s by building with raw talent or trading for a proven superstar.