Feb 15, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Tre Johnson (20) reacts after a win over the Kentucky Wildcats at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Could SEC Guard be Perfect Piece for Brooklyn Nets?

Originally posted on Brooklyn Nets on SI | By Alec Elijah | Last updated May 21, 2025 9:22 AM ET

It seems like a long shot that Texas Longhorns guard Tre Johnson will be available at the Nets No. 8 pick, but if he is then there should be no question that the front office should pull the trigger for a player of Johnson's caliber.

The freshman guard is coming off of a great season in the SEC where he averaged almost 20 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists.

Johnson who is listed at 6-foot-6 has earned a solid reputation as a polished scorer in his class with little offensive flaws as a shooter.

Tre Johnson is 1000% worth a top 5 pick in this year's NBA draft to me.

One of the best pure scoring prospects I have ever seen/evaluated. Ridiculous offensive weapon that will thrive in the NBA - could be an All Star in 4-5 years⭐️ pic.twitter.com/gD2ZrvxLbA
— Ryan Hammer (@ryanhammer09) May 5, 2025

While scouts and analysts have made it apparent that Johnson's defense could use some work, at only age 19 he still has plenty of time to grow with a high ceiling as an NBA player.

In early May, ESPN draft analysts Jonathon Givony and Jeremy Woo posted an NBA mock draft which was before the NBA lottery was announced that actually had the Brooklyn Nets selecting the Texas Longhorns guard.

Both analysts agreed that a valuable two-guard like Johnson could be a solid piece to build around for the Nets, who also have the most cap space amongst all the NBA teams this offseason.

Good day for Tre Johnson at the NBA draft combine. Tested well, hit 68% of his aggregate jumpers in drills, and measured a 6'10 wingspan and 37 1/2 inch vertical leap.

NBA teams are increasingly talking about him as a safe pick, with significant long-term upside to grow into. pic.twitter.com/LSsa93if9F
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 14, 2025

After an impressive NBA Combine performance, Johnson confirmed his notion to be a lottery pick during this year's draft in June.

Yet if the stars can align correctly for Brooklyn and a player of Johnson's caliber somehow falls to pick No. 8, the Nets should without a doubt select him.

There is also the possibility of the Nets trading up if the love Tre Johnson as a prospect that much thanks to all of their draft capital, but only time will tell what happens with the Nets and Tre Johnson this NBA Draft.

This article first appeared on Brooklyn Nets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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