This NBA Draft prospect makes complete sense for Nets

Could NBA Draft prospect Noa Essengue be Pippen-lite? 

Let’s face it — the Brooklyn Nets aren’t gunning for a title or a play-in spot right now. They need a complete teardown and rebuild to push the franchise forward. 

They’ve got no superstars, no clear identity and those draft picks? They're helping Boston stay dominant. That’s where Essengue comes in. He’s a bit rough around the edges but has the potential to be a solid foundation for the Nets going forward.

Imagine a mix of Scottie Pippen and Josh Smith. At 6-foot-10, the 18-year-old can defend almost anyone on the court, plays with tons of energy and shows glimpses of offensive skills — think stepbacks, aggressive drives and confident jumpers. Sure, he’s still developing, but there’s a lot to like.

So, why does Brooklyn make sense for him? It has the No. 8 pick and a fresh start. Cameron Johnson and D'Angelo Russell aren't really stars, and Cam Thomas is more of a scorer than a playmaker. What Brooklyn needs is someone who can be its anchor on both ends of the floor for years to come. Essengue might not be fully polished yet, but his potential is sky-high and he fits well into its slow rebuild plan — focusing on defense and hustle, with hints of future stardom.

French basketball talent is definitely on the rise, from Victor Wembanyama to Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr, and Essengue could be the next big thing. Scouts are starting to take notice, too.

If Jeremiah Fears and Ace Bailey are off the board, Brooklyn should go for it. Drafting Essengue isn’t just a smart move — it’s a strategic one. He won’t fill the Barclays Center seats right away, but he could be a key piece for the Nets’ future.