Did the Nets just outsmart everyone ... or fumble again?

But behind the side-eyes and skepticism, the Nets may have quietly bet big on two of Europe’s brightest young guards. The Demin-Traore duo could save basketball in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn grabbed BYU's Egor Demin at No. 9 and Nolan Traore at No. 17, doubling down on international backcourt talent. The fit is debatable but the message is loud and clear.

Cam Thomas, still without a contract extension, is eligible for a four-year, $100M deal. If the sides can't come to an agreement, expect a sign-and-trade accumulating more assets, inserting Demin and Traore as the franchise’s new direction.

Yes, both guards are 18 and both are ball-dominant and unproven, but the Nets are not trying to win now, they’re trying to reset. Demin, a 6-foot-9 creator with elite vision, pairs size with poise. Traore at 6-foot-5 brings jet-speed burst, a scoring flair and an edge. Former rivals in international play are now teammates tasked with developing chemistry and, potentially, anchoring the Nets’ rebuild.

Critics see a logjam. The optimistic view? A rare opportunity for two high-upside guards to grow together with no immediate pressure and plenty of developmental freedom.

Following the Mikal Bridges trade last offseason, Brooklyn was all-in on asset stacking and youth. The roster lacks structure, but maybe that’s the point. It’s a blank slate — and Demin and Traore are the first brushstrokes.

Whether Sean Marks’ gamble pays off remains to be seen. But make no mistake: the Nets picked a direction. One that’s bold, unconventional and brimming with potential.

Now it’s up to the kids to produce.