Nets Eye Stanford’s Ebuka Okorie as Draft Prospect in 2026

The Brooklyn Nets hold the sixth overall selection in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, a drop from their initial third position following the Lottery results. With the draft date set for June 23, the organization is assessing various prospects as they prepare to make their choice.

One player gaining attention is Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie, who has seen his stock rise significantly in recent months. Bleacher Report analyst Jonathan Wasserman highlighted Okorie in his top-75 rankings, stating, "Okorie was my biggest April/May riser after going back through film." Despite concerns regarding his size for the professional level, Okorie's impressive average of 23.2 points per game during the 2025-26 season has not gone unnoticed.

Wasserman noted, "But he also had no choice but to lock in on scoring for his particular lineup," emphasizing Okorie's role in generating offense. His skills as a ball-handler and his quickness stand out, with a remarkable 250 attempts at the rim showcasing his attacking ability. Additionally, Okorie managed a solid shooting percentage from beyond the arc at 35.4% on 178 attempts, along with an impressive 51.6% on floaters.

As the pre-draft process unfolds, the Nets have been linked to various other prospects, including Illinois’ Keaton Wagler and Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. However, Okorie's potential remains intriguing, especially as mock drafts suggest a wide range for his selection, with some predicting he may not be picked until the latter part of the first round.

After an impressive freshman season where he averaged 23.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 46.5% from the field, Okorie faces the challenge of proving that his size will not hinder his performance at the next level. For the Nets, who are searching for high-upside talent, Okorie could be an appealing option.