MILWAUKEE – Brooklyn fans expected Kevin Durant to lead their team to its first NBA title.
Now, many are hoping for a local opportunity where their former star sees more of himself.
When Brooklyn committed to rebuilding, they staked a big chunk of their future organization on the lottery scheduled for next June, and Ace Bailey — a freshman at nearby Rutgers University — was one of the most touted prospects.
The power forward is often likened to Durant, and the former network agreed it was an apt comparison.
“Yes, I think so,” Durant said after leading the Phoenix Suns to a 110-100 victory over Denver on Christmas Day. “Ace is pure, pure talent. Being able to hit the ball with that kind of touch from anywhere. It's crazy the shots he can take on multiple people at that height. It's unbelievable to watch.”
Durant was great to watch. Nets fans are hoping the lottery qualifiers will be as well.
Billy would be one of the best case scenarios.
The Hall of Fame inductee Durant spent parts of four seasons in Brooklyn, the former recovering from a torn Achilles tendon before requesting a trade to Phoenix midway through the latter.
He appeared in 129 games with the franchise and averaged 29.0 points, the most in Nets (NBA) history and the highest with any team.
It was Durant's departure in February 2023, less than the departures of James Harden or Kyrie Irving, that closed the door on Brooklyn's title hopes. After struggling all last season, they finally committed to rebuilding by trading for Mikal Bridges this summer.
Now, it's a lottery pick next summer, which Nets fans are already looking forward to.
Two weeks ago, they were sitting at 15th overall in the draft.
But after point guard Dennis Schröder traded to Golden State — and dealing with the absence of leading scorer Cam Thomas — they entered Thursday night's game at Milwaukee with the seventh-worst record.
That gave them a 31.9 percent chance of being selected in the top four — a neighborhood they would need to be in to have a shot at Bailey.
Durant even compared the Rutgers star favorably to himself as an 18-year-old.
“He and his teammate Dylan Harper are playing great football. They are one of my favorite bands to watch. “But I see some of my game in the Ice,” Durant said. “I think it's part of the mid-range game. He's probably a little more advanced than I was at that age. But he's a problem. I can't wait to see his career develop.”
Nets fans will love being with them.
Bailey is generally ranked third on most mock drafts and big boards, behind teammate Harper and presumed top pick Cooper Flagg from Duke.
A 6-foot-10 guard with an impressive wingspan, his length makes him nearly impossible to guard. He's averaging 17.6 points and 7.6 rebounds with impressive range.
But the 33.3% he gets from deep needs is successful, as is his shot selection. As Durant said, the shots he can make are “insane.” But he exudes potential.
Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks has personally made no fewer than four trips down the New Jersey Turnpike to Piscataway. With Bailey (and Harper) starring at Rutgers, and with the Nets' June lottery pick as the foundation for their rebuild, there will certainly be more.
There's another connection between Durant and Billy – young Durant? — with the veteran star welcoming Bailey, Harper and two others to the Nike family with NIL deals last month.
Durant recorded a voiceover for a video saying, “They tell me you're part of the family now. Well, hello. But you haven't really shown me anything yet. When the time comes, we raise the bar. We have to deliver. Wins. Dreams. Rings. Attitude. Something.” There are no free meals at our table. Ask the Greats This family is not for everyone.
