The Brooklyn Nets selected UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau with the 43rd overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, adding a proficient shooter to a young and evolving roster. Bilodeau, 22, was not present in the green room during the draft and is expected to join the team on a two-way contract, splitting time between the Nets and their G-League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.
Brooklyn had already made its major first-round selections on Tuesday, picking Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. at No. 6 and agreeing in principle to acquire the rights to Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson, the 28th pick, from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves used the No. 33 pick the Nets sent in the reported trade for Julius Randle to select Duke sharpshooter Isaiah Evans.
Bilodeau stands out as one of the draft’s best shooting frontcourt players. In his senior season at UCLA, he averaged 17.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, shooting 51.8% from the field while converting 46.4% of his 3-point attempts on a high volume of 4.5 attempts per game. Additionally, he shot 87.3% from the free-throw line. At 6-foot-8, 228 pounds, with a wingspan just shy of 7-foot-1, Bilodeau offers a potential stretch-four option who can space the floor, a skill in demand for a Nets roster that is considered young and frontcourt-heavy.
Although Bilodeau lacks elite athleticism and rim protection capabilities, his reliable outside shooting provides a valuable offensive weapon. His ability to stretch the defense could open driving lanes for teammates and complement Brooklyn’s style of play. The Nets currently have multiple forwards, including starters Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr., as well as recently drafted Jefferson and young players Noah Clowney, Danny Wolf, and Josh Minott, making the frontcourt competitive.
Bilodeau’s path to consistent minutes may depend on his development beyond shooting, as his defensive impact and versatility are less pronounced. At 22, he is older than many prospects, which could limit his upside, but his steady improvement in shooting accuracy through his collegiate career highlights a positive trajectory.
His basketball lineage is notable: his father, Brent Bilodeau, was a first-round NHL draft pick, while his mother, Cass Bauer-Bilodeau, played professionally in the WNBA.
Overall, the Nets have added players who fit different roles—Brown as a versatile guard, Jefferson as a physical and flexible forward, and Bilodeau as a specialized shooter—reflecting a broader strategy to assemble young talent with complementary skills. Bilodeau's reliable shooting provides a foundation for growth, particularly in a roster undergoing significant changes following the reported Randle trade, which is expected to reshape Brooklyn's frontcourt composition.