The Brooklyn Nets should target best available in the draft

Now that D’Angelo Russell is in town, the Brooklyn Nets may want to rethink their draft strategy.

As of Tuesday, the Brooklyn Nets made a splash in the NBA via trade.  Trading Brook Lopez and the 27th pick in the draft, the team brought in exciting young guard D’Angelo Russell. Although it’s sad to see the Nets legend Lopez leave, this opens the door for a new era in Brooklyn. The team is set up to have a young and electric roster next year to further the rebuild process.

D’Angelo Russell brings great shooting and lethal potential but Brook Lopez’s offensive production and floor spacing ability will need to be replaced. The only remaining centers on the team are recently acquired Timofey Mozgov and backup center Justin Hamilton. Neither of these big men seem to have the ability to replace Lopez’s production.

Luckily, the NBA Draft is tomorrow night and the Nets managed to still have a first round pick this year. At No. 22 there are still many intriguing prospects who will hopefully be on the board. Without Lopez and the 27th pick the obvious answer to the draft would be to find a replacement for Lopez. It’s important for the Nets to look past this and stick to the best available on their draft board. Finding an immediate replacement for Lopez may be enticing, but it’s important for the team to fill the team with more young, talented basketball players.

With this idea in mind, I believe there are three great fits that Sean Marks should consider with the 22nd pick.