Players to Watch in the Final Four

Michael Carter-Williams

Even though we are still a long way away from the NBA draft in June, with the NCAA Final Four coming up, it is never too early to start looking at some prospects for the Nets in the draft. As of now, the Nets only have 1 pick in the upcoming draft, their own first rounder, which will probably be a pick in the early-to-mid 20’s. Of course, Billy King has made many draft day trades in the past, so there is a good chance that the Nets will add a second round pick to go along with their first rounder.

In this article, I will take a look at some of the NBA prospects playing in this year’s Final Four so that we can keep our eye on these players when the games resume next week.

I have taken my draft predictions from nbadraft.net.

Trey Burke, Michigan, Sophomore, PG. Prediction: #12

After Burke’s impressive performance in the Sweet Sixteen against Kansas, expect his stock to rise and he should be a top 10 pick. Even though he looks like one of the best player in the pretty weak draft class, the Nets will not be interested in drafting him. Obviously, Deron Williams is their point guard of the future, and also it is doubtful that Brooklyn would want to trade into the top 10.

Glenn Robinson III, Michigan, Freshman, SF. Prediction: #14

This is a guy who will probably be a lottery pick if he decides to come out, but is still quite a ways away from being a star in the NBA. Defensively, he is pretty good, but still needs to perfect his offensive game. He will probably be off the board when the Nets make their pick.

Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan, Junior, SG. Prediction: #19

The third Michigan prospect is the son of former NBA player Tim Hardaway Sr. Hardaway is one of the more veteran players on a talented Michigan team, but I’m not sure if he’ll ever be more than a bench player in the NBA. He doesn’t have the passing skills of a point guard and is not quite big enough to be a shooting guard. He could be available when the Nets make their pick, but with this weak draft class and with Michigan’s great run, he will probably be off the board as well.

Michael Carter Williams, Syracuse, Sophomore, PG. Prediction: #22

Carter-Williams is definitely one of the most interesting prospects in the draft. I think this guy has the potential to be a very good player in the NBA. He is a very tall point guard at 6’6 and is talented. He has also been a very big part of Syracuse’s run to the Final Four. I expect him to be a lottery pick followed by his performance in the tournament, maybe even top 10.

Gorgui Dieng, Louisville, Junior, C. Prediction: #39

Dieng has been one of the best rebounders in college basketball this season and has been a double-double threat every night. However, like many centers that come out of Africa, his problem is offense. He needs to spend some time in the D-League before really contributing to an NBA team. The Nets would need to trade into the second round to acquire Dieng, because he just isn’t first round talent.

James Southerland, Syracuse, Senior, SF. Prediction: #51

Southerland has been a difference-maker for Syracuse this season, averaging 14 points and 5 rebounds per game. Still, he is projected only to be picked #51. I expect him to move up as well, but probably not into the first round. If the Nets drafted him, he would be their first true New Yorker on the roster since moving to Brooklyn. He is from Bayside in Queens.

The NBA Draft will be at the Nets former home, the Prudential Center, in June.