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Brooklyn Nets’ Rebuild in Early Stages of “The Process”

By Christian Milcos

Jan 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Sixers win 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Sixers win 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) reacts with guard Nik Stauskas (11) and guard TJ McConnell (1) against Brooklyn Nets in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Sixers win 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) reacts with guard Nik Stauskas (11) and guard TJ McConnell (1) against Brooklyn Nets in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Sixers win 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /

Differences in Nets’ and Sixers’ Rebuilds

The obvious discrepancy in this comparison is the difference in draft picks between these two situations. However, when analyzing the picks the Sixers have made since starting the rebuilding process, they have yet to make a “safe” pick in the draft. They have taken many players with heavy baggage that many teams would be scared off by.

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The Nets have in fact taken a similar approach (i.e. Chris McCullough, Caris LeVert, Juan Pablo Valuet). Both of these teams have swung for the fences with their picks as of recent. While their respective draft positions may be different, the Nets and Sixers have been anything but conservative with their selections.

These risky selections have varying chances of turning into steals. The Sixers certainly hit it big with Embiid and Saric, but who’s to say that LeVert or whoever the Nets’ 2017 picks turn into (Bam Adebayo anyone?) can’t turn into a great value for where they are drafted? LeVert as of recent is looking more and more like a prototypical NBA wing. The likelihood of the Nets selecting a player with Embiid-level potential in the 20’s is quite slim. However, being able to nab an eventual solid starter would suffice, considering Brooklyn’s draft pick situation.

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Embiid’s career prior to this season had been riddled by injuries, setbacks and comparisons to Greg Oden. Yet, the potential for greatness was always there, as some even compared him to Hakeem Olajuwon prior to the 2014 NBA Draft. Embiid made his debut early this season and almost immediately confirmed that when healthy, he will be one of the most dominant big men in the league.

He is in large part why there has been a buzz around the Sixers this season that hasn’t been felt since the Iverson days. This optimism is what will signal a turning point for the Nets. Once there is evidence of one of Marks’ risks paying off in a franchise-changing way, Brooklyn will be comparable to this year’s Sixers.