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Five Power Forwards Brooklyn Nets Could Target in 2017 NBA Draft

By Sean Costello

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) drives to the basket against Kentucky Wildcats forward Derek Willis (35) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) drives to the basket against Kentucky Wildcats forward Derek Willis (35) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) celebrates with Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) in front of Kent State Golden Flashes guard Kevin Zabo (55) in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) celebrates with Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) in front of Kent State Golden Flashes guard Kevin Zabo (55) in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

TJ Leaf, UCLA

The UCLA Bruins are not only all about Lonzo Ball; they have some other pieces that compliment and make the game easier for him as well. One of those pieces is none other than power forward TJ Leaf.

The 6-foot-10, 225-pound freshman out of El Cajon, California played exceptionally well for the Bruins this season, averaging 16.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, while his team finished the regular season with a 29-4 record. Leaf has shown how hard he works and just how versatile his skill set is for a big man.

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He is versatile on offense and able to play both inside and outside, as well as successfully exploit mismatches. With a big frame and a skill set that includes hook shots, back-to-the-basket offense and a jumper, Leaf is a player Kenny Atkinson may be able to get a lot out of. The Nets can also possibly develop and further his skill set even more.

The 19-year-old has plenty of upside and a high ceiling to improve. His ability can be used in a variety of ways, which allows him to fit in with a number of different rotations for the Nets. He can work as a forward or center, depending on whether the Nets want to play big or small ball.

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Leaf has constantly improved and has been able to impact the game on every level he’s reached so far. A McDonald’s All American in 2016, First-Team All-PAC-12 and PAC-12 All-Freshman Team in 2017, Leaf is looking to add some NBA accomplishments to that list.

There are plenty of players to choose from in the late stages of a deep draft, but Leaf might be one of the best bets for the Brooklyn Nets. A proven scorer, rebounder and winner, Leaf may be able to jump right into the starting power forward position and dominate with the Nets next season.

Nearly four years ago, the Nets selected big man Mason Plumlee in the late stages of the 2013 NBA Draft, so maybe we can see history repeat itself.