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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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Feb 19, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets new general manager Sean Marks speaks to the media during a press conference before a game against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets new general manager Sean Marks speaks to the media during a press conference before a game against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Isaiah Hartenstein, Germany

When WFAN “The Fan” sports radio sat down with Kenny Atkinson and Sean Marks earlier this month, Marks mentioned that he would be taking a trip overseas to scout some of the talent and has said multiple times that the Nets are going to be very international. Remember: Marks made these comments just one day before the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

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Marks’ remarks spread a good message: not only did fans see he was trying to scour and search all around, even overseas, for talent, but he could have easily taken the easy route and went to Buffalo to start his scouting there. Instead, Marks hopped on a plane and took a flight overseas to check out some players that can add some international flavor to the Nets’ roster next season.

One guy who can add that international flavor to the team is Isaiah Hartenstein. The German-American hasn’t been heard of by many, but he is a guy who is following a path similar to the ones Kristaps Porzingis and Dragan Bender followed in the previous two drafts.

Hartenstein, similar to Porzingis and Bender, averaged low points per game totals overseas, yet were highly thought of and looked at.

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Porzingis, of course, has turned into one of the NBA’s most exciting and talented young players, while Bender has shown signs of being a good player, but has been sidelined with an injury for more than half of the season. So, it’s hard to tell what Hartenstein will be able to do at the next level, but he does have some good qualities.

Hartenstein is a 6-foot-11, 18-year-old who weighs 249 pounds and has a 7-foot-2 wingspan. Just his frame alone is impressive. Not to mention; Hartenstein is skilled at creating his own shot out on the perimeter and can dribble, control the ball and crossover well, an unusual trait for a big man. Another unusual trait he has shown is he is able to operate as the ball-handler in pick-and-roll situations, making it tough on opposing teams and players to defend such plays well.

Additionally, despite his low scoring totals, Hartenstein has had big games and shown his ability to score the basketball. This is a big key when it comes to international prospects and their abilities to translate their games over to the next level.

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Nevertheless, Hartenstein can be looked at similarly to Caris LeVert, a risk worth taking for a Nets team that has been looking to fix their problems. Taking good risks can be rewarding for them going forward.