Potential Brooklyn Nets Targets in the Second Round of the 2017 NBA Draft

Picks 40-49

First, we’ll take a look at a couple players the Nets could be intrigued by in the “40-49” range.

Edmond Sumner (6’5, 170 lbs)

Age: 21

Position: Point Guard/Shooting Guard

College: Xavier

College Statistics (2016-17): 22 GP, 31. 7 MPG, 14.3 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.2 RPG

Sumner, an explosive, lanky scoring guard out of Xavier University was a player who was once regarded as a mid-late first round pick. After tearing his ACL against St. Johns late in December, he was forced to sit out for the remainder of his junior season. As a result, Sumner’s stock has declined just enough for the Nets to consider moving into position to draft him.

We witnessed a comparable situation with Caris LeVert last year, to a certain degree. If Sumner were to have stayed healthy, or opt to spend another season in college, he would most likely be viewed as a first-round talent. Here are some of his current projections:

NBADraft.net: 35th

DraftExpress: 44th

SEC Country: 48th

There have been concerns with his long-range shooting ability. On the season, he shot a frigid 27.3% from beyond the arc, but he was able to convert on his two-point opportunities at a 53.3% clip. Sumner uses his 6’8″ wingspan to his advantage when working around the basket by possessing a wide assortment of finishes.

MUST READ: Brooklyn Nets 2016-17 grades: Caris LeVert

The sample size with Sumner is relatively small, but he boasts the tools to become an effective player in the NBA. In the 9 conference games he appeared in last season, the Xavier guard posted Per 40 Minute statistics of: 20.5 PPG, 6.7 APG and 6.1 RPG. For comparisons sake, these numbers are just about on par with potential top-5 pick De’Aaron Fox.

Sumner’s length and potential alone ought to grab the Nets’ attention. He presents a sense of poise to the offense, but also recognizes when to start the fast break. He also has displayed potential as a defender, with a Defensive Rating of 104.0 in his junior season. If the Nets believe he can fully recover from his ACL tear, he might be worth the risk. Take a look:

Sumner Comparison: Shaun Livingston + Improved Shooting/Increased Explosiveness

Alec Peters (6’9, 225 lbs)

Age: 22

Position: Small Forward/Power Forward

College: Valparaiso

College Statistics (2016-17): 29 GP, 35.1 MPG, 23.0 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 2.2 APG

Draft Projections

NBADraft.net: 46th

DraftExpress: 37th

SEC Country: 41st

Alec Peters, like Sumner, has seen his draft stock decline drastically due to injury. In the beginning of March, he was diagnosed with stress fracture in his leg, which ultimately ended his college career.

The moment he arrived on campus at Valparaiso, Peters made his presence felt. During his four-year college career, Peters logged 4,250 minutes, for an average of 31.7 MPG. As a senior, he was named Horizon League Player of the Year after leading Valpo to a 14-4 conference record.

Peters lacks elite athleticism, but he posses a quick first step, plays angels well, and knows the difference between a good and bad shot. He’s able to use his solid frame and decisive quickness to create separation on offense. In college, he was a 41.6% career shooter from beyond the arc, and his quick release is something that should translate well to the NBA.

While some may question if he will play the 3 or 4 in the NBA, Kenny Atkinson has harped on the importance of having players who can play “postionless” basketball. Alec Peters embodies “postionless” basketball.

Peters Comparison: Ryan Anderson

Either of these players would be welcome additions to the current Nets roster. Obviously, both players have experienced serious injuries, but the Nets have gambled before, and it paid off.

Both of these players will be hungry to prove they belong in the NBA despite their injuries. If either of these players are still available within this pick range, the Nets could ponder packaging a combination of cash and their second-round pick to move their way up the draft board.