With the Brooklyn Nets losing out on a top 3 pick for the second year in a row, they will look to continue their late draft success. Will they take a gamble on Melo Trimble to look to continue this trend?
On June 22 2017, the Brooklyn Nets will hold the 22, 27 and 57 picks in the 2017 NBA Draft. With plenty of highly regarded players most likely still available once it’s the Nets turn to pick, they are lucky to own not just one but two first round draft picks, albeit in the later stages of the round. Many names have popped up for the Nets. They include Duke forward Harry GIles and German big man Isaiah Hartenstein. One name that has been lost in the mix is Maryland guard Melo Trimble.
Now, Trimble is not projected to be a first round pick, but with the Nets history of buying or trading for second round picks, as well as them holding pick number 57, it is very possible for the Nets to draft him, or possibly even sign him as a free agent if he is not one of sixty men selected on draft night.
According to Chase Hughes of csnmidatlantic.com, Trimble has already met and worked out for three teams, the Wizards, Bulls and the Nets. The Washington native would go on to express excitement in potentially playing for the Wizards. He would also go on to state, “Whenever my name is called I’m just gonna go out there and produce.”
MUST READ: 5 overlooked salary dump candidates you forgot about
That mentality along with the way Trimble carries himself is a big part of what the Nets are trying to create and implement with their new culture. Sean Marks and Kenny Atkinson have often talked about what a Nets player looks like and last year’s first round draft pick, Caris LeVert, was a name Marks had even cited as an example.
On the basketball side of things, Trimble averaged 16.8 points, three rebounds and three assists in 33 games during his junior year at Maryland. The 6’3 guard is not listed in many mock drafts, which can play to the Nets advantage.
MUST Read: Brooklyn Nets should target Isaiah Hartenstein
Trimble’s low stock gives the Nets potentially two options if they choose to pursue him. They can either elect to draft him at 57 if he’s still available. They could also wait to see if he’s chosen with the final three picks. If not, they can sign him. The Nets also can trade up to get him or even buy a second rounder. With three picks already, and 14 players under contract for next season, it doesn’t seem likely.
Next: How Tony Snell does and doesn't fit with the Brooklyn Nets
It is uncertain whether veteran guard Randy Foye will be returning to the team for another season. With that said, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Nets replace Foye with a young guard who won’t cost them much. That means he may be drafted or signed after the draft by the team.
No matter which way the Nets would choose to pursue Melo Trimble, it seems like doing so would be a very smart idea on their part. The revolving door of guards continues to turn in Brooklyn, and on June 22, it may be very smart for the Nets to let Trimble push the door open and enter the building himself.