There are two ACC forwards that the Brooklyn Nets should consider drafting at the back end of the first round: Tyler Lydon and Caleb Swanigan.
While the Brooklyn Nets got good offensive production from the center position this past season, the four spot was more in flux. The combination of Trevor Booker and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was solid on the defensive end but their scoring left something to be desired.
This was particularly true from the perimeter. Most competitive teams in today’s NBA have a stretch four who is a three point threat. Sean Marks has identified this need for the team and can address in the draft.
Tyler Lydon, a sophomore out of Syracuse University is one option. He average 13.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game this past season, while also sprinkling in a few assists, blocks, and steals. At 6-foot-9, he has one of the smoothest shots of any prospect his size in this draft. When he’s on, the ball doesn’t even touch the rim.
A native of Hudson, New York, his two years at Syracuse were very consistent. He shot 47 percent from the floor and 40 percent from the perimeter. His biggest improvement was from the free throw line, where his shooting percentage increased by six percent to nearly 84 percent overall.
The Nets shot the most three pointers in the NBA last season, but made very few of them. Lydon provides another scoring option outside, which could also free up the paint more for Lopez and the guards.
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Caleb Swanigan out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, stayed close to home and attended Purdue University. Swanigan is also around 6-foot-9 but at nearly 250 pounds, he is a more conventional power forward. He posted major improvement in every statistical category this past season compared to his freshmen season.
His averages of 18.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and three assists per game helped lead the Boilermakers to the Sweet Sixteen. They also earned him Big Ten Player of the Year honors.
The biggest surprise however, was his shooting: Swanigan shot nearly 53 percent from the floor and almost 45 percent from the three point line. His free throw percentage rose 7 percentage points to a respectable 78 percent.
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Lydon is more athletic and has a more pure jump shot that could translate well into the next level. Swanigan has better rebounding ability and paint presence, while still being able to knock down some outside shots. He could thrive alongside Brook Lopez.
If he doesn’t decide to go for international players, Sean Marks wouldn’t be faulted for drafting either of these prospects at #27. Considering the two biggest needs on the Nets are forwards and shooters, both Lydon and Swanigan fit the bill. Though they do so in different ways.
Both these ACC forwards have a good chance to be solid NBA contributors in the coming years.