‘Lottery’ Big Board (Picks 11-21)
Before dealing the 27th pick in the Lopez trade, Brooklyn was looking to package the 22nd and 27th picks to move higher in the draft.
Brooklyn Nets are looking to package their two first-round picks (22, 27) to move up in the draft, league sources told Basketball Insiders.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 20, 2017
Now, it seems extremely unlikely this can happen due to the lack of available assets the Nets possess.
However, if we’ve learned one thing during Sean Marks’ time as Nets GM, it’s to expect the unexpected.
In the previous two editions, I listed three players who were likely to be drafted outside of the top 10, but before the Nets’ 22nd overall pick.
Here, instead of only listing my top 3, I’ll give the full list.
Collins’ potential and athleticism could make him a top 10 pick on draft night, but most mocks have him in the 11-16 range. He has the tools to become one of the best players in this entire draft.
Kennard could very easily be taken in the top 10. The Knicks and Lakers are reportedly interested. Adding a shooter like Kennard to help create lanes for Lin and Russell would be a big addition.
Maybe the most fundamentally sound big in the draft. Shot 67% from inside the three-point line, and connected on 10 of his 21 three-point attempts in his freshman season with the Zags. Extremely efficient.
The Knicks brought in Mitchell for their final workout before deciding what to do with the 8th pick. Not only is he an addition talent-wise for whoever selects him, but also an immediate upgrade to the culture of the organization. He impressed the Pistons during his recent workout.
Adebayo was listed 3rd on my potential picks for the 22nd spot in the previous editions. The only weakness in his game seems to be his offensive ceiling, but something tells me he hasn’t come close to revealing his full repertoire. Watch his pro day workout, his shot is far from ‘broken.’
At 6’8″, Jackson would be a nice complement to Caris LeVert on the wing. He can shoot it from deep, and is a capable playmaker. He’d fit well in Kenny Atkinson’s system.
Most, if not all of these players will be selected before the Nets’ 22nd pick. However, if Brooklyn somehow pulls off a trade to move up, I believe one of these players will be the reason.