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Nets NBA Draft: 5 things Brooklyn can do with 19th overall pick

By Collin Helwig

Nicolas Claxton #33 of the Brooklyn Nets dunks against the Milwaukee Bucks during their game at Barclays Center on January 18, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Nicolas Claxton #33 of the Brooklyn Nets dunks against the Milwaukee Bucks during their game at Barclays Center on January 18, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 31: RJ Hampton of the Breakers reacts in the dressing room ahead of the round 18 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Adelaide 36ers at Spark Arena on January 31, 2020 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /

5. Draft Someone at 19

Almost no other NBA general manager drafts better during each round’s back end than Sean Marks, having selected team standouts Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, and Rodions Kurucs while still handcuffed to the consequences brought upon by Billy King. With that noted, the Nets might look to fall back on their already proven draft excellence, refraining from any creative pre-arrangements and selecting a player with the pick.

When looking at today’s unreliable, yet always intriguing mock drafts, most see the Nets selecting RJ Hampton, Tre Jones, or Patrick Williams. After jumping to New Zealand to raise his stock, Hampton definitely brings an exciting feel to this draft’s later portion with his explosiveness, crafty play style, and speed, which The Ringer described as “Forrest Gump-like.” However, his jump shot still requires some work, as does his defensive decision-making. Due to the team’s already loaded roster, though, Hampton remains a solid choice, as a prospect likely to sit often and develop his play for the future while the team contends now.

Unlike Hampton, Jones enters the draft with an exceptional defensive tool, potentially ready to contribute immediately. Although Nets remain stacked at the guard spot with Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie, LeVert, Garrett Temple, as well as even Tyler Johnson and Chris Chiozza if you care to include them at this point, Jones’ defensive skills come as an asset which few guards formerly mentioned specifically specialize in. This may prompt the Nets to select him come draft night and potentially award him some minutes as a rookie whenever Irving and Dinwiddie need a quick breather.

Williams could potentially solve the team’s undying need for a strong option at the power forward spot with his 6-11, 225 pound frame. Also bringing a jump shot that extends beyond the 3-point arc to the table, Williams undoubtedly feels like a perfect match for Brooklyn. However, drafting Williams likely decreases the team’s odds to pursue fan favorite free agent option Serge Ibaka this offseason, who undeniably would help a team looking to win now by far more substantial measures. Furthermore, Nic Claxton’s weighs into this discussion as well, already bringing similar assets to the table, coming into his sophomore year as a prospect far too young to cast aside for another at this point.

Beyond these three, other options to keep an eye on include Arizona wing Josh Green (12.0 points,  4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game), Washington forward Jaden McDaniels (13.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists per game), Villanova forward Saddiq Bey (16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game), and Maryland center Jalen Smith (15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game).