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Brooklyn Nets: Prospects to look at before the 2020 NBA Draft

By Aaron Notis

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 20: Sean Marks and Trajan Langdon of the Brooklyn Nets during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 20: Sean Marks and Trajan Langdon of the Brooklyn Nets during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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Here’s who the Brooklyn Nets should target heading into the 2020 NBA Draft.

Offseason acquisitions begin in earnest this week, and on November 18, the 2020 NBA Draft kicks everything into high gear, all leading up to the NBA’s December 22 start date.

Prospects have had an additional six months to prepare and rise in the draft. The Nets own the 19th and 55th picks in this year’s draft, and (yes, seriously) it’s finally time to consider who the Nets might take with these picks.

Brooklyn Nets NBA Draft Target: Saddiq Bey (SF, Villanova)

At 6-8, 216 pounds, Bey possesses the tools to be a perfect 3-and-D wing for Brooklyn.

During his sophomore year at Villanova, Bey produced 16.1 PPG with 4.1 RPG and 2.4 APG. With a 6-10 wingspan, Bey has flashed his ability to defensively match up with multiple positions while playing within a team system on offense.

Villanova is known for nurturing players who can produce right away and fit within a team system. Bucks guard Donte DiVincenzo and Warriors forward Eric Paschall fit the description of Villanova players who produced immediately in their roles. When looking at Bey, I focused on this game against DePaul in February of this past season.

Bey displays his hustle, playmaking, and shooting in his 20-point, seven-assist performance leading to a Villanova win. Bey would be a cheap replacement for the possibly departing Garrett Temple and could push the Nets closer to winning now.

Brooklyn Nets NBA Draft Target: Aaron Nesmith (SG/SF, Vanderbilt)

Aaron Nesmith wasn’t the star of the Commodores this past season, but he showed enough at Vanderbilt to be in play for a lottery selection.

He can be picked anywhere from 10-20, and if he slips to 19, he could be a viable option for Brooklyn. The 6-6, 213-pound sophomore wing demands the defense’s attention when on the floor.

Averaging 23 PPG during his sophomore year, Nesmith possesses unlimited range. Nesmith is a role-system player and can be so dangerous without the ball in his hands, as he’s been able to cut off-ball and set competent picks. He’s also shown the ability to be a great on-ball defender. This 34-point demolition against Richmond shows his ability to run off screens and shoot the ball.

This shooting ability would be perfect to space the floor for Durant, Irving, and Harris. Brooklyn doesn’t need another elite playmaker or ballhandler like New Zealand Breakers guard R.J. Hampton because we already have enough players who are elite ballhandlers and playmakers. If available, Nesmith could make an impact on December 22 for Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Nets NBA Draft Target: Josh Green (SG/SF, Arizona)

If it wasn’t obvious by the last two prospects, the Nets could use a pretty good three-and-D wing.

Out of these three prospects, Green would be the one in need of the most development, but he has proven that he could develop into a really good player in the NBA. During his freshman year at Arizona, Green had 12 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 2.6 APG. At 6-6, he is a fantastic spot-up 3-point shooter, shooting 36.1% from 3 and 78% from the free-throw line.

He’s an above-average on-ball defender, with energy and prowess to guard all five positions. Even with his lackluster ballhandling, Green can be a valuable offensive asset because he has a solid shot and is an all-around strong athlete. Green’s 19-point, six-assist performance against Oregon State displayed his shooting, defense, and athleticism.

If he can be effective immediately, Green lines up with the Nets intentions for this season. Thus, Green could be the pick at No. 19.

Brooklyn Nets NBA Draft Target: Second-Round Option Xavier Tillman (PF, Michigan State)

Tillman can slide right into the power forward slot off the Nets bench and play a similar to role the one Grant Williams played last season for the Boston Celtics. Tillman can defend all five positions and is an average 3-point shooter. At 6-8, Tillman averaged 13.7 PPG and 10.8 RPG in his junior year at Michigan State. If he can improve his shooting, maybe Tillman can get some minutes this season or improve and play a big role for the Nets in the long term.

Now is Brooklyn’s window for a championship. Durant and Irving are not going to wait for a prospect to develop. If they do not trade their picks, the Nets should pick players who can help them win now. Now more than ever, the NBA has significant talent waiting to play for the right team. Choosing strategically, the Nets can fill in their gaps and build a championship-ready team for the 2020-21 season.

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