Nets: Grading Brooklyn’s 2020 Draft picks and moves

Pick 57: PF Reggie Perry

The late second round of the NBA Draft borders on being a crapshoot, as half the selections are promising college players that will likely spend time in the G League and the other half are European players, half of which will likely never come to the NBA. The Nets, however, managed to unearth a potential diamond in the round, as they ended up with Reggie Perry following another trade with the Clippers that sent JUCO product Jay Scrubb to Los Angeles.

Perry is the truest essence of a throwback power forward, as the 6-10, 250 pound bulldozer is at his best when he can turn his back to the basket and plow over unsuspecting defenders. A double-double machine, Perry averaged 17.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game during his final season in Starkville. Far from just a low-post bruiser, Perry has shown he can step out and hit a jumper when needed, hitting a respectable 32 percent of his three-point attempts. While not the best shot-blocker ever, his ability to contest shots on the defensive end should make him a disruptive presence on that end.

Having said that, there are reasons Perry went this late in the draft, namely his penchant for turning the ball over. 2.9 turnovers per game at the collegiate level, most of which were a result of Perry handling the ball and/or struggling to find open teammates when double-teamed, is simply an unacceptable mark. His size and determination are impressive, but there are questions about his ability to guard players on the perimeter or bigger forwards that have plus quickness.

While Perry isn’t the greatest athlete in the world, and 2019 second-rounder Nic Claxton might end up getting playing time before him, but this is some excellent value that Marks was able to get with the fourth-to-last pick in the draft. Perry might need to spend some time with Long Island to iron out the wrinkles, but he could end up with a very long career as a reliable backup if he continues to develop.

Grade: B+