Brooklyn Nets: 3 promising centers to target in 2021 NBA Draft
By Mike Luciano
The Brooklyn Nets might not have tons of interest in the NBA Draft over the next decade, as they surrendered control over most of their draft capital to the Houston Rockets in order to acquire James Harden, but they actually are in possession of four picks in this draft, including their own first-round pick.
Brooklyn has a few holes that can be attacked in the draft, as they could add a potential cornerstone at the center position or a backup point guard that could come in handy given the injury history of Kyrie Irving.
The Nets did luck out that the bottom half of the first round is full of big men who Sean Marks could pick up and insert into the Brooklyn rotation. Their rebounding and interior defense issues from 2020-21 could be a thing of the past.
All of these three centers offer a solid combination of tangible skills that could help the Nets win games right now and intriguing potential that makes each one a viable contender to start at center for years to come in Brooklyn.
Nets' FO Sean Marks and Ryan Gisriel are at the NBA Draft Combine.
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) June 24, 2021
This is the last draft the Nets will own their own first-round pick until 2028. 1sts in 2022-27 belong to/can be swapped with the Rockets.
Nets pick 27th, 44th, 49th and 59th. My bet is pkg + trade for vet. https://t.co/JzyePkVDvo
3 centers the Brooklyn Nets should take in the 2021 NBA Draft
3. Day’Ron Sharpe, North Carolina
Sharpe is an old-school bruiser, as his ability to outmuscle most opponents to snag rebounds and protect the rim stands out. For someone his size, Sharpe is a surprisingly fluid athlete, as he can put the ball on the deck and make key passes in addition to securing the interior and hoovering up boards.
Sharpe left the NBA Draft Combine earlier, potentially meaning that he was promised by one of the teams there that he would get picked by them if he fell into their laps. Is there a chance Brooklyn is that team?
Day’Ron Sharpe would give the Nets muscle in the paint.
Sharpe’s issues stem from his lack of a varied offensive game, as his effectiveness completely dissipates the minute he takes a step outside of the paint. Luckily, as a rookie, Brooklyn won’t ask him to be a standout outside of the paint, which could help him earn playing time if he ends up with the Nets.
Blake Griffin, an impending free agent, was a solid offensive player, but his defense, or lack of same, came back to bite the Nets in the postseason. Sharpe and Nicolas Claxton could form a hellacious tandem, as Sharpe’s bulk and Claxton’s athletic ability could aid in Brooklyn’s push for a championship.