With three picks in the 2019 NBA Draft and several impending free agents, the Brooklyn Nets will likely turn to the draft to fill in a few vacant spots in the rotation. Here are three players they could possibly target with their final selection, the 31st pick.
A return to the playoffs after three years of bottom-feeding was a momentous accomplishment for the Brooklyn Nets, one that could have major ramifications this offseason as free agency and the 2019 NBA Draft draw closer.
With a strong core of Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jarrett Allen and D’Angelo Russell (RFA) in place, the Nets have a punchy backcourt full of dynamic playmaking and shot-creating on the books and an athletic, fearless shot-blocker locked in at center. Wing and forward depth would be preferable, and with several players coming off the books, the Nets could have enough space for a max contract offer to a star free agent of their choice, with a reasonable avenue (and enough assets) to potentially create space for a second star to join the party.
While the Nets will be on the hunt for the likes of Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Tobias Harris, Kyrie Irving, and Kemba Walker as soon as this year’s free agency period opens, the NBA Draft is still an avenue for acquiring both trade assets and useful rotation pieces. With three picks in their arsenal — numbers 17, 27, and 31 — the Nets have a spoil of riches, and can spend their draft assets as they may, whether that’s using them on projects, or NBA-ready role players, or draft-and-stash candidates to leave overseas.
With the earliest pick, it would likely be wise to go after a wing/forward who could potentially step in as the long-term starter at either the ‘3’ or ‘4’, since DeMarre Carroll, Jared Dudley, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson are all likely leaving as free agents, and the franchise will need someone to rely on, especially if they miss out on star-level talent.
With the second of the first-rounders, it wouldn’t be a poor strategy to find a replacement for Ed Davis, the uber-important backup center whose two-way impact may prove too much to let go, as he was clearly the team’s best option at the ‘5’ all season long (and especially in the postseason against Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid). Given their offseason aspirations, however, his exit should be planned for, as he could simply leave if he’s not offered the contract that he deserves.
That leaves the Nets with the 31st pick, which was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in a transaction that sent Trevor Booker to Philly in exchange for Nik Stauskas, Jahlil Okafor, and a future Knicks second-round pick in a what was essentially a move to cut bait and have a fresh start with Okafor in the picture. That Knicks second-rounder was originally sent to Philly with Travis Outlaw’s contract attached, with Arnett Moultrie getting shipped off to the Big Apple.
Enough with the history lesson — with three picks on draft night, the Nets have plenty of options, if they choose to hold onto them. With that said, who all could they target with the 31st pick of the 2019 NBA Draft?