NBA Draft 2019: Grading how all 30 teams fared on draft night

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: (L-R) NBA Draft prospects Kevin Porter Jr., Nicolas Claxton, Sekou Doumbouya, Goga Bitazde, Keldon Johnson, Nassir Little, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Rui Hachimuri, Jarrett Culver, Cam Reddish, Coby White, Zion Williamson, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Ja Morant, De'Andre Hunter, Darius Garland, Brandon Clarke, Romeo Langford, Jaxson Hayes, Tyler Herro, Bol Bol, PJ Washington, Matisse Thybulle and Mfiondu Kabengele stand on stage with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver before the start of the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 20: Nicolas Claxton reacts after being drafted with the 31st overall pick by the Brooklyn Nets during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Brooklyn Nets

Grade: B+

Picks: Nicolas Claxton (No. 31), Jaylen Hands (No. 56)

Sean Marks’ preference to go all-in on a free agent pursuit of stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant was put on full display on Thursday, with the Nets offloading the 27th pick in a transaction with the Los Angeles Clippers for No. 56 and a 2020 76ers first-rounder (that’s protected but likely to convey immediately), after moving No. 17 and Allen Crabbe (and a future second) to the Hawks previously for Taurean Prince in a cap-shedding move.

Getting value by trading back is a smart move, especially given their summer plans — if you don’t want to add a rookie at your draft spot, why not move back and receive a future asset? Sound decision by a sound front office.

Grabbing Nic Claxton, one of the several green room invites that slid far Thursday night, was a strong value play given the interest from several teams in the teens and twenties. It was believed that Claxton was bound to go somewhere in the top-20 after cutting off workouts and interviews, stating that he was confident that he wouldn’t still be on the board late in the first round.

Well, he was, and Brooklyn — despite trying to move that pick, too — ultimately snatched him up. Claxton’s switchable defensive capabilities and nose for the ball as a shot-blocker are well-known, but he’s a project for the Nets due to his raw skill level and his low playing weight. He has many of the issues that current starting center Jarrett Allen has, as neither are particularly big, strong, imposing centers. Nonetheless, he was a fine value play and landed in a strong developmental spot that should help him grow (in both skill and physique) patiently.

Jaylen Hands at No. 56 wasn’t great, given his mediocre offense and defense (he’s just not that good), and there were better players to be had (drafting and stashing someone like Yovel Zoosman was a preferable alternative), but it’s a late second-rounder — it is what it is.

Overall, solid job from Sean Marks and co.

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