Brooklyn looks for role-playing depth
After a second-round exit last month, the Nets’ attention turns to what to do with the No. 27 pick in the upcoming draft.
With the draft set for July 29, here’s who the experts think the Nets could select with their late-first round pick.
Jonathan Givony, ESPN
Marcus Bagley, small/power forward (Arizona State)
Finding quality role players to surround the Nets’ stars will always be a priority, and Bagley’s fit as a 3-and-D forward who can space the floor, shoot off movement and display solid instincts as a team defender could make him an interesting long-term player to develop if the team decides to keep the pick.
Zach Harper, The Athletic
Kessler Edwards, guard/forward (Pepperdine)
I love Edwards and I think he could immediately be in the rotation for the Brooklyn Nets. All three years of his time at Pepperdine had him as a growing offensive weapon. His shot is pure. He can score at an elite level in transition. Edwards can take guys down in the post. He operates well in the pick-and-roll. He also has a good wingspan, great height and his ability to defend in the team concept should work at the NBA level.
Gary Parrish, CBS Sports
Usman Garuba, power forward (Spain)
The Nets are obviously incredible offensively (when completely healthy) — but they still need to improve defensively, which is why selecting Usman Garuba would make some sense. He’s a versatile high-level defender who could help as a rookie and perhaps eventually develop into one of the best defensive bigs in the world.
Kevin O’Connor, The Ringer
Usman Garuba, power forward (Spain)
Hyper defender who always makes the extra effort but needs to define an offensive role.
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report
Miles McBride, guard (West Virginia)
Opinions vary on McBride, with some scouts even projecting more of a mid-second-round pick. We believe one team in the late 20s or early 30s will see a three-and-D spark with more room to improve as a playmaker. He just weighed in at 195 pounds with a monster 6’8¾” wingspan.
