|
 No. 25: MarShon Brooks (via trade)
In a draft highlighted by a multitude of complex trades, the Nets were able to make a simple trade-up to acquire their main target, MarShon Brooks of Providence. The Nets moved up from No. 27 to 25 in an exchange with the Celtics that landed JaJuan Johnson and the Nets' 2014 second-round pick in Boston. Brooks, a New Jersey native, was one college basketball's most talented scorers last year, averaging 24.6 PPG for the Friars. He set a Big East scoring record when he lit up Notre Dame for 52 points back in February. The Nets ranked 28th in scoring last season, posting a paltry 92.4 PPG. The addition of a true scoring guard was a wise and calculated move by GM Billy King, who is well aware of the team's needs. Brook's ability to create his own shot and get to the hole drew comparisons to Kobe Bryant. While the Nets are not exactly expecting him to rise to that level anytime soon, they should be pleased with the prospect of him playing alongside star point guard Deron Williams. King believes that Brooks will make an immediate impact and has the chance to potentially usurp Anthony Morrow for the starting job at shooting guard. If that holds true, Sasha Vujacic's chances of a new contract from the Nets are slim to none. Brooks is an extremely promising young player who could turn out to be one of the big steals of the draft. Grade: A
No. 36: Jordan Williams The Nets direly needed to address their shallow frontcourt in the draft, and did so in the second round by selecting power forward Jordan Williams out of Maryland. Williams led the ACC in rebounding last season with 11.8 RPG to go along with 17 PPG and 1.3 BPG. While some scouts are weary about his defense and face-up game, Williams can score with his back to the basket like few others in the college game. The Nets are hoping that ability on the low block translates to the next level. After passing on big man JaJuan Johnson in favor of MarShon Brooks in the first round, the Nets were pleased to see Williams, a potential first rounder, still on the board. Other possibilities included Georgia forward Trey Thompkins, whose stock fell when his junior year numbers tailed off dramatically. Williams should easily replace Dan Gadzuric and Brandon Wright at the back-up power forward position and could see significant minutes in his first season. Grade: A
Overall, the Nets had a stellar draft. They know exactly what they will be getting from Brook and Williams, both of whom fit the team's needs perfectly.
source: |
