Brooklyn Nets: 5 options for pick No. 29 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Alec Liebsch
1. Melvin Frazier, SF — Tulane
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 198 lbs
- Age: 21 (Junior)
A more refined wing in the same frame as Diallo, Melvin Frazier is a more finished product than most wings in the draft. His otherworldly length (7’1.75″ wingspan) makes him a matchup problem on both sides of the ball.
Frazier can slither through defenses with his slender frame, and he can extend past potential shot-blockers with his long arms. As a result, he shot 55.6 percent from the field this past season, which is one of the best clips of any potential draftee.
That same length is also a nightmare for opposing attackers. He can probe passing lanes, swipe without fouling (2.1 steals to only 2.0 personal fouls per game), and block shots when rotations break down (0.8 per game as a perimeter player). His defensive tools, combined with his experience and I.Q., make him a useful defensive wing from day one.
Additionally, with his scoring (15.9 points on 10.7 shots per game) and shooting capabilities (38.5 percent on 3-pointers), he can step in as a 3-and-D wing almost immediately. Barring any catastrophic issues with his shot, he can be a useful rotational wing for a very long time, with the potential to be a second or third scoring option for the Nets.
A triad of Caris LeVert, Frazier and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson could switch almost flawlessly and wreak havoc on a good portion of the league. The defense-to-offense mindset could be lethal with those three hunting for turnovers.
At 29, the Nets will have many different ways to go. The top echelon(s) of prospects will likely be taken, leaving a plethora of role player to starting-caliber wings/guards to examine. I could list 30 or even 40 prospects worth a look at No. 29.
Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition
Last year, Jarrett Allen fell into Brooklyn’s lap at 22nd. A lottery-level talent is unlikely to fall like that again, but crazier things have happened at the NBA Draft. Sean Marks will have his hands full, but this time it will be in a good way.