Brooklyn Nets: 5 options for pick No. 40 in 2018 NBA Draft

1. Jarred Vanderbilt, PF/C — Kentucky

• Height: 6’8″
• Weight: 214 lbs
• Age: 19 (Freshman)

From an NBA-ready prospect to one with a long way to go, we have Jarred Vanderbilt. He isn’t close to a finished product yet, but the light at the end of his developmental tunnel is quite bright.

Vanderbilt projects as a forward with his size and speed, but I see a different future for him: small-ball center. In just 17 minutes per game, Vanderbilt pulled down 7.9 rebounds on average. That’s insane, regardless of height. He has the tenacity and energy to shift down a position, while also having the physical tools to switch onto anyone defensively.

Smaller centers with more positional flexibility are all the rage in the modern NBA. From Draymond Green to P.J. Tucker, small-ball centers populate most of the great teams. Vanderbilt fits this trend beautifully, as his hustle, instincts and physicality make him a five-position defender.

He can’t shoot very well, but getting anything close to a respectable 3-point shot could be all Vanderbilt needs. He does everything else well, which alludes to shades of Hollis-Jefferson. If he can follow the path of RHJ with his rebounding and defensive ferocity, he will be well on his way to a successful, position-less NBA career.

Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition

Any of these five prospects would be great additions to the Nets’ young core. With varying skill-sets, upsides and future roles, they can all be valuable contributors down the line. From a second round pick, that’s more than sufficient compensation.