Brooklyn Nets: 2019 NBA Draft grades
With the 2019 NBA Draft in the books, here are complete grades for each pick made by the Brooklyn Nets.
The Brooklyn Nets entered the 2019 NBA Draft as owners of picks at No. 27 and No. 31. As high-upside prospects like Kevin Porter Jr. and Keldon Johnson slid down the draft board, it looked like Brooklyn would come away with a steal in the first round.
However, the Nets shipped pick No. 27 to the Los Angeles Clippers for a 2020 first-rounder via the Philadelphia 76ers, as well as pick No. 56, per ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski.
This move was made to preserve cap space, as Brooklyn wants to keep two max slots open at the start of free agency so it can chase Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and other stars.
However, the Nets were still able to get a first round talent when they nabbed Nicolas Claxton at the start of the round two. Wojnarowski reported Brooklyn was shopping the pick, but the team must be thrilled to add another high-ceiling center prospect.
Brooklyn has No. 31 on the trade block, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2019
The Nets then shifted their sights to UCLA point guard Jaylen Hands with the pick they acquired earlier in the night. Hands is another player with big-game potential if he can ever put it all together.
Even after trading out of the first round, the Nets were able to bring in a solid draft haul. So without further adieu, here are the complete 2019 NBA Draft grades for the Brooklyn Nets.