Brooklyn Nets: 4 options with the 19th pick in the NBA Draft

Brooklyn Nets prospects: Maybe off the board in the NBA draft

There are three promising prospects that seem unlikely to be available at No. 19; none of Precious Achiuwa, Saddiq Bey or Aaron Nesmith are projected to fall that far in any of the below mocks. So although they’d all be reasonable picks if they did fall,  should they really qualify for the target list? Achiuwa’s talent and versatility at 6’9″ would make him an interesting pick if Allen were to be traded. Both Bey and Nesmith fit the mold as wings that could be difference makers (Bey more polished/NBA ready, Nesmith higher upside).

Despite the fact he might already be off the board, Bey’s 3-and-D skillset and ability to contribute from the get-go makes him the first selection to the target list. Back in June, I highlighted both Bey and Jaden McDaniels as two players Brooklyn should target.

Saddiq Bey

As discussed, the Nets are in need of better shooting from the wing position, and the 6-8 forward would be perfect in this regard. Of 109 NCAA players that made at least 75 threes last season, Bey had the second-best 3-point percentage (a blistering 45.1 percent).

Not only was he efficient from two as well (50.0 percent), he’s regarded as a versatile defender that uses his sturdy frame (216 lbs) to his advantage. Although he could use improvement as a ball-handler (most effective as a spot-up shooter), Bey was an exceptional all-around college player. The main question mark is whether he has the requisite athleticism to translate to the next level.

Takeaway: A lack of explosiveness could limit Bey’s ceiling, but at the very least, he projects as a solid role player that could be instantly impactful for Brooklyn as a shooter.

Target List: 1 (Saddiq Bey)

Prospects Remaining: 9

Prospects: Three guards & a big

Five of the nine remaining prospects are guards: RJ Hampton, Kira Lewis Jr, Cole Anthony, Tyrese Maxey and Tyrell Terry. Each of Anthony, Maxey and Lewis Jr are at their best with the ball in their hands and as each stand at 6’3″, none will be able to play the wing. Again, the Brooklyn Nets simply don’t need another ball-handler.

Terry is only 6’3″ as well, but given Brooklyn’s need for more 3-point shooting (particularly if Harris leaves in free agency), he warrants consideration. He can play off the ball and is one of the better shooters in the draft, hitting 40.8 percent from downtown last season. If the Nets were to trade down, Terry might be a smart pick. At No. 19, however, he’s not quite the right fit.

At 6’5″, Hampton has the size to play some wing, and despite his upside, is a bit too raw to contribute next season. His talent is tantalizing, however, and like Terry, he’d be worth considering if the team trades down.

Like Achiuwa, Jalen Smith has the requisite talent and athleticism to produce on both ends of the floor. If both Allen and Jordan return to man the interior, however, Smith simply won’t be needed next season. He could contribute down the road, but remember, this team should be trying to win now.

Target List: 1 (Saddiq Bey)

Prospects Remaining: 3