Exit Survey: 3 thoughts on the disposed Brooklyn Nets

Exit Survey: 3 thoughts on the disposed Brooklyn Nets – 3. Continue to draft well

The Nets might have spent all of their draft equity in assembling the group they have, but they got a first-round pick back from the Philadelphia 76ers in the Harden/Simmons deal. Since 2019, the Nets have drafted Nicolas Claxton (second round), Kessler Edwards (second round), and Cam Thomas (first round).

All three are contributors for the Nets right now, with Claxton, in particular, being of real importance to them. This is the franchise that basically gave Jarrett Allen away and who started the season with DeAndre Jordan. That was a decision that quickly blew up in their face, making the presence of Claxton all the more important.

Offensively, he is limited, and his free-throw shooting was ugly during the Celtics series (4-for-22 from the line, with those missed points costing them badly), but he has some motor and is extremely athletic. In other words, he has all of the things you need when you are built around superstars who are that bit older (just ask the Los Angeles Lakers how much they miss Alex Caruso).

Edwards had bad injury luck and so too did Thomas, but both never looked phased playing in big games next to an icon in Durant. Like Claxton, they know their role on the team and play it extremely well. The Nets simply have to ensure that they hit on their pick this summer, to bring in another energetic player with considerable upside.

Failure to do so will hurt their chances of adding another cheap option to fill out their roster. With the luxury tax continuing to hurt them, this will be the best way to remain competitive and take some of the heavy lifting away from the stars. Exploring ways to add a second-round draft pick or two would not be a bad idea either for a Nets roster that needs to replenish, and needs some new faces for next year.