Some Thoughts on the Nets’ Draft
Recently, there has been a lot of talk about the Nets taking a point guard, specifically Ty Lawson or Terrence Williams (source). This would give us Harris, Dooling, and Lawson as guards, no doubt three fantastic players. Assuming this happens, we could see a lineup of Harris, Dooling, Anderson, Lopez, and Carter playing the three, something that Lawrence Frank experimented with towards the end of the year. While this is certainly a more potent offensive lineup, Carter and Dooling would have issues matching up with bigger players constantly on defense. Williams is another player I would love to see on the Nets. While he isn’t a point guard, he’s a wing he plays fantastic defense and would bring a toughness to the Nets that they don’t have. That being said, I think there are more pressing issues for the team. Specifically, the two forward spots. Yi and Bobby Simmons should not be starting on an NBA team by any means, and if we can find someone to take their place, it would probably be the best move. Chad Ford at ESPN has the Nets taking Tyler Hansbrough, but I just don’t see it happening; his game just isn’t suited toward the pros. There has also been speculation that the Nets might go after Omri Casspi from Israel. Word is that at recent workouts he’s been playing spectacularly, and still has a lot of potential. While it’s an interesting pick, experience has shown that foreign players tend to be lacking in the toughness department, and it would be a risky move to take such an unproven player at 11 when there are probably better choices available. The only way I see this happening is if we trade the 11 pick for two later ones, and take Casspi and Lawson or Williams if they are still available. However, I still see Earl Clark from Louisville and James Johnson from Wake Forrest as the best options, with Clark slightly ahead. Word on Clark is that he can be a fantastic player if it weren’t for certain mental barriers. I’m willing to bet that the Nets could help him reach his potential, considering their success last year in developing the three rookies Lopez, Anderson, and Douglas-Roberts. Jordan Hill from Arizona may also be available at 11 but it’s a long shot.
Here’s the top five front runners, in order.
1. Earl Clark
2. Ty Lawson
3. James Johnson
4. Terrence Williams
5. Omri Casspi
Ideally, you’d want another scorer at the three or four who can create his own shot and also rebound and play D, but a superstar like that just isn’t available in this draft. This is the year to add another piece towards a fantastic team in the future, with an eye for 2010 when adding one of the huge free agents of that year would make this team a serious contender, given no major trades. And don’t forget about Carlos Boozer.
2 years ago • Notes