Who will the Brooklyn Nets draft at 22?
The 2013 NBA season is now officially over with the Miami Heat hoisting their second straight championship trophy last night over the San Antonio Spurs in game 7.
The focus now turns to the NBA Draft on Thursday night June 27th, 7pm at the Barclays Center.
Many draft experts have the Brooklyn Nets taking a big man with the 22nd pick while others have an athletic wing.
Experts analysis below.
Pick 22. Brooklyn Nets
ESPN: Glen Rice Jr., Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBDL)
The Nets want immediate help off the bench, and with Dieng and Withey going ahead of them, along with the other wings in this range, that leaves Rice as the best option. His pro experience in the D-League should help Rice contribute quickly in the NBA. — K.P.
ESPN Chad Ford: Tony Snell – New Mexico SG
Snell quietly is flying up the draft boards after a series of terrific workouts. He’s in play now with Chicago, Utah, Brooklyn and Indiana. The appeal? He’s a super athletic wing with NBA length and defensive abilities. He was very inconsistent at New Mexico, but I’m told numerous NBA teams love the talent. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Louisville’s Gorgui Dieng also are in play here.
USA Today: Mason Plumlee, Duke, PF
The Nets footed a large bill last season on their way to a first round exit from the playoffs. That’s why it’s imperative the Nets find a productive replacement for Kris Humphries as he enters the final year of his $12 million contract and Mason Plumlee is their guy. Plumlee is capable of transitioning to the power forward spot with his midrange jump shot. A great leaper, Plumlee can duplicate the same tenacity Humphries has on the defensive glass. That, and you can’t teach 7-feet.
SI.com: Shane Larkin – Miami , PG
The Nets would love a big man like Dieng to slip this far. Brooklyn has Deron Williams signed to a long-term contract at point guard, but Larkin is a quick, change-of-pace point guard who could be groomed to back up the three-time All-Star. Larkin is a phenomenal athlete — he topped the combine in the three-quarter-court sprint (3.08 seconds) and vertical leap (44 inches) — and an excellent ball handler who projects to play well in the pick-and-roll. And is there any better role model than new coach Jason Kidd?
Sporting News: Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke
Kris Humphries was a disappointment, Reggie Evans was a starter, and Andray Blatche was a nice surprise, but who knows if you can count on that again? The Nets need to add some frontcourt depth, and Plumlee is the pick.
Hoopshype: Tony Mitchell – North Texas , PF
Mitchell gives the Nets an athletic forward with versatility to play at either forward spot and bring energy off the bench. He surprised many by returning to North Texas for his sophomore year and was unable to enhance his draft stock. Mitchell put up essentially the same numbers as in his freshman season and fell from his lofty preseason projections. He is a unique player as he combines freakish length (7-foot-3 wingspan) and explosiveness. He seems to be convinced that he’s a 3, and despite his chiseled physique, apparently does not enjoy battling in the paint
