Brooklyn Nets 2017 Mock Draft Tracker
The Brooklyn Nets will look to fill in holes at shooting guard, small forward, and power forward this offseason.
The draft will prove to be a major part of that task. As the NBA Draft Combine approaches, we take a look at who the experts have the Nets selecting in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Jonathan Wasserman (Bleacher Report)
22: Isaiah Hartenstein - PF - Germany
27: Mathias Lessort - PF/C - France
Paul Kasabian (Bleacher Report)
22: Jawun Evans - PG - Oklahoma State
27: OG Anunoby - SF - Indiana
Mike Chiari (Bleacher Report)
22: Donovan Mitchell - SG - Louisville
27: Caleb Swanigan - PF - Purdue
Adam Wells (Bleacher Report)
22: John Collins - PF - Wake Forest
27: D.J. Wilson - PF - Michigan
Howard Megdal (CBS Sports)
22: Harry Giles - PF - Duke
27: Isaiah Hartenstein - PF - Germany
Gary Parrish (CBS Sports)
22: Ivan Rabb - PF - California
27: Caleb Swanigan - PF - Purude
DraftExpress
22: Rodions Kurucs - SF - Latvia
27: Harry Giles - PF - Duke
NBADRAFT.NET
22: Dwayne Bacon - SF - Florida State
27: Rodions Kurucs - SF - Latvia
Most Popular Picks
Harry Giles (2)
Isaiah Hartenstein (2)
Rodions Kurucs (2)
Caleb Swanigan (2)
Breakdown
There is not much consistency at first glance in these mock drafts, but there is a recurring theme.
Out of 16 picks in 8 different mocks, 14 were forwards. It is no surprise that the Nets are targeting forwards.
In a perfect world the Nets would find a forward who could rebound, score in the post, and shoot respectably from three. This would allow Kenny Atkinson to have one big play from the outside and one play in the post. Brook Lopez is at his best when he can get defenders off balance using both his outside shot and post game.
Isaiah Hartenstein is a young power forward with great size (7'1") who can space the floor and attack from the perimeter, but has not been tested with NBA level talent throughout his young career. The German can rebound well using his size and plays with a motor on the defensive end. However, Hartenstein is somewhat of a risky pick at just 19-years-old and not having played elite level talent, but athletic seven footers who can play from the outside do not come around often.
Caleb Swanigan is an interesting prospect as well. Although somewhat undersized (6'9") at power forward, the Purdue product uses his 250 pound frame to back defenders down in the post and rebound. Swanigan averaged 18.5 points per game and 12.5 rebounds per game on his way to earning Big Ten Player of the Year. The Indianapolis native also shows flashes of three point shooting ability, shooting 44.7% from three on 85 attempts. If able to develop his three point shot, Swanigan could be an extremely productive player on the offensive end as well as rebounding the basketball. Brooklyn should take a hard look at Swanigan if he is available at 27.
Harry Giles and Ivan Rabb are two more power forwards the Nets could take a chance on. Both have similar styles of play. While not able to shoot from the outside effectively, both Giles (6'10") and Rabb (6'11") display soft touch around the rim and have the size to rebound well. Rabb or Giles would give the Nets relief on the boards and scoring ability in the post, opening up the perimeter for Brook Lopez. Sean Marks could go a number of directions in the draft, but expect Hartenstein, Swanigan, Giles, and Rabb to be heavily in the mix come draft night.