Best/Worst Draft Scenarios
(#29 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Arizona, Sophomore)
In the NBA today, with the three-point shot being as valuable as it is, it’s not impossible for a early-to-mid-20s guy like Hollis-Jefferson to slip to #29, though it is highly unlikely. The one and only knock on him is a huge one: his broken jump-shot. He is an abysmal shooter, but excels in almost every other area. Offensively, he is very quick and fast both with the ball and without it, allowing him to get to the rim and finish there, which he excels at. After all, he did manage to put up 11.2 points per game in the tough Pac-12, but scoring at the next level without a working jumper could be the sixth “Mission: Impossible” movie. He has ridiculous length, with a wingspan measuring 7’2”, which he puts to good use in corralling rebounds (7 per game). The main use of that length, however, is on defense, the most valuable aspect of his game that he brings to the table. Hollis-Jefferson can guard multiple positions, piling up a combined 2.0 blocks and steals per game, and that skill should translate nicely to the next level. He also has a high motor, helping him in all aspects of his game. The Nets need a small forward and could also use some extra defensive help while SG/SF Joe Johnson handles most of the wing scoring load, and Hollis-Jefferson, though without a jump-shot, is the answer and a steal at #29.
Worst Case Scenario: Packaging PF/C Mason Plumlee and the pick to trade up
According to reports, the Nets are actually looking to do this. My only question is: why? Plumlee is still a young, emerging player at 25 years old and in just his second season. Per 36 minutes, the Duke product averaged: 14.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals, all while connecting on 57.3% of his shot attempts. The only alarming factor here is his lack of improvement since his rookie season, as he only showed modest improvements around the board except at rebounding, where he almost doubled last year’s numbers this season. He at the very least gives Brooklyn some leverage in contract negotiations with both star C Brook Lopez and PF/SF Thaddeus Young, as there is a backup waiting that can contribute right away. And that’s really the key here: contributing right away. Even if they could get into the mid-teens with the aforementioned package, drafting a guy that they would have to wait a few years on development-wise is not what this aging roster needs. Rather, they need someone that can help them compete now, which is what Plumlee is. And unless they get a godfather offer to enter the top 10 with their package, that’s who they should stick with.
(#29 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Arizona, Sophomore)
In the NBA today, with the three-point shot being as valuable as it is, it’s not impossible for a early-to-mid-20s guy like Hollis-Jefferson to slip to #29, though it is highly unlikely. The one and only knock on him is a huge one: his broken jump-shot. He is an abysmal shooter, but excels in almost every other area. Offensively, he is very quick and fast both with the ball and without it, allowing him to get to the rim and finish there, which he excels at. After all, he did manage to put up 11.2 points per game in the tough Pac-12, but scoring at the next level without a working jumper could be the sixth “Mission: Impossible” movie. He has ridiculous length, with a wingspan measuring 7’2”, which he puts to good use in corralling rebounds (7 per game). The main use of that length, however, is on defense, the most valuable aspect of his game that he brings to the table. Hollis-Jefferson can guard multiple positions, piling up a combined 2.0 blocks and steals per game, and that skill should translate nicely to the next level. He also has a high motor, helping him in all aspects of his game. The Nets need a small forward and could also use some extra defensive help while SG/SF Joe Johnson handles most of the wing scoring load, and Hollis-Jefferson, though without a jump-shot, is the answer and a steal at #29.
Worst Case Scenario: Packaging PF/C Mason Plumlee and the pick to trade up
According to reports, the Nets are actually looking to do this. My only question is: why? Plumlee is still a young, emerging player at 25 years old and in just his second season. Per 36 minutes, the Duke product averaged: 14.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals, all while connecting on 57.3% of his shot attempts. The only alarming factor here is his lack of improvement since his rookie season, as he only showed modest improvements around the board except at rebounding, where he almost doubled last year’s numbers this season. He at the very least gives Brooklyn some leverage in contract negotiations with both star C Brook Lopez and PF/SF Thaddeus Young, as there is a backup waiting that can contribute right away. And that’s really the key here: contributing right away. Even if they could get into the mid-teens with the aforementioned package, drafting a guy that they would have to wait a few years on development-wise is not what this aging roster needs. Rather, they need someone that can help them compete now, which is what Plumlee is. And unless they get a godfather offer to enter the top 10 with their package, that’s who they should stick with.