Welcome to The Long Forecast on NetsDaily.
As the Sweet 16 tips off today, the tanking race is more important than ever for the Brooklyn Nets as they look to secure a blue-chip prospect in this year’s draft class.
Where do the Nets’ picks sit
The Nets currently hold the league’s second-worst record at 17-56, trailing only the Indiana Pacers at 16-57 with nine games to go.
As for the team’s second-round selections, they are currently slotted at Nos. 33 and 44 overall. After Wednesday night’s loss, the Nets hold second spot in Tankathon’s draft power rankings, behind only the Memphis Grizzlies who have the Nos. 7, 13 and 31.
Here are the latest mock drafts from ESPN, Tankathon and Bleacher Report.
Aday Mara is one of the more unique bigs in this year’s class.
In 23.1 minutes per game this season at Michigan, he’s averaging 12 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.7 blocks on 67.4% shooting.
When you turn on the tape, his feel for the game jumps out immediately. Beyond that, he is automatic around the rim, and he has shown flashes of range as the season progresses.
Standing at 7’3” and 240 pounds, his size alone is dangerous on the defensive end. However, he still fundamentally protects the rim at a high level.
The question is the body. He’s not very mobile, and strong players can move him, for now. Adding weight will be integral to the Michigan product’s success at the NBA level.
Still, you can’t teach 7’3” with this kind of feel, which makes him a riser after notching 35 total points, 11 assists, and seven blocks throughout the first two games in the NCAA tournament.
Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
On the surface, Christian Anderson’s season-long production has been solid. However, once you dig a little deeper, more questions arise.
Over the past five games, though, he has been on a decline. Anderson has logged multiple games with under 40% shooting in the past five, including a 2-for-11 showing and some rough decision-making mixed in.
Beyond that, his size is another concern.
At 6-foot-3 and 178 pounds, he isn’t tiny, but he certainly could use a bulk up. When the shot isn’t falling, he can struggle to finish through contact and hold up defensively, especially when facing smaller guards.
He still offers legitimate upside as a shooter and playmaker, but this stretch certainly has raised some eyebrows.
Hannes Steinbach is one of the most complete players in this year’s draft class.
Throughout his freshman campaign at Washington, he’s averaged 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds on 57.7% shooting, making a defense in every aspect of the game.
The backbone of his game is rebounding, while being effective shooting-wise around the rim. Standing at 6’11” and 220 pounds, he is a very strong player who plays through contact and consistently wins matchups.
From an athletic standpoint, he is not overly explosive, but he moves well for his size while playing under control.
While he is far from one of the flashiest prospects in the class, he is a very sound player who can consistently average a double-double in the pros.
While Tamin Lipsey isn’t a dominant scorer, he can impact winning.
This season at Iowa State, he’s averaging 13.3 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.3 steals while serving as a consistent all-around force for the Cyclones.
Defense is his calling card. He is consistently in the right place and is able to pressure the ball without fouling while jimping through passing lanes with great timing, reflected by his average of 2.3 steals per game.
On the offense end, he is a traditional floor general who keeps the unit organized.
From an intangible standpoint, he plays with a high motor, which the Nets covet.
Sure, he isn’t a flashy player, but he can defend at a high level for his size and is an offensive facilitator.