It feels like it’s only a matter of time before the 2020 NBA Draft is pushed back. The 2020 Draft Lottery and Combine have both been delayed, and with the league making progress toward continuing the 2019-20 season in some form, it seems reasonable to expect this year’s draft won’t take place on its originally scheduled date.
Since there hasn’t been official word yet on anything, NBA front offices have to be prepared to make decisions regarding this year’s draft class soon. The Brooklyn Nets have picks from the Philadelphia 76ers — which is projected at No. 20 right now — and the Denver Nuggets — projected at No. 55.
Now, the Nets could use one or both of the picks to make a move for a veteran. But if they elect to use their pick, they should have some solid options.
Here are the five players who are the best fit for the Nets in this year’s draft at No. 20, based on mock draft projections:
5. Jalen Smith | Maryland | Forward
STATS: 15.5 PPG | 10.5 RPG | 36.8 3-PT%
Marc Berman of the New York Post has “Kevin Durant’s win-now Nets” taking Smith because he can provide instant help off the bench. Smith certainly has talent and offers something neither DeAndre Jordan or Jarrett Allen can with his 3-point shooting.
But with those two bigs in front of him, and the Nets looking for veterans more so than young guys, he doesn’t seem like the best fit.
Now, if the Nets decide to include Allen in a package to get a third star, then Smith would climb up this list. At that point, he’d be a great fit for Brooklyn.