The Brooklyn Nets came away from the 2023 NBA Draft with three selections. How did they do with their trio of draft picks?
The Nets were in a very interesting situation after losing in the first round of the playoffs. Overall, they need stars and they weren't gonna get that with the picks that they had. They were looking to shop their first-round picks for future assets and did not end up finding a deal they liked.
Still, they set themselves up with depth to eventually make a Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O'Neale trade return. They were also able to get a backup center that could help them going forward.
Nets NBA Draft: Noah Clowney, Pick No. 21, Grade: A-
Noah Clowney was a very good pick, especially for a team lacking size in the frontcourt. Although Clowney is listed as a forward on the team, he has the rim-protection skills to play some back-up center. He is a very good defensive player who will need to improve his outside shooting to really star down the road.
He probably won't end up being a superstar in this league but he has a very good chance to be a rotational player. This will also give the Nets flexibility when it comes to Nic Claxton's contract negotiations next summer. Clowney may end up only playing bench minutes for the team, but later he might end up being a high-value bench player for the team. With the No. 21 overall pick, this is exactly what you want
Nets NBA Draft: Dariq Whitehead, No. 22, Grade: B+
This is a team that was trying to get rid of one of the first-round picks. They were unable to do that but still landed a solid player who was a top-five prospect going into last season. He struggled with injury and didn't live up to his considerable hype but he's skilled and could look better when he's healthy. This could be a steal for the team because the Nets employ the same doctor who did his latest surgery.
The Nets can now look to shop Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O'Neale this off-season while being able to replace them. If Whitehead can stay healthy then he will end up being a solid 3-and-D wing but he has the potential to take on even more scoring responsibility down the line.
Nets NBA Draft: Jalen Wilson, No. 51, Grade: B
With the No. 51 overall pick in the draft, it is really tough to find enough value so we're grading second-round picks given on a curve. Wilson may not make an impact but he is a player who could end up being a 3-and-D rotational piece. He's not a great shooter and will have to adjust to not being a primary offensive option. But he competes hard and has NBA size and athleticism.
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