[Bryan88]

Where should the Nets go with their 3 picks?

New Jersey Nets (34-48 in 2007-0

Draft picks: No. 10, No. 21, No. 40

Depth Chart

PG: Devin Harris / Marcus Williams / Darrell Armstrong*
SG: Vince Carter / Trenton Hassell / Maurice Ager
SF: Richard Jefferson / Bostjan Nachbar*
PF: Josh Boone/ Sean Williams / Stromile Swift* / Keith Van Horn*
C: Nenad Krstic* / DeSagana Diop*

*Potential free agent

Could use help at: Forward / Center, Guard / Forward, Depth

Bottom line: Trading Jason Kidd was a major step for this franchise, regardless of its short-term outcome. Though Devin Harris had his ups and downs late in the season, he has the unique ability to lock down defensively, spark the fast break, and beat everyone to the rim. While he isn’t going to be putting up any Jason Kidd like stat lines any time soon, he still has potential and could be a great fit given time to gel with Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson. With two first-round selections, and needs that match up extremely well with the players that will be available to them at their picks, President Rod Thorn and General Manager Kiki Vandeweghe’s strategy of taking the best player available should give this team a chance to grow considerably next season.

Draft outlook: With their lottery pick, the Nets will be presented with an array of players that fit their needs. The Nets would love for Brook Lopez to slip to them, although the chances of that happening look fairly low at the moment. If the Nets don’t like the big men that are on the board here (Thorn notoriously hates to reach for a player that doesn’t appear to have value at that spot), Danilo Gallinari could be swooped right up if he is somehow still available here. He is reported to have some ties here. Having a player like Devin Harris who can defend either guard position gives the Nets some versatility in the backcourt, meaning that Eric Gordon and Russell Westbrook could both be intriguing options if they somehow slip to here. DeAndre Jordan would be an interesting backup plan if nothing great shakes loose out of the top 9, and though he doesn’t fit in with what Lawrence Frank implements defensively, his potential may be too good for Thorn and Vandeweghe to pass up at 10, particularly if he works out well. Anthony Randolph offers similar potential at the power forward spot, as do Kosta Koufos and JaVale McGee. Both Koufos and Speights will have to show well in workouts to get considered at 10, but neither is out of the question.

At 21, the Nets will likely target the best player available (preferably with upside) who for whatever reason fell out of the top 20. If he has some size, then all the better. Marreese Speights would likely get heavy consideration here, as would Robin Lopez and Roy Hibbert if still available at this slot. Chase Budinger would all bring a nice mix of potential and perimeter skills to the table at that spot if he’s around, but the Nets have been keeping close tabs on Nicolas Batum for some time now, and know that he has a great deal of value as a high-level role player if he makes it to here.

At 40, the Nets will obviously take the top player on their board, possibly an athlete who can provide Lawrence Frank with a spark off the bench. Thorn and Vandeweghe are never shy on draft day, and may look to move around to get the players they want.