What to do with Joe Johnson?

Coming into the season, the Nets had many concerns, but the play of Joe Johnson wasn’t one of them.

Johnson has been one of the most consist players in the game over the last 6 years. He’ll shoot about 45% and 35% from three and give you around 16 points a game. Was there some thought that he would drop off this season? Yes, but nobody foresaw the decline that is happening.

This year Joe Johnson is 35%/31%/11ppg. Not only is Joe Johnson bad, with his contract he is the worst player in the league.

It is safe to say Johnson won’t be part of the Nets in March he will be bought out or traded. But how do you trade the worst player in the NBA?

Luckily for Brooklyn, Johnson is on an expiring deal and that gives him some value.

On The Lowe Post this week, Zach Lowe said he heard that the Nets are willing to make trades but still want to win now. So the Nets won’t start the rebuild anytime soon, but how could they rebuild without draft picks? Joe Johnson isn’t getting any first round picks in return, which means it is time to get creative.

My idea for the Nets (I am available for an internship) is to trade Joe Johnson for players under contracts for next year and maybe even longer.

Why? Because no one is coming to Brooklyn next year in free agency, it’s a dumpster fire here, and we all know the Nets don’t control their own draft pick until 2019. The Nets need picks and Joe Johnson isn’t the guy to get picks, but if you acquire guys in a trade for Johnson you can turn them into picks next year or the year after.

The best analogy I can come up with is to flip a house. People buy houses that are under value or a disaster, they spend some time and money to fix it and then put it back on the market and make a profit off it (HGTV!!! My mother would be so proud). Obviously in the analogy houses=players.  

(You can take out LaVine and put in Shabazz Mohammad, LET ME DREAM ABOUT ZACH LAVINE.)

But this trade is the perfect example of my idea you take in Kevin Martin who can still shoot threes very well and has another year left on his contract, when he is an expiring contract he could have value and net something decent in return. Now the big turnoff in this deal is Nikola Pekovic, his contract isn't good and he is always in a suit during games (in which he looks like the perfect bouncer) because of injuries. At the moment he has zero value, but if he can get healthy and play a full season in Brooklyn all of a sudden he has trade value and could get something in return. Mohammad or LaVine would be a young assist for Brooklyn. In this deal the Nets would be deserving of young talent because they would be giving the Wolves a lot of cap flexibility.

(I have Faried in the deal because Gallinari and Wilson Chandler are unavailable on trade machine at the moment because of contract extensions they have signed, but insert one of the two for Faried)

The Nets get an expiring in Hickson, a cheap veteran in Nelson and it gets the Nuggets out of a longer term deal with players who let’s be honest aren’t taking the Nuggets anywhere. If Chandler/Gallinari/Faried play better over their contract  the Nets can eventually trade them for more value.  This deal gives the Nuggets more cap flexibility.

My favorite trade is Joe Johnson for Derrick Rose.

Both are having awful seasons the Bulls would probably be scared because Chicago loves D-rose but for pure basketball reasons this trade makes sense for the Bulls, They would get out of Rose’s contract a year early by taking Joe Johnson and would have money to throw around this summer and Chicago is an attractive city for free agents. For the Nets, maybe D-Rose turns it around? OK, probably not but Rose in a Nets jersey? That would be fun. (Fun doesn’t equal productive)

The Nets are in a bad place and Joe Johnson hasn’t been good, this is my best idea at the moment.

For everything Nets and NBA following @threwthenet.

trades 2016

Christmas just ended which means we have entered the trading season! Before Christmas is the feeling out process with teams. After Christmas and between the trade deadline is obviously trade season and after that is the stretch run.

Every team needs to look at the standings today because it is most likely where they will end up unless they make a trade.

The Nets are 9-22 and in 14^th place with no chance of moving up. The Nets are obviously sellers, but what do they have to sell?

Untouchables

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson- Before his injury was the best player on the Nets. With him being on his rookie contract there is no reason to trade him.

Chris McCullough- Some of you may be wondering who this is. He was also a first round pick this year but hasn’t played due to an ACL injury. He’s untouchable because he’s young and under a rookie contract; players like him and RHJ are exactly what the Nets need.

Offers that need to blow you away

Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young- If I’m the Nets, I wouldn’t trade these two this year and my reasoning isn’t basketball. This offseason Lopez signed a three year $60 million contract and Thad signed a four year $50 million contract. It isn’t a good look to trade players in year one of a big contract. Thad Young’s family is all over social media and they love Brooklyn. Basketball players are more than contracts (someone tell Sam Hinkie). They are actually people and it would be wise for the Nets to hold onto these two. Plus, they probably will have more value when some years come off their contracts.

Young guys you shouldn’t trade, but might

Shane Larkin “Lighting”- Larkin has been a good find for the Nets. He should be kept around in case the Nets trade Jarrett Jack. If Jack is traded, Larkin would be the logical guy to start at point and it would be smart to let him play 30 minutes. But how good is Larkin? Trading him for another young player or a pick might be wise. I would keep him but he certainly isn’t untouchable.

Thomas Robinson- This poor guy is traded every five months and I wouldn’t be surprised if he got traded again. First off he should be playing, not nailed to the bench. T-Rob has one of the best net ratings on the team but can’t crack the rotation. At some point he will start getting some burn.

Markel Brown- Unfortunately for Markel, he is blocked by other talent, I don’t think he gets traded but he could get playing time if the Nets move a wing 

Willie “Showtime” Reed- Reed has only played 12 games but his impact has been noticed. He has jumped Bargs in the rotation and is the first big off the bench. Reed isn’t untouchable but the Nets might have found a diamond in the rough. He deserves to be looked at for a full season by the Nets.

No value  

Andrea Bargnani- Yupp, that about sums that up.

Donald Sloan- Sloan played OK when Larkin was out, but if you can’t crack the rotation on a team that is 9-22 where are you going to crack the rotation? Hello China!

Sergey Karasev- He doesn’t play. This leads me to believe he has no value. I don’t see him cracking an NBA rotation anywhere. Maybe it’s best for him to play in Europe for a year or two and boost his value.

Joe Johnson-… Oh how the mighty have fallen. Johnson not only has no value but he’s untradeable! He is making almost $25 million this year. Joe Johnson might be the worst player in the NBA considering his production at his pay rate. Johnson will probably be bought out post trade deadline and (just a guess) ends up on the Clippers. That sounds like Doc Rivers.

Some Value?

Wayne Ellington- If you would have asked me this a month ago I would have laughed in your face, but now? Meh? Maybe? In December he shot 42% from the three. If a team wants a vet toward the end of the bench Ellington might be that guy. His value is a 2^nd round pick.

Guys who should be traded

Jarrett Jack- He gets a lot of hate from Net fans, some deserving some not, but he is still an effective NBA point guard. Teams looking to make the playoffs and need a backup point guard will be calling the Nets about Jack. He has two years left on his deal but can be bought out after this year at $500k. What teams will be interested? Jack ranks 21 (out of point guards) in ESPN real plus minus at 0.05. A lot of teams in the East could use Jack; and I think he will be traded because there is no value in keeping him. He could bring back a young player or MAYBE a pick late first round or heavily protected first round pick.

Bojan Bogdanovic-The Nets dangled Bojan around during the draft but opted to keep him, but now might be the time to trade him. He’s a role player on a playoff team, and the Nets are certainly not a playoff team. Bojan is on a good contract. Bojan started the season slowly but in December he’s shooting 44% from three. What playoff team doesn’t want that? He could net a second round pick which won’t float many people’s boats but I think it’s worth a trade.

Yeah, the Nets don’t have much to look forward to this year come trade deadline.

For everything Brooklyn Nets and NBA follow @threwthenet

Some Lineup fun

Last week we went over individual players on the Nets. Which resulted in me puking on my laptop because of Wayne Ellington and Bargnani, but today we will look at which lineups work for the Nets and which ones don’t.

The starters

  The Nets starting lineup of Jack-Johnson-RHJ-Young-Lopez is really good, that lineup has a net rating of 14.6!!!! That’s one of the best starting lineups in the league. The Nets record is obviously bad but they are in pretty much every game and the starting lineup is a big reason why.

 Now if you keep the starting lineup together but substitute Bojan for RHJ what happens? Well a negative 28 difference!! Bojan has net rating of -15… it is time for him to benched along with Wayne Ellington and time to unleash Markel Brown and Karasev.

2 man lineups

 Last year Lionel Hollins had an obsession of playing two point guards and two centers at the same time even though the numbers were horrible so how’s that going this year?

Lopez and Bargs

These two have played 69 mins together and have a Net rating of -24.7 which makes sense since they are both below average defenders. If these two are in together teams will just pick and roll the Nets to death.

Jack and Larkin

These two have only played 27 mins but they have a net rating of 5.7. One reason why this combo is working is because of Larkins lights out shooting. If Larkin is the best three point shooter on the Nets (which the numbers say he is) he should spend some time off the ball which would allow some more of this lineup.

The really bad

This is basically the Bargnani show he has so many ugly numbers with guys like Jack, Thad Young and Joe Johnson. It was a bad signing when it happened and the early part of the season has only confirmed it. When Willie Reed is healthy he needs to play and Bargs needs to sit.

The good

   Welcome to the Rondea Hollins-Jefferson Show! Most of this numbers are just RHJ with a member of the starting unit, but there is one combination that isn’t part of the starting lineup. Shane Larkin and Thomas Robinson have played together for 114 mins and have a net rating of 4.1. Robinson was a cheap signing but has been one of the Nets better players. He needs more minutes.

(All stats from NBA.com)

There is nothing that gets me more frustrated while watching the Nets when they play players/lineups that don’t work. If I can look at these numbers while I am in bed and drinking a Dr Pepper the coaching staff and front office should be doing it and enforcing it!

For everything Brooklyn Nets and the NBA follow @threwthenet on Twitter. 

12 games in

          The Nets have played 12 games so far in the 2015 season and they are pretty much where I thought they would be. Maybe not 2-10 but standings wise, it is what I thought. But the team itself has played better lately, they have been in games they had no business being in and they have even lost games they should have won.

      So what’s gone right and wrong? Let’s start with the negatives.

The bad.

Basketball

           The Nets have played better recently but they are still a bad team and the numbers prove it. They are 29^th in offensive rating 97.2, the team is shooting 44% that is 15^h in the league and they are dead last in three point shooting 28.9% YUCK they are also 29^th in attempts 16.4. But if they can’t hit the three should they be taking threes? Probably not. The Nets only have two players shooting over 30% and they are both point guards. Which means the Nets wings are not shooting, Bojan is only at 27% and Joe Johnson is at 25%. The Nets need to figure their outside shot by doing this it opens up the paint for Brook Lopez.

Defensively it’s not much better. The Nets pick and roll defense is still miserable, Brook Lopez isn’t a center who can defend a pick and roll. Last year the Nets defense had a problem with closing out on shooters (Deron Williams) this year the problem has been defending off the ball and keeping their eyes on the ball and their matchup. Too many times are guys left open because of this. Also Nets bigs in the pick and roll turn their backs on the ball handler before the guard has recovered from the pick. It usually results in an open three for the opponent. Brook and Thad each did this in the Hornet game.

Wayne Ellington

                When Wayne Ellington was signed I was a bit confused but he’s a veteran wing and adding those for depth isn’t the end of the world. But the experiment is over! Ellington has played in all 12 games averaging 14.6 minutes a game with a net rating of -21.1!!!!! He has an offensive rating of 79.8, Ellington is also shooting 26.1% from three and he is the worst off ball defender, he always loses his man. It’s time to glue him to the bench. He’s courtblocking Markel Brown a young player who should be playing in this disastrous season.

Andrea Bargnani

                Time for everyone’s Net, Andrea Bargnani. The Nets decided to go with Bargs over a young player Cliff Alexander and of course it hasn’t been well. Bargs has a net rating of -19.1 and that’s all you need to know. At the moment Lionel Hollins has no one else to play instead of Bargs but when Willie Reed comes back from his injury he better be the backup center.

The Good

There is good with this team!!!

RHJ

                Hollis-Jefferson has been a great for the Nets so far. He has a net rating of 6.4 the highest on the Nets, but he only plays 19.7 minutes a game that needs to go way up. But the only problem with RHJ is the he can’t shoot which means he can’t play late in the fourth. But he should be around 30 minutes.

T-rob

 Thomas Robinson sign for the minimum this offseason and it was Billy King’s best move. T-rob has a net rating of 0.0 THAT’S THE SECOND BEST ON THE TEAM!!! He is only playing 11.6 minutes per game that needs to be around 18. He brings great energy off the bench and is always on the boards.

Shane Larkin

                Another good signing by Billy King (November 20, 2015 4:30 PM the first time I have complemented Billy King twice without a negative comment in between) Larkin started out slow but he has started to turn it around. Defense is an issue but he is shooting lights out at the moment he’s the Nets best shooter at 52.9% from three.

Jarrett Jack

                Jack has been pretty good since recovering from his injury and he is important for the Nets this year, If Jack plays good all year he could become a decent trade chip come February. 2^nd round pick!!

The Nets probably won’t be a good team this year but if the team can make some adjustments they could make things interesting for a while.

For everything Nets and NBA follow threwthenet on Twitter.

2015 free agency

The NBA season and draft are over but the NBA is a year round sport. Now begins the most exciting part of the NBA year; free agency. Last year’s free agency changed the landscape of the NBA with Lebron going back home to Cleveland. This year won’t be as monumental, but there are big names on the market that could make some teams championship contenders. The first group of free agents are the guys who are on the market but aren’t really on the market. This group involves Lebron James, Kawhi Leonard, Marc Gasol, Kevin Love, Draymond Green and Tim Duncan. There’s a better chance of Billy King making a smart move than these guys leaving… Okay maybe not, but you get the point. Now that we got those guys out of the way let’s go through the list.

LaMarcus Aldridge- Lakers

All signs point to Aldridge leaving the Trail Blazer; they even know it. They’ve started to rebuild (with really smart moves) so where does Aldridge go? The favorites are the Spurs, but in order to get Aldridge they need to shed salary real quick. Duncan and Parker are said to be coming back at cheaper contracts and if Manu doesn’t retire he will also be back on a cheaper contract. The problem is the Spurs have to trade Splitter or Diaw and they seem hard pressed to trade them. The Spurs have been talking to the Cavs about trading one of them for Brandon Haywood who has a non-guaranteed contract, but if you’re the Cavs why would you make that deal? They don’t need Splitter or Diaw and you give the Spurs cap room to make themselves a threat to yourself? I don’t think Aldridge is a Spur when free agency ends because too much has to happen. I think Aldridge ends up with the Lakers. The idea of being the face of the Lakers is an attraction for any NBA player. With this probably being Kobe’s last year, Aldridge would suffer for one year in LA but after that he will have the opportunity to play with younger stars because of free agency.

Jimmy Butler- Bulls

Now, Jimmy Butler should be part of the group above because he isn’t leaving the Bulls but, the contract is going to be tricky. It has been reported he wants to be a Laker but he is a restricted free agent so the Bulls will match any offer. Butler can do one of two things if he wants to be a Laker in the near future. 1) Sign the offer sheet from the Bulls that would pay him roughly five million next year, but he would be an unrestricted free agent and he could sign with the Lakers in 2016-2017 or 2) sign a contract from the Lakers that’s two years (Bulls match that offer) with a player option so he opts out after the second year and goes to the Lakers in 2017-2018 when the cap jumps to 107 million. Butler will be a Bull next year but the contract is something to watch out for.

DeAndre Jordan- Mavs

Deandre was born in Texas, went to school in Texas, and now I think it’s time for a home reunion. There has been a lot of friction in the Clippers locker room over the past couple of years; rumors are that Jordan and Chris Paul don’t have the best relationship. Besides that there hasn’t been any indication of DeAndre leaving but there hasn’t been any about him staying either which should be concerning. The Clippers can still offer him the max and apparently they can offer him Jamie Foxx (who was at his meeting with the Clippers). If the Clippers brought out Jamie Foxx what will Mark Cuban bring out?

Brook Lopez- Nets

I am not ready to talk about this yet… I’ll write something about this after free agency.

Dwyane Wade- Heat

This will be a good old fashioned game of chicken but at the end of the day where is D-wade going to go if he leaves the Heat? The Cavs? You think Gabrielle Union is going to move to Cleveland and take a 10 million dollar pay cut? No way Dwyane is leaving Miami.

Brandon Knight- Suns

Remember last year when the Suns signed Isiah Thomas to a great deal in free agency? Things looked good for the Suns but now they look like an organization being ran by a chicken with his head cut off. They have no direction. They traded away the Laker pick! Why would you trade the Laker pick??? They got Brandon Knight mid-season for that Laker pick so they have to resign him right? RIGHT? It sounded like they gauged the market for Eric Bledsoe but they held onto him. The Suns in all likelihood will resign Knight but I won’t be surprised if some crazy happens.

Goran Dragic- Heat

There’s no way he leaves right? The Heat gave up a lot for him. He seemed happy in Miami they can sell him on being on a good team long term. But it only takes one team; he’s unrestricted so if one team decides to throw all of their money at him it could get interesting. However, I don’t see that happening; he’ll be enjoying sunny South Beach.

Danny Green- Spurs

This is real interesting if LaMarcus Aldridge signs with the Spurs. Green is gone but if the Spurs fail to sign Aldridge they still won’t be able to match offers from other teams that will offer a lot more money. But the Spurs organization has probably brain washed him and he will take less and resign. But if LMA goes to the Spurs, Green could probably make 10 million a year on the open market.

Greg Monroe- Knicks

This has been done for a long time according to respected writer. Monroe is someone Phil Jackson loves he will probably get 10-12 million. He isn’t a bad player the only problem is that the Knicks defense is going to be pretty bad with him and Melo. If the Knicks sign him they need to get a defensive.

Tristan Thompson- Cavs

GM Lebron loves him. He will be in Cleveland but the contract will be something to watch. He’s going to get paid, but how much? I think his number will surprise people. Maybe the Raptors offer him the max? He’s Canadian and very good at basketball. If that happens, will Cleveland match? (Also I doubt the raptors offer the max but I’m rooting for chaos)

Paul Millsap- Hawks

The Hawks have to choose between Millsap and Carroll. From everything I’ve read it sounds like Carroll will be the guy leaving. It’ safe to say Millsap stays but again for how much? Millsap might reach the max or come very close to it.

Kris Middleton- Bucks

This decision was made when the Bucks traded Brandon Knight. They couldn’t keep Knight and Middleton so they picked the wing defender that could guard multiple positions. The only concern here is what if The Celtics offer the max? Would the Bucks match? I think they would but it would make things interesting.

Robin Lopez- Clippers

Someone has to replace Deandra Jordan. Lopez would be a solid replacement. He does all the things DJ does just not as good; but with Chris Paul he could become a pretty good center in the league.

DeMarre Carroll- Pistons

I have no idea where he is heading, but this makes sense right? He can play the four here and open the floor for Drummond to work inside. Carroll is a very important player, but he picked the wrong time to be a free agent. Teams are going to be careful with their money this year with the cap going way up next year and they might not spend as much as they should on Carroll. I also wonder if Coach Budz can create the Spurs culture in ATL by convincing guys to take less money. I think it may be possible with the group of guys in Atlanta.

Wildcards and personal favorites

Tyson Chandler- Bucks

If the Mavs get Jordan where does that leave Chandler? With his good friend Jason Kidd. Could you imagine Chandler anchoring that Bucks defense it would be a nightmare to play against, also an ugly thing to watch as a fan but a great ugly thing, think Sharkando. (The Bucks have your attention now don’t they?) I love the fit in Milwaukee for Chandler and I am rooting for it to happen.

Wesley Matthews- Portland

The city and fan base adore him. Which is important in this case because the Blazers can’t lose LMA and Wes in one offseason. They are rebuilding but Matthews is also recovering from a torn Achilles. It makes sense for Matthews to resign with Portland for a one year deal. He’s in a system he knows and is comfortable with the area. He can have a nice rebound season and hit the market next year expecting a big contract.

Tobias Harris- Magic

There are a lot of questions around Tobias Harris. First, is he good? I think he is a good player. He’s only 23 and has improved every year. What position does he play? Who cares! In a year or two there may not be positions. Do the Magic want him? It seems like they do. But if a team comes along and offers Harris more money than the Magic want, will they match? That’s the most interesting question because a team won’t sign anyone and come day five of free agency a team will get desperate and drop a four year, 60 million dollar offer. Do the Magic match?

The Nets

They’ll resign Mirza, Thad Young, and Brook Lopez and give the mini mid level to some washed up vet. I would offer the mini to guys like Justin Holiday, KJ Mcdaniels, Thomas Robinson, and Will Barton. The Nets overpay old guys so why not overpay a young who’s unproved and take a chance!

For everything NBA and Brooklyn Nets :( follow@threwthenet on twitter.

2015 Draft

MC: Tonight is the NBA draft and it’s a rare combination, it’s a deep draft and it could have a lot of trades which could make it a night to remember. To help us out we bring in our friend John Kluepfel. Now there’s a lot to get into but I think we need to address what the first three picks are going to be because I don't see a trade happening in the top three and depending on who gets pick I think it will set the tone for the whole night, so you’re top three picks are?

JK: I agree with the thought that there won’t be any major trades in the top three and think (and hope) it goes Towns, Okafor and Russell. I’m really high on Towns and think he has the chance to be a special type of player in a guy that can stretch the floor but also be a dominant defender. The only guy that comes to mind is Serge Ibaka and Towns has the chance to be Ibaka on steroids. What’s your view on Towns? I’m not high on Flip and both he and Byron Scott are traditional coaches who hate three pointers but I’d love to see Wiggins and Towns together shutting down teams for the next 10+ years.

MC:Towns will be the best big out of this draft easily, I didn’t watch much of him since I don’t watch college basketball but hands down the best big. But I am happy that that is your top three because that three will create the craziness I want! But I think the Lakers take Russell and the 6ers take Mudiay and the Knicks get lucky and take Okafor. Which means the craziness does not happen

JK: I’d be very, very surprised if the Lakers took Russell. I love Russell’s game and think he can be a special player. He’s not a great athlete but his game is silky smooth. I’ve heard James Harden and Brandon Roy before the injuries so that’s certainly high praise. I don’t think the Lakers take him because of the fit with Kobe. Russell needs the ball in his hands and as much as the Lakers want people to believe Kobe doesn’t influence the pick, he does. I’d say the Lakers take Okafor.

Okafor, the accepted number one pick before the tournament, has lost a lot of value because of his inability to defend the pick and roll and his low ceiling compared to some of the other players available. I think Okafor will be a nice player but I wouldn’t put my money on him being a star. Al Jefferson and Brook Lopez come to mind when thinking of a comparison and it makes sense: a big that can control the offense but can also slow it down. A guy that can single handedly win a game but can also slow down the defense and have to be taken out during the last few minutes of the game. We’ll see with Okafor but I’m not high on him just like I wasn’t too high on Parker last year. What’s your take on the Cousins rumors? Would you take Randle and the #2 pick for him? People usually throw the Lakers with any team but Randle, Clarkson and the #2 pick seems like pretty good value right?

MC:For Boggie? No, first why would the Kings trade their franchise player to their biggest rival? Why would I trade for a guy who missed the whole season and Clarkson whose numbers were inflated because he was on a horrible team? No way I do that if i am the Kings, but you bring a great segway. TRADES!! Let’s start off with teams most likely to trade up. My two are the Suns and Raptors. There’s the rumor of Bledsoe and the 13th pick for the Knicks 4th pick, I love this rumor because it’s an interesting trade. I have the Raptors here because they have to do something, do they package their pick and Derozan or Valanciunas to move up? Masai is up to something I can feel it! So who’s trading up?

JK: I would trade Boogie but I don’t think the Lakers offer is that bad. The Wolves got a great return for Love and I know Okafor/Russell/Kristaps/Mario isn’t Wiggins but I’m willing to bet that Randle is better than Bennett. The Knicks trade is pretty interesting but I’d keep the pick if I were them. I understand Phil Jackson is crazy but does Bledsoe, Melo and the Suns pick really make them contenders? I’m not so sure. Whenever we talk about the Knicks it’s “do they fit the triangle?” Does Bledsoe fit the triangle? The Knicks could pass on a legitimate star which would be very Knicks. On the flip side if I’m the Suns, why trade Bledsoe for a top pick when they have a top pick in Alex Len who has yet to turn into a surefire starter in the league? Raptors would be interesting and you’d have to think someone would want to take a chance on Derozan and Jonas but I’d put the Nuggets here instead. I think the Nuggets might take Mudaiy which then begs the question with where Ty Lawson goes. The Nuggets have way too many assets to not make a trade and I think they’ll be the most active team in the draft.

MC: Maybe the Knicks trade 4 for 7 and take Lawson? that makes sense, I think. As for the Raptors I don’t know what the trade would be but Masai is always three moves ahead maybe the Nuggets and Raptors make a deal? Derozan and 20 plus the Raptors pick next year for 7. (remember Toronto has the Knicks pick next year so they can move their own) Before we get into the rest of the top 10, who can trade down? I think the Heat are a team to watch I wouldn’t be surprised if they trade 10 and Deng for lets say pick 19 from Washington? Clears the Heat cap and gives the Wizards a Paul Pierce replacement. Who do you see trading down?

JK: I wouldn’t bet on the Raptors and Nuggets making a deal. Remember, Masai left the Nuggets and not in a Derek Jeter kind of way. Trading down is a little tough but I don’t think the Heat are looking to trade down. First, they traded two picks for Dragic so they’re definitely trying to win now. They’re paying Bosh, Dragic, Deng and hopefully Wade in order to win now. If Wade leaves town, they need a replacement, fast. The Heat are interesting, do they take a Wade replacement or do they take a forward?  

 

MC: Okay we have your top three now gives us the next seven picks. No trades just picks.

Knicks: Kristaps- The European guy who jumped up everyone’s boards. A 7 footer, who possesses great athleticism, is a skilled shooter and has potential to be a rim protector might have the highest ceiling behind Towns. He is European though so many will be quick to label him as a bust. Needs to add strength but this guy could be the best player in the draft, or one of the worst. The Knicks need just about everything so if they think Kristaps is the guy, they should go for him.

Magic: Winslow- one word comes to mind when thinking of Winslow: solid. The Magic continue to stockpile assets and Winslow fits the bill as a safe pick, much like Oladipo, Payton and Gordon. Hopefully Winslow can shoot NBA range because that’s the one thing the Magic need. Many people fell in love with him in the tournament but my love doesn’t stretch this far. I’d much rather have WCS, Mudiay (the one other guy I could see the Magic taking) or Hezonja. The Magic really just need a star and I’m not sure Winslow is that guy but he fits their draft style.

Kings: WCS- The perfect fit to Cousins. Has the potential to be a great player in today’s NBA. A tremendous shot blocker who fits the mold as a Tyson Chandler, Andre Drummond, Andrew Bogut kind of player. A guy who doesn’t need the ball but can be very effective and efficient. Huge fan of WCS and would rather have him than Winslow or even Okafor.

Nuggets: Mudiay- Mudiay is an athletic point guard, much like the John Wall, Derrick Rose or Russell Westbrook’s of the world. He’s not a European guy with little scouting (which is his reputation since he played in China) since he’s played with a lot of these guys in showcases before. He’s got a high ceiling but he needs to learn how to shoot in order to expand his game. The Nuggets seem to be content on trading Ty Lawson and this pick gives them the chance to deal him.

Pistons: Mario Hezonja- The Croatian Kobe! This guy is nuts and I love him. This guy has the swagger but the skills to back it up. Watch his YouTube videos and you’ll see why so many people are hoping this guy becomes a star. Hezonja is an athletic monster who throws down windmills before quarter’s end and takes wild three pointers that would make Jimmer proud. I’m not sure Hezonja will be good, but I’m sure as hell hopeful he will be. It’ll be interesting to see how coaches interact with Mario, as he seems like someone who will torture SVG. I’d also see Stanley Johnson being drafted here but can’t see Hezonja falling much after this. Crazy potential but also just plain crazy.

Hornets: Kaminsky- Frank Kaminsky seems like a bust. Just like the European guys (Hezonja and Kristaps), there’s a negative connotation when thinking about White American born big men. Think Tyler Hansbrough, Adam Morrison, Jimmer Fredette or Douggy Buckets. But I’m here to play devil’s advocate. I think Kaminsky can be a very useful player in today’s game. He’s never going to dunk on you but Kaminsky is a legitimate stretch four who can handle the ball, post up and create offense on his own. Think Boris Diaw or Josh Mcroberts. He’s not going to be a star but Kaminsky can be a really useful tool to a good team.

The Hornets desperately need scoring, shooting and someone to create offense, a Frank fills all of those holes.

Heat: Stanley Johnson- Johnson was a consensus top five pick before the college basketball mostly because of the potential he has. He’s got a Lebron James body with tremendous length and athleticism. Johnson carries a lot of risk and could be another Wesley Johnson. But If he puts it all together, watch out. Johnson fits the Heat as a guy who could potentially take the weight of the offense if Wade were to leave or be a key cog and take up Deng’s minutes.   

MC: Four through eight seems like it can go multiple ways. I guess Kristaps will be a Knicks if they keep the pick but I keep hearing the Knicks love Trey Lyles, I think the Knicks trade the pick and draft Lyles later on. I can see the rest of your mock be a reality but WCS to the Kings is interesting I think they might go with Mario, if they pick WCS it will be crazy with the Cousin rumors.

JK: I think WCS is a perfect fit with Cousins. Cousins is a “center” but in today’s positionless basketball, two big men might be a nice response to small ball. Cousins as the anchor on offense and WCS as the rim protector/ pick and roll specialist seems like a match made in heaven.

MC: Before we wrap this up since it’s a Nets blog what are the Nets doing? this is Billy King’s sweetspot! late twenties he’s going to pick a decent player isn’t he?

JK: He has to. This might be the only reason why King is still the GM. We only have late first rounders and that’s just about the only thing he’s good at. So let him do it right? Why hire someone else when there’s no flexibility at all? Let’s hope!

MC:The Nets have two picks entering the night how many picks do they end up making on Thursday? I say three they’ll probably buy one second pick. What say you?

JK: The Nets might buy a pick but they really need to hit on their first rounder. I’d love to get someone like Justin Anderson or RJ Hunter but if Hollis-Jefferson or Montrezl Harrell fell to 29, I wouldn’t pass on them either. The back of the draft is mostly a crapshoot and I’d shoot for the stars if I’m King.

MC: I agree, go for the highest ceiling. I like Anthony Brown he shot 44% from three and can defend pretty good.

Well that’s your 2015 draft preview let the weirdness begin! For everything NBA and Brooklyn Nets follow @threwthenet on twitter.

It's Just Getting Started

The NBA season is over L and the Warriors are the champs but it occurred to me during the finals that the Cavs and Warriors may have created a rivalry and that we may see these two teams match up in the finals again. The Cavs are a lock to be in the finals over the next couple of years since they have the best player in the world and they play in the worst conference in the world. For the Warriors it will be tougher since they play in the west but they will get better as a unit, remember this is only year one under Kerr they should only get better over time. But both of these team face challenges over the offseason, first let’s look at the Cavs.

The Cavs offseason plan is pretty simple bring everyone back. A full season of Kyrie, Shumpert, JR, Lebron, Delly, Love, Mozgov and Thompson is a great top 8 and if you add some pieces around that it’s a championship team. The Cavs have a first round pick and I would use that pick on a big man and try to move Anderson Varejao. He makes a lot of money over the next two years, he can’t stay healthy and the Cavs have too many big men. Love, Lebron and Thompson all are power forwards and Mozgov is your center. With Thompson he is on the verge of getting a HUGE contract the Cavs can’t have Varejao, Mozgov, James, Love and Thompson it’s too much money and the Cavs aren’t a big market team so they can’t pay the tax bill that the Nets pay. Moving Varejao would be very tough but it should be something they look to do.  The Cavs have the mini mid-level exception and Lebron James so they should be able to get a good player to sacrifice on money to play with Lebron for a title. For the mini the Cavs need to find another wing off the bench who can shoot. Matt Barnes just got traded and is expected to get waived, he would be a great fit In Cleveland. If Lebron is healthy next year they should cruise to the NBA Finals once again.  Also Lebron should play like 66 games next year and not play over 32 minutes a game. He has played so many minutes it would be wise for Cleveland to keep him fresh and put more of a load on Kyrie and Love during the regular season.

For the Warriors the road back will be a lot tougher than the Cavs but with one of the best front offices in the game they should be okay. All of their core is coming back their top 9 is loaded Curry, Klay, Iggy, Barnes, Livingston, Draymond, Bogut, Ezeli and Mo Speights. The Warriors have a pick and also the Mini mid-level exception, I’d like the Warriors to pick up a shooter off the bench this has been a glaring weakness for them in my opinion and it showed itself during the finals. If they can find a shooter off the bench they might be unstoppable. Now the Warriors have David Lee a guy who doesn’t fit in Steve Kerrs system but is still a good NBA player as we saw in the NBA finals. The Warriors should trade him but, the problem is he has a huge salary and the Warriors might not want to trade him. It might be wise to let his contract run out so the Warriors have cap room for the summer of Durant. If they can swap Lee for another expiring I think GS should do it, having 16 million be a bench warmer isn’t what you want.  There aren’t many trades out there that would make sense which means the Warriors might be the same team next year with a few minor tweaks. Matt Barnes would be a great fit in Golden State as well. (Matt Barnes and Draymond on the same team! Please and thank you)

Regardless both of these teams should be good for a while and we could see a Warriors vs Cavs finals for a while.