With their final pick in round one the Brooklyn Nets grabbed Danny Wolf at slot number 27. Wolf is a rare big man who can handle the ball, pass, shoot, and rebound. At 7 feet tall, Wolf brings a unique versatility to a team loaded with guards this draft. In fact, Brooklyn used 4 of their 5 picks in round one, all on guards. Players like Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, and Ben Saraf all set on joining the backcourt mix. Wolf stands out as the only frontcourt player, but now it is time to answer “what is next” and the answer is the Nets still need a sharpshooter.
Why the Nets should take Chaz Lanier in round 2
Though the Nets have obviously not made a move for him yet, I am betting he is their next target. Lanier is a scoring machine. Last season he averaged18 points per game at Tennessee while shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc on high volume. His quick release and constant movement make him one of the best catch-and-shoot players in this class. Brooklyn needs exactly that, a deep threat who can stretch defenses and open lanes for their growing core of playmakers and facilitators.
Lanier’s defense leaves some concerns, but the Nets addressed those issues especially when they took Drake Powell. Powell was not the only defensive piece they added as Demin and Traore help in that category as well. Not only that, I believe that Wolf’s playmaking inside and Lanier’s shooting from outside would be a great one-two punch.
With a draft full of guards, the Nets still lack elite shooting, and the second round is the perfect place to find it. Brooklyn’s workout with Lanier earlier this year suggests they are already interested, and picking him up would add a lethal weapon for their offense.