2017 NBA draft grades: As expected, Nets take a risk with first-round pick, landing Jarrett Allen
The Brooklyn Nets hobbled to a 20-62 record in the 2016-17 season, so the draft offers an opportunity to bring some fresh faces to the beleaguered team. Their needs, though, are vast.
The Nets held two first-rounders, but the team reportedly traded the No. 27 pick to the Lakers as part of a deal to swap Brook Lopez for D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov.
The team's rookies this past year were Caris LeVert (No. 20 overall in the 2016 draft) and Isaiah Whitehead (No. 42 overall), each of whom had largely successful opening seasons. LeVert shined as a scorer with upside, and Whitehead's passing ability was on display throughout the year.
Here's the full list of picks the Nets hold in the 2017 draft, which will be updated with grades and analysis as each selection is made.
2017 NBA Draft Grades: Pick-By-Pick Analysis
Round 1, Pick 22 (No. 22 overall): Jarrett Allen, C, Texas
Everyone was expecting the Nets to take a big risk here, and that’s exactly what they did. Allen has impressive physical tools, but has a lot of learning to do. He improved over the course of the season at Texas, which helps his cause a little bit, but scouts were mixed about whether or not Allen would ever tap into his full potential. It’s smart in theory and certainly justifiable, but there’s equal reason to be skeptical. The good news is that Brooklyn can afford to wait and see.
Grade: B-
Round 2, Pick 27 (No. 57 overall): Aleksandar Vezenkov
