Jett Howard (Syndication: Detroit Free Press)
The Brooklyn Nets have back-to-back picks in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. What are the best realistic outcomes?
The Brooklyn Nets began last season in the contenders circle. Then, at the trade deadline, they sent Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant to the Western Conference, closing the door on any hopes of immediate contention but not quite embracing a full-on rebuild.
Led by Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Nic Claxton, the Nets still managed to claim the sixth seed in the NBA playoffs. A first round exit to the Sixers — a sweep, no less — certainly poked holes in the roster, but it’s clear Brooklyn has no intention of bottoming out. That approach is sensible when one considers that Brooklyn doesn’t really control its immediate draft future, having traded most of their own picks to Houston for James Harden.
With the No. 21 and 22 picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, the Nets have a chance to add two more contributors to a deep roster. The Nets have most of their team under contract for next season, but a few notable names — Cam Johnson, Seth Curry, Yuta Watanabe — are set to hit free agency. Which prospect combinations would represent the best outcome on draft night?
Perfect NBA Draft combinations for the Brooklyn Nets:
3. Jett Howard and Andre Jackson Jr.
Son of Michigan head coach and former NBA All-Star Juwan Howard, it didn’t take Jett Howard long to cement his place on first-round draft boards. Early in the season, he even seemed destined for lottery status. While defensive concerns have since tanked his stock, Howard would be a tremendous value pick for the Nets in the early 20s.
At 6-foot-8, Howard provides a compelling mix of positional size and volume shooting on the wing. He’s one of the best 3-point shooters in the draft, comfortable running off of screens or working out of DHOs. He doesn’t create much for others, but Howard showed potential attacking closeouts and creating his own looks closer to the basket at Michigan. He’s one of the more polished offensive weapons on the board and he should be ready to contribute on day one.
Andre Jackson is similarly ready to step in and earn minutes. He played a central role in UConn’s national championship run, supplying the Huskies with frenetic defense and valuable connective playmaking. Jackson doesn’t score the ball much, but he’s a bursty athlete who loves to run the floor and set up teammates. His processing speed and knack for winning plays should lead to a long future as a role player. Getting a productive bench piece in the 20s would be a massive win for Brooklyn.