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The Brooklyn Nets are in a state of flux following their disappointing 2021-22 season. Most of their season was overshadowed by the vaccine drama with Kyrie Irving and trading James Harden for Ben Simmons. There was not much of a focus on the regular season and this clearly came back to bite Brooklyn. Despite remaining the betting favorite to win the Eastern Conference heading into the postseason, the Nets were swept by the Celtics in the opening round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics.
There are still plenty of questions surrounding what to expect next season. Ben Simmons recently underwent back surgery after being unable to play following the trade. A shakeup in the duo of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant also cannot be ruled out following the playoff exit. Regardless, the Nets will look to bounce back next season and begin so by constructing a proper roster.
This will begin in the 2022 NBA Draft in which Brooklyn holds the 23rd overall pick … maybe. The Nets have the option of delaying this selection until 2023 because of the Harden-Simmons trade. If the Nets defer this pick, the Philadelphia 76ers will make the selection.
But for the sake of this exercise, we're going to assume the Nets keep the pick.
Best options for Nets with 23rd pick in 2022 NBA Draft
EJ Liddell- Forward, Ohio State
A well-built and fundamentally sound forward, EJ Liddell is set to be a positive addition to whatever team adds him. Lidell stayed at Ohio State for three years and showed notable improvement each season. he plays with good physicality and has a powerful frame. This past year he averaged 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Liddell also took a step forward as a shooter and averaged 37.4% on three-point attempts while attempting more long-range shots per game.
The 6'7″ forward needs to prioritize the perimeter as he makes the NBA leap. He is most comfortable offensively when operating from the post or mid-range. Lidell has impressive touch around the rim and a good face-up game from the mid-range. He has the skill to extend his range and projects positively as a modern-day power forward.
Many of these concerns might simply be more of the stylistic difference between college and the NBA rather than a true knock on his skill. He also is extremely impressive as a rim protector as he averaged 2.6 blocks per game last season. His ability to defend the paint and the perimeter at a high level makes him appealing as an early-impact player. The 21-year-old has a potential fit as a small-ball center or floor-spacing power forward. While Liddell still certainly has room to grow, he would be able to contribute to the Nets right away.
Kennedy Chandler- Guard, Tennessee
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Kennedy Chandler is a lightning-quick guard who is a blast to watch play. He is a crafty finisher with a solid runner and showed improvement in his jump shot throughout the year. The Tennesse guard averaged 13.9 points, 4.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game in his lone season in college. He has disruptive hands defensively and enticing athleticism.
There are concerns about Chandler's size as he is just 6'1″ with a slight frame. Adding some strength to his body will be necessary at the next level, but his game is much more built around his quick pace and ability to create separation. It could take him a few years to fully get adjusted to the NBA game, but he would be a nice addition to the Nets' second unit.
Jalen Williams- Wing, Santa Clara
It will be interesting to see when Jalen Williams sees his name get called in the draft. There is a difference of opinion about the 21-year-old who improved each season he spent at Santa Clara. During his final year in college, Williams averaged 18 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 steals. The swingman can do a little bit of everything for the team. He also improved as a shooter and brought his three-point average up to 39.6% this season.
One of the appealing aspects of his game is his 7'2″ wingspan. He is not an elite athlete but moves smoothly around the court and can finish above the rim with ease. He has the ability to get an isolation bucket when needed and typically makes the right play. There are small improvements he will need to make across the board when making the NBA leap but is a likely candidate for a guy who will outperform his draft slot.
It is unlikely the Nets will be able to find their missing piece in the draft, so sitting back and ensuring they add the right long-term fit is important if they wind up keeping this pick. Each of these players would be a positive addition to the roster and show the flashes of winning habits that the Nets should be in search of. There is plenty more work to do on their roster but capitalizing on the draft is where Brooklyn must start.
Editor's Note: This story was updated to note that the Nets could defer this pick to 2023, per the terms of the James Harden-Ben Simmons trade.
