<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Apr 8 2008, 01:51 PM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pinetar @ Apr 8 2008, 01:42 PM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>You have to consider the current roster when deciding who to draft. The Nets already have five respectable big men, at least three of whom should be better next year (Krstic, Boone, and Williams). Three could leave as free agents, and the two who can't are young defensive oriented PFs. It doesn't make sense to draft a PF unless he brings something different - strong offense - or unless we're ready to give up on the players we already have.
The situation is similar at point guard. Hopefully Harris and Williams will both be effective and leave very few minutes to a third stringer. Next offseason we'll have a better idea of whether Williams is a solid rotation player or a bust. If the latter, that will be the time to get another point guard.
Having said all that, I would be happy to draft a likely future superstar at those positions. Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose are welcome here, but I don't think such a player would be available at pick #10.
At the wing we have two solid starters but not much else. Nachbar has his moments but is inconsistent and Hassell is a situational sub rather than a real rotation player. So I would use both first round picks on wings. Shooting ability and respectable defense are important; slashing and ball handling are less important.
At the first pick, Mayo and Gordon will probably be gone, so I would probably take Batum or Douglas-Roberts. At the second pick, I like Courtney Lee.</div>
Keep in mind that everyone on the current roster could be used in a trade or not re-signed. With that in mind do you want more than 1 rookie player at any particular position? If the Nets don't keep Boki I expect them to sign another free agent wing. I don't see them relying on 2 rookies to back-up that position. And as many bigs as the Nets have, none are very effective at creating offence in the low post, so I expect they may take a stab at another big. And Williams and Boone need to work on their jumpshot as well.
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If the Nets can arrange a significant trade on or before the draft, that's great, draft to fill the resulting holes in the roster. However, it's not something fans can realistically speculate about. The Nets would need to find a trade partner and we wouldn't know what either GM really thinks until they actually pull the trigger on a deal. In addition, the Nets have not added a significant player in an offseason deal since getting Jason Kidd seven years ago.
If you wait until after the draft to fill holes you may not be happy with the results. The Nets haven't had much success signing free agents lately.