Nets Must Make a Statement, Starting with the Draft

The NBA Draft is a few weeks away and every mock board has positioned John Wall at the top of the list.

This year’s draft is filled with top to bottom talent at almost every position. However, since the New Jersey Nets didn’t win the lottery and solidify their tumultuous season with the No. 1 pick, they should either trade the pick or select Syracuse's Wesley Johnson or Ohio State’s Evan Turner.

Many draft experts believe the contrary. But you have to analyze New Jersey's needs.

The Nets desperately need a “hybrid small forward” or a consistent shooting guard. A hybrid small forward has the ability and strength to play the shooting guard and small forward position, or any other position on the floor. Having a dynamic individual who can ably play this position allows the offense to flow more smoothly.

Wesley Johnson is a prototypical “hybrid small forward.” Although Johnson has to improve his strength—which he will—he can provide the Nets with the athleticism on the perimeter that they’ve lacked. He stands 6’7", with a 7’0" wingspan.

And let’s not forget about the small forward from Wake Forest University, Al-Farouq Aminu—6’9, 220 pounds. Aminu has good size and is very athletic.

The Nets are set in the backcourt with Devin Harris and Courtney Lewis, but Evan Turner would make a small frontcourt line a more sizable one.

If Turner can't crack the rotation at point guard, he can see time at shooting guard. Turner needs to improve his shooting ability, but his size at either the point or shooting guard will make it easier for the Nets to compete with teams.

Draft boards have Derrick Favors (Georgia Tech) going No. 3 to New Jersey, but do they need a power forward to complement Brook Lopez? Maybe.

Favors would bring a presence to the frontcourt athletically, and help defensively.

But a skilled offensive player will do just fine.

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