NBA Draft 2011: 10 Prospects the New Jersey Nets Need to Consider at No. 27

Despite their lottery-worthy 24-58 performance this season, the New Jersey Nets will be picking at No. 27 in this year's draft, a pick they acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in the trade that brought them Sasha Vujacic.

The Nets' own pick was shipped off to Utah as part of the headline deal that landed Deron Williams.  While this lottery pick did beat the odds and earn the No. 3 selection in the draft, the Nets are certainly content with their young superstar and hope to grab some solid talent late in the first round.

The team currently has many holes to fill, so the board looks to be wide open for them when the clock starts ticking.

Here are 10 players the Nets should absolutely consider before making their pick.

NBA Draft 2011: 10 Prospects the New Jersey Nets Need to Consider at No. 27

Despite their lottery-worthy 24-58 performance this season, the New Jersey Nets will be picking at No. 27 in this year's draft, a pick they acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in the trade that brought them Sasha Vujacic.

The Nets' own pick was shipped off to Utah as part of the headline deal that landed Deron Williams.  While this lottery pick did beat the odds and earn the No. 3 selection in the draft, the Nets are certainly content with their young superstar and hope to grab some solid talent late in the first round.

The team currently has many holes to fill, so the board looks to be wide open for them when the clock starts ticking.

Here are 10 players the Nets should absolutely consider before making their pick.

1. Josh Selby: G, Kansas

NBA Comparison: Lou Williams

Josh Selby's freshman season with the Kansas Jayhawks was somewhat spoiled by suspensions and injury, but that did not stop him from declaring for this year's draft.

An explosive combo guard with miles of potential, Selby has a natural knack for scoring and a gentle touch. Many scouts leave workouts impressed by his upside, and could be considered a late first round steal in a few years.

The Nets already have solid shooters at the guard positions, but Selby's flexibility and potential could make Vujacic expendable, leaving the team with more room to sign a player in the frontcourt.

2. Tobias Harris: SF, Tennessee

NBA Comparison: Glen Rice

Tobias Harris stands out among other late first round prospects because of his NBA-ready build and consistent hustle. There is nothing terribly flashy about his game, but he does many things well and looks poised to see minutes sooner than most of the other youngsters. 

While Harris may be taken a few picks earlier in the draft, the Nets need to consider trying to reach for him. Whether through the draft or free agency, the Nets desperately need to find a small forward to share minutes with Damion James so they can keep Travis Outlaw and his undeserved contract buried on the bench.

Harris very much resembles Damion James in his ability to give the team solid minutes as a rookie.

3. Reggie Jackson: G, Boston College

NBA Comparison: Darren Collison

Where Reggie Jackson will go in this year's draft has been somewhat of a mystery as of late. Some mocks have him being selected as high as No. 19, while others as low as the second round.

Many teams have shown interest in Jackson, and the Nets should definitely do the same. Jackson is an electric scorer with the ability to play both guard positions, although he has noted that he has been a point guard his whole life. 

Reggie Jackson could easily slide right into the backup point guard role for the Nets should they select him.

4. Tyler Honeycutt: SF, UCLA

NBA Comparison: Tayshaun Prince

Tyler Honeycutt led the Pac-10 in blocks last season as a mid-range shooting small forward. That should say something about his defensive prowess. 

However, the knock against Honeycutt is his lack of a complete game and maturity. He is not exactly a physical specimen worth drafting for his build, and that could help him fall into the Nets' range at No. 27.

Scouts have pointed out that he could only thrive in a slashing offense with a point guard able to get him the ball in the right situations, i.e. Deron Williams.

If GMs get hesitant to take a chance on draft day and Honeycutt falls to the Nets, they should scoop him up for sure. 

5. Justin Harper: F, Richmond

NBA Comparison: Robert Horry

What's not to love about a 6'10" versatile forward who hit an impressive 47 percent of his threes last season?

Harper may not be ready for big time minutes in the NBA, but he might be just what the Nets need in a backup. While his strength definitely lies in his ability to stroke it from the wings, he can also provide a few minutes at power forward with his lengthy frame. 

The Nets should not overlook such a mature and intriguing role player.

6. Nolan Smith: PG, Duke

NBA Comparison: CJ Watson

Much has been said about the ACC Player of the Year, but nobody is quite sure where he will land.

Some began to doubt his abilities after a few poor performances in the NCAA tournament, including his 3-14 shooting with six turnovers stinker against Arizona. But let's be real: Everyone has bad games, even AP First Team All-Americans.

If Smith falls past the few teams potentially looking for backup point guards in the middle of the first rounds, he is a decent option worth weighing. There is no doubt he can fill the backup role right off the bat.

7. Trey Thompkins: F, Georgia

NBA Comparison: Channing Frye

Trey Thompkins is a high-level talent that just may fall into the Nets' lap, and here is why: Thompkins' performance noticeably regressed from his sophomore to his junior season, and nobody really knows why. 

When somebody's scoring, free throw, rebounding, three-point numbers and player efficiency ranking all decrease, red flags tend to be raised.

While this may be cause for concern among teams higher in the draft, it should not be for the Nets.  Their frontcourt depth (Johan Petro, Dan Gadzuric, Brandon Wright) is borderline pathetic. Thompkins deserves a look.

8. Keith Benson: C, Oakland

NBA Comparison: Samuel Dalembert

If GM Billy King and the Nets are looking to fill out the depth chart behind Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries like some insiders have reported, then they are definitely considering Keith Benson.

Benson, who almost led Oakland to a first round upset of Texas in the NCAA tournament, has a tall and lanky frame that can easily be filled out and strengthened. Benson can block and rebound with the best of them, which would help shore up the Nets second-string defense. 

A solid backup for now, Benson has definite potential to become a starter later in his career.

9. Jordan Williams: PF, Maryland

NBA Comparison: Al Jefferson

Much like Keith Benson, Jordan Williams is a rugged defender, averaging close to 13 boards last season with the Maryland Terps. 

His athleticism and prowess down low should translate well to the NBA, much better than then likes of Johan Petro, Dan Gadzuric and Brandon Wright.

10. Travis Leslie: SG, Georgia

NBA Comparison: Terrence Williams

When I say Travis Leslie mirrors Terrence Williams, I am not trying to imply that he has immaturity issues, skips practice or tweets too much. I mean he has loads of pure athleticism and is widely considered the best athlete in the draft.

Leslie's high-flying and energetic style of play makes him a potential spark plug off the bench ala Terrence Williams and Kris Humphries of two years ago. 

Even better, can anyone imagine the types of fast breaks a dunker could run alongside Deron Williams? He could make Nets highlights a regular feature on SportsCenter's top 10. 

For more 2011 NBA draft coverage, stay tuned to Bleacher Report for updated NBA mock drafts, NBA draft rumors, NBA draft results and draft grades.