This would be absolute highway robbery, but the teams ahead of the Brooklyn Nets will draft by need and fit (more on that later). Nickeil Alexander-Walker does not fit a need for the Nets, either, but he is simply too good to pass up.
Alexander-Walker has been a lights out shooter since he arrived at Virginia Tech. He made 1.8 threes per game as a freshman at a 39.2% clip; he has raised that mark to 2 threes per game at a 41.6% clip this season.
He has great size for a guard standing at 6’6″ with a wingspan of 6’9″. Although it is hard to evaluate him when he is playing in Virginia Tech’s zone defense, he has shown great defensive intangibles and has a high basketball IQ; he is adept at reading opposing offenses and displays great awareness. He is also good at making plays for teammates and sees the court well. His assist average has risen to 3.8 assists per game this season. Some critics are quick to point out his lack of elite athleticism, but Alexander-Walker can impact the game in so many ways that it does not hamper his value.
The Nets already have a great backcourt rotation that includes D’Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Joe Harris. Adding Alexander-Walker to the mix would give Kenny Atkinson another long, versatile option at guard.