2023 NBA Mock Draft: Trail Blazers get future star, Magic surprise at 6
By Tyler Watts
21. Brooklyn Nets (via Suns) grab Nick Smith Jr.
The Nets have back-to-back picks at 21 and 22, and they could go in several different directions. Brooklyn wants to build around Mikal Bridges, but they have too many wings on their current roster. Expect the Nets to be active in the trade market, and they will likely be searching for the best available prospects with their picks.
Smith Jr. was a projected top-ten selection coming into the season, but injuries and poor shot selection marred his lone season at Arkansas. He averaged 12.5 points in 25.8 minutes per game, but it was on 37.6 percent shooting from the field and 33.8 percent on his 3-point tries.
Nick Smith Jr. profiles more as a bench scorer than a starter at this point, but there is value in that. Can he clean things up and improve defensively?
The 6’5 guard still has plenty of upside, but how much will his poor college play impact his draft stock? There is buzz about him going anywhere from the late lottery to the end of the first-round pick. The Brooklyn Nets are the perfect team to take a chance on his high ceiling with the hopes that he can develop into one of the best players in this class.