Most draftniks have the Nets draft pick (#3) going to Derrick Favors, with an outside chance going to DeMarcus Cousins. Although Steve Kyler, publisher of Hoopsworld, has Evan Turner going #3 and Favors going #2 with the 76ers.
(For a complete listing of my 2010 NBA mock draft –click here).
Will new owner Mikhail Prokhorov play it safe in his first year with the Nets #3 draft pick by going with a less “combustable” personality in Favors? Or will he gamble on someone that is viewed as having a more “immature” personality in Cousins?
With the additional chore of looking for a new head coach, one that is going to elevate this team out of the basement, developing team chemistry is going to have to be a priority. Having said that, the #3 Nets draft pick seems to favor Favors if you want to the best chance of developing team chemistry and a positive public image. A more conservative approach seems to favor the Nets draft pick approach at this point. Bottom line: You don’t want to go 0-2 with both the coaching selection and player selection. In addition, going 0-2 in both these picks would be detrimental in garnering fan support.
The Nets like Favors and met with him one Tuesday night before the start of the NBA predraft camp. According to nydailynews.com, Favors had this to say about the Nets, “I know they had a tough year but they can be a good team if they get some pieces.” The 6’10” 245 lb. Forward from Georgia Tech is considered one of the most athletic players on the draft board. Nbadraft.net gives Favors a 9 out of 10 on their athleticism category and a 98 overall, whereas Cousins was given an 8 on athleticism and 96 overall. Will the Nets draft pick be Favors or Cousins? Or will they shock the world, literally, by going to the international scene like many teams have in recent years.
When the 2010 NBA Draft lottery announced the Nets did not receive the #1 draft pick, many thought this was another “shot in the arm” for a team that already lost a league worst 70 games. However, in my own view, with superstar Devin Harris already at the point guard position, the Nets really don’t need Wall or Turner. The #3 NBA draft pick may actually be a blessing in disguise in terms of the New Jersey draft pick and how the 2010 draft order fell.
Derrick Favors Pros
1. Favors was actually listed above John Wall in certain high school rankings; took MVP award at McDonald’s All-American game.
2. Extraordinary wingspan–9′ 1″ standing still reach; great rebounder (8.4 ave.); shot blocking ability (5 ave. in HS).
3. A dunking machine; quick feet in the post.
4. Ave. 12.4 pts.; features a drop step into the lane for a tough to defend mini right hook.
5. Smart and a quick learner.
Derrick Favors Cons
1. Considered “raw” in his talent with much to be developed; not projected to be a starter, hence, limited contribution to the team.
2. Does not handle double teams well.
3. Tends to get tired in latter stages of the game; perceived as lazy at times defensively and needs to work on conditioning.
DeMarcus Pros
1. Scorer–15.1 pts/game.
2. Size (6’11” 292 lbs. 7’6″ wingspan), power, and great ball handling skills for a big man.
3. Projected to make an impact from day one in the NBA; possible starter by mid-season.
4. Presence in the post; shot blocker.
5. Confident
DeMarcus Cons
1. Tends to lose his cool; loses focus; immature side;
2. Below average Free Throw Shooting (60%).
3. Lateral movement needs improvement.
My Pick: Derrick Favors
“Outside Shot”: Ed Davis
For a complete listing of my 2010 NBA mock draft (click here).
sources:
http://www.hoopsworld.com
http://www.netsdaily.com
http://www.nbadraft.net
