Brooklyn Nets: What Could Have Been and What Happened

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Jarrett Allen (Texas) is introduced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as the number twenty-two overall pick to the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

With the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets select…no one. Thanks to their 2013 trade with the Boston Celtics, the Nets had to wait for 21 names to be called before making their first selection.

The Brooklyn Nets selected Jarrett Allen, a center out of the University of Texas, with the 22nd overall pick Thursday night. They could have had so much more.

What Could Have Been

In 2013, the Nets made a trade with the Boston Celtics that, although it included a few other players, essentially brought Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to Brooklyn for four, yes four, first round picks.

The Celtics received the Nets’ first round picks in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Boston also got the right to swap first rounders in 2017. We all know now that Brooklyn’s 2017 pick ended up being first overall.

2014

In 2014, Boston selected James Young out of Kentucky with the Nets’ pick. The Celtics’ depth has buried Young. However, I think most Brooklyn fans would take the former Wildcat on their team based on what they currently have.

James Young is just the tip of the iceberg.

2016

Brooklyn’s 2016 first round pick was third overall and the Celtics picked Jaylen Brown out of Cal.

Brown showed potential during his rookie season and Boston hopes he can play an increased role next year.

Jaylen sat behind Jae Crowder during his rookie campaign but would have likely been a key contributor, if not a starter, for the 2016-17 Nets.

2017

With the Nets “winning” the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery, the Celtics swapped into the top spot.

Boston’s President of Basketball Operations, Danny Ainge, ended up trading back in the draft to collect even more future first round picks. The Celtics moved back to the third pick and selected Jayson Tatum out of Duke.

Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) dunks the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks guard PJ Dozier (15) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Si.com‘s analysis of Boston’s pick:

"Grade: A-Boston felt good about the decision to move down to 3, opted not to add to a crowded backcourt and saw Tatum as a better fit than Josh Jackson here. He’s one of the draft’s most talented offensive players and should add a necessary dimension to its frontcourt in time. The Celtics may have bigger designs this summer and could potentially move this pick, but if they keep Tatum, they should still feel good. He has a chance to end up the best scorer in this class when it’s all said and done. – Jeremy Woo"

The Brooklyn Nets got Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, in the twilights of their careers, for just two seasons. Those veterans cost them James Young, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and a 2018 first round pick. That 2018 pick will most likely also be up towards the top of the draft.

Brooklyn Nets fans know that their trade with the Celtics has set the franchise back. However, there are some positives to take from draft night.

Nov 3, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams (8), center Brook Lopez (11), power forward Kevin Garnett (2) and small forward Paul Pierce (34) react on the bench against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets 107-86. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

What Happened

As mentioned, the Nets picked Texas center Jarrett Allen with the 22nd pick. Brooklyn acquired that pick at the trade deadline from Washington for Bojan Bogdanovíc.

Allen is known for his ability to protect the rim and could replace Brook Lopez after he was recently traded to the Lakers.

Si.com‘s analysis of Brooklyn’s selection:

"Round 1, Pick 22 (No. 22 overall): Jarrett Allen, C, TexasEveryone was expecting the Nets to take a big risk here, and that’s exactly what they did. Allen has impressive physical tools, but has a lot of learning to do. He improved over the course of the season at Texas, which helps his cause a little bit, but scouts were mixed about whether or not Allen would ever tap into his full potential. It’s smart in theory and certainly justifiable, but there’s equal reason to be skeptical. The good news is that Brooklyn can afford to wait and see.Grade: B-"

Apr 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) is defended by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) a nd forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 110-109. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The other positive of Brooklyn’s 2017 draft is that they used the 27th pick, which they got from Boston in the swap, as part of the deal to acquire D’Angelo Russell from Los Angeles.

The Nets turned Brook Lopez’s expiring contract and a late first round pick into a guard that was the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft and averaged 15.6 ppg in 2016-17.

Next: Brook Lopez Trade Marks New Beginning

More from Empire Writes Back

Getting back to the playoffs is still a few years away for Brooklyn. However, with Allen, Russell, Sean Kilpatrick, and Caris Levert on the roster, there are some pieces to build around.

Nets fans need any glimmer of hope to hold onto. Hopefully, they found that this offseason.

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