C.J. Holmes: Mikel Brown Jr., Darius Acuff Jr. and the 5 guards who fit different Nets priorities
NEW YORK — At No. 6, the Nets’ board could be filled with appealing guards, leaving them to choose the skill set that best reflects their priorities. Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr.
, Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. , Arizona’s Brayden Burries, Illinois’ Keaton Wagler and Houston’s Kingston Flemings all sit in the range Brooklyn may have to sort through if they keep the pick. The combine didn’t decide that debate.
Measurements don’t guarantee production and athletic testing doesn’t settle a draft board. But size, length, movement, explosiveness and shooting data does help frame a prospect’s competitive ceiling and the traits that may support a long career. That’s important when a team is trying to separate guards with different strengths.
Last offseason, the Nets’ prospect profile appeared to come from two overlapping priorities. General manager Sean Marks has long valued positional size, two-way versatility, creation, character and basketball IQ. Head coach Jordi Fernández, meanwhile, has emphasized competitiveness, unselfishness, ball pressure, defensive versatility, 3-point shooting and ball movement.
Viewed through that lens, Brown may have strengthened his case more than anyone in this group. — If Brooklyn wants the cleanest all-around fit, Mikel Brown Jr. stands out: Brown led the five guards in standing reach at 8-feet, 4.
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