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The Brooklyn Nets are all about versatility. Small forwards can be centers, and point guards can be small forwards. This summer, the Nets will try to look for players that fit the versatile mold – with upside as well. At the small forward spot, the Nets could target a player with enough versatility to defend multiple positions and the ability to knock down the three ball.
This past season, DeMarre Carroll was the Nets’ go-to small forward, starting 73 games. The veteran forward had a solid season, averaging 13.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while providing solid leadership for the Nets. But Carroll is heading into the final year of his contract, and could be trade bait for a team looking for a reliable, battle-tested forward. So the Nets could look to the free agent market (and the draft) for a player to fill the 3-spot not just for 2018-2019, but for the future as well.
Allen Crabbe and Caris LeVert played some minutes at the small forward spot in spurts, but they seem to be better fit for guard slots. In the NBA Draft, there are several players slotted around the Nets’ number 29 pick that could potentially be small forwards of the future. Chandler Hutchinson, Keita Bates-Diop, Dzanan Musa, and Melvin Frazier are a few that come to mind. But the draft is still a mystery, and the Nets could still add a small forward even if they fill their need in the draft.
Here are ten small forwards the Nets could target this summer in free agency!
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Kevon Looney
Looney could be a big target for many teams this summer. Still only 22 years old, the current Golden State Warrior will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Despite far from impressive stats (4.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and a lack of shooting prowess, Looney’s upside and experience could pay dividends for him on the free agent market. In the Western Conference Finals, Looney started in place of the injured Andre Iguodala His size at 6’9” and his 7’0” wingspan could be enticing for the Nets. Looney can guard both forward positions and was even tasked with guarding Clint Capela. That defensive upside could be a perfect fit for the Nets’ style.
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Doug McDermott
In four seasons in the NBA, McDermott has already played for four teams. After being traded to the Mavericks at the trade deadline, McDermott put up solid numbers, averaging 9.0 points per game while shooting an unconscious 49.4 percent from three. “Dougie McBuckets” can definitely score, and could break out with a larger role. In the Nets’ open offensive system, McDermott could flourish. He could even play power forward at times to spread the floor for Brooklyn even more. What’s the catch? McDermott is a restricted free agent, and it could take an overpay to even get the 26-year old to sign an offer sheet.
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Shabazz Muhammad
Muhammad is a bucket getter, simply. While Muhammad lost his place on the Timberwolves before finishing the season with the BUcks, the former UCLA Bruin is still 25-years old. In the NBA, Muhammad hasn’t shown much aside from powerful scoring – which could be his downfall. His skillset could be useful off the bench, but his game needs to be more than just one-dimensional. The Nets could take a chance on Muhammad, but should expect forays into perimeter shooting and playmaking for him to succeed.
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Rodney Hood
Another restricted free agent, Hood had the most productive season out of all of the players on this list. Hood has always been a solid scorer and a plus shooter. His 2017-2018 season was the best year of his career, and he was an important part of the Cavaliers’ turnaround after the trade deadline. His 6’8” stature projects well for a team like the Nets that opts to play small at times. In the playoffs, Hood has seen a decrease in minutes, which may have decreased his value. Depending on LeBron James’ free agency decision this season, Hood could be a viable target for the Nets at a reasonable price.
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Jerami Grant
The Oklahoma City Thunder had a disappointing season this year, despite the acquisitions of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. One player that didn’t disappoint was Grant, who provided energy and athleticism off the bench for OKC. Grant is a tweener forward, a player type similar to DeMarre Carroll (and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson). Grant’s energy and hustle are the biggest selling points of his game. He excels in the open floor, especially in transition. Grant is an unrestricted free agent this summer. Time on the Nets’ development staff could refine his shooting and efficiency off of the dribble.
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Glenn Robinson III
Robinson is coming off of a rough year. He missed a large chunk of the season due to ankle surgery. A college teammate of Caris LeVert and Nik Stauskas, Robinson is another young unrestricted free agent with intriguing upside. Robinson has shown reliable three-point shooting in the past, and shot 41.2 percent this past season, despite the small sample size. Robinson’s solid size and length, paired with his explosive leaping ability could be another ideal fit for the Nets. Much like Grant, Robinson has the skillset and potential to develop under the Nets. But would a potential development project like Robinson come at a reasonable cost?
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Bruno Caboclo
Is Bruno Caboclo a thing yet? Caboclo, infamously “two years away from being two years away,” still hasn’t made an impact on the NBA level. In four seasons, Caboclo has only played in 35 games. That’s not due to injury – it’s due to inexperience. Even in the G-League, Caboclo has failed to show consistency. But still, Caboclo is still intriguing. At 22 years old with a 7’7” wingspan, if someone could harness Caboclo’s physical gifts and develop him into at least a decent player, that could be a boon. It’s a huge task, but the Nets could take a chance.
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Davis Bertans
The San Antonio Spur will stretch the floor. A tweener that plays more like a small forward, Bertans is at worst, a reliable shooter. Bertans doesn’t provide much in terms of defense and rebounding, but he plays intelligently on offense, understanding spacing and with a decisive game. Bertans may lack athleticism, but he can provide shooting for a team in love with the three ball.
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Toko Shengelia
This is a long shot, but this is probably the only place I’ll reasonably allowed to write about Toko. Yes, this is the former Brooklyn Net from the Deron Williams era. Shengelia has blossomed into a star in Euroleague. His energy has been a marker of his game, but he’s added shooting and strength to his game as well. Shengelia fits the mold of tweener forward well, with enough athleticism to cover small forwards, and strength and size to defend power forwards. Here’s the tricky part. Shengelia signed a three-year contract with his Spanish league team, Baskonia, last summer. Shengelia may have an NBA buyout, and if he decides to take a second crack at success in the NBA, the Nets could be a perfect fit for him.
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Joe Harris
Harris may be priority number one for the Nets heading into free agency. After a solid season where he was the Nets’ most consistent shooter, Harris could have many potential suitors this summer. But Harris has mentioned his desire to stay in Brooklyn. Harris could easily fit in with a playoff team, but could decide to stay with Brooklyn as the club continues to grow. His consistency and steady development over time is a testament to Kenny Atkinson and the Nets’ coaching staff. The wing is likely to garner over $5 million per year in the free agency market. It’s up to Sean Marks to decide whether Joe Buckets is worthy of a long-term contract to stay in Brooklyn black and white.
