Kevin O’Connor’s latest mock projections bolster Brooklyn’s frontcourt, pairing Nate Ament’s three-level scoring with Tarris Reed Jr.’s interior dominance and Dillon Mitchell’s elite defensive versatility.
The NBA Draft season is in full force, with teams like the Brooklyn Nets bringing in players for closer looks and beginning to hint towards some of their favorite prospects.
On Thursday, Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor released his latest mock, with the Nets drafting Tennessee forward Nate Ament, UConn big man Tarris Reed Jr., and St. John's forward Dillon Mitchell.
Ament, who has gained steam as a potential target for the Nets over the past weeks, landed with Brooklyn at No. 6, with O'Connor highlighting the standout freshman's unique skill for his size.
At 6-foot-10, 211 pounds, Ament can score from all three levels, excelling in the mid range.
In the second half of the season, Ament looked much more comfortable, averaging 23.8 points over a six-game stretch in January and February.
With the Nets drafting multiple guards in last year's draft, Ament is certainly an option for Brooklyn to solidify the wings alongside Michael Porter Jr.
With the third pick in the second round, O'Connor predicted the Nets landing Reed, who had multiple monster performances last season.
Reed posted a First Team All-Big East season, averaging 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 2.3 assists per game, while recording a conference-leading 60.7 field goal percentage.
In the first round of March Madness, Reed singlehandedly dominated 15-seeded Furman, scoring 31 points and hauling in 27 rebounds.
The Paladins had no answer for Reed, who seemingly gathered every loose ball around the rim.
Reed was impressive the rest of the way of UConn's run to the NCAA Championship game, increasing his averages to 19.5 points and 13.2 rebounds per game, shooting above 54-percent.
Rounding out Brooklyn's draft class is Mitchell, another Big East representative.
Mitchell, a frequent high flyer, ranked top 10 in the nation with 66 dunks last season, shooting an efficient 61.4-percent from the field.
In his senior season, Mitchell transferred to St. John's, joining legendary head coach Rick Pitino in Queens, NY.
Following another efficient season, Mitchell brought home All-Big East Third Team and Big East All-Defensive Team honors.
In his lone season with the Red Storm, Mitchell also posted a career-high 3 assists per game, with his 3.3 assist-to-turnover ratio ranking eleventh in the country through the regular season.
Mitchell's athletic ability and defensive versatility makes him an instant fit in a Nets front court looking for consistency on the defensive end.
While the Nets will likely find an offensive difference maker with their first selection, Mitchell could be the piece to round out Brooklyn's class, bringing experience and the ability to play his role.
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