Nets Roundtable reveals ESPN's mock draft-predictions for Brooklyn's second-round picks, highlighting Juke Harris' scoring and Malachi Moreno's imposing size and rim protection.
The NBA draft is less than two months away, and mock drafts are ramping up, as ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo posted his mock ahead of the lottery on May 10.
While the top five picks in the draft are significant for the Brooklyn Nets, who could leave with BYU's AJ Dybansta, Kansas' Darryn Peterson, Arkansas' Darius Acuff or Duke's Cameron Boozer, Nets Roundtable will focus on Woo's selections in the second round.
Brooklyn has two second-round picks, the 33rd and 43rd. Woo predicts the Nets will draft the following prospects on June 24.
Juke Harris, Guard, Wake Forest
It's important to note that Harris' status could change soon. The 6-foot-7 guard entered his name into the draft and transfer portal simultaneously.
He is expected to attend the NBA Draft Combine, receive feedback from scouts and determine whether he stays in the draft or returns to college.
Harris was a high-volume scorer for the Demon Deacons in his sophomore season, averaging 21.4 points on 44.4% from the field, 33.2% from three-point range and 78.3% from the free-throw line.
The Salisbury, North Carolina native seeks the rim and embraces contact to convert tough layups. His aggressiveness on the court led to 7.1 free throw attempts per game, which ranked 28th in the nation and third in the ACC.
If the Nets drafted Harris, his free-throw attempts from his sophomore campaign would become the highest on the team, trumping Michael Porter Jr.'s at 4.4 free throws attempted.
Malachi Moreno, Center, Kentucky
Moreno is 7-foot and would become the tallest player on the Nets' roster, ahead of 6-foot-11 Danny Wolf and Nicolas Claxton.
Brooklyn adds more size, depth and rim protection to its front court, as Moreno averaged 1.5 blocks in his freshman campaign at Kentucky.
The Georgetown, Kentucky native would serve as a play finisher in the pick-and-roll or raising over defenders with his size in the post.
Moreno constantly fights hard for position in the paint, whether it's for an entry pass from his teammates or boxing his assignment out to rebound.
Under coach Mark Pope, he showcased the ability to make simple reads in layered sets, starting with him in the post for the Wildcats.
Defensively, the 7-footer isn't jumpy and plays opposing guards well downhill when Kentucky played drop coverage against the pick-and-roll. His size makes it difficult for the opposition to finish over, as it likely ends up blocked.
He can switch out the perimeter as well, if needed, but opposing guards in the NBA may test how agile he is when pulled away from the basket.
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