The UConn center likely would've been the National Championship Game Most Valuable Player had the Huskies defeated Michigan. here's how he fits the Nets.
The Brooklyn Nets can add more than college basketball stars to their 2026-27 roster.
General manager Sean Marks, head coach Jordi Fernandez and company can lure in talent with championship experience.
NetsRoundtable already presented Keaton Wagler of Illinois, Kingston Flemings of Houston, Darius Acuff of Arkansas plus Darryn Peterson of Kansas as early pick possibilities ahead of the NBA draft. Of course, AJ Dybantsa of BYU is the trending favorite among fans of Brooklyn, especially if the team lands at No. 1 overall.
But got to think outside the box too. Including mentioning Zuby Ejiofor of St. John's and Tounde Yessoufou of Baylor as late round possibilities.
We're sticking with the projected latter round talents for this next one, as Tarris Reed Jr. of UConn gets examined if he's a fit in Brooklyn.
Blue-Collar Scorer
Even a shoot-first league should welcome a throwback at center.
Reed brings the old school punishing force down low reminiscent of 1980s/early 1990s centers. He resorts to physicality and power to score his points.
This tactic obviously draws the risk of getting called for offensive fouls. But Reed also is skilled at forcing defensive fouls on him.
Reed turns to strength, timing, and a relentless motor to score his points in the paint. Fernandez would have a strong pick-and-roll option here with Reed.
Court Awareness
This is where Reed's game has taken leaps.
He improved his eye awareness on defensive switches and identifying the screens. Reed resorts to disrupting the offensive movement from there.
UConn even trusted Reed to bottle the perimeter and attempt the blocks there. Which in turn hands Brooklyn a 3-point defender who'll take pressure off the backcourt.
But of course, Reed is built to protect the rim inside at a high level, proven by his 2.0 blocks per game this past season.
Areas of Concern
Reed surely will win over fans with his power and play.
But he's a one-dimensional scorer, as he doesn't offer much outside of post play. He's even limited in hitting defenders with different moves to get his shot off.
The constant contact at the next level could also lead to durability concerns. Though Reed has done an efficient job keeping himself healthy even after playing in the rugged Big East.
While he's willing to flip to perimeter defense, he noticeably struggled defending quicker guards getting a shot off behind the arc.
A Fit for Nets?
He's earned Day'Ron Sharpe comparisons, so that's a good sign for Brooklyn.
That should also mean he'll fit right in with Sharpe, Noah Clowney, Nic Claxton and the rest of the bigs.
Yes, he's limited on the scoring side. But at least here he won't face the pressure of carrying the offensive load nightly with a healthier Michael Porter Jr. and Egor Demin. Plus whoever Brooklyn picks inside the top five.
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