Brooklyn received stronger mock draft love. Here's who placed the Nets inside the top five to land the Duke star.
The Brooklyn Nets and Duke star Cameron Boozer grew into a popular potential pairing.
One mock draft now has the franchise landing inside the top five to grab him. Far different than another mock that listed Brooklyn falling to No. 7 and landing Darius Acuff of Arkansas.
Bleacher Report plugged the Nets swooping up the Blue Devils star, but at No. 3 overall.
"Cameron Boozer's 27 points weren't enough to hold off a historic Connecticut comeback in the NCAA tournament. Now the question entering the draft process is whether his production, skill level, versatility and intangibles will be enough to ease concerns over his athletic or defensive limitations when AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson may be on the board," Jonathan Wasserman of B/R wrote.
While there are defensive concerns, Wasserman believes that doesn't hinder Boozer or his draft standing.
"At this stage, there isn't anything left for Boozer to show during workouts to change the minds of scouts who visualize more upside with Dybantsa, Peterson or Wilson," Wasserman said. "He shot better from three (39.1 percent) on higher volume than Dybantsa. He has a 26.0 assist percentage that double's Peterson's, Dybantsa's and lottery guards like Keaton Wagler and Brayden Burries."
Wasserman adds how Boozer "grades in Synergy Sports' 90th percentile or better in ball‑screen and isolation possessions."
That makes Boozer versatile enough to core from anywhere. But is there another concern that arises here?
"Even with that profile, there is still lingering concern about his lack of quickness, vertical pop and defensive projection," Wasserman wrote.
Boozer brings a decorated resume to the league: Two FIBA MVPs and Gold Medals, four high school state championships and three EYBL Peach Jam titles.
He'd likely garner top pick praise if he led Duke to the national title. But again, UConn ended Duke's run in the Elite Eight.
"But there's also a bandwagon of Boozer believers who simply buy the results, character, in-game problem-solving and expanding versatility with his ball-handling and shooting," Wasserman adds. "Boozer could go No. 1, 2, 3 or even 4 depending on how each of those drafting teams' general managers define and prioritize upside."
This mock plugs AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson going ahead of Boozer at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, to the Washington Wizards and Indiana Pacers. Brooklyn passes on Boozer's most recent CBB rival Caleb Wilson of North Carolina in this scenario, as Wilson goes No. 4 to the Utah Jazz.
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