Brooklyn scouts pivot to the frontcourt as dynamic forwards Nate Ament and Karim Lopez showcase their versatile scoring and elite size in high-stakes pre-draft evaluations.
With recent draft buzz circulating about the Brooklyn Nets' top candidates, Tennessee forward Nate Ament has become a popular name.
Karim Lopez, who plays for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL, has also been a prospect with ties to Brooklyn, as General Manager Sean Marks has talked about his overseas scouting.
On Tuesday, the Nets hosted both forwards for pre-draft workouts, potentially singling one out as their top lottery target.
Ament, who was recently mocked to Brooklyn by Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor, can score from all three levels, excelling in the mid range.
After a relatively slow start to his college career, Ament looked more comfortable, as the season progressed, averaging 23.8 points over a six-game stretch in January and February.
In the Volunteers' 76-62 Sweet 16 victory over Iowa State, Ament shot 6-of-10 from the field, scoring 18 points.
The Mannassas, VA, native filled up the stat sheet, adding four rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal, leading Tennessee to a third consecutive Elite 8.
While his game still has some holes and efficiency can be a problem, Ament's blend of size and skill is rare, and not many 6-foot-10 players can shoot it like the former 5-star recruit.
Lopez, who moved from Mexico to Spain at age 14 to play professional basketball, averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks overseas last season.
In a two-point win over Melbourne United in late January, Lopez recorded a career-high 32 points, tallying 19 in the fourth quarter.
Lopez, like Ament moves very well for his size, possessing guard-like handles and a 6-foot-8 frame.
While Lopez does most of his damage inside the arc, he has showed improvement from deep, and his work ethic should benefit him at the next level.
"He’s a special talent and special guy. Everything comes down to are you ready to put in the work, and this guy is ready," New Zealand Breakers head coach Petteri Koponen said. "He always wants to work, and sometimes we have to calm him down to take some rest."
Lopez also seems to have a fiery, competitive spirit, saying he is "super excited" to compete with Ament in their joint workout.
Despite early indications pointing towards the Nets selecting their favorite guard prospect in the backcourt-heavy 5-10 range, Ament and Lopez could sway the Nets' front office into looking elsewhere.
With the Nets drafting multiple guards in last year's draft, Ament and Lopez are certainly viable options for Brooklyn to solidify the wings alongside Michael Porter Jr.
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