Yes, Brooklyn's game against Sacramento carries NBA draft implications. But here's why it's worth watching
Brooklyn Nets fans can tune into two games on Sunday, not just limited to the Sacramento Kings game.
On one end, the Kings' contest against Brooklyn presents the NBA draft angle. Both teams are the popular choice to land the top pick once the June draft arrives.
Brooklyn's chances are continuously increasing due to Michael Porter Jr. and top rookie Egor Demin being out of action. The latter is currently being reevaluated for his ankle ailment. The Nets having a worst record than Sacramento also boosts their chances to land a higher seed.
But on another end, Brooklyn fans have a March Madness game to lock in on as well.
Here's why Kansas versus St. John's set for Sunday is worth tuning into as Nets-Kings are playing.
St. John's Has Intriguing Defender
Obviously a local angle for Brooklyn enters the picture with St. John's representing the New York region.
But there's another reason to watch on the St. John's side: Zuby Ejiofor.
He's rising as the top NBA prospect for the Red Storm and the latest to become produced under Rick Pitino. Ejiofor brings tenacity and versatility that can win over teams, like Brooklyn.
He's improved his numbers across the board while playing for the multiple national championship winner. He's a high energy defender who defends and grabs rebounds at a high rate. He doesn't hesitate to throw his 6-foot-9 frame around to grab rebounds.
But his motor is what sticks out. He plays with an edge that's comparable to an edge rusher in football. Ejiofor relentlessly is in attack mode for the basketball. He'd bring some east coast toughness to the Nets especially if he's available in the second round (if he opts to enter the NBA draft in June).
Another Reason to Watch? Darryn Peterson
The Kansas star snapped out of a scoring slump against Cal Baptist to drop 26 points in his NCAA tournament debut, showing he can belong on the stage as a first time March Madness participant.
Peterson even looked non-fatigued despite drawing contact. He also showed strong poise as the Viejas Arena crowd grew louder, including from the CBU fanbase as the Lancers mounted a comeback and increased the decibel levels inside the venue.
But now that he earned his first taste of survive and advance, the road gets harder from here. St. John's brings more physical bigs including Ejiofor who can attempt to draw contact with him at a high level. This is a great chance for Nets fans to see how proactive Peterson stays in an attack mode. Especially if Nets fans envision him forming a scoring trio with Porter and Demin.
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