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The Brooklyn Nets have the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2013 NBA draft on June 27. Following a first-round ousting in the playoffs by the Chicago Bulls, the team will look to continue building towards developing into a competitive, championship-caliber club.
The Nets need depth at just about every position on the floor, so the best player available could easily be the way they choose to approach this year’s draft. They could look to take a big man like Duke’s Mason Plumlee or Kansas’ Jeff Withey, but a quality scorer on the wings could be just as valuable an addition.
Enter San Diego State’s Jamaal Franklin, the 6-foot-5 shooting guard, currently ranked as DraftExpress.com’s 23rd-best prospect. The 21-year-old is projected to be available for the Nets at No. 22, should the franchise choose to go in that direction.
Strengths: Franklin is a scorer by nature. He averaged 16.6 points per game on 40.1 percent shooting for the Aztecs, and was a key contributor in their run to a fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
Similar to former Aztec and current San Antonio Spurs’ star Kawhi Leonard, Franklin is a versatile Jack-of-All-Trades. He can shoot, pass, rebound and defend with success. He has much to offer the Nets as an all-around tool player, capable of lifting them in a variety ways when he hits the floor.
What’s most impressive is his surprising presence as a rebounder. Franklin led the Aztecs with 9.4 rebounds per game during the 2012-13 season, which is an astounding number for a shooting guard at any level.
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Negatives: While Franklin can shoot, he is not particularly proficient in that department at all times. He shot just 27.9 percent from the three-point range in college this year. He is at his best attacking the basket and simply lacks the type of outside-shooting success — likely hindered by his awkward shooting motion— to be as valuable as he could be.
On the defensive side of the ball, Franklin is not consistent enough either. At times, he can be unbearably out of control and, at others, he just seems to take plays off. His decision-making is not always top notch and his attitude (which has been noted by some) could be a contributor to that.
Analysis: Franklin does not necessarily fill a need for the Nets, but he is an intriguing athletic prospect. His ability, in all aspects of the game, makes him an easy first-round pick. If he had a better outside shot, he’d be an easy top-15 selection for most teams.
He will require development and some improved focus couldn’t hurt. Still, Franklin is the type of player who will make an impact any time he is on the court — for better or for worse.
Nets’ general manager Billy King has said he will take the best player available at No. 22. If Franklin is there, it’s hard to deny he would be the top choice remaining.
Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.
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