Kansas basketball: Evaluating NBA Draft fits for Gradey Dick and Jalen Wilson
Jalen Wilson — 51st overall, Brooklyn Nets
The Nets stockpiled forwards and wings at the trade deadline, so seeing the floor might be more difficult for Wilson. Mikal Bridges, the centerpiece of the Kevin Durant trade, is the small forward of the future for Brooklyn, and that shouldn’t change anytime soon. They also have Dorian Finney-Smith, Royce O’Neale, and the No. 22 pick Dariq Whitehead manning the forward spots.
Former Tar Heels star Cameron Johnson’s decision in free agency could be a big factor regarding how much Wilson plays. And even with the Ben Simmons fiasco ongoing, he is another obstacle in the way of Wilson’s path.
Of course, that isn’t to say that it is impossible for him to carve out a consistent role. He is a proven leader and showed he can play off the ball when he was a solid piece to the 2022 national championship-winning Kansas team. He could be put on a two-way deal to begin the year, or perhaps he will crack the roster on opening night, but Wilson certainly has a tough task at hand in Brooklyn.
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