The pick they once owned that should have been six turned out to be three and belongs to the Jazz. But the Nets could care less because that pick enabled them to get Deron Williams. So the big board says the Nets will select 27th and 36th in the June 23 draft.
Just don’t bet on it. Trader Billy already is looking to move.
“I’m trying to move up already or even acquire another pick,” Nets general manager Billy King said yesterday after landing in Chicago, where the NBA conducts its annual pre-draft camp. “I couldn’t give you a percentage or odds if it’ll happen, but we’re trying.
“It gives you a chance to see some guys,” he said. “They don’t play 5-on-5 but you see how competitive they are in drills, you get to interview guys. But the big thing for me is you get to talk to other teams.”
And perhaps try to maneuver in the draft, and when King tries, stuff happens.
King swung deals in seven of the 10 drafts he presided over as the Sixers general manager. Even if the Nets remain at 27 (originally the Lakers pick) and 36 on the second round, it doesn’t mean there won’t be help arriving. In Philadelphia, King had good success late. On the second round, he found Louis Williams (2005, 45th) and Todd MacCulloch (1999, 47th). Samuel Dalembert (2001, 26th) went on the first round.
But this year, in what many consider a bad draft, finding that gem could be tough.
“It doesn’t have the cache or the so-called ‘name’ guy but as in every draft, you’ll be able to find players that can work out and help,” said King, who sees benefits in later picks. “You get guys who tend to have stayed three or four years in school. They don’t come with as much hype, but you tend to find guys that maybe fit your needs more. It’s a great opportunity to get a player.”
And the Nets need players. That 24-58 record wasn’t by accident. King wants more athletes and some veterans and needs players to retain Williams. The All-Star point guard has stressed he likes the Nets’ direction but wants more players around him.
King repeated his confidence of being able to keep Williams, who has become the face of the franchise. It would be tough to make the back of Williams’ head as he walks out the door the franchise’s image.
“I haven’t wavered,” King said, referring to Williams being a long-term Net. “And I don’t think anything has happened that would change my feeling.”
That’s why seeing the draft pick that once was the Nets’ improve to No. 3 hardly made a ripple in the organization. Even if it had been No. 1, the Nets prefer Williams.
“Exactly right,” King said.