Nets Are Scorching

The guy on the left. No, the right. No, left. No, right. Ugh, screw it. Take Zoubek.

(Fair warning: You thought my John Wall article was exhausting to read? This is about twice as long. Good luck, guys.)

Since the day the Basketball Gods confirmed that they do not exist and allowed Washington and Philadelphia to pick above us, a debate has raged on in NetsLand about who they should select with their upcoming #3 pick. Assuming John “The Great” Wall and Evan “The Franchise” Turner are selected with the first and second picks, the third pick remains much more up for debate – between Derrick Favors of Georgia Tech and DeMarcus Cousins of Kentucky. Both freshmen big men, both with pronounced strengths and weaknesses, both with a solid case to be drafted.

Unlike my blogger-in-crime Dennis Velasco, who has made up his mind already on who we shouldn’t take, I am far more split. Because of that I’m going to do the only thing I can decide on: debate with myself on the issue. That’s right. Welcome to my own version of Stephen Colbert’s Formidable Opponent, only this one promises to be much more about basketball and much less funny.

There are six main points to the argument that I see that can make or break the pick: athleticism, ability in the post, other basketball skills, production, better fit, and mental makeup. Thus, I will be arguing all six, split-personality style.

I swear, guys, I’m not crazy.

Onward!

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We’ve already heard whispers about the Sixers bypassing Evan Turner at the #2 pick, but NBA.com’s David Aldridge is starting to see some clues materialize that could lend credence to that rumor:

First, a source says that less than a week before the June 24 Draft, the Sixers have tentatively scheduled a workout in Philly that will feature Kentucky center DeMarcus Cousins and Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors, the top two big man prospects in the Draft. There would be no reason to schedule such a workout — and certainly no reason for either Cousins or Favors to attend — if there wasn’t some kind of indication sent by the Sixers that they’re seriously considering one or the other with the second pick.

If Turner drops to the Nets at #3, they have to take him. No questions asked. And stranger things have happened on draft day, so this Cousins/Favors debate could all prove to be moot.