The Brooklyn Nets have some time to relax before training camp starts in the fall. However, as the offseason rages on, there are some who believe that Brooklyn may have made a bad decision in the 2023 NBA Draft.

In a recent article by Last Word On Sports, Daniel Benjamin said that the Nets’ worst move of the offseason was “reaching” for Alabama big man Noah Clowney. Brooklyn selected Clowney with the 21st overall pick in the draft to address the lack of big men that the team has outside of starting center Nic Claxton and backup Day’Ron Sharpe.

Clowney, 19, played one season at Alabama and during that campaign, he showed the ability to be a big man who can defend multiple positions, protect the rim, and shoot the three. Unfortunately for Brooklyn fans, Clowney did not ready for the NBA level during the summer league in Vegas, but he still has time to grow and mature his body and game.

Here’s why Benjamin believes that the Nets made a mistake in reaching for Clowney:

“I am not sure that Brooklyn made a wrong decision this offseason, depending on how they plan on using Clowney. Clowney is not NBA-ready, and with their off-season moves, they may plan on bringing him along slowly. That being said, the Nets needed talent though it is hard to expect getting a superstar with pick No. 21.

 

Clowney’s defense is far ahead of his offense. The 6-10 big man is a solid rebounder who can stretch the floor and is an excellent shot-blocker. He struggled mightily on the offensive during summer league action, producing 4.8 points with a shooting line of .226/.235/.750. Clowney also compiled 5.4 rebounds (1.8 offensive), 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.4 blocks though fouls were an issue.”