The Brooklyn Nets held workouts today that featured Ryan Boatright of UCONN, Sir’dominc Pointer of St. John’s, Kadeem Jack of Rutgers, Larry Nance Jr. of Wyoming, and TJ McConell and Brandon Ashley of Arizona. All five players are projected to be second round picks or un-drafted, but looking to prove themselves to NBA teams and possibly sneak into the first round.
“Teams know I can shoot they know that I’m fast and athletic,” Boatright said. “I’m an NBA player, I’m a first round pick. I just want to prove that I’m a better than most of these guys in this draft and that I belong in the first round.”
Boatright is looking to walk in the same foot steps as his college coach Kevin Ollie, who was a point guard in the NBA for 12 seasons.
“Control what you can control,” Boatright said Ollie told him. “ There’s some things you can’t control. Just continue to work hard, as long as you work hard and grind, there’s a spot for you in the NBA.
Big East Co-Defensive Player of the year, Sir’ Dominic Pointer, who played out of position during his career at St. John’s is trying to prove that he belongs in the league as well. Pointer had his best season of his college career this past year, averaging just under 14 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game.
“Being able to get better each year shows that you haven’t tapped out yet,” Pointer said. “I think teams see that.”
Pointer is known for his defense and energy he brings every night, but has lacked a consistent jump shot, something he says that he is improving everyday.
“Everybody knows I can play defensive, so everybody wants to see my offense and if I can make open shots. That’s what I’m trying to prove right now.”
Late addition, Kadeem Jack, has the toughest road ahead of him. Jack played at Rutgers, who doesn’t get a lot of attention in the Big Ten. This was Jack’s first workout with a NBA team, but says that he has more lined up.
Jack was a three-year starter at Rutgers, playing power forward. The 6’9 235lb big man has definitely showed teams that he is a loyal guy. Jack was at Rutgers during the Mike Rice scandal, choosing to stay at the New Jersey school instead of transferring to another school and possibly improve his pro stock.
“I just try to go out there, make my shots and compete with guys,” Jack said. “I saw Mason Plumlee in the locker room and he just told me to be the best version of myself so that’s what I’m trying to do right now.”
Nets director of player personnel Gregg Polinksi said he was impressed with Jack’s energy.
Polinksi also noted that the Nets never worked out previous first round picks Mason Plumlee or Marshonn Brooks, and hinted that the team maybe looking at some other players who haven’t been at team headquarters for a workout.
“(Workouts) give our coaches chances to work with these kids”, Polinksi said. “It gives us a chance to interview them, to see how a person handles himself, to coaches, and how they would fit into a locker room. It’s not the end of the world though if we don’t get them in (for a workout.) You never know with (Nets GM Billy King)”
The NBA draft is about one week away on Thursday June 25th. The Nets are in need of a lot of depth, especially in the backcourt. Adding players like a Ryan Boatright or Sir’Dominic Pointer late in the second round could be beneficial for the team.
