{"id":131865,"date":"2025-03-31T09:00:21","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T13:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=131865"},"modified":"2025-03-31T16:50:35","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T20:50:35","slug":"the-brooklyn-nets-must-go-all-in-for-dylan-harper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/03\/31\/the-brooklyn-nets-must-go-all-in-for-dylan-harper\/","title":{"rendered":"Why The Brooklyn Nets Must Go All-in For Dylan Harper"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Brooklyn Nets<\/a> have multiple paths to consider this offseason. They could absorb bad contracts for future assets, following the Washington Wizards\u2019<\/a> model. Alternatively, they could target top free agents and expedite their rebuild. Another option is a conservative approach, retaining key players while rebuilding through the draft. Whatever their decision is, it’s important that the Nets prioritize drafting Dylan Harper<\/a> and go all-in for him in this year’s draft.<\/p>\n

Why The Brooklyn Nets Must Go All-in For Dylan Harper<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Brooklyn lacks a true playmaker. Cam Thomas<\/a>, their most important free agent, averaged a career-high 3.8 assists but remains a scorer first. De\u2019Anthony Melton<\/a>, acquired from the Warriors, missed the season due to an ACL injury. His future remains uncertain, especially since he averaged just 2.8 assists before the injury. Ben Simmons<\/a> led the team with 6.9 assists per game, but his days as a primary ball handler are likely over. His free agency status is also unclear. Brooklyn is projected to draft a forward or center, leaving them without a clear guard solution.<\/p>\n

Why Dylan Harper is the Nets Answer<\/h3>\n

Harper is a 6\u20196\u201d combo guard with elite size and strength. His 6\u201910\u201d wingspan allows him to impact both ends of the floor. He combines smooth athleticism with advanced footwork and body control. Harper\u2019s skill set makes him a perfect fit for Brooklyn\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n

He excels at shot creation and ball handling, keeping defenders on their heels. He effectively uses head fakes and misdirection to attack the defense. His ability to draw fouls at a high rate (nearly six free throw attempts per game) shows his aggressive mindset. Harper can comfortably handle, pass, and score with both hands. His three-level scoring ability makes him a nightmare for defenders. Currently, he leads all freshmen with 19.4 points per game.<\/p>\n

Harper thrives in pick-and-roll situations, a crucial skill for any lead guard. He has a high basketball IQ, understanding angles and dictating game flow. He adjusts to defensive schemes and makes the right play, whether creating for himself or setting up teammates. His mid-range and finishing skills are exceptional, converting 59% of his shots inside the arc. He also posts up smaller guards, adding another layer to his offensive arsenal.<\/p>\n

From beyond the arc, Harper shoots 33.3% on 5.2 attempts per game. He prefers shooting off the dribble but remains effective when opponents go under screens. His stepback jumper is a reliable weapon. On defense, he moves well laterally and fights through screens. His size allows him to guard both backcourt positions and some wings. He averages 1.4 steals per game, showing strong defensive instincts. Harper also contributes on the boards, averaging 4.6 rebounds per game.<\/p>\n

Harper\u2019s Proven Track Record<\/h3>\n

Harper was a top recruit in the 2024 class and won MVP honors in both the McDonald\u2019s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. He joined Rutgers alongside fellow blue-chip recruit Ace Bailey<\/a>. While Rutgers has struggled, Harper has exceeded expectations. In 15 games, he has scored 20 or more points in ten contests, including two 30-point performances. He also recorded the first Rutgers triple-double since 1983.<\/p>\n

As the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper,<\/a> Dylan possesses a natural feel for the game. His combination of physical tools, playmaking ability, and scoring make him a high-floor prospect. His three-level scoring and defensive versatility ensure he will be an instant contributor at the NBA level.<\/p>\n

The Nets Must Trade Up<\/h3>\n

Right now, the Nets are projected to pick sixth<\/a> in the draft. However, Harper is expected to go within the top three. Brooklyn owns multiple draft picks this year. They should package those assets to move up and secure Harper. Teams like the Charlotte Hornets<\/a> or Washington Wizards<\/a> may be open to trade offers.<\/p>\n

Harper fits perfectly with Brooklyn\u2019s roster and timeline. He fills their biggest need as a playmaking guard. His elite skill set makes him a potential franchise cornerstone. The Nets cannot afford to miss this opportunity. They must go all-in to bring Dylan Harper to the Brooklyn Nets.<\/p>\n

The Brooklyn Nets have multiple paths to consider this offseason. They could absorb bad contracts for future assets, following the Washington Wizards\u2019 model. Alternatively, they could target top free agents and expedite their rebuild. Another option is a conservative approach, retaining key players while rebuilding through the draft. Whatever their decision is, it’s important that […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5018,"featured_media":131873,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[62,1608,6,773,556],"tags":[49979,49375,266,4069,1593,49668,98,2068],"class_list":["post-131865","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba","category-basketball","category-nets","category-college-basketball","category-nba-draft","tag-2024-25-nba-season","tag-2025-nba-draft","tag-ben-simmons","tag-cam-thomas","tag-deanthony-melton","tag-dylan-harper","tag-nba-draft","tag-ron-harper"],"modified_by":"Frederick Okocha","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131865","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5018"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=131865"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131865\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":132018,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131865\/revisions\/132018"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/131873"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=131865"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=131865"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=131865"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}