Examiner Mock Draft: Nets grab Flynn as point guard of the future

June 19, 10:00 AMNew Jersey Nets ExaminerShlomo Sprung

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Prominent Nets players, including Vince Carter and Devin Harris, "are interested in adding a third point guard to their roster", according to Wednesday's New York Daily News, and with Ricky Rubio and Jrue Holliday already off the board, Syracuse's 6' 0" point guard Jonny Flynn would be a perfect running mate for Harris and Carter for numerous reasons.

Except perhaps for North Carolina's Ty Lawson, who had poor workouts for the team and whose recent injury problems scare some people, no one PG in this draft has had the spotlight on him as much as Flynn, and he has flourished and excelled on the big stage, as seen by his performance in the six-overtime classic this past March in Connecticut. He loves New York and its surrounding area, and would have no trouble adjusting to the local media.

Flynn played on a Syracuse team that had one of the most high octane offenses last season, and his ability to get to the basket via dribble penetration and draw contact is unparralleled among PG's in this draft, save for perhaps Rubio. He played nearly every minute of his freshman season, and will be able to handle extended minutes on the floor and could better endure the rigors of an 82 game season.

Though his jumpshot may not be the best and his defense may need a little work since he mostly played zone in college, Flynn has the nack for the big shot and the big moment, is an excellent passer, can drive to the basket and can run the floor exceptionally well. His game translates to the NBA better than Lawson, and is far more NBA ready than Brandon Jennings, who may have been playing better competition in Italy, but barely played any meaningful minutes, while Flynn was THE player on a Syracuse team that made the sweet 16 last year, including a win where he dominated Arizona State's James Harden.

Unlike a lot of NBA players, Flynn has the ability to create his own shot, and can either be a pass first player or can take over the game with his ability to take it to the hole. His selfless nature would perfectly compliment Harris and Carter, and drafting a taller player when they've invested so much in Brook Lopez, Yi Jianlian and Ryan Anderson would be foolish.

Flynn has the confidence in his ability, an agrressive, killer instinct that isn't seen by many pro prospects, and the explosiveness to get to the basket, create his own shot, and draw contact. Along with Harris and Carter, Flynn would fit right into a dynamic Nets lineup that could get to the basket at will and create serious matchup problems for opposing defenses. The Nets need another player or two to reach the next level, and Flynn would be a huge help as they try to achieve that goal.