Brooklyn Nets: 3 perfect combinations for their pair of 1st-round picks

2. Brandin Podziemski and Leonard Miller

Brandin Podziemski really popped in combine scrimmages, showcasing his high feel for the game and well-balanced skill set. The sophomore averaged 19.9 points for Santa Clara and made his name as a go-to scorer. At the next level, however, teams need to be able to buy him as a role player who can survive off-ball. He assuaged any concerns with his performance in Chicago.

On top of his dynamic 3-point shooting, Podziemski is a competitive defender who, at 6-foot-5, averaged 8.8 rebounds per game for the Broncos. He gets after it; Brooklyn and every NBA team should be impressed by his intangibles. He lacks the explosiveness to regularly break down his man one-on-one in the NBA, but Podziemski is a heady playmaker who can operate comfortably with or without the ball.

Leonard Miller has also been a hot name in draft circles despite his last-second decision not to participate in combine scrimmages. The G-League Ignite star averaged a double-double against professional competition last season. At 6-foot-10, his athleticism in the open court and two-way upside could appeal to the Nets, one of the NBA’s most positionless teams.

Some of Miller’s skill set is more theoretical than actual at this stage, but he displays soft touch on shots near the rim and he’s an absolute handful for smaller or slower defenders once he’s driving downhill. Miller made some impressive passing reads as the season progressed and he has the chance to guard multiple positions on the defensive end. He’s a good upside bet for the Nets in contrast to Podziemski’s high floor.