2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks dream draft choice falls, Rockets shock at 4

21. Brooklyn Nets (via Suns) grab Keyonte George

George could be a lottery pick or fall to the end of the first round. It feels like there will be a run on guards in the middle of the round, but there are more prospects than teams looking. Someone will likely slip into the 20s, and George’s defensive questions and negative assist-to-turnover ratio make him the potential choice.

The 6’4 guard had a rocky lone season at Baylor where he averaged 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in 28.6 minutes per game. George shot just 37.6 percent from the field and committed nearly three turnovers each night. His ability to get buckets goes unquestioned, but can he be more than a sixth man in the NBA?

The effort is there on the defensive end, but he is only 6’4. Can he hold his own defensively enough to average 30 minutes per game? He has some strength and the ability to add more, but he certainly needs polish to get more run.

The Brooklyn Nets are looking to rebuild their roster around Mikal Bridges, and they would love to add a bucket-getter to their bench. Expect the Nets to make some moves this summer, and the franchise will likely shoot for upside with their back-to-back first-round picks in the early 20s.