EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New Jersey Nets are heading into the NBA Draft having taken much of the uncertainty out of the event.
While they will have the 27th and 36th picks Thursday night, the Nets made their big move four months ago when they dealt guard Devin Harris, power forward Derrick Favors — the third pick overall last year — and two first-round picks to the Utah Jazz for All Star point guard Deron Williams.
The deal came just days after the Nets lost the trade war for Carmelo Anthony, and it gave owner Mikhail Prokhorov a much-needed drawing card for next season and 2012, when the team plans to move to a new arena in Brooklyn, N.Y.
The deal also worked out for Utah. The Nets’ pick this year turned into the No. 3 choice overall through the luck of the lottery.
The draft will help New Jersey add depth. General manager Billy King is looking for player with athletic ability, length and mental toughness for Avery Johnson’s second season as coach.
“I don’t expect whoever we pick at 27 to be playing big minutes for us,” King said. “If he is, it’s a pleasant surprise. But I look at 27 being
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