New York Knicks: Full 2017 NBA Mock Draft With Upside Comparisons
22. Brooklyn Nets: T.J. Leaf, UCLA Bruins
Ultimate Upside Comparison: Antawn Jamison
Safe Upside Comparison: Tobias Harris
Position: Forward
Age: 20 (4/30/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.75″, 222 pounds, 6’11”
2016-17 Slash Line: .617/.466/.679
2016-17 Season Averages: 29.9 MPG, 16.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 BPG, 0.8 3PM
If ever you’ve doubted the lasting legacy of Larry Bird, look no further than UCLA Bruins star T.J. Leaf—and no, not because of his skin tone. Leaf is cut from the Bird cloth as a stretch forward who does just about everything on the offensive end of the floor.
Leaf’s defensive fundamentals are questionable, at best, but he’s the type of player whom the Brooklyn Nets should look at in the attempts to build long-term.
From a scoring perspective, Leaf is comparable to two-time All-Star Antawn Jamison. He has a versatile offensive arsenal, including the ability to stretch the floor, come off of screens, finish above the rim, and utilize a soft touch in the post.
Leaf also flashes the ability to play small forward in a pinch, which will inevitably draw comparisons to Nikola Mirotic.
The likely scenario for Leaf is that he’ll be a cross between the two forward positions, and thus play a game comparable to Tobias Harris. Harris has been somewhat inconsistent, but both he and Leaf have the tools to experience lengthy NBA careers.
The Nets need players who can fit what projects to be a strong motion offense, and Leaf’s versatility and unselfishness check the necessary boxes.