NBA Mock Draft 2013: Predicting Picks 21-30

22. Brooklyn Nets: Sergey Karasev, Russia (SF)

Age: 19

Height/Weight: 6’7/197

Karasev, according to DraftExpress, is way ahead of the standard learning curve for a European player of his age. He has top-level talent in court vision, decision making and passing. The real story here, however, is that he’s a better scocer with a great stroke, making him the most productive international candidate. In showcase situations, he scored primarily on catch-and-shoot opportunities, making 38 percent of his three-point attempts.

Karasev also has a high amount of touch, and shows promise on his pull-up jumpers, and the ability to create his own shot. What he has to improve is his defense and strength.  He should work on adding to his frame and improving lateral quickness on defense. He puts in the effort, but he should bump up his physicals. On the Nets, he would find minutes at small forward behind Gerald Wallace, and it seems reasonable to think that he and Joe Johnson might appear as a shooting guard-small froward combo in a smaller lineup at times, especially if he bumps up his shooting.