Jalen Wilson got selected with the 51st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, but he has already proven he could contribute to the Nets roster. More often than not, second-round picks don’t work out, yet the 23-year-old showcased his energetic play and feel for the game that convinced the Nets front office to give him a three-year contract, an upgrade from his two-way contract.
With Wilson’s conversion to a regular contract, Brooklyn had an open two-way contract spot, which they promptly filled by signing Jacob Gilyard. The diminutive guard was superb in his 37 games for the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this season.
Wilson can become a rotational piece
Jalen is a strong player who could be a long-term piece in the rotation because he’s an example of a good role player. He works hard on defense, outworks his matchups, and hustles for the ball at every opportunity.
The former Kansas Jayhawk is shooting 43.3% from beyond the arc, which makes him a valuable three-and-D wing. That is the hardest prototype to look for in the NBA, and the Nets got one with a late second-round pick with Wilson.
While interim head coach Kevin Ollie is still mixing up his rotation, Wilson has proven to be ready whenever needed. He plays behind established players like Cameron Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Lonnie Walker IV, but the rookie has emerged as a valuable piece due to the intangibles he possesses with his relentless hustle and willingness to play a role
Gilyard can surprise some people
.At only 5’9”, Gilyard is the NBA’s shortest player. However, the 25-year-old was a superb player for the Grizzlies earlier this season when he posted a stat line of 4.7 points and 3.6 assists per game. He was shooting 42.5% from beyond the arc, improving his profile.
The Nets signed him because he combines a good skill set with an intense energy despite his size disadvantage. He is on a two-year, two-way contract, which takes him into the 2024/25 season. Gilyard can earn some minutes in the backcourt rotation, but in the meantime, he will likely play the majority of his minutes with the Long Island Nets.
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