NBA

Nets eyeing Murray State PG Cannan

NBA Draft projections place him anywhere from the late first to the early second round. Count the Nets among those who see Isaiah Canaan, the 6-foot senior point guard from Murray State, as a first-round talent.

So the Nets could take a closer look, especially because reserve point C.J. Watson is expected to opt out of his contract.

“Not just because of C.J., we would look at anybody that’s obviously a first-round guy, [those] we’re going to be prepared for. Count him in that group,” said Nets Director of Player Personnel Gregg Polinsky, who has been among the officials observing predraft workouts at the Nets’ East Rutherford practice facility.

Canaan, though, is a guy the Nets have not worked out because of a bum ankle. Canaan was supposed to have his workout Wednesday but he sprained his right ankle during his Hawks’ audition Tuesday. So he flew north and went through the interview only.

“It’s been going good,” said Canaan, a 6-0, 188-pound, two-time Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year. “I’m very blessed to be in the situation I am. I’m really looking forward to [the NBA Draft] next Thursday and whatever else I have to do this week.

“I’m trying to get healthy as fast as I can. I’ll be out a few days then go from there.”

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If other elements align, Canaan could fall right in the area where the Nets, at 22, and the Knicks, at 24, select. He previously worked out for the Knicks and said he has received positive feedback from his workouts and interviews.

Because of the mighty mite stature of both his body and school, Canaan has drawn comparisons to reigning Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard, who is three inches taller but an even bigger revelation coming out of Weber State, hardly a Duke-like power. All of that fuels Canaan’s motivation.

“We go in with a chip on our shoulders,” Canaan said of small school players. “It just made me a better player and a better person, taking full advantage of every opportunity I get. I go into each workout with a chip on my shoulder trying to be who I am and show what I can bring to a team.”

Though the four-year, 15.5 point per scorer (21.8 as a senior) did not work out, the Nets know what Canaan can bring.

“Point guard, played some off-guard in college, was very, very successful,” Polinsky said. “Shoots it with NBA range (career .419 from three). Can really handle it. Think he’s a first round pick.”

The thought of Brooklyn excites Canaan. Why not? The Nets have a pretty fair point guard for their new coach, Jason Kidd.

“To be able to play for JKidd and alongside DWill as a point guard, you couldn’t ask to be in a better situation,” Canaan said. “I’m going to be blessed just to hear my name called.”