I know I typically focus on college basketball here, but I also really enjoy the NBA, especially the team building process, and that makes the draft really appealing to me. Seeing how teams value different players based on scheme and organizational philosophy is very intriguing to me, and seeing as I watched a lot of these players play multiple times throughout the season, I figured I would try my hand at a mock draft, especially after that absolutely insane lottery last night. I would like to note that I am a Timberwolves fan up front, so accuse me of any biases you want with that. I also want to make clear that this isn't my personal big board, but it takes into account team fit and who I think teams should take based on a number of factors, not just the best player available. I also am not as big of an NBA fan as a college basketball fan, so keep that in mind, and I chose to only do the first round this time. Anyways, without further ado, here is my 2019 Mock Draft, Post Lottery edition.
1. New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, PF, Duke
It doesn't get much more straight forward than this one. After coming out of nowhere to win the lottery, the Pelicans have a chance to select the player who took the college basketball world by storm this season. There were many speculating Zion would be the center of a trade package for Anthony Davis, but the Pelicans get them both, at least for now. If you somehow missed it, Williamson starred for Duke last season, averaging 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks while shooting 68% from the field and filling up highlight reels. There are questions about how his 285 pound frame will hold up over time, and if his jump shot will develop, but he's a physical freak who will instantly be one of the best athletes in the NBA given his strength and leaping ability which will make him a menace defensively. On the other end of the floor, well I mean he scored 22.6 points and shot 68% from the floor. He's very good there too, especially in the open court, and it's pretty easy to envision him getting to the rim and throwing down crazy dunks a few times a game. He's already one of the biggest names in basketball, and you can't go wrong with him as the first overall pick.
2. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant, PG, Murray State
With Mike Conley trade rumors flying, which makes a ton of sense for a rebuilding Grizzlies team, the Grizzlies can draft his heir with Ja Morant. Unlike some people, I don't think Morant is a lock to be picked second, especially since the Grizzlies could use a scorer similar to RJ Barrett, but I think Morant is the pick here. He will instantly be one of the best passers in the NBA with his ability to throw pinpoint passes with both hands and his excellent vision. He also has a very good handle that makes him tough to guard, especially since he has a good first step that lets him blow past defenders. These traits, plus good leaping ability, make him really dynamic in the open court and having him run pick and rolls with Jaren Jackson will be electric. The biggest concerns revolve around his shaky jump shot, although he's shown consistent improvement and made a solid 36.3% of his shots from deep last year, and his skinny frame that could limit his defensive ceiling. Still, he's a guy you can build around who makes his teammates better with his passing ability, and fits well with the Grizzlies.
3. New York Knicks: RJ Barrett, SG, Duke
Unfortunately for all of the Knicks' fans I know, their losing this season didn't result in the #1 pick, as they instead got the third overall selection. I still wouldn't rule out them trading this pick in a deal for Anthony Davis, but even if they don't, Barrett is not only the best player available but a guy in an area of need. He's a player who can create his own shot, something the Knicks were lacking last year, and he does it at a high level. Even while playing with Williamson, he scored 22.6 points a game, and displayed a lot of enviable traits. He's an excellent finisher around the rim, and can get there seemingly at will. He will sometimes get tunnel vision while driving to the basket, but he has shown some skill as a distributor, averaging 4.3 assists last year, and given his ability to score, sometimes holding onto the ball may be preferable. As with a lot of prospects this year, he isn't a great jump shooter, making just 30.8% of his shots from deep at Duke, but he has improved greatly from his high school days, and he may have been victim to a lack of shooters around him on the Blue Devils. I think he can be a solid shooter during his NBA career, and he has the tools and mindset to excel defensively as well. He's the best player on the board and has an elite ceiling offensively, so it's a no brainer for the Knicks.
4. Los Angeles Lakers: Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech
The Lakers could also look to trade this pick in the search of another star next to LeBron, but as with the Knicks, I'm assuming the hold onto it. And if they do, Culver would be an excellent fit. He was the star of the national runner up Texas Tech Red Raiders, and he would be an excellent fit in LA. He doesn't need the ball in his hands, which is key next to LeBron, and he can act as a secondary playmaker. He really improved this season as a facilitator, especially in pick and roll scenarios, and he can operate off ball and do some creation off of the wing. He's also reworked his jumper to make his release more clean, and while the results were mixed, I personally think he can be a really good shooter from deep. He played under Chris Beard, one of the best defensive coaches in college basketball, so he has good instincts on that end and shouldn't have a problem guarding NBA shooting guards thanks to his solid feel on that end and his good positional size at 6'6". Given the Lakers timeline, a guy who can compete immediately makes the most sense, and it's not hard to envision a scenario where Culver plays a good chunk of minutes on next season's Lakers. I think the most appealing part of his game is his high basketball IQ, as he isn't elite at anything, but understands the game well and knows how to use his skills to score, pass, and defend. He's exactly what the Lakers should be looking for next to LeBron, and he'd have trade value as well.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Cam Reddish, SF, Duke
The Cavs could go a number of ways with this pick, but I have them taking Reddish. I don't know how likely it is that he ends up in Cleveland, but given the current state of the roster, they could absolutely use a player with Reddish's ceiling. He just looks like an NBA player with his 6'8" frame, the smoothness of his game, a pretty shooting stroke, and some ability to handle the ball. He sort of got pushed to the side with Williamson and Barrett taking most of the scoring for Duke, and he was pretty underwhelming in his lone college season. However, he is incredibly projectable, and he'd do something every game that would make me stop and think about how good he can be. He was surrounded by a lot of non-shooters at Duke, which led to a lack of space for him to shoot and get to the rim, and playing in the NBA where there is more space thanks to a wider court should let him thrive. He can certainly play alongside Collin Sexton in Cleveland, and would instantly become a large part of their rebuild. He's the right intersection of talent and potential for the Cavs to gamble on in a weaker draft class.
6. Phoenix Suns: Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt
If there is one glaring need on the Suns roster, it's a point guard. They have Devin Booker as a star guard, a collection of intriguing wings, and a former #1 pick in DeAndre Ayton at center. They get Garland, who unfortunately was injured early on in his freshman season at Vanderbilt, but in that time he was very impressive. In 5 games, which is obviously a very small sample size, he scored 16.2 points and shot 47.8% from three. His best skill is his shooting ability, draining shots from 30+ feet and doing it on both pull ups and in catch and shoot situations. He is also adept at getting to the basket off the dribble, especially if he has a ball screen. The one area of his game offensively he needs to improve is his vision, as he had just 2.8 assists per game during his limited game time at Vandy, and he still lacks feel as a passer. Luckily for the Suns, Booker showed improvement as a distributor last season, and it has been a trend throughout his career, so they could rely on him more for creation and just let Garland focus on scoring and developing his passing ability as time goes on. The more I think about it, the more exciting that backcourt becomes, and it's hard to see the Suns passing up a top point guard prospect.
7. Chicago Bulls: Coby White, PG, North Carolina
The Bulls, like the Suns before them, have a pretty glaring need at the point guard position, since I do not think Kris Dunn is the answer there. Even if he is, White still works. He shot up draft boards after impressive play at North Carolina, scoring 16 points a game as a freshman with 4 assists in a notoriously hard to master Roy Williams offense. He is a dynamic scorer, with lightning quick speed, especially impressive given his 6'5" frame, and can heat up in a hurry. He can blow past a defender and get to the rim or pull up from three, and he showed a lot of skill as a pull up shooter last season. He doesn't have an elite handle, high level passing ability, or great defensive instincts, but he has shown promise in all three areas, and I would bet on those skills improving over time, especially given how much better he got in a single year at UNC. Even if he doesn't develop, or Dunn emerges as a much better offensive player and seizes the point guard spot, White profiles as a Lou Will type bucket getting sixth man. Personally, I think he can be a really good scoring point guard who is at least average across the board, and he makes almost too much sense for the Bulls.
8. Atlanta Hawks: De'Andre Hunter, SF, Virginia
Personally, I am a lot higher of Hunter than this, so I think the Hawks are getting a steal with this pick. Hunter has continually improved since his high school days, and was the best player on the national champion Virginia Cavaliers last season, and it could be argued his absence was a large part of their loss to UMBC. He shines defensively, with an elite frame at 6'8" with a 7'2" wingspan that allows him to be very disruptive and knows exactly how to use that to his advantage and be in the right spots. He will be a good defender as soon as he steps onto an NBA court, and has All-Defensive level upside on that end of the floor. Offensively, he is currently best operating out of the high post. He has a solid, albeit slow, jump shot from both mid range and three, and his physical tools and good touch allow him to score in a variety of ways when he catches the ball in the post. He isn't a great ball handler or passer, but given his role as a lockdown defender and more of a tertiary scoring option, he doesn't need to be. People have thrown around Kawhi Leonard comparisons, which isn't fair to him given how good Kawhi is, but it does make sense. I don't know if he ever reaches that level, but I think he is a really good player who can contribute immediately on the Hawks, who can use some better options in that 3/4 range.
9. Washington Wizards: Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas
I quite honestly have no idea what the Wizards are going to do with this pick. They might trade Bradley Beal this offseason and go into a full rebuild, or hang onto him and attempt to compete once again. Either way, I think Hayes makes sense for them. He came out of nowhere to become a one and done prospect in his lone season at Texas, and it makes a lot of sense. At 6'10" with a 7'4" wingspan and high level athleticism, it's not hard to envision him succeeding in the NBA. Defensively, he can contribute instantly as a rim protector after averaging 2.2 blocks per game last season and while his rebounding numbers were lower than you'd like, a lot of that came from chasing blocks and a lack of feel for the game, as a didn't hit a growth spurt until high school and has only been playing basketball at a high level for 2 years. He also has the ability to guard on the perimeter a little bit, which is insanely valuable in the era of switching everything in pick and roll coverage. His offensive game isn't great, but he can contribute as a rim running, defensive minded center. Long term, I think he can develop more of a post game and possibly some sort of perimeter game. Still, he can impact the game immediately with John Wall and Beal as a screen setter and lob catcher who blocks shots, and has the potential for a lot more down the road, which I think makes him a great fit for the Wizards.
10. Atlanta Hawks: Romeo Langford, SG, Indiana
The Hawks have another pick here, and I think they are the perfect team to take a gamble on Langford. He came into his lone season at Indiana as one of the most hyped players in the country and the guy who was going to save Indiana basketball. That didn't quite happen, but Langford wasn't really to blame. First, the positives. He's excellent around the basket, and has really good touch while finishing, which lead to him scoring 16.5 points a game last season. He's also a solid rebounder for a guard, and he's got good size for the position and is pretty good defensively. However, he doesn't have great athleticism and struggle to gain separation, and he was dreadful while shooting the ball, making just 27.2% of his threes at Indiana. The jump shot is the most worrisome thing, as he often looked lost while shooting, lacked confidence, and struggled to repeat his mechanics. There is certainly room for optimism given his good touch around the basket, but he will absolutely need to work on that more than anything else. However, I think the Hawks can live with his lack of shooting at the moment. They already have Trae Young and Kevin Huerter, two knockdown shooters, and given that both he and Huerter have good size, they can realistically share the court, which would provide Langford with the spacing he didn't have at Indiana to attack the basket and kick to shooters. Add in Hunter from this draft, and they could trot out a lineup of Young/Langford/Huerter/Hunter/John Collins that I think would be super fun and interesting and it would be a great place for him to develop his jumper. I really like this fit for both sides given the developmental opportunity for Langford and the bet on potential and fallback plans for the Hawks.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves: Brandon Clarke, PF, Gonzaga
It's hard to imagine a much better fit than this one. Clarke would be a dream front court partner for Karl-Anthony Towns. He is a defensive monster, probably the best player on that side of the ball in college last season, averaging 3.2 blocks and 1.2 steals, and his shot blocking ability would go really well with Towns, who has struggled in that area throughout his career. Clarke especially excels at coming from the weak side, and his timing on his blocked shots is impeccable. He can also guard in space, which has been a problem for guys like Taj Gibson and Dario Saric who have previously been featured next to KAT. I also think he could help Towns positionally given his next level instincts, and maybe rub off on him defensively. Offensively, Clarke is still fairly raw. While his leaping ability and touch around the rim made him incredibly efficient in the paint, he can't really do much else. Luckily, Towns is an elite offensive player who has range, which can allow Clarke to focus on doing what he thrives at offensively. He also flashed potential as a three point shooter last year at Gonzaga, and if he can continue to improve there, he could be really, really good. Even if he doesn't develop, his fit next to Towns is excellent, and he makes a ton of sense for the Timberwolves.
12. Charlotte Hornets: Sekou Doumbouya, SF, France
I admittedly don't know a ton about Doumbouya, and I won't pretend to. What I do know is he is a 6'9" forward with perimeter skills who played professionally in France at age 17, and has elite defensive potential. He profiles as a 3 and D type player from what I have read about him, and that would certainly be welcome in Charlotte, where the team around Kemba Walker isn't stellar, and should Walker leave, they have a high upside pick who is really intriguing long term. I don't think he's an immediate contributor, but I think he can develop into a really nice player for the Hornets.
13. Miami Heat: PJ Washington, PF, Kentucky
Washington is a guy who slowly moved up my board all year, and I think he makes a lot of sense in Miami. He was probably the best player on Kentucky last season, no small feat given the amount of talent on John Calipari's rosters every season, and while his 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds don't pop off the page, I thought he really improved from his freshman season and there was a stretch from mid-January to mid-February of 10 games where he was one of the best players in the country. He added a reliable jump shot to his game, shooting 42.3% from three on 2.2 attempts per game. While I don't think he's that good of a shooter, I do think he shows promise with the jumper and can be solid from deep. He is also good at attacking the basket while driving, and he is very good at scoring around the rim. He plays hard, which leads to his rebounding numbers, but he isn't a particularly great athlete. He would be a nice fit at the four next to Hasaan Whiteside and Bam Adebayo, who are better as shot blockers and rebounders but are more limited offensively and lack perimeter skills. He can step in and play a role right away for Miami in their front court.
14. Boston Celtics: Keldon Johnson, SF, Kentucky
I seem to be high on Johnson compared to the consensus, but I came away impressed most of the time after watching him play. He averaged 13.5 points at Kentucky while shooting 38% from three on the year. His jumper regressed slightly during SEC play, but I'm a big enough believer in it to believe that his season averages are more representative of his true skill level as a shooter. He is also good at attacking the basket, although he doesn't have a diverse set of dribble moves and is mostly a straight line driver at this point. Still, he is incredibly tough and plays hard on every play, which led to success on the defensive end despite a lack of high level athleticism. He is known as a hard worker, and I think he will improve his skill level over time. Not only can he compete right away, but the Celtics seem to favor players with his sort of tenacity, so I think it makes sense for them to take him at the end of the lottery.
15. Detroit Pistons: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG, Virginia Tech
The Pistons desperate need back court help. Reggie Jackson isn't the answer at point guard, Bruce Brown was OK last season and could be a solid role player, Luke Kennard hasn't developed into anything more than a shooter, and they really just lack talent outside of those three. Enrter Alexander-Walker. Not only is he the cousin of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but he established himself as a really good player this year at Virginia Tech. He took a big leap from his sophomore year in most facets of his game, averaging 16.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.9 steals, and shot 37.4% from three. His playmaking really developed this year, as he got better not only as a passer but decision maker, especially in pick and roll situations. He would infuse some high IQ basketball into the Pistons' backcourt, as well as some much needed shooting prowess. His defense and handle aren't great, but the Pistons desperately need this sort of secondary playmaker and shooter, so they will be willing to overlook those deficiencies and take him here.
16. Orlando Magic: Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky
The Magic need a point guard, but they would have to make a draft day trade or reach to end up with one at the sixteenth pick. However, they end up with another guard who will help address the concerns with their roster. As it is currently constructed, the Magic have a lot of good front court options with elite physical tools in Jonathon Isaac, Aaron Gordon, and Mo Bamaba, but not a ton of shot making and shooting, especially with Terrance Ross entering free agency this offseason. Herro offers that, as a high level shot maker at Kentucky, who came on strong down the stretch with his shooting. He also plays hard defensively, and is a good athlete. He doesn't alleviate all of the Magic's fit problems, but he's the most logical pick for the Magic at this stage.
17. Brooklyn Nets: Rui Hachimura, PF, Gonzaga
One of the biggest needs for the Nets is a good four man. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson hasn't developed offensively, and I'm not totally sold on Rodionis Kurcus. They have the opportunity to select a First Team All-American with this pick in Hachimura, and I don't think they will pass it up. Ever since coming over from Japan, Rui has gone from a raw but intriguing athletic specimen to one of the premier players in the country. He led a very good Gonzaga team in scoring with 19.7 points a game, and shines on that end. He is deceptively quick for being 6'8" and 240 pounds, and he is comfortable operating on the perimeter. His jump shot isn't great mechanically, but he has shown improvement and made 41.7% on under an attempt a game last season. He is, however, really good foul line and in, where he can make a mid range jumper or drive to the basket and finish. The part of his game that worries me is his overall feel. He started played at a really high level basically when he arrived at Gonzaga, and his instincts aren't great, especially passing and defensively. He doesn't quite understand defensive schemes just yet, and I don't fully buy him being anything more than an average shooter. Still, a four man who can play on the perimeter is the type of thing the Nets are looking for and he can provide an immediate scoring impact to a young and improving team as well as continuing to improve as his understanding of the game improves.
18. Indiana Pacers: Nassir Little, SF, North Carolina
Little is a guy who I really don't like. He's similar to Rui in many ways, with elite physical tools, except I think he is less skilled and his feel for the game is worse. He was a very highly ranked prospect, but struggled in his lone season at North Carolina, playing under 20 minutes a game and scoring under 10 points a game. While he is a great physical specimen and looks the part of an NBA player, especially when playing in the open court, he didn't prove it last year. He often looked lost, especially defensively, and he didn't display good shooting, passing, or dribbling offensively. He did look more comfortable as the season moved on, but all things considered, I would have recommended another year in college. However, for Indiana, they get a chance to add a potentially elite defensive player that can play the 3 and the 4 and you get time to work with him on his positioning and skill level while still being able to play him thanks to his ability to guard. I honestly don't know if I would take him in the first round, but this was the best landing spot I could find given his name recognition and intriguing potential probably leading to him being taken in the first round in real life.
19. San Antonio Spurs: KZ Okpala, SF, Stanford
The Pac-12 was a disaster last season, which sucked for Okpala, who was quietly really good for Stanford. I'm a hoops junkie, so I was up late few times watching Pac-12 hoops and caught Okpala, and I came away impressed every time. He is sort of similar to Cam Reddish because of their body types and the smoothness with which they play the game, as well as the lack of efficiency. I think Okpala is better than his percentages, especially as a shooter. Stanford was a mess last year, but he still managed to put up 16.8 points a game and shot 36.8% from three. He also displayed a good blend of ball handling and passing to be intriguing long term, and given that he is a 6'9" wing with a 7'3" wingspan, teams are bound to be interested in his defensive potential. He was able to create his own shot pretty often and showed a good mid range pull up. The Spurs could use a combo forward, especially one who can shoot given they aren't a great shooting team, and Okpala has the right makeup off the court as well as skills on it for the Spurs to be willing to take the gamble on him.
20. Boston Celtics: Goga Bitazde, C, Georgia
I know even less about Bitazde than I do about Doumbouya. From what I've seen, Bitazde is a skilled big who can shoot it a little bit and is a good shot blocker and rebounder, which makes him super intriguing. However, what has me worried is his reported lack of mobility. Watching the Trail Blazers against the Nuggets, one of the things that stood out, especially during their Game 7 comeback, was how Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum were attacking Nikola Jokic in pick and roll scenarios. I'm not saying they are similar players, I don't know enough about him, but Bitazde apparently has slow feet, which has me worried for his long term viability, especially in the playoffs. Still, the Celtics can take him and let him develop either in Europe or behind Al Horford, and I wouldn't be shocked to see him go higher than this on draft night, but I don't have enough information to comfortably put him higher.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Cameron Johnson, SF, North Carolina
The Thunder could really use some floor spacing around Russell Westbrook and Paul George, and there aren't many better shooters in the draft than Cam Johnson. He emerged as an absolute stud for North Carolina last season, scoring 17 points a game and making 45.7% of his threes. He isn't a great at anything else, but a 6'9" guy with his stroke is incredibly valuable. There are a lot of questions, particularly about his frame defensively, but he's the type of guy that can play his role next to Westbrook and George right away which is exactly what the Thunder are looking for.
22. Boston Celtics: Kevin Porter Jr, SG, USC
Kevin Porter is one of the most polarizing players in the draft. When he was playing at his best, he looked like a potential lottery pick, with a great offensive game, with the ability to break down defenders with the dribble, explosive leaping ability and good touch around the rim, and a good pull up game. However, he appeared disinterested for most of his time at USC, had an upper leg injury that kept him out for an extended period of time, and character concerns that led to him getting suspended. It often seemed like he was on a different page than the rest of the Trojans, and I think there are real character concerns surrounding him. That is what it's imperative he lands in a good situation, and hopefully the Celtics are that spot. Brad Stevens has created a good culture in Boston, Kyrie drama aside, and they have enough veterans like Al Horford and Gordon Hayward, or even someone like Marcus Smart, to hold him accountable off the court and let him ball. It's a risky pick, but with three first rounders, the Celtics can afford to go out on a bit of a limb.
23. Utah Jazz: Carsen Edwards, SG, Purdue
The Jazz need shooting and shot creation next to Donavon Mitchell pretty badly, and Edwards provides just that. He was one of college basketball's leading scorers last season, scoring 24.3 points a game and making 35.5% of his threes, mostly because he was taking over 10 a game. He's not a great passer, which is a problem given his size, but his ability to go get a bucket is one of the best in the draft, and that is something the Jazz desperately need. Plus, he has shown he doesn't need to be the man, playing on some loaded Purdue teams the two seasons prior and accepting his role lower on the totem pole. The fit next to Mitchell isn't ideal, but Edwards can come in and immediately be a high level bench scorer for a team that desperately needs more offense.
24. Philadelphia 76ers: Ty Jerome, SG, Virginia
Ty Jerome seems tailor made for the Philadelphia 76ers. They need quality bench depth and shooting. Jerome played a pivotal role on the national champions and shot 40% from three. He has an incredibly high basketball IQ and always seems to make the right play on offense, knowing when to shoot, drive, or pass. This led to him playing a good amount of point guard for Virginia, and he could see some time as the primary ball handler in the NBA, although he's much more of a secondary option. He's also an accomplished defender, with excellent hands and really good feel on that end as well, knowing how to use his body in the right way to throw players off their game. He's not a great athlete, which will hold him back from ever being a star, but he can be a nice piece on a lot of playoff teams in his career, starting day one.
25. Portland Trail Blazers: Nic Claxton, C, Georgia
Claxton is one of the most interesting prospects in the draft this season. He is a 6'11" center who averaged 13 points and 8.6 rebounds a game last year for Tom Crean. Not exactly eye popping numbers as a sophomore, but solid. However, he was also doing a large amount of ball handling and creation on the perimeter, including bringing the ball up at times for the Bulldogs. He's also a very good athlete who moves really well, which led to him attacking off of the bounce at times and using his long arms to finish at the rim. Defensively, he can guard on the perimeter thanks to his quickness and he's also a good shot blocker, swatting an SEC high 2.5 shots a game. He doesn't have much of a jumper, which is a problem for someone of the perimeter as much as he is, and he is still pretty weak and I question if he can bang around with NBA big men. There is still a pretty good chance he returns to school, but I think the Blazers, a team that took a high school last year and a sort of similar player in Zach Collins two years ago, would be very willing to take a flyer on Claxton and bet on him becoming a stretch five type.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bol Bol, C, Oregon
Bol Bol may be the most divisive prospect in this draft and one of the most in recent years. His supporters will point to his 21 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 52% three point percentage in his nine games with Oregon. His detractors point to his disinterested attitude and questionable commitment to basketball, his foot injury that kept him out after the first third of the season, and his weakness in every other aspect of the game outside of his shooting and shot blocking. I fall in that second camp, as I really question his ability to play defense at an even average level, as he looked lost on that end and was often chasing blocks instead of staying in position. He also doesn't do anything really well outside of shoot from deep on the offensive end, with struggles passing, dribbling, and effort on this end. He is also pretty skinny still and I don't see him being able to play against NBA bigs. I don't think he is going to be a good NBA player, and I would bet he is out of the NBA in a few years, but given the state of the Cavs currently, he makes sense as a lottery ticket who could develop into a star.
27. Brooklyn Nets: Bruno Fernando, C, Maryland
The Nets will use their second pick to help sure up their front court behind Jarrett Allen, who got bullied a little it by Joel Embiid in their playoff series. That leads them to Fernando, who I really like and would have higher on my personal board. At 6'10" and 240 pounds, he looks like a chiseled NBA vet and while he isn't an elite shot blocker, he's a good post defender and solid rebounder. He's also improved his game offensively in his two years at Maryland, going from a bully ball scorer to a more skilled post player who can operate out of the high post a little more and has much better vision and ball handling now. He's still very limited on that end, with no jump shot and he's not a great defender, especially in help situations, but he can probably play right away and I think he can be a starting NBA center at some point in his career.
28. Golden State Warriors: Matisse Thybulle, SF, Washington
It's hard to say what the Warriors need given that no one knows what their roster will look like next year, with Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson staring down free agency. However, there is always room for a high level defender on any team, and that is what Thybulle provides. During his senior season at Washington, he was a defensive menace at the top of the 2-3 zone, averaging 3.5 steals and 2.2 block, just absolutely absurd numbers for a wing. He has a great feel for where to be to make plays defensively, and has good length with a 7 foot wingspan despite being 6'5". Offensively, he's got a solid three point shot, making 35.8% of his shots from behind the arc during his four years at Washington and he has shown good catch and shoot ability. He's also pretty good at attacking close outs, but he's not great with the ball in his hands as a creator. There's also questions about how his defense translates from a zone to man, but I think he's a pretty good 3 and D prospect which fits in with the Warriors pretty well.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Grant Williams, PF, Tennessee
This just feels right. Grant Williams just feels like a Spurs players. He doesn't have elite level athleticism, a good jump shot or offensive skill set, and isn't a great defender. But his feel for the game is incredibly high, and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts with him. That just screams Spurs to me, especially with his make up off the court and strong fundamentals. He can also play right away for the Spurs and contribute to their winning culture after a strong career at Tennessee, but I don't know how much better he gets outside of adding a better jump shot, which is why I have him in the late first.
30. Milwaukee Bucks: Dylan Windler, SF, Belmont
The final pick in the first round goes to the Bucks, who take another play that helps them build around Giannis. During his four years at Belmont, Windler established himself as a star, and averaged 21.3 points and 10.8 rebounds last year while making 42.9% of his threes, which is where you start with him. He's a knockdown shooter at 6'8", which is really valuable and he can space the floor around Giannis while playing pretty good defense with size good size and solid instincts. He's also got good offensive instincts and moves the ball pretty well while rebounding pretty well for his position. He's another guy who I don't see getting much better and being much more than a role player, but he's really solid and fits well with the Bucks.
1. New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, PF, Duke
It doesn't get much more straight forward than this one. After coming out of nowhere to win the lottery, the Pelicans have a chance to select the player who took the college basketball world by storm this season. There were many speculating Zion would be the center of a trade package for Anthony Davis, but the Pelicans get them both, at least for now. If you somehow missed it, Williamson starred for Duke last season, averaging 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks while shooting 68% from the field and filling up highlight reels. There are questions about how his 285 pound frame will hold up over time, and if his jump shot will develop, but he's a physical freak who will instantly be one of the best athletes in the NBA given his strength and leaping ability which will make him a menace defensively. On the other end of the floor, well I mean he scored 22.6 points and shot 68% from the floor. He's very good there too, especially in the open court, and it's pretty easy to envision him getting to the rim and throwing down crazy dunks a few times a game. He's already one of the biggest names in basketball, and you can't go wrong with him as the first overall pick.
2. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant, PG, Murray State
With Mike Conley trade rumors flying, which makes a ton of sense for a rebuilding Grizzlies team, the Grizzlies can draft his heir with Ja Morant. Unlike some people, I don't think Morant is a lock to be picked second, especially since the Grizzlies could use a scorer similar to RJ Barrett, but I think Morant is the pick here. He will instantly be one of the best passers in the NBA with his ability to throw pinpoint passes with both hands and his excellent vision. He also has a very good handle that makes him tough to guard, especially since he has a good first step that lets him blow past defenders. These traits, plus good leaping ability, make him really dynamic in the open court and having him run pick and rolls with Jaren Jackson will be electric. The biggest concerns revolve around his shaky jump shot, although he's shown consistent improvement and made a solid 36.3% of his shots from deep last year, and his skinny frame that could limit his defensive ceiling. Still, he's a guy you can build around who makes his teammates better with his passing ability, and fits well with the Grizzlies.
3. New York Knicks: RJ Barrett, SG, Duke
Unfortunately for all of the Knicks' fans I know, their losing this season didn't result in the #1 pick, as they instead got the third overall selection. I still wouldn't rule out them trading this pick in a deal for Anthony Davis, but even if they don't, Barrett is not only the best player available but a guy in an area of need. He's a player who can create his own shot, something the Knicks were lacking last year, and he does it at a high level. Even while playing with Williamson, he scored 22.6 points a game, and displayed a lot of enviable traits. He's an excellent finisher around the rim, and can get there seemingly at will. He will sometimes get tunnel vision while driving to the basket, but he has shown some skill as a distributor, averaging 4.3 assists last year, and given his ability to score, sometimes holding onto the ball may be preferable. As with a lot of prospects this year, he isn't a great jump shooter, making just 30.8% of his shots from deep at Duke, but he has improved greatly from his high school days, and he may have been victim to a lack of shooters around him on the Blue Devils. I think he can be a solid shooter during his NBA career, and he has the tools and mindset to excel defensively as well. He's the best player on the board and has an elite ceiling offensively, so it's a no brainer for the Knicks.
4. Los Angeles Lakers: Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech
The Lakers could also look to trade this pick in the search of another star next to LeBron, but as with the Knicks, I'm assuming the hold onto it. And if they do, Culver would be an excellent fit. He was the star of the national runner up Texas Tech Red Raiders, and he would be an excellent fit in LA. He doesn't need the ball in his hands, which is key next to LeBron, and he can act as a secondary playmaker. He really improved this season as a facilitator, especially in pick and roll scenarios, and he can operate off ball and do some creation off of the wing. He's also reworked his jumper to make his release more clean, and while the results were mixed, I personally think he can be a really good shooter from deep. He played under Chris Beard, one of the best defensive coaches in college basketball, so he has good instincts on that end and shouldn't have a problem guarding NBA shooting guards thanks to his solid feel on that end and his good positional size at 6'6". Given the Lakers timeline, a guy who can compete immediately makes the most sense, and it's not hard to envision a scenario where Culver plays a good chunk of minutes on next season's Lakers. I think the most appealing part of his game is his high basketball IQ, as he isn't elite at anything, but understands the game well and knows how to use his skills to score, pass, and defend. He's exactly what the Lakers should be looking for next to LeBron, and he'd have trade value as well.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Cam Reddish, SF, Duke
The Cavs could go a number of ways with this pick, but I have them taking Reddish. I don't know how likely it is that he ends up in Cleveland, but given the current state of the roster, they could absolutely use a player with Reddish's ceiling. He just looks like an NBA player with his 6'8" frame, the smoothness of his game, a pretty shooting stroke, and some ability to handle the ball. He sort of got pushed to the side with Williamson and Barrett taking most of the scoring for Duke, and he was pretty underwhelming in his lone college season. However, he is incredibly projectable, and he'd do something every game that would make me stop and think about how good he can be. He was surrounded by a lot of non-shooters at Duke, which led to a lack of space for him to shoot and get to the rim, and playing in the NBA where there is more space thanks to a wider court should let him thrive. He can certainly play alongside Collin Sexton in Cleveland, and would instantly become a large part of their rebuild. He's the right intersection of talent and potential for the Cavs to gamble on in a weaker draft class.
6. Phoenix Suns: Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt
If there is one glaring need on the Suns roster, it's a point guard. They have Devin Booker as a star guard, a collection of intriguing wings, and a former #1 pick in DeAndre Ayton at center. They get Garland, who unfortunately was injured early on in his freshman season at Vanderbilt, but in that time he was very impressive. In 5 games, which is obviously a very small sample size, he scored 16.2 points and shot 47.8% from three. His best skill is his shooting ability, draining shots from 30+ feet and doing it on both pull ups and in catch and shoot situations. He is also adept at getting to the basket off the dribble, especially if he has a ball screen. The one area of his game offensively he needs to improve is his vision, as he had just 2.8 assists per game during his limited game time at Vandy, and he still lacks feel as a passer. Luckily for the Suns, Booker showed improvement as a distributor last season, and it has been a trend throughout his career, so they could rely on him more for creation and just let Garland focus on scoring and developing his passing ability as time goes on. The more I think about it, the more exciting that backcourt becomes, and it's hard to see the Suns passing up a top point guard prospect.
7. Chicago Bulls: Coby White, PG, North Carolina
The Bulls, like the Suns before them, have a pretty glaring need at the point guard position, since I do not think Kris Dunn is the answer there. Even if he is, White still works. He shot up draft boards after impressive play at North Carolina, scoring 16 points a game as a freshman with 4 assists in a notoriously hard to master Roy Williams offense. He is a dynamic scorer, with lightning quick speed, especially impressive given his 6'5" frame, and can heat up in a hurry. He can blow past a defender and get to the rim or pull up from three, and he showed a lot of skill as a pull up shooter last season. He doesn't have an elite handle, high level passing ability, or great defensive instincts, but he has shown promise in all three areas, and I would bet on those skills improving over time, especially given how much better he got in a single year at UNC. Even if he doesn't develop, or Dunn emerges as a much better offensive player and seizes the point guard spot, White profiles as a Lou Will type bucket getting sixth man. Personally, I think he can be a really good scoring point guard who is at least average across the board, and he makes almost too much sense for the Bulls.
8. Atlanta Hawks: De'Andre Hunter, SF, Virginia
Personally, I am a lot higher of Hunter than this, so I think the Hawks are getting a steal with this pick. Hunter has continually improved since his high school days, and was the best player on the national champion Virginia Cavaliers last season, and it could be argued his absence was a large part of their loss to UMBC. He shines defensively, with an elite frame at 6'8" with a 7'2" wingspan that allows him to be very disruptive and knows exactly how to use that to his advantage and be in the right spots. He will be a good defender as soon as he steps onto an NBA court, and has All-Defensive level upside on that end of the floor. Offensively, he is currently best operating out of the high post. He has a solid, albeit slow, jump shot from both mid range and three, and his physical tools and good touch allow him to score in a variety of ways when he catches the ball in the post. He isn't a great ball handler or passer, but given his role as a lockdown defender and more of a tertiary scoring option, he doesn't need to be. People have thrown around Kawhi Leonard comparisons, which isn't fair to him given how good Kawhi is, but it does make sense. I don't know if he ever reaches that level, but I think he is a really good player who can contribute immediately on the Hawks, who can use some better options in that 3/4 range.
9. Washington Wizards: Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas
I quite honestly have no idea what the Wizards are going to do with this pick. They might trade Bradley Beal this offseason and go into a full rebuild, or hang onto him and attempt to compete once again. Either way, I think Hayes makes sense for them. He came out of nowhere to become a one and done prospect in his lone season at Texas, and it makes a lot of sense. At 6'10" with a 7'4" wingspan and high level athleticism, it's not hard to envision him succeeding in the NBA. Defensively, he can contribute instantly as a rim protector after averaging 2.2 blocks per game last season and while his rebounding numbers were lower than you'd like, a lot of that came from chasing blocks and a lack of feel for the game, as a didn't hit a growth spurt until high school and has only been playing basketball at a high level for 2 years. He also has the ability to guard on the perimeter a little bit, which is insanely valuable in the era of switching everything in pick and roll coverage. His offensive game isn't great, but he can contribute as a rim running, defensive minded center. Long term, I think he can develop more of a post game and possibly some sort of perimeter game. Still, he can impact the game immediately with John Wall and Beal as a screen setter and lob catcher who blocks shots, and has the potential for a lot more down the road, which I think makes him a great fit for the Wizards.
10. Atlanta Hawks: Romeo Langford, SG, Indiana
The Hawks have another pick here, and I think they are the perfect team to take a gamble on Langford. He came into his lone season at Indiana as one of the most hyped players in the country and the guy who was going to save Indiana basketball. That didn't quite happen, but Langford wasn't really to blame. First, the positives. He's excellent around the basket, and has really good touch while finishing, which lead to him scoring 16.5 points a game last season. He's also a solid rebounder for a guard, and he's got good size for the position and is pretty good defensively. However, he doesn't have great athleticism and struggle to gain separation, and he was dreadful while shooting the ball, making just 27.2% of his threes at Indiana. The jump shot is the most worrisome thing, as he often looked lost while shooting, lacked confidence, and struggled to repeat his mechanics. There is certainly room for optimism given his good touch around the basket, but he will absolutely need to work on that more than anything else. However, I think the Hawks can live with his lack of shooting at the moment. They already have Trae Young and Kevin Huerter, two knockdown shooters, and given that both he and Huerter have good size, they can realistically share the court, which would provide Langford with the spacing he didn't have at Indiana to attack the basket and kick to shooters. Add in Hunter from this draft, and they could trot out a lineup of Young/Langford/Huerter/Hunter/John Collins that I think would be super fun and interesting and it would be a great place for him to develop his jumper. I really like this fit for both sides given the developmental opportunity for Langford and the bet on potential and fallback plans for the Hawks.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves: Brandon Clarke, PF, Gonzaga
It's hard to imagine a much better fit than this one. Clarke would be a dream front court partner for Karl-Anthony Towns. He is a defensive monster, probably the best player on that side of the ball in college last season, averaging 3.2 blocks and 1.2 steals, and his shot blocking ability would go really well with Towns, who has struggled in that area throughout his career. Clarke especially excels at coming from the weak side, and his timing on his blocked shots is impeccable. He can also guard in space, which has been a problem for guys like Taj Gibson and Dario Saric who have previously been featured next to KAT. I also think he could help Towns positionally given his next level instincts, and maybe rub off on him defensively. Offensively, Clarke is still fairly raw. While his leaping ability and touch around the rim made him incredibly efficient in the paint, he can't really do much else. Luckily, Towns is an elite offensive player who has range, which can allow Clarke to focus on doing what he thrives at offensively. He also flashed potential as a three point shooter last year at Gonzaga, and if he can continue to improve there, he could be really, really good. Even if he doesn't develop, his fit next to Towns is excellent, and he makes a ton of sense for the Timberwolves.
12. Charlotte Hornets: Sekou Doumbouya, SF, France
I admittedly don't know a ton about Doumbouya, and I won't pretend to. What I do know is he is a 6'9" forward with perimeter skills who played professionally in France at age 17, and has elite defensive potential. He profiles as a 3 and D type player from what I have read about him, and that would certainly be welcome in Charlotte, where the team around Kemba Walker isn't stellar, and should Walker leave, they have a high upside pick who is really intriguing long term. I don't think he's an immediate contributor, but I think he can develop into a really nice player for the Hornets.
13. Miami Heat: PJ Washington, PF, Kentucky
Washington is a guy who slowly moved up my board all year, and I think he makes a lot of sense in Miami. He was probably the best player on Kentucky last season, no small feat given the amount of talent on John Calipari's rosters every season, and while his 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds don't pop off the page, I thought he really improved from his freshman season and there was a stretch from mid-January to mid-February of 10 games where he was one of the best players in the country. He added a reliable jump shot to his game, shooting 42.3% from three on 2.2 attempts per game. While I don't think he's that good of a shooter, I do think he shows promise with the jumper and can be solid from deep. He is also good at attacking the basket while driving, and he is very good at scoring around the rim. He plays hard, which leads to his rebounding numbers, but he isn't a particularly great athlete. He would be a nice fit at the four next to Hasaan Whiteside and Bam Adebayo, who are better as shot blockers and rebounders but are more limited offensively and lack perimeter skills. He can step in and play a role right away for Miami in their front court.
14. Boston Celtics: Keldon Johnson, SF, Kentucky
I seem to be high on Johnson compared to the consensus, but I came away impressed most of the time after watching him play. He averaged 13.5 points at Kentucky while shooting 38% from three on the year. His jumper regressed slightly during SEC play, but I'm a big enough believer in it to believe that his season averages are more representative of his true skill level as a shooter. He is also good at attacking the basket, although he doesn't have a diverse set of dribble moves and is mostly a straight line driver at this point. Still, he is incredibly tough and plays hard on every play, which led to success on the defensive end despite a lack of high level athleticism. He is known as a hard worker, and I think he will improve his skill level over time. Not only can he compete right away, but the Celtics seem to favor players with his sort of tenacity, so I think it makes sense for them to take him at the end of the lottery.
15. Detroit Pistons: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG, Virginia Tech
The Pistons desperate need back court help. Reggie Jackson isn't the answer at point guard, Bruce Brown was OK last season and could be a solid role player, Luke Kennard hasn't developed into anything more than a shooter, and they really just lack talent outside of those three. Enrter Alexander-Walker. Not only is he the cousin of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but he established himself as a really good player this year at Virginia Tech. He took a big leap from his sophomore year in most facets of his game, averaging 16.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.9 steals, and shot 37.4% from three. His playmaking really developed this year, as he got better not only as a passer but decision maker, especially in pick and roll situations. He would infuse some high IQ basketball into the Pistons' backcourt, as well as some much needed shooting prowess. His defense and handle aren't great, but the Pistons desperately need this sort of secondary playmaker and shooter, so they will be willing to overlook those deficiencies and take him here.
16. Orlando Magic: Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky
The Magic need a point guard, but they would have to make a draft day trade or reach to end up with one at the sixteenth pick. However, they end up with another guard who will help address the concerns with their roster. As it is currently constructed, the Magic have a lot of good front court options with elite physical tools in Jonathon Isaac, Aaron Gordon, and Mo Bamaba, but not a ton of shot making and shooting, especially with Terrance Ross entering free agency this offseason. Herro offers that, as a high level shot maker at Kentucky, who came on strong down the stretch with his shooting. He also plays hard defensively, and is a good athlete. He doesn't alleviate all of the Magic's fit problems, but he's the most logical pick for the Magic at this stage.
17. Brooklyn Nets: Rui Hachimura, PF, Gonzaga
One of the biggest needs for the Nets is a good four man. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson hasn't developed offensively, and I'm not totally sold on Rodionis Kurcus. They have the opportunity to select a First Team All-American with this pick in Hachimura, and I don't think they will pass it up. Ever since coming over from Japan, Rui has gone from a raw but intriguing athletic specimen to one of the premier players in the country. He led a very good Gonzaga team in scoring with 19.7 points a game, and shines on that end. He is deceptively quick for being 6'8" and 240 pounds, and he is comfortable operating on the perimeter. His jump shot isn't great mechanically, but he has shown improvement and made 41.7% on under an attempt a game last season. He is, however, really good foul line and in, where he can make a mid range jumper or drive to the basket and finish. The part of his game that worries me is his overall feel. He started played at a really high level basically when he arrived at Gonzaga, and his instincts aren't great, especially passing and defensively. He doesn't quite understand defensive schemes just yet, and I don't fully buy him being anything more than an average shooter. Still, a four man who can play on the perimeter is the type of thing the Nets are looking for and he can provide an immediate scoring impact to a young and improving team as well as continuing to improve as his understanding of the game improves.
18. Indiana Pacers: Nassir Little, SF, North Carolina
Little is a guy who I really don't like. He's similar to Rui in many ways, with elite physical tools, except I think he is less skilled and his feel for the game is worse. He was a very highly ranked prospect, but struggled in his lone season at North Carolina, playing under 20 minutes a game and scoring under 10 points a game. While he is a great physical specimen and looks the part of an NBA player, especially when playing in the open court, he didn't prove it last year. He often looked lost, especially defensively, and he didn't display good shooting, passing, or dribbling offensively. He did look more comfortable as the season moved on, but all things considered, I would have recommended another year in college. However, for Indiana, they get a chance to add a potentially elite defensive player that can play the 3 and the 4 and you get time to work with him on his positioning and skill level while still being able to play him thanks to his ability to guard. I honestly don't know if I would take him in the first round, but this was the best landing spot I could find given his name recognition and intriguing potential probably leading to him being taken in the first round in real life.
19. San Antonio Spurs: KZ Okpala, SF, Stanford
The Pac-12 was a disaster last season, which sucked for Okpala, who was quietly really good for Stanford. I'm a hoops junkie, so I was up late few times watching Pac-12 hoops and caught Okpala, and I came away impressed every time. He is sort of similar to Cam Reddish because of their body types and the smoothness with which they play the game, as well as the lack of efficiency. I think Okpala is better than his percentages, especially as a shooter. Stanford was a mess last year, but he still managed to put up 16.8 points a game and shot 36.8% from three. He also displayed a good blend of ball handling and passing to be intriguing long term, and given that he is a 6'9" wing with a 7'3" wingspan, teams are bound to be interested in his defensive potential. He was able to create his own shot pretty often and showed a good mid range pull up. The Spurs could use a combo forward, especially one who can shoot given they aren't a great shooting team, and Okpala has the right makeup off the court as well as skills on it for the Spurs to be willing to take the gamble on him.
20. Boston Celtics: Goga Bitazde, C, Georgia
I know even less about Bitazde than I do about Doumbouya. From what I've seen, Bitazde is a skilled big who can shoot it a little bit and is a good shot blocker and rebounder, which makes him super intriguing. However, what has me worried is his reported lack of mobility. Watching the Trail Blazers against the Nuggets, one of the things that stood out, especially during their Game 7 comeback, was how Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum were attacking Nikola Jokic in pick and roll scenarios. I'm not saying they are similar players, I don't know enough about him, but Bitazde apparently has slow feet, which has me worried for his long term viability, especially in the playoffs. Still, the Celtics can take him and let him develop either in Europe or behind Al Horford, and I wouldn't be shocked to see him go higher than this on draft night, but I don't have enough information to comfortably put him higher.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Cameron Johnson, SF, North Carolina
The Thunder could really use some floor spacing around Russell Westbrook and Paul George, and there aren't many better shooters in the draft than Cam Johnson. He emerged as an absolute stud for North Carolina last season, scoring 17 points a game and making 45.7% of his threes. He isn't a great at anything else, but a 6'9" guy with his stroke is incredibly valuable. There are a lot of questions, particularly about his frame defensively, but he's the type of guy that can play his role next to Westbrook and George right away which is exactly what the Thunder are looking for.
22. Boston Celtics: Kevin Porter Jr, SG, USC
Kevin Porter is one of the most polarizing players in the draft. When he was playing at his best, he looked like a potential lottery pick, with a great offensive game, with the ability to break down defenders with the dribble, explosive leaping ability and good touch around the rim, and a good pull up game. However, he appeared disinterested for most of his time at USC, had an upper leg injury that kept him out for an extended period of time, and character concerns that led to him getting suspended. It often seemed like he was on a different page than the rest of the Trojans, and I think there are real character concerns surrounding him. That is what it's imperative he lands in a good situation, and hopefully the Celtics are that spot. Brad Stevens has created a good culture in Boston, Kyrie drama aside, and they have enough veterans like Al Horford and Gordon Hayward, or even someone like Marcus Smart, to hold him accountable off the court and let him ball. It's a risky pick, but with three first rounders, the Celtics can afford to go out on a bit of a limb.
23. Utah Jazz: Carsen Edwards, SG, Purdue
The Jazz need shooting and shot creation next to Donavon Mitchell pretty badly, and Edwards provides just that. He was one of college basketball's leading scorers last season, scoring 24.3 points a game and making 35.5% of his threes, mostly because he was taking over 10 a game. He's not a great passer, which is a problem given his size, but his ability to go get a bucket is one of the best in the draft, and that is something the Jazz desperately need. Plus, he has shown he doesn't need to be the man, playing on some loaded Purdue teams the two seasons prior and accepting his role lower on the totem pole. The fit next to Mitchell isn't ideal, but Edwards can come in and immediately be a high level bench scorer for a team that desperately needs more offense.
24. Philadelphia 76ers: Ty Jerome, SG, Virginia
Ty Jerome seems tailor made for the Philadelphia 76ers. They need quality bench depth and shooting. Jerome played a pivotal role on the national champions and shot 40% from three. He has an incredibly high basketball IQ and always seems to make the right play on offense, knowing when to shoot, drive, or pass. This led to him playing a good amount of point guard for Virginia, and he could see some time as the primary ball handler in the NBA, although he's much more of a secondary option. He's also an accomplished defender, with excellent hands and really good feel on that end as well, knowing how to use his body in the right way to throw players off their game. He's not a great athlete, which will hold him back from ever being a star, but he can be a nice piece on a lot of playoff teams in his career, starting day one.
25. Portland Trail Blazers: Nic Claxton, C, Georgia
Claxton is one of the most interesting prospects in the draft this season. He is a 6'11" center who averaged 13 points and 8.6 rebounds a game last year for Tom Crean. Not exactly eye popping numbers as a sophomore, but solid. However, he was also doing a large amount of ball handling and creation on the perimeter, including bringing the ball up at times for the Bulldogs. He's also a very good athlete who moves really well, which led to him attacking off of the bounce at times and using his long arms to finish at the rim. Defensively, he can guard on the perimeter thanks to his quickness and he's also a good shot blocker, swatting an SEC high 2.5 shots a game. He doesn't have much of a jumper, which is a problem for someone of the perimeter as much as he is, and he is still pretty weak and I question if he can bang around with NBA big men. There is still a pretty good chance he returns to school, but I think the Blazers, a team that took a high school last year and a sort of similar player in Zach Collins two years ago, would be very willing to take a flyer on Claxton and bet on him becoming a stretch five type.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bol Bol, C, Oregon
Bol Bol may be the most divisive prospect in this draft and one of the most in recent years. His supporters will point to his 21 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 52% three point percentage in his nine games with Oregon. His detractors point to his disinterested attitude and questionable commitment to basketball, his foot injury that kept him out after the first third of the season, and his weakness in every other aspect of the game outside of his shooting and shot blocking. I fall in that second camp, as I really question his ability to play defense at an even average level, as he looked lost on that end and was often chasing blocks instead of staying in position. He also doesn't do anything really well outside of shoot from deep on the offensive end, with struggles passing, dribbling, and effort on this end. He is also pretty skinny still and I don't see him being able to play against NBA bigs. I don't think he is going to be a good NBA player, and I would bet he is out of the NBA in a few years, but given the state of the Cavs currently, he makes sense as a lottery ticket who could develop into a star.
27. Brooklyn Nets: Bruno Fernando, C, Maryland
The Nets will use their second pick to help sure up their front court behind Jarrett Allen, who got bullied a little it by Joel Embiid in their playoff series. That leads them to Fernando, who I really like and would have higher on my personal board. At 6'10" and 240 pounds, he looks like a chiseled NBA vet and while he isn't an elite shot blocker, he's a good post defender and solid rebounder. He's also improved his game offensively in his two years at Maryland, going from a bully ball scorer to a more skilled post player who can operate out of the high post a little more and has much better vision and ball handling now. He's still very limited on that end, with no jump shot and he's not a great defender, especially in help situations, but he can probably play right away and I think he can be a starting NBA center at some point in his career.
28. Golden State Warriors: Matisse Thybulle, SF, Washington
It's hard to say what the Warriors need given that no one knows what their roster will look like next year, with Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson staring down free agency. However, there is always room for a high level defender on any team, and that is what Thybulle provides. During his senior season at Washington, he was a defensive menace at the top of the 2-3 zone, averaging 3.5 steals and 2.2 block, just absolutely absurd numbers for a wing. He has a great feel for where to be to make plays defensively, and has good length with a 7 foot wingspan despite being 6'5". Offensively, he's got a solid three point shot, making 35.8% of his shots from behind the arc during his four years at Washington and he has shown good catch and shoot ability. He's also pretty good at attacking close outs, but he's not great with the ball in his hands as a creator. There's also questions about how his defense translates from a zone to man, but I think he's a pretty good 3 and D prospect which fits in with the Warriors pretty well.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Grant Williams, PF, Tennessee
This just feels right. Grant Williams just feels like a Spurs players. He doesn't have elite level athleticism, a good jump shot or offensive skill set, and isn't a great defender. But his feel for the game is incredibly high, and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts with him. That just screams Spurs to me, especially with his make up off the court and strong fundamentals. He can also play right away for the Spurs and contribute to their winning culture after a strong career at Tennessee, but I don't know how much better he gets outside of adding a better jump shot, which is why I have him in the late first.
30. Milwaukee Bucks: Dylan Windler, SF, Belmont
The final pick in the first round goes to the Bucks, who take another play that helps them build around Giannis. During his four years at Belmont, Windler established himself as a star, and averaged 21.3 points and 10.8 rebounds last year while making 42.9% of his threes, which is where you start with him. He's a knockdown shooter at 6'8", which is really valuable and he can space the floor around Giannis while playing pretty good defense with size good size and solid instincts. He's also got good offensive instincts and moves the ball pretty well while rebounding pretty well for his position. He's another guy who I don't see getting much better and being much more than a role player, but he's really solid and fits well with the Bucks.
Comments
Post a Comment