| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jabari Smith | PF | ||||
There's at least *some* concern over the diversity with which Smith will score in the NBA -- he struggled at the rim in college and primarily was used as a catch-and-shoot weapon -- but his positional size and above average shooting are among the most translatable skills a prospect has in this class. At 6-10 he's an elite shooting threat from anywhere on the court and a very safe bet to be a valuable two-way player in the NBA. Betting markets have him going No. 1, and that seems the most likely outcome at this point for Orlando. | ||||||
| 2 | Chet Holmgren | C | ||||
The skinny frame and potential injury concerns that come along with it notwithstanding, Holmgren arguably holds the most star power in the draft. He rated in the 94th percentile as a defender around the rim last season and had a top-10 block rate. On offense, he rated in the 99th percentile around the rim. His ability to affect and block shots can make him a cornerstone defensive anchor for a rebooting OKC franchise. | ||||||
| 3 | Paolo Banchero | PF | ||||
Houston grabs a future star to add to its frontcourt to pair with 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green, one of the most electric young guard prospects in the NBA. Banchero was an All-American in his lone season at Duke, and his playmaking and overall polish on offense at 6-10 can add another exciting dynamic to this young Rockets core. He has No. 1 pick talent, so getting him at 3 would be a huge win. | ||||||
| 4 | Jaden Ivey | SG | ||||
What Sacramento does here at No. 4 remains the biggest question of the draft. But taking best talent available should result in the Kings adding Ivey to a core that includes De'Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell and Domantas Sobanis. He's an electric athlete who can function as a quality playmaker because of his ability to get downhill and create off the dribble. | ||||||
| 5 | Keegan Murray | PF | ||||
If Ivey is off the board here, Detroit takes the safest prospect still on the board in Keegan Murray to add next to Cade Cunningham. Murray was one of the most productive players in college hoops last season and the combination of his size, outside shooting and defense should give him a nice floor as a true four-man at the next level. | ||||||
| 6 | Bennedict Mathurin | SG | ||||
Mathurin's had a steady rise over the last month and could be in play as soon as No. 5 in this draft because of his outside shooting, solid frame and defensive potential. Indiana can add him next to Tyrese Haliburton to really solidify its backcourt for the long haul. | ||||||
| 7 | Dyson Daniels | SG | ||||
After dealing CJ McCollum to New Orleans, Portland adding more playmaking seems the logical move here at No. 7 -- and Dyson Daniels can add plenty. The G League Ignite product is perhaps the most crafty passer in the draft and projects as a solid defender right away because of his length and instincts, with upside to in time develop into a focal point on offense if his shot improves. | ||||||
| 8 | AJ Griffin | SF | ||||
New Orleans rated as the 27th-best team in the NBA in team 3-point shooting percentage last season. In Griffin they add one of the best wing shooters in the draft who has legitimate star potential if he's able to find his old high school form and stay healthy. Depending on how his medicals check out, he could go anywhere from No. 5 to outside the lottery. | ||||||
| 9 | Jeremy Sochan | PF | ||||
The shot is really the only question mark for Sochan that may be keeping him from being a potential top five prospect in this class. He can guard 1-5 and is a plus playmaker at his position to boot. If the Spurs can develop his shot he could pay off as one of the best talents to come out of this draft. | ||||||
| 10 | Shaedon Sharpe | SG | ||||
This would be a further-than-expected fall for Sharpe but a soft landing spot in Washington for a Wizards team that has several young and exciting pieces. Sharpe was the No. 1 player in his class before reclassifying and enrolling at Kentucky at the mid-year point, but not playing while there means scouts haven't gotten an extended look at him since his time as a high-schooler on the EYBL circuit. | ||||||
| 11 | TyTy Washington Jr. | PG | ||||
The Knicks need scoring and playmaking and could get a two-for-one combo here in Washington. The former five-star recruit is a knockdown shooter who thrived off the ball at Kentucky but has some untapped talents playing on the ball as a creator and initiator as well; his 27% assist rate in SEC play was 11th among players in his conference -- despite playing almost exclusively as the second initiator. | ||||||
| 12 | Ousmane Dieng | SF | ||||
Dieng had a strong close to the NBL season with the New Zealand Breakers, a team from the same NBL league that once produced LaMelo Ball. He's a combo forward with guard skills. If his outside shot starts falling with regularity he could develop into a borderline star on the wing, he's just quite a ways away from being an NBA contributor right now. Whoever takes him must be patient. | ||||||
| 13 | Jalen Duren | C | ||||
Charlotte needs an injection of talent and youth in the frontcourt and can get both with the addition of Jalen Duren, a springy big man who is a human pogo stick with incredible leaping ability. Duren's shot-blocking and above-the-rim abilities make him a safe bet to be a long-time contributor. | ||||||
| 14 | Ochai Agbaji | SG | ||||
Cleveland has a young core primed to contend with Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Agbaji gives the Cavs another piece of key depth on the wing and adds a complementary style to Isaac Okoro as a more offensively polished weapon. He shot 41% from 3-point range last season for KU in leading the Jayhawks to a national title. | ||||||
| 15 | Tari Eason | PF | ||||
Eason is a big combo forward who can space the floor as a shooter and open up the offense as a straight-line driver. His main value, however, comes on defense, where he's a do-it-all weapon with great instincts. He's raw and his offense isn't quite NBA-ready but the physical tools and defense alone could get him into the teens of this draft on potential. | ||||||
| 16 | Malaki Branham | SF | ||||
Ohio State turned to Branham as one of its go-to options down the stretch run of the season, and he responded by averaging 17.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in the second half of the year. He's a big wing who can torch the net and scores it at a really high level, and now that he's committed to staying in the draft, should be in the mix as a potential lottery pick. | ||||||
| 17 | Dalen Terry | SF | ||||
After adding Banchero at No. 3, Houston comes back to add backcourt depth with the addition of one of my favorite talents in Terry. Terry did a little of everything at Arizona as a role player last season primarily playing off the ball and has the length and tools to thrive as a high energy wing who has some wiggle off the dribble and can shoot the 3. | ||||||
| 18 | Johnny Davis | SF | ||||
Johnny Davis was one of the most productive players in college hoops last season as a true breakout star in his sophomore season. He thrives as a mid-range scorer, can create his own looks and has the defensive smarts to be an instant contributor for a winning team. If he returns to shooting form he showed as a freshman (38.9% from 3) then he can be one of the best 3-and-D wings in the draft. | ||||||
| 19 | Jalen Williams | SG | ||||
Williams has been the fastest-rising draft prospect the last month. He measured 6-6 at the combine with a 7-2 wingspan, is coming off a season in which he shot nearly 40% from 3-point range, and rated out in the 97th percentile last season according to Synergy as a spot-up shooter. | ||||||
| 20 | Mark Williams | C | ||||
That sound you hear is San Antonio quite literally stealing the draft if it gets Mark Williams at 20 to add to Jeremy Sochan at pick No. 10. Williams is a throwback big who doesn't shoot it much from outside the paint (and isn't a 3-point shooter right now) but he runs the break well, affects shots around the rim and has amazing timing and length which he uses to swat shots at a high level. | ||||||
| 21 | Kendall Brown | SF | ||||
There's a world in which Brown is drafted in the teens or slips to the 30s and neither would surprise me. He's tough to peg after an up and down freshman season in which he had flashes but was not consistent. His 6-8 frame and athleticism from the wing spot should land him somewhere in the 20s, is my guess. | ||||||
| 22 | E.J. Liddell | PF | ||||
Memphis' front office has in the past put a high value on college production, making Liddell, one of the most productive players in college hoops the last few seasons, squarely in the mix here (if he's not already taken). Slightly undersized power forward who plays way above his 6-7 frame and has improved dramatically as a shooter the last year. | ||||||
| 23 | Patrick Baldwin Jr. | PF | ||||
Baldwin Jr.'s stock is tough to nail down because of injuries that derailed nearly all of his high school senior season and much of his freshman season at Milwaukee. But he has great positional size and a strong pedigree as a former five-star recruit (and once the No. 1 player in his class) which may earn him a spot in the 20s for a team willing to take a gamble on his talent. | ||||||
| 24 | Andrew Nembhard | PG | ||||
Nembhard isn't a top-25 talent in the 2022 NBA Draft but he is easily one of the 25 most NBA-ready prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft. That should matter to a Bucks franchise that's in win-now mode trying to maximize its title window with Giannis. Nembhard isn't a blow-by-you athlete but he's a solid point guard who can shoot and distribute well enough to contribute to winning for a contender. | ||||||
| 25 | Nikola Jovic | SF | ||||
This would purely be a value play for San Antonio to pluck Jovic, one of the most intriguing combination forwards in the draft, at No. 25. He has guard skills -- he ran point last season as one of the primary initiators for Mega Mozzart -- and a center's frame. He's very raw developmentally but having just turned 19 years old, there's a chance he can mature in time to be a valuable initiator given his size. | ||||||
| 26 | Wendell Moore Jr. | SF | ||||
Traded from: HOU It's hard to find instant contributors in the first round, much less at No. 26, but Houston could really grab one here in Moore after a breakout season with Duke. He's a long wing with good 3-point shooting skills and a role-player skillset that'd make him an asset for the Rockets. | ||||||
| 27 | Jaylin Williams | PF | ||||
Frontcourt depth beyond Bam Adebayo and PJ Tucker in Miami is sorely lacking, which would make Jaylin Williams an interesting fit with the Heat. A do-it-all big who loves to take charges and provide energy, he does all the little things that contribute to winning and has floor-spacing potential as well. | ||||||
| 28 | Jean Montero | SG | ||||
Golden State's got to be thinking about adding guard depth at some point and Montero, long a prodigious talent from the Dominican Republic, could fit the bill here. He's a speedy guard who groomed himself last season with Overtime Elite and has the combination of scoring and competitiveness that the Warriors tend to gravitate towards. | ||||||
| 29 | Josh Minott | PF | ||||
From Memphis, Tennessee, to Memphis, Tennessee? It's possible for Minott, one of the most toolsy wings in the draft whose length and athleticism gives him real first-round potential. Needs to improve his jumper to maximize his potential -- he made two 3-pointers all season at Memphis -- but he's a developmental talent with starter upside in the right system. | ||||||
| 30 | Jaden Hardy | SG | ||||
Traded from: DEN Denver recently acquired this pick via Oklahoma City and can flip it into one of the biggest swings available at 30. Hardy's stock slipped a bit over the last few months because he was inefficient with the G League Ignite, but he's a gifted scorer who can create space and has plenty of room to grow. | ||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jabari Smith | PF | ||||
Smith still needs to develop in lots of ways but is already a great shooter and switchable defender who plays with undeniable energy. He's not the guy I'd take first in this draft — but it's a sensible pick for an Orlando franchise that needs to add talent and shooting. | ||||||
| 2 | Chet Holmgren | C | ||||
The concerns about Holmgren's slight frame are legitimate — but he's such a unique prospect with incredible potential that Oklahoma City should be uncomfortable passing on this 7-foot rim-protector who can also bounce it like a guard and reliably make 3-pointers. He has the highest ceiling in this draft and, for that reason, should go no lower than here. | ||||||
| 3 | Paolo Banchero | PF | ||||
Banchero is probably the safest option at the top of this draft on account of his floor being so high. He's a big, strong and skilled forward who could be an incredible building block in Houston alongside Jalen Green. | ||||||
| 4 | Jaden Ivey | SG | ||||
Ivey is an explosive athlete who plays big and is capable of attacking the rim in a variety of ways. There are questions about whether he's actually going to be a point guard in the NBA, but that shouldn't matter much to a Sacramento franchise that should simply prioritize the best prospect available. | ||||||
| 5 | Keegan Murray | PF | ||||
Murray is a switchable big who can guard in space and consistently make shots from the perimeter. What he does, at his size, is perfectly suited for the modern NBA and would fit well with a Detroit franchise trying to return to respectability with Cade Cunningham as the centerpiece. | ||||||
| 6 | Bennedict Mathurin | SG | ||||
Mathurin was the star of Arizona's team that won the Pac-12 and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The 6-6 wing is an impressive athlete and above-average shooter who would be a nice addition for an Indiana franchise pivoting to a rebuild. | ||||||
| 7 | Dyson Daniels | SG | ||||
Daniels isn't quite the prospect previous Ignite stars have been but is still a fascinating guard with size who can play with or without the ball. His jumper, at this point, is the biggest area of concern but shouldn't prevent him from going in the top 10. | ||||||
| 8 | Shaedon Sharpe | SG | ||||
Even though he enrolled in January and was eligible to compete, Sharpe never played at Kentucky in part because the people around him wanted to protect his status as a projected top-10 pick. Mission accomplished. it's hard to imagine the explosive athlete going much lower than this considering he's a gifted scorer with the physical tools to be a disruptive defender on the wing in New Orleans. | ||||||
| 9 | Jalen Duren | C | ||||
Duren isn't really the type of floor-spacing big franchises prefer these days, but he's such a physical specimen and great athlete that there's probably a place for him in the top 10 of this draft. At worst, he should be a terrific rim-running and rim-protecting center who alters shots, dunks everything and is good enough guarding in space. | ||||||
| 10 | Ochai Agbaji | SG | ||||
I'm higher on Agbaji than most simply because I don't understand what's not to like about a 6-5 athlete who is a plus-defender on the wing and excellent 3-point shooter. Once you get past the top-tier prospects in this draft, the Kansas All-American makes as much sense as anybody and would provide Bradley Beal with a new teammate equipped to help from Day One. | ||||||
| 11 | Johnny Davis | SF | ||||
Davis went from a mostly anonymous power-conference player to a candidate for national player of the year in his sophomore season at Wisconsin. An ankle injury limited him down the stretch, but he showed enough as a shot creator and scorer before that to justify his status as a projected lottery pick. | ||||||
| 12 | Ousmane Dieng | SF | ||||
Dieng is a long and skilled prospect who still needs to develop but is worth a serious look this deep in the lottery. He might not contribute immediately but definitely projects as an interesting long-term investment for an Oklahoma City franchise loading up on them. | ||||||
| 13 | Jeremy Sochan | PF | ||||
Sochan is the rare sub-100 high school recruit who should be a one-and-done top-20 pick. His ability to guard multiple positions, and his potential as a shooter, are among the reasons he's a tantalizing prospect and one of the most versatile players available in this draft. | ||||||
| 14 | AJ Griffin | SF | ||||
It took Griffin a little while to get comfortable at Duke because of a preseason knee injury that seemed to affect his athleticism. But the five-star high school recruit, who is the son of NBA assistant coach Adrian Griffin, eventually showed glimpses of why he's a lottery talent, mostly by proving to be a fantastic 3-point shooter who made 44.7% of his 4.1 attempts from beyond the arc per game. | ||||||
| 15 | Mark Williams | C | ||||
Williams, like fellow projected lottery pick Duren, is more of a traditional big than a modern big. But any franchise in need of a rim-protector and lob-catcher — like Charlotte, obviously — would have to consider him at this point in the draft. | ||||||
| 16 | Malaki Branham | SF | ||||
Branham is a shooting guard with good size and great length who really flourished in the second half of the season. The one-and-done standout became the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year and would fit nicely beside Trae Young in Atlanta. | ||||||
| 17 | Jalen Williams | SG | ||||
Williams probably helped himself more in the pre-draft process than any other prospect available. He's a 6-6 wing who shot 39.6% from 3-point range for a Santa Clara team that finished third in the West Coast Conference. | ||||||
| 18 | Walker Kessler | C | ||||
Kessler was arguably the best defensive player in college basketball this past season while averaging 4.6 blocks per game for an Auburn team that spent part of the season ranked No. 1. He's an incredible rim-protector with the potential to also develop into a comfortable perimeter shooter. | ||||||
| 19 | TyTy Washington Jr. | PG | ||||
Washington mostly played off the ball in his one season at Kentucky but projects as a lead guard in the NBA. Ankle injuries limited him in the second half of the season — but the one-and-done Wildcat showed enough before he was hampered to solidify his status as a top-20 pick. | ||||||
| 20 | Tari Eason | PF | ||||
Eason was a breakout star at LSU after transferring following a so-so first season at Cincinnati. He's a versatile frontcourt option who can guard multiple positions and punish defenses in transition opportunities. | ||||||
| 21 | Blake Wesley | SG | ||||
Adding a young athlete to the backcourt wouldn't be the worst idea for a Denver franchise that needs to provide two-time MVP Nikola Jokic with more help. Wesley didn't finish his one season at Notre Dame with consistently good performances but his upside is such that he's worth a selection somewhere in the 20s. | ||||||
| 22 | Kennedy Chandler | PG | ||||
The possibility of Tyus Jones leaving via free agency might have Memphis in the market for a point guard. At this point in the draft, the best option would be Chandler — the Memphis-raised product who has won at every level and already possesses a close relationship with Grizzlies' star Ja Morant. | ||||||
| 23 | Dalen Terry | SF | ||||
Terry wasn't overwhelmingly productive in his two seasons at Arizona — but he showed enough, as a guard with great size, to place himself on NBA radars. He needs to develop in a lot of ways but would be an interesting fit for a Philadelphia franchise trying to win big in Joel Embiid's prime. | ||||||
| 24 | E.J. Liddell | PF | ||||
Liddell is the type of player who could help Milwaukee's core — a core highlighted, of course, by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo — theoretically compete for another title next season. He's undersized but effective and ready to contribute. | ||||||
| 25 | Jaden Hardy | SG | ||||
Hardy didn't do much over the past year to help his draft stock — but he's still a first-round talent capable of developing into a special scorer. Being drafted by a strong-cultured franchise like San Antonio would probably be the best thing for the trajectory of his career. | ||||||
| 26 | MarJon Beauchamp | SF | ||||
Traded from: HOU Beauchamp is a 6-6 wing with a 6-11 wingspan who should be the third player from the G-League Ignite taken in the first round of this draft. The fact that he shot poorly from 3-point range this season is a concern, but he does enough other things that impact winning to merit a guaranteed contract. | ||||||
| 27 | Wendell Moore Jr. | SF | ||||
Moore developed well in his three years at Duke and ultimately established himself as a high-level wing who can guard multiple positions and reliably make 3-pointers. He's the type of prospect Miami (and most well-run franchises) value. | ||||||
| 28 | Christian Braun | SG | ||||
Braun is a wing with size who can guard his position, reliably make jumpers and finish in transition. He's the type of prospect who could flourish with a Golden State franchise that has created a championship culture built to last. | ||||||
| 29 | Caleb Houstan | SF | ||||
Houstan declined an invitation to the NBA Combine, at which point speculation grew that he might have a first-round promise. His lone season at Michigan was largely underwhelming — but he's still a talented wing with size in possession of an encouraging jumper, which automatically makes him a legitimate first-round option. | ||||||
| 30 | Trevor Keels | SG | ||||
Traded from: DEN Keels struggled as a shooter at Duke but has showed signs previously that suggest it might not be the weakness some believe. Either way, he's a super-strong combo guard who could work well in a Denver backcourt that might soon be without Monte Morris. | ||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jabari Smith | PF | ||||
Smith's uniqueness as a 6-10 shooter helped him stand out in college basketball. But that skill will be defended more competently at the next level, which will force him to tighten his handle and hone his shot-creation acumen. Defensively, opponents will test the theory that he can guard 1-5 by trying to exploit his slender frame on the block while testing his quickness on the outside. Ultimately, though, all the tools are there, and he would be a solid fit in Orlando. | ||||||
| 2 | Chet Holmgren | C | ||||
Given the makeup of OKC's roster, Holmgren looks like the right call. The concerns over his physicality and ability to handle the rigors of the NBA with a lanky 7-foot frame are legitimate. But the Thunder are in a total rebuild and can afford him some time to develop. | ||||||
| 3 | Paolo Banchero | PF | ||||
In my pre-lottery mock draft, Banchero went to Houston at No. 1 overall. While he slips to No. 3 in this post-lottery version, he still lands with the Rockets, who feel like the right fit. Banchero would pair well with Jalen Green. His floor is as a solid all-around NBA four, which makes him a low-risk pick and no-brainer if available at No. 3. | ||||||
| 4 | AJ Griffin | SF | ||||
With the Kings deeply invested in De'Aaron Fox and also developing last year's No. 9 overall pick Davion Mitchell in the back court, they should take a hard look at Griffin as an off-ball threat whose elite 3-point shooting would make him a nice compliment to those two on the wing. With Fox entering his sixth season, the Kings need to capitalize on his prime. Griffin can help as a 3-and-D weapon immediately and develop into more over time. | ||||||
| 5 | Keegan Murray | PF | ||||
Murray is a logical fit next to Cade Cunningham, a tremendous value if he slips to Detroit. if you throw out age (he'll be 22 on opening night) and just look at the game, there is a good chance Murray could be the first player from this draft class to make an NBA All-Star game. He's coming from a program that hasn't produced a first round draft pick since 1998, and considering the quantum leap he made as a sophomore, it's tantalizing to consider what additional elements of Murray's game can be unlocked by an NBA staff. He's well-equipped to guard all positions and is an offensive maestro who is especially effective in transition. | ||||||
| 6 | Jaden Ivey | SG | ||||
The Pacers already have tons invested in their back court. But if Ivey is there at No. 6, they might have to take him. The way he gets downhill and finishes in the paint and at the rim with a combination of athleticism and touch is reminiscent of Ja Morant. While Ivey lacks Morant's distribution skills and is more of a shooting guard, the upshot is that he has the potential to be a better defender. That potential didn't manifest itself in college, but if an NBA team can unlock Ivey's defensive capabilities, they may find themselves with an All-Star. | ||||||
| 7 | Shaedon Sharpe | SG | ||||
Sharpe has no college film to evaluate after enrolling at Kentucky in for the spring semester but not suiting up. He's billed as an athletic shooting guard with the explosiveness to create shots and finish at the rim, and he wound up as the No. 3 ranked prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. That slotting put him ahead of players like Jabari Smith, Jalen Duren and AJ Griffin. It's hard to see a prospect with those credentials slipping much further in this draft. | ||||||
| 8 | Ochai Agbaji | SG | ||||
Agbaji could make an NBA team better immediately as a plug and play 3-and-D wing. Considering the Pelicans are already a playoff team, he makes sense here, even though he's an older prospect. Solid NBA starter may be his ceiling, but the development he showed from his junior to senior season showcased his relentless work ethic and capacity for improvement. | ||||||
| 9 | Jeremy Sochan | PF | ||||
Sochan is a nimble power forward who is comfortable shooting from the outside and guarding players at any position. Assuming he improves on the 29.6% 3-point mark he posted in one season at Baylor, Sochan should play in the league for a long time. | ||||||
| 10 | Bennedict Mathurin | SG | ||||
Mathurin's length and ability to rise up to get a look late in the shot clock should serve him well at the next level. The jury is out on his defensive ceiling, but he has the tools and talent to become a solid two-way player over time. | ||||||
| 11 | Nikola Jovic | SF | ||||
Of the international prospects in this class, Jovic seems like the safest bet. He's already adept at scoring from all three levels and shows signs of the defensive competency you'd hope for with an offensively gifted forward. | ||||||
| 12 | Tari Eason | PF | ||||
Eason enjoyed a breakout sophomore season after transferring to LSU from Cincinnati. He can score at all three levels and is a high-upside, versatile defender. His college coaches employed him as a sixth man, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Eason cast in the same role at the next level. At 6-8, he's like a perimeter-oriented Montrezl Harrell in terms of motor, grit and the type of role he may play. | ||||||
| 13 | Ousmane Dieng | SF | ||||
At 6-9 and with the coordination and flow of a guard, Dieng is among the most intriguing prospects in this class. The French prospect enjoyed a nice finish to his season with the New Zealand Breakers of the NBL but will likely face a long road toward NBA proficiency. | ||||||
| 14 | Malaki Branham | SF | ||||
Branham's offensive efficiency stood out during his one season with Ohio State as he hit 53% of his 2-pointers and 41.6% of his 3-pointers. He showed big-time scoring ability while earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors and could compare reasonably well to Malik Monk at the next level if he continues to prioritize his outside shot. | ||||||
| 15 | Mark Williams | C | ||||
The market for centers who don't shoot 3-pointers is lean in today's NBA. Williams is good enough as a shot blocker, rebounder and finisher to find a role, though. The 7-footer can bruise with anyone and is also active enough to hold his own in pick-and-roll situations. | ||||||
| 16 | TyTy Washington Jr. | PG | ||||
Washington can play on or off the ball and is an intense defender, though at 6-foot-3 he may be too small to contest the shots of taller NBA wings. Nonetheless, he's a versatile guard with the doggedness and intangibles to find a role in the league. | ||||||
| 17 | Jalen Duren | C | ||||
This is a considerable promotion for Duren from my last mock but still shy of lottery range, which is where many analysts expect him to be chosen. At minimum, he'll be a rim-running center who blocks shots and plays defense. Ultimately, if he is going to reach his potential, his overall offensive repertoire and comfort with the ball will need to develop immensely beyond what he showed in his lone season at Memphis. | ||||||
| 18 | MarJon Beauchamp | SF | ||||
Beauchamp will turn 22 just before the NBA season after taking an unorthodox path to the G-League Ignite program. But at the end of the day, he's a physically gifted wing who can become an NBA starter if his 3-point shot continues developing. | ||||||
| 19 | Dyson Daniels | SG | ||||
Daniels served as the primary facilitator for G-League Ignite, averaging 4.4 assists per game in his 14 appearances with the program. His outside shot is a work in progress, but for a franchise with the leash to develop a raw playmaker, Daniels is worth taking a flyer on. | ||||||
| 20 | Jean Montero | SG | ||||
Montero, who has been playing for Overtime Elite, looks the part of a future starting NBA point guard offensively with his ability to distribute the basketball and high-level handle. He put those traits on display in a Nike Hoop Summit exhibition vs. some of college basketball's top incoming freshmen. The questions here are whether his offense is good enough to outweigh some potential defensive limitations that come with being 6-2 and slender. | ||||||
| 21 | Kendall Brown | SF | ||||
Brown was an elite role player in his lone season at Baylor as he showed excellent offensive efficiency as a secondary option. His athleticism and defensive versatility should help him carve out a long — though perhaps not All-Star caliber — NBA career. | ||||||
| 22 | Kennedy Chandler | PG | ||||
The knock on Chandler is that he's just 6-foot and slender, and to some draft heads that screams defensive liability. Sure, he can't guard bigger wings and post players, but Chandler's defense was arguably the most impressive aspect of his lone season at Tennessee. He can hold his own on that side and has plenty of offensive upside to warrant first-round consideration. He also logged the best vertical jump at the combine, which won't hurt his stock. | ||||||
| 23 | Josh Minott | PF | ||||
Minott didn't get to show his full game much in one season at Memphis as he came off the bench and fought for minutes on a talented roster. But at 6-8 and with a 7-foot wingspan, the versatile forward is oozing with upside. | ||||||
| 24 | Johnny Davis | SF | ||||
His 30.6% 3-point shooting mark as a sophomore might scare some scouts, but Davis basically ran the show for a Wisconsin team not exactly known for having a modern offensive philosophy. In the right system, Davis will shine as a two-way talent because of his defensive tenacity and bucket-getting prowess. Over time, he'll need to trade some of his mid-range attempts for 3-point shots if he wants to fit in the modern NBA as an off-ball guard. | ||||||
| 25 | E.J. Liddell | PF | ||||
Liddell is like a slightly more athletic version of third-year Celtics forward Grant Williams, who is playing a big role for Boston in the NBA Playoffs after he was taken with the No. 22 pick in 2019. He's got a stocky build reminiscent of a traditional post player but can shoot 3-pointers and is agile enough to hold his own as a versatile weapon in the NBA. | ||||||
| 26 | Blake Wesley | SG | ||||
Wesley can put his head down, get to the paint and collapse a defense with the best of them. With an athletic 6-5 frame, he played the role of bucket-getter for Notre Dame as a freshman. Wesley still has tons of room to improve as a shooter and facilitator. But his offensive upside is excellent and he's got the tools to thrive defensively. | ||||||
| 27 | Wendell Moore Jr. | SF | ||||
Moore could wind up as a steal and find himself in the running for NBA All-Rookie honors, depending on where he lands. He can guard multiple positions, is efficient offensively and continues to improve his outside shot. He may not be a superstar, but he's a solid value play in the later half of the first round who can contribute early in the right situation. | ||||||
| 28 | Christian Braun | SG | ||||
Braun faces a big decision on whether to return to Kansas and become a superstar and Big 12 Player of the Year candidate like Ochai Agbaji did last season. He's a dynamic forward who can guard 1-4, knock down 3-pointers and get to the basket. He's NBA ready now, but perhaps he could be a lottery pick after a full season in the college spotlight. | ||||||
| 29 | Jaden Hardy | SG | ||||
Hardy led G-League Ignite in scoring but did it on just 35.1% shooting in 12 games. The former No. 4 overall prospect from the 2021 recruiting class has plenty of upside, but it's going to take some risk-tolerance to use a first-round pick on him. | ||||||
| 30 | Patrick Baldwin Jr. | PF | ||||
If you've got some room for risk, Baldwin is a high-ceiling guy who is going to slip because of his rocky freshman season shooting the ball at Milwaukee. At 6-9, his long-term offensive upside is stellar. There are questions about his quickness and health, but he's certainly worth a look. | ||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jabari Smith | PF | ||||
No change on this front as far as I can tell. Smith not only fits into the Magic's organizational emphasis on length and versatility, but he can also put the ball in the basket -- something Orlando desperately craves. The criticisms about his ability to create off the dribble are valid, but with his frame, athleticism and silky shooting stroke, there's reason to believe Smith will eventually develop into a No. 1 scoring option. | ||||||
| 2 | Chet Holmgren | C | ||||
There's some scuttlebutt suggesting the Thunder are infatuated with Jaden Ivey, but they won't pass up a talent like Holmgren at No. 2. If he were 40 pounds heavier, Holmgren would be considered a can't-miss prospect in the ilk of Anthony Davis given his defensive impact, shooting ability and basketball IQ. The unique frame for a top-three pick -- being less than 200 pounds at 7-feet tall -- might scare some off, but not the Thunder, who have plenty of time to help him develop. | ||||||
| 3 | Paolo Banchero | PF | ||||
The more you watch this guy's film, the more you wonder why he's not the consensus No. 1 pick. Ultimately Banchero's offensive talents may exceed those of the two players picked ahead of him, but his potential shortcomings as a 3-point shooter and on defense will keep at No. 3. The Rockets, who have already cleared room in the frontcourt by trading Christian Wood, will be more than happy to put Banchero next to Jalen Green to form a promising foundation. | ||||||
| 4 | Jaden Ivey | SG | ||||
This is where the intrigue begins, since many teams are reportedly sending their best packages to Sacramento to see if they can move up to No. 4. The reason is Ivey, who could surpass the consensus top three in this draft with his speed, strength, explosion and finishing ability. At the end of the day, the Kings' traumatic memory of passing on Luka Doncic should prevent them from overthinking this. Just take Ivey and worry about the fit with De'Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell later. | ||||||
| 5 | Bennedict Mathurin | SG | ||||
Who the Pistons will take with this pick is a mystery, so I'll go with the highest player left on my board in Mathurin. He's reportedly blown away teams in workouts and in interviews, and to me he has All-Star upside given his shooting ability, defensive versatility and motor. I've been in love with Mathurin since before he decided to return to Arizona last year, and he'll be a perfect complement to Cade Cunningham in Detroit. | ||||||
| 6 | Dyson Daniels | SG | ||||
Daniels has been flying up mock drafts given his size and defensive ability from the guard position. He plays with a calmness and certainty beyond his years, and his playmaking will truly reveal itself with better teammates around him. At the very least, Indiana will get a big, stout defensive guard with a high IQ. If his shooting eventually comes around, you're looking at a Lonzo Ball-type impact on both ends of the floor. | ||||||
| 7 | Shaedon Sharpe | SG | ||||
I still think Sharpe makes sense for the Blazers for a couple of reasons. If they end up keeping the pick, he's the most intriguing prospect at this point in the draft to dangle as a potential trade sweetener for a win-now player or two. Secondly, if Portland eventually decides to part ways with Damian Lillard and commence a full rebuild, Sharpe is exactly the type of young player you'd want to build around -- an elite athlete with size, finishing ability and tremendous shot-creating and playmaking potential. | ||||||
| 8 | Jeremy Sochan | PF | ||||
With three elite scorers, the Pelicans don't need to focus on offense with this pick. Sochan is a unicorn defender, legitimately capable of guarding one through five. Offense is going to be an uphill grind, but he's reportedly shot the ball well in workouts. It might be hard to play them at the same time initially, but a lineup with Sochan and Herb Williams would leave opposing offenses cowering in the fetal position. | ||||||
| 9 | Keegan Murray | PF | ||||
This might be a bit far for Murray to fall, but the concerns about his athleticism and defense are legitimate. San Antonio will gladly take him, as his 3-point shooting and overall skill set should fit a void on a team with a lot of young guard talent. With San Antonio's development staff, Murray could become an All-Star level player in a few years. | ||||||
| 10 | AJ Griffin | SF | ||||
A sharpshooter with creation and playmaking upside, Griffin would fit nicely on a Wizards team that lacks shooting from the wing. He could play the four in a five-out attack featuring Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis, or could slide down to the three when Washington wants to go big. Griffin owns a 6-11 wingspan and doesn't turn 19 until August, so his upside is thoroughly enticing, but health concerns may make him available at No. 10. | ||||||
| 11 | Johnny Davis | SF | ||||
The Knicks are in dire need of a shot-creating guard, and Davis should be able to provide that immediately. He can play in the pick-and-roll and gets to the free-throw line at an impressive rate. What separates Davis as a prospect is that he brings potentially elite defense with his 6-9 wingspan. He didn't have a good 3-point percentage last season at Wisconsin, but he was solid on catch-and-shoot 3s, showing that he can play off ball as well. | ||||||
| 12 | Jalen Duren | C | ||||
OKC loves a project, and Duren presents the best of both worlds. He'll immediately have an impact in the NBA as a shot-blocker, lob threat and rebounder with his athleticism and ridiculous 7-5 wingspan, but he also has intriguing upside as a playmaker and -- perhaps eventually -- as a shooter. Duren doesn't turn 19 until November, so it's easy to see why a team like the Thunder would be enthralled. | ||||||
| 13 | Ochai Agbaji | SG | ||||
Agbaji just makes too much sense for the Hornets. At 22 years old, he should be able to slot in immediately for a Charlotte team that has playoff aspirations. He's proven himself as a prototypical 3-and-D wing, capable of guarding multiple positions and knocking down corner 3-pointers off the catch. His 6-10 wingspan allows him to be disruptive on the defensive end and finish above the rim on backdoor cuts offensively. He'll be hard to pass up if he's still on the board at No. 13. | ||||||
| 14 | Malaki Branham | SF | ||||
The Cavs need wings -- especially ones who can shoot -- and Branham fits the bill to a tee. He's not the most explosive creator, but he's a knock-down 3-point shooter who can also hit a pull-up mid-range jumper when he's run off the line. He may be lacking in the "D" part of 3-and-D, but that's something that J.B. Bickerstaff and the Cavs development staff can help improve. | ||||||
| 15 | Mark Williams | C | ||||
The Hornets may not select at both 13 and 15, but if they do, why not take another stab at a reliable center? Williams is an absolute beast at 7-foot with a 7-7 wingspan, and he's one of the most ferocious dunkers the college game has ever seen. He's tailor-made for his role in the NBA as a shot-blocker and rim-runner -- he rarely shot outside the paint at Duke -- and it's tantalizing to think of what LaMelo Ball could do with a center of Williams' athleticism and power. | ||||||
| 16 | TyTy Washington Jr. | PG | ||||
The Hawks have needed a reliable backup point guard behind Trae Young for years now, and they'd be fortunate if Washington falls to them at No. 16. He's an excellent off-ball shooter, and in the NBA he'll play more pick-and-roll, where he had success as both a scorer and distributor at Kentucky. He made floaters at a ridiculous clip in college, which is going to be crucial since he's not the best space-creator. | ||||||
| 17 | Ousmane Dieng | SF | ||||
The Rockets aren't going to compete for a title any time soon, so taking a big swing here on Dieng seems reasonable. The upside is huge for the 6-10 wing with incredible ball-handling, playmaking and shot-creating potential, but it's going to be a while until the 19-year-old is ready to contribute on a consistent basis in the NBA. That's just fine for the Rockets, who are in the asset collection business for the foreseeable future. | ||||||
| 18 | Tari Eason | PF | ||||
If Eason's 3-point shooting is for real, he's going to be a steal for the Bulls at No. 18. He'll help Chicago's defense after averaging three combined steals and blocks per game at LSU and should be ready to contribute immediately as a 21-year-old. Eason will be a monster in transition running alongside Lonzo Ball, and can finish above the rim with his insane 7-2 wingspan. | ||||||
| 19 | Blake Wesley | SG | ||||
Wesley is a lightning-quick shot-creator who might start his NBA career off the ball, but can eventually develop into a lead guard. His poor shooting percentages at Notre Dame are the product of a lot of iso creation and playmaking that he won't have to do in NBA -- at least not right away. Wesley has been shooting the ball well from 3-point range in workouts and has tremendous defensive upside. He would fit in nicely on Minnesota's second unit or eventually the starting lineup. | ||||||
| 20 | Dalen Terry | SF | ||||
There's been a lot of heat around Terry's name as the draft approaches, and it's easy to see why. His 7-1 wingspan projects him as a potential lockdown defender on the wing, but he also has scoring and playmaking upside on the other end. We didn't see much of it at Arizona because of his role, but he's confident that he'll be able to show it in the NBA. He seems like a perfect fit for an increasingly young and athletic Spurs team. | ||||||
| 21 | Patrick Baldwin Jr. | PF | ||||
The Nuggets have already found gold (no pun intended) with one highly rated player who slipped in the draft, Michael Porter Jr., so why not take a gamble on another? Baldwin was one of the top recruits coming out of high school, but his draft stock plummeted after a horrific season at Milwaukee. If you look past the stats, you see a 6-9 bucket-getter with a 7-2 wingspan who has advanced shooting and scoring potential to go along with a "best player on the floor" type of confidence. | ||||||
| 22 | Jaden Hardy | SG | ||||
Hardy's skill set is obvious -- his shot creation and pull-up 3-point range are among the best in the draft class -- but what makes him a perfect fit for Memphis is his attitude. This guy thinks he's the best player on the floor at all times, and he plays like it, which will endear him to the up-and-coming Grizzlies. Yes, defense and shot selection are major issues, but the Memphis development staff has done a great job, very quickly, with other young, talented players. | ||||||
| 23 | E.J. Liddell | PF | ||||
Liddell makes sense for the Sixers for a few reasons. As a 21-year-old, he should be able to contribute immediately for a team in need of a backup big man. He also is a versatile, defensive-minded forward with an incredible motor, who gets a ton of blocks and steals due to his 7-foot wingspan and instincts. Offensively he can space the floor as a 3-point shooter and also operate as a playmaker in short roll situations. Overall, Liddell seems like the right guy for Philadelphia if he's still around at No. 23. | ||||||
| 24 | Jalen Williams | SG | ||||
Williams could end up being the steal of the draft if he falls this far. The 21-year-old wing should be ready to contribute immediately, with his 7-2 wingspan allowing him to guard multiple positions. He's a knock-down 3-point shooter who can also be a secondary creator with his passing and pick-and-roll proficiency, which will come in handy for a Bucks team that needs help on the wing. | ||||||
| 25 | Nikola Jovic | SF | ||||
The Spurs have three first-round picks, so they can afford to take a big swing on Jovic, a legitimate prospect who goes well beyond having an extremely similar name to the reigning two-time MVP. Jovic is very raw, but the upside is obvious. At 6-10, he handles the ball like a guard in transition and has deep 3-point range with a consistent, quick release. He needs to work on getting his body NBA ready, but San Antonio isn't in any rush. | ||||||
| 26 | MarJon Beauchamp | SF | ||||
The Rockets are going to need some defense around all their young offensive potential, and Beauchamp should be able to bring that. He's a powerful athlete who profiles as a solid on-ball defender and can also get out in transition. The difference-maker will be his 3-point shooting, which didn't look great in his year with Ignite. At the very least, he has the size, speed and strength to be a rotation NBA wing. | ||||||
| 27 | Wendell Moore Jr. | SF | ||||
Moore seems like the type of player who can step into a championship-contending team and earn minutes right away. He has a ready-made role as a 3-and-D wing, with great length and basketball IQ. He reads passing lanes to pick up steals on defense, and is a smart cutter on offense. Moore was also in the 95th percentile in catch-and-shoot situations last season at Duke, according to Synergy, making him an ideal role player who can thrive next to stars. | ||||||
| 28 | Jake LaRavia | PF | ||||
A smart player with a great motor and intangibles? Sounds like a Warrior to me. LaRavia is a Swiss army knife with the skill set to fit into multiple lineup configurations, which is perfect for Steve Kerr and the malleable Warriors. His passing and playmaking should help him fit into Golden State's quick-decision offense, and his defensive instincts make up for a lack of traditional athleticism. | ||||||
| 29 | Kendall Brown | SF | ||||
Brown could go much higher than this, but his skill set leaves a lot to be desired compared to a lot of prospects at his position in this draft. Where he stands out is his incredible athleticism, capable of getting out in transition and finishing with authority. While his defensive potential is certainly there, you'd like to see a little more polish at this point. In other words, Brown's a bit of a project, but Memphis has the depth to be patient with him. | ||||||
| 30 | Jean Montero | SG | ||||
Traded from: DEN This pick is being traded to Denver -- Montero is as big a mystery as anyone in the draft, but his potential as a lead guard is incredibly tantalizing. He's a blur in the open floor with a tight handle, and he's adept at navigating pick-and-rolls -- either finishing himself or setting up teammates. As with most young guards, his defense needs a lot of work, but obviously Denver doesn't mind if he takes a while to develop. The talent is clearly there. | ||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jabari Smith | PF | ||||
Whether or not Smith is the best long-term prospect in this draft is certainly debatable. What seems more likely is that he is the player that Orlando has targeted in the top spot because of his combination of size, athleticism, shot-making ability, and defensive versatility. | ||||||
| 2 | Chet Holmgren | C | ||||
This is an ideal scenario for OKC who not only land arguably the best long-term prospect in the draft, but also a terrific fit with their developing young core. Holmgren may need to bulk up but he's a 7-footer who is both highly skilled with the ball and already able to put a lid on the rim. | ||||||
| 3 | Paolo Banchero | PF | ||||
Banchero may have the highest floor in the draft and is my pick to be next year's rookie of the year. He's a 6-foot-10 250-pound playmaker in the frontcourt who also possesses that “it” factor to his mentality. | ||||||
| 4 | Keegan Murray | PF | ||||
Arguably college basketball's best player last year, Murray is a classic late-bloomer and versatile scorer who is also exceptionally versatile. Sacramento is committed to building around De'Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell in the backcourt, and wants to contend for the playoffs next year, and Murray fits with both of those priorities. | ||||||
| 5 | Jaden Ivey | SG | ||||
This is an ideal scenario for both Detroit and Ivey. The Pistons get the most dynamic guard in the draft and Ivey goes to a place where he can play alongside Cade Cunningham as a potent one-two punch for the foreseeable future. | ||||||
| 6 | Bennedict Mathurin | SG | ||||
Mathurin checks a lot of high-priority boxes in the modern-day NBA. He has solid positional size and length on the wing, 3-and-D tools, a lot of vertical athleticism, and the potential to develop into a tough shot-maker. | ||||||
| 7 | Shaedon Sharpe | SG | ||||
While Sharpe is a high-risk high-reward type prospect, his upside is too high to pass up on at 7. He has extreme length, athleticism, and shooting potential and legitimate all-star potential if everything clicks. | ||||||
| 8 | Dyson Daniels | SG | ||||
The Pelicans have a bit of a swing pick with the top 7 prospects being fairly well defined on my board. While they need shooting, Daniels' gives them an ultra-versatile asset on the perimeter who can play multiple positions, pass and defend at a high-level. | ||||||
| 9 | Jeremy Sochan | PF | ||||
Sochan is one of the most versatile players in the draft, he fits a prototype that San Antonio has historically valued, and a positional need on their roster, especially relative to their young assets. He needs to improve as a shooter, but should be able to contribute defensively and in offensive structure sooner rather than later. | ||||||
| 10 | Johnny Davis | SF | ||||
Davis would give Washington a hard-nosed and tough two-way guard capable of plugging a variety of holes. He can provide some instant offense, albeit with a mid-range heavy style, and also defends and has the potential to play multiple positions after measuring out better than advertised. | ||||||
| 11 | Ochai Agbaji | SG | ||||
Agbaji would be an ideal fit with head coach Tom Thibodeau. He's more NBA ready than most in the draft and is a high-level athlete, proven defender, and consistent floor-spacer. | ||||||
| 12 | AJ Griffin | SF | ||||
Griffin is a bit of a high-risk high-reward proposition for OKC, but after landing Holmgren earlier, they can afford to take a shot here. His three-point shooting would be a valuable addition alongside Shai Gileous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Luguentz Dort in the backcourt, while there's potential value beyond that if some of the physical tools he showed in high school return. | ||||||
| 13 | Mark Williams | C | ||||
Williams is the second-best center prospect on my board. He needs to build-up his body, especially his lower body, but offers finishing, shot-blocking, and even some underrated floor-spacing potential. | ||||||
| 14 | Tari Eason | PF | ||||
If Cleveland prioritizes fit with this pick, Eason has the potential to give them the type of active-athlete and hybrid forward they don't yet have up front. He's also shown a willingness to buy into a supportive role after coming off the bench at LSU and that will be a necessity as they continue to build around Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. | ||||||
| 15 | TyTy Washington Jr. | PG | ||||
Washington gives them the type of versatile guard who should fit nicely alongside LaMelo Ball. Washington can play on or off the ball, be a secondary playmaker, and valuable floor-spacer and shooting threat. | ||||||
| 16 | Jalen Duren | C | ||||
Duren has slid a bit but his elite physical tools still give him a niche as a long and powerful center who can be a rebounder, vertical spacer, and, ideally, a rim protector. In short, he could provide an eventual successor to Clint Capela in Atlanta. | ||||||
| 17 | Ousmane Dieng | SF | ||||
With Banchero joining Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. as the foundation of Houston's youth movement, Dieng gives them another talented long-term prospect who could eventually hit with his combination of size and skill, specifically as a handler and passer. | ||||||
| 18 | E.J. Liddell | PF | ||||
The Bulls are in win-now move and Liddell is a player who can help contribute to that right away. He was one of the most reliable players in the Big Ten last year and also fits a positional need for the Bulls as they keep bringing Patrick Williams along. | ||||||
| 19 | Dalen Terry | SF | ||||
Terry is both ultra-versatile and competitive, making him an ideal fit alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Russell. Terry can play and defend multiple positions and is also an excellent passer and distributor for his size. | ||||||
| 20 | Jalen Williams | SG | ||||
Williams has risen up draft boards at a rapid rate this off-season and has undeniable untapped potential. He's naturally strong with long arms, two-way tools and shooting potential that the Spurs will covet given their history of player development. | ||||||
| 21 | Malaki Branham | SF | ||||
Denver would be thrilled if Branahm is still available at 21. He exceeded all expectations during his freshman year at Ohio State, showing far more guard skills than advertised, and continued to get better throughout the course of the season. | ||||||
| 22 | Jaden Hardy | SG | ||||
Hardy was one of the top high school players in his class but wasn't quite as good as expected with the G League Ignite, despite leading them in scoring. He's a tough shot-maker who can add a potent offensive weapon in the backcourt alongside Ja Morant. | ||||||
| 23 | Walker Kessler | C | ||||
With Deandre Ayton's future in Phoenix uncertain, Kessler affords them some security at the five-spot with terrific size, verticality as a defensive anchor, and maybe even some long-term shooting potential. | ||||||
| 24 | Nikola Jovic | SF | ||||
Jovic is a long-term stock but an intriguing one, especially alongside someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo, because of his combination of size and crafty skill, specifically as a passer and playmaking threat from the frontcourt. | ||||||
| 25 | MarJon Beauchamp | SF | ||||
Beauchamp is another high-risk high-reward type proposition, but given San Antonio's culture and history of player development, this is a swing worth taking. Beauchamp is undeniably talented and has also impressed with his transparency and accountability during the pre-draft interview process. | ||||||
| 26 | Jake LaRavia | PF | ||||
LaRavia is a blend player who provides the type of floor-spacing and ball-moving that superstars like Luca Doncic need to be surrounded by. If he can earn rotation minutes on a rookie salary, it will be good value for the Mavs. | ||||||
| 27 | Christian Braun | SG | ||||
Braun is a strong-bodied wing and good vertical athlete who provides a reliable spot-up shooting threat. He also plays with a chip on his shoulder which makes him a good fit for the Miami culture. | ||||||
| 28 | Patrick Baldwin Jr. | PF | ||||
No one values shooting more than the Warriors and Baldwin may be the purest shooter in the draft. Golden State has some young athletes to develop up front with Wiseman and Kuminga, so Baldwin could give them a nice compliment within their player development program. | ||||||
| 29 | Christian Koloko | C | ||||
Koloko would give Memphis the type of true rim protecting five-man they don't yet have on their roster and a lob threat when Ja Morant is able to get into the lane and draw multiple defenders. | ||||||
| 30 | Kendall Brown | SF | ||||
Sam Presti has a history of betting on high-level athletes and Brown fits that prototype. He's as explosive as anyone left on the board, but needs to develop his skill-set, specifically as a shooter. | ||||||