Marvin Bagley III, Duke to Sacramento |
Deandre Ayton, F/C, Arizona
An impressive Combine showing and superb individual workout has only further cemented Deandre Ayton as the top selection in this year's NBA Draft. While there are some other terrific big men in this class, Ayton's offensive abilities and overall upside make him clearly the favorite. Phoenix desperately needs help in a thin frontcourt, further making this a no-brainer.
2. Sacramento Kings
Marvin Bagley III, F, Duke
The Kings' pick is going to be interesting, because they could go a number of different directions. Luka Doncic is still very much in play, but Marvin Bagley's stock is rising rapidly, and he'd make a lot of sense. The former Duke big was an absolute machine in his lone season in Durham, and has vast potential.
3. Atlanta Hawks
Luka Doncic, G, Slovenia
Without any long-term pieces locked down, Atlanta needs a quality locker room guy who can help them in a variety of different ways. Enter Doncic, who can shoot, handle the ball, and distribute all at NBA veteran levels. With Dennis Schroeder likely to be dealt at some point in the near future, the playmaker could slide right into the starting PG duties.
4. Memphis Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson, F/C, Michigan State
Even though he didn't produce as much as others in his lone season in East Lansing, Jaren Jackson has the ideal tools in today's NBA. He is lengthy, an excellent rim protector and can shoot the ball fairly consistently. Memphis would love to add his abilities at this spot, particularly with Marc Gasol possibly on his way out.
5. Dallas Mavericks
Michael Porter Jr., F, Missouri
We got to see very little of Porter Jr., the nation's top recruit, in his lone season in Columbia due to back injury, but he still remains an intriguing NBA prospect. Dallas is a team that lacks much offense and while there are still concerns surrounding Porter's back, he could be a real value pick here. When healthy, MPJ is the most electrifying and dominant offensive weapon in this Draft class.
6. Orlando Magic
Mo Bamba, F/C, Texas
There is so much great talent in this Draft, but not one big in it has the body of Mo Bamba, who already is flourishing into a dominant defensive stopper. The former Texas Longhorn has an unprecedented 7'9" wingspan and superb athleticism. At the very least, he can be a defensive anchor for Orlando and if he grows offensively, he could be extremely special.
7. Chicago Bulls
Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma
People are so heavily split on Trae Young it seems he could go nearly anywhere in the Top 10. If he is available for Chicago, I envision them going with the deadeye shooter. There are concerns about his height and overall efficiency, but there is no denying what a great talent this guy can be. He would immediately jolt a stagnant Bulls' offense.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
Collin Sexton, G, Alabama
Cleveland will be in a weird position here given LeBron James' uncertain future, and they could go any number of directions. If they do stick with the selection, a player like Collin Sexton would make a lot of sense. The Alabama product is a proven playmaker with unlimited upside, who has the talent to take over starting PG duties right away for the Cavs.
9. New York Knicks
Wendell Carter, F/C, Duke
He doesn't have the crazy potential of fellow frontcourt mate Marvin Bagley, but Wendell Carter is still a Top 10 talent in this Draft. The powerful big can play either PF or C at a high level, brings high energy, and is a proven rebounder and defender. He still has to grow offensively, but all the tools are there for him to be a difference-maker, and a good fit with Kristaps Porzingis in the Big Apple.
10. Philadelphia Sixers
Mikal Bridges, G/F, Villanova
The Sixers got quality production this year from J.J. Reddick and their collection of wings, but Reddick could be set to leave and Philly would love to replace him with some young talent. Bridges was a guiding force in Villanova's last two National Titles, and his defense and shooting ability are already at NBA levels.
11. Charlotte Hornets
Kevin Knox, F, Kentucky
There are some concerns about whether Kevin Knox's game will be able to translate to the next level, but this is a guy I'm very high on. He showed immense offensive potential in his lone season in Lexington, and has NBA size, even if he is a bit of a tweener. The Hornets need some scoring help off the bench, making Knox an ideal selection here.
12. Los Angeles Clippers
Robert Williams, F, Texas A&M
I'd be pretty surprised if this upcoming fall DeAndre Jordan is still on the Clippers roster. He has long been a trading chip for this team, and should test free agency this summer. If that is truly the case, Los Angeles gets his younger self in Robert Williams. Coming from the same alma mater, both have terrific athleticism and finishing ability around the rim.
13. Los Angeles Clippers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Kentucky
Despite being one of the lowest rated prospects in Kentucky's 2017 recruiting class, Gilgeous-Alexander impressed scouts with his scoring ability and control of the offense. He played like an NBA player, and likely played his way into a lottery pick. The Clips need a new solution at point guard with Chris Paul long gone, giving way to Gilgeous-Alexander here.
14. Denver Nuggets
Lonnie Walker IV, G, Miami
The Nuggets missed the Playoffs this season, but this is still a roster that clearly is at a high level. They could, however, use some scoring punch off the bench, clearing the way for a Lonnie Walker selection. Even though he had a streaky season in Coral Gables, the combo guard has proven he can score in bunches and has great overall upside.
15. Washington Wizards
Miles Bridges, G/F, Michigan State
A popular preseason National Player of the Year pick, Miles Bridges had an up-and-down 2017-2018. He had his moments, but seemed to shy away from the leadership role many had hoped for him. He still projects favorably as a quality, well-rounded wing with more experience than most in this Draft. Washington could use a lot of help to fix a pretty bad bench, and Bridges is a nice fit here.
16. Phoenix Suns
Zhaire Smith, G, Texas Tech
Phoenix may try and package this pick to try and move up into the late lottery, but if they stay firm at 16, Zhaire Smith makes a lot of sense. Smith's defensive ability and shooting potential paint him as an ideal "three-and-D" player in the Association, which are incredibly valuable in today's NBA. He doesn't have the potential or ceiling of others, but Smith would fix a need right away.
17. Milwaukee Bucks
Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA
After a terrible postseason performance, it is unclear what the future is for Eric Bledsoe in Milwaukee. He'll probably stick around another year, but this Milwaukee team wants to develop a core around Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bledsoe just may not be the guy. Aaron Holiday, the younger brother of Jrue, is still raw, but has the offensive upside to come in and overtake the PG duties in the near future.
18. San Antonio Spurs
Troy Brown, G/F, Oregon
San Antonio's aging roster could really use a weapon like Oregon's Troy Brown. Brown is a superb athlete that can beat a variety of defenses with his shooting and playmaking. He also proved to be a strong defender, which will be particularly important with Kawhi Leonard's uncertain future.
19. Atlanta Hawks
Kevin Huerter, G, Maryland
Among many of the other problems they had, Atlanta was a terrible shooting team in '17-'18. Already bolstering their offense by adding Doncic at pick three, they will look to Maryland's Kevin Huerter. Huerter was a superb shooter throughout his tenure with the Terps, and would immediately open up space for this offense.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves
Anfernee Simons, G, IMG Academy (HS)
Head coach Tom Thibodeau is well known for rarely playing his rookies, which could end up really helping some young talent develop in this Draft. Anfernee Simons didn't play a minute in the collegiate ranks (played at a prep school for a year after graduating) but scouts still are impressed by his offensive upside and finishing ability. He should take essentially a "redshirt" year where his raw game can really come out, possibly in the G League.
21. Utah Jazz
Khyri Thomas, G, Creighton
He doesn't have the same type of potential or hype as others in this Draft, but Creighton product Khyri Thomas is going to be a fine NBA player. The off-guard has developed into a knockdown shooter with an excellent stroke and a fine overall leader. He is the type of high character guy Utah would love to surround Donovan Mitchell with in the backcourt.
22. Chicago Bulls
Chandler Hutchison, SF, Boise State
Rumors are swirling that Chicago has promised Hutchison they will draft him if he is available here, and he likely will be with the talent on the wing ahead of him. Hutchison can still be a great value pick, as a quality scorer that can play good, strong defense. He is another guy this Bulls' staff can further develop on a youthful roster.
23. Indiana Pacers
Josh Okogie, G, Georgia Tech
After a strong showing at the Combine, where he measured at 6'4" with a staggering 7'0" wingspan, Georgia Tech guard Josh Okogie is rising up Draft boards. He isn't just a guy with an ideal body for a two-guard; he averaged over 18 PPG and shot 38 percent from three this past season, showing a diverse and rounded out game. Indiana could use another lengthy, athletic weapon to pair with Victor Oladipo.
24. Portland Trail Blazers
Jacob Evans, G/F, Cincinnati
A team already equipped with a high-scoring backcourt, Portland desperately needs a perimeter defender (or two) to really succeed in defending opposing Western Conference teams. Jacob Evans played in a great defensive system in college, and proved to have a well-built game overall. He could help fill the aging shoes of Al-Farouq Aminu.
25. Los Angeles Lakers
Mitchell Robinson, C, USA
There are some commitment and character concerns associated with former five-star recruit Mitchell Robinson, but there is also no denying his immense talent. The center can be an absolute force on the block, and his length makes him a terror defensively as well. Los Angeles has their focus on LeBron and Paul George, but why not take a chance on a potential huge steal?
26. Philadelphia Sixers
Elie Okobo, PG, France
Okobo, a 6'2" guard from France, is another guy getting late buzz in this Draft. Okobo is still a very raw young prospect, but people are excited about his versatility and feel for the game. Some have gone as far as to compare him to another beloved French guard, Tony Parker. That will take time, but the Sixers could be a good fit for the young talent.
27. Boston Celtics
Donte DiVincenzo, G, Villanova
The hero of this year's National Championship, Donte DiVincenzo surprised some by staying in the Draft. He did impress at the Combine, and he has a game built for the league. I love the fit of him going to Boston, who could use some guard help, even if Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving come back 100 percent.
28. Golden State Warriors
Gary Trent Jr., G, Duke
Already equipped with two of the best shooters in the league's history, why not go out and get one of the best in this Draft? There remains a chance guard Patrick McCaw could leave in free agency, and Nick Young is no long-term answer on the wing. Golden State simply takes Trent, who had some ups-and-downs with Duke, but proved to be a deadeye three-point shooter.
29. Brooklyn Nets
Dzanan Musa, G/F, Bosnia & Herzegovina
I would not be surprised to see Brooklyn take a flier on an International prospect here in the hopes of hitting gold. Musa decided to stay in the Draft despite reports of him pulling out, likely because he received first-round grades from most. At 6'9" with a good jumper, you can imagine why people may be high on the European product.
30. Atlanta Hawks
Omari Spellman, F/C, Villanova
The Hawks could go best player available here and add either Jerome Robinson or De'Anthony Melton, but considering they already have two guards taken earlier I have them going big. Omari Spellman really played well all year long at 'Nova, and his game has drawn comparisons to Draymond Green.
No comments:
Post a Comment