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| Karl-Anthony Towns, tremendous photobombing potential |
After last week’s original version of our NBA Mock Draft, Chris and I knew we had to switch things up a bit. The first detail to change was our draft order, with Chris now taking the even-numbered picks and me on the odds. The only directive we exchanged was to be different. What that meant exactly is still up for interpretation, and to which I battled with in my first selection. Instead of choosing the opposite of whoever Chris picked, I used it as a tiebreaker but went with my original thoughts and tried to evaluate the most recent rumors that have been circulating among NBA circles. Like I explained last week, our sources still aren’t returning our phone calls and I’m afraid Chris and I can’t offer any original insight into draft philosophies. But we tried to have fun with our second version of the Mock and talk about as many prospects as we could within the framework of the first round.
I’m up.
1.) Minnesota Timberwolves
Karl-Anthony Towns
Thus begins the very first issue of our second mock draft: to go different for the team or different for ourselves. I've already discussed Jahlil Okafor in relation to the Los Angeles Lakers in Version 1, and while he would present a departure from your pick of Karl-Anthony Towns to the Timberwolves, I'm doubtful that Minnesota lets Towns slide to #2. I suppose there's a chance that D'Angelo Russell is in play for the first overall selection, at least with the recent workout news; I'm just not ready to accept it as a realistic option, with Towns (or Okafor) ranking as the consensus top choice since the preseason. Wolves fans deserve to root for that super athletic core that you mentioned last week; we'll have to see if Flip Saunders can give the people what they want.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
D'Angelo Russell
I think I'm trolling everyone with this pick. Lakers fans who felt so safe after winning the second pick in the draft lottery that they'd be handed their franchise center. You for your obvious ignorance to the greatness of Russell. And even in an ironic way, Lakers fans again, both those who think Russell should be the pick here over a possible franchise center and those who think the Lakers are all set in their back court with Jordan Clarkson and Kobe Bean Bryant.
Did I just piss off all Lakers fans? Well, my work here is done.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Emmanuel Mudiay
I like it!
... although I have no idea what to do with this pick. Sam Hinkie can go anywhere at #3 under the assumption that he's selecting best player available. Jahlil Okafor also seems kinda troll-y, even with the latest Joel Embiid foot injury setback, but Nerlens Noel and Okafor would certainly represent a formidable frontcourt and interesting complement of skills. Noel seems like an ideal big to play with Jahlil and to protect him defensively, which would then turn the conversation into the spacing on the other end. I still feel like Philadelphia needs shooting to eventually bail out Brett Brown's offense and wanted to talk myself into Mario Hezonja here, as I'm not ready to accept the Kristaps Porzingis smokescreens (potential Andy Dwyer band name?) and actually think it's cruel for Hinkie to keep trolling the Orlando Magic after last draft's Elfrid Payton extortion.
You talked me into D'Angelo Russell to Philly on last week's podcast, then pulled the plug on him a pick early. Cruel. So I'll stick to my #HotTake that Emmanuel Mudiay will have a better career than Russell and select him at #3 to run high screens with Nerlens Noel. Mudiay's got some power guard tendencies and will need to develop consistency in shooting the ball, but he'll push the tempo for a Philadelphia defense that should be able to force transition opportunities. I'm buying into his upside and high basketball IQ, especially seeing him sacrifice and adapt to his situation in China and with his potential draft stock on the line. He'll get the Michael Carter-Williams comparisons if drafted to Philly, which isn't that awful; he's just younger and more skilled offensively, and not as lanky and effective on defense. Now let's work on #FreeDario!
4. New York Knicks
Jahlil Okafor
If Phil Jackson wasn't so zen he would be so excited that Okafor fell to him at 4 that he'd be giving away signed copies of his book!
Phil has been pretty outspoken, especially lately, about his old school perspective on the NBA game. It's easy to scoff at him when the Knicks are playing Langston Galloway, but he's one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, without a doubt.
Of course he's now managing the front office of one of the most dysfunctional institutions in the state of New York.
Okafor falling to New York would be extremely fascinating though. As much as it's fun to make fun of the Knicks, it's better when they are at least decent.
5. Orlando Magic
Kristaps Porzingis
You went with Willie Cauley-Stein here in our last mock, which would thrill Nikola Vucevic and protect him on the defensive end, but what about Orlando's greatest need: shooting? With all due respect to Channing Frye (and Ben Gordon), the Magic desperately need a stretch option to open up driving lanes for some of their exciting young athletes and to prevent defenses from doubling down on Vucevic in the post.
Porzingis has been maybe the biggest beneficiary to the whole draft and workout process with his agility, shooting touch, and sense of humor in his interviews, and there's a good chance that he's gone by the time Orlando picks at #5. He'll need to add substantial weight and upper-body strength at the NBA level, and has already adjusted well to American culture aided by, apparently, breakfast foods. Porzingis even profiles to be a pretty effective defender in time and after adding size, with good lateral quickness and steal and block numbers while with Seville in the ACB League.
The question is if he's too much of a project and too far away defensively for the Orlando Magic and new head coach Scott Skiles. The draft room debates in Orlando must be fascinating between Porzingis and Cauley-Stein, and especially if Philadelphia's reported interest in Kristaps results in them again scooping up the Magic's target two picks before them. If so the Magic can turn to WCS and again go defense in the draft (rather than deal with Sam Hinkie), but Kristaps Porzingis could be a great fit in Orlando as an offensive threat, floor spacer, and potential star player.
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| Mario Hezonja (Rodolfo Molina/Getty Images) |
Mario Hezonja
Hezonja would bring the shooting ability that the Kings attempted with Nik Stauskas last season, but more importantly he brings a swagger and confidence that Stauskas never displayed last season.
There would be some concern about throwing two strong personalities like DeMarcus Cousins and Hezonja together, but it'd be worth the risk to bring a potentially deadly scorer from the wing position to a team that could use it.
Playing Hezonja and Gay and Cousins together would be interesting, but maybe it pushes Gay to play more at the four.
I get the feeling that George Karl would both appreciate Hezonja's personality as well as be frustrated with it at times.
Say what you will about the Kings organization, but it's always interesting and bringing Hezonja in would continue that trend.
7. Denver Nuggets
Justise Winslow
Denver can feel free to take the best player available at #7, due to their evolving roster and potential transition under recent head coaching hire Mike Malone. Malone could take the team in a couple of different directions next season, by establishing a defensive identity and by possibly altering the team's usual elevation-oriented paced, which could also impact the team's decision in the draft. Luckily for both management and their head coach, their choice should come down to two high-level, high-energy defensive players who should also contribute on offense and excel in any system.
Malone would love to coach both players, but I have Justise Winslow's versatility and slightly higher offensive upside winning out in Denver. Both he and WCS can guard almost any position on the floor and pester their opponents on-ball, while Cauley-Stein's bigger frame and screen-and-roll skills maybe limits his role on the offensive end. Winslow excelled at Duke by slashing to the basket, getting out on the fastbreak, and finding holes in the opposing defense with his timely cuts, and is by all accounts a hard worker who seems to keep adding to his game. Already a good spot-up shooter from playing off of Tyus Jones and Jahlil Okafor, Winslow will need to add to his in-between offense and learn how to attack off the dribble at the pro level without lowering his right shoulder. It wasn't long ago that many college basketball analysts were pushing Justise as a possibility at #1 overall, and his selflessness and high character endears himself well to both coaches and teammates, which can't be discounted after Denver's mess of a 2014-15 season.
8. Detroit Pistons
Myles Turner
(Side Note: The Nuggets are going to luck into a very good player with Winslow.)
This scenario works out kind of rough for the Pistons even if I am tempted to pair Andre Drummond with Willy Cauley-Stein just to see that combination defending the paint. That's probably not a realistic option for the Pistons and I'm not high enough on Devon Booker to name him the 8th pick in the draft. Maybe it'd be advantageous for the Pistons to move down a few spots if things work out this way (the Heat? the Suns? dare I say, the Celtics?).
(Thinking about this scenario and the Celtics moving up to 8 to nab Cauley-Stein for the 16th, 33rd, and a spare part...)
(Is this really as possible as I'm thinking it is?)
Ok, back to reality. Instead of the Pistons trading out, I'll just have them reach for a player that I imagine Stan Van Gundy would fall in love with IF he develops into what we all hope he will. Pairing Turner a stretch option that can protect the rim with Drummond's insane rebounding and roll ability could be the ultimate front court for Stan Van's system. And bringing in Ersan Ilyasova shouldn't discourage Detroit from drafting Turner as it may take a little time for him to come into his own.
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| Willie Cauley-Stein (James Crisp/Associated Press) |
Willie Cauley-Stein
Woooooo! Rich Cho, I do believe you have Danny Ainge on Line 1, ready to offer you #16 and any (non-Nets) future first to move up to #9 and select Kentucky's versatile Willie Cauley-Stein. It's almost like we each subconsciously kept dropping WCS down the board and into the range of "trade-up" teams, after the Hornets have leaked that they might prefer to trade down rather than up in the draft. The Celtics have #'s 16, 28, and 33 to dangle in this draft alone, plus firsts next season from Dallas and Brooklyn, and need a dynamic defender and athlete in the worst way. His versatility in guarding multiple positions on defense and verticality while finishing the pick and roll on offense would help to elevate the play of the rest of his (limited) teammates, and theoretically give Marcus Smart a (defensive-minded) foundational partner to build with. But I'm getting way ahead of myself here by pinning my Celtics draft hopes on WCS and a trade, plus I'm curious to see what you cook up at #16 and 28. I just got super excited for a second there.
Willie works in Charlotte, too, but would require a more existential conversation among the decision makers within the Hornets organization. (*insert Crying Jordan meme*) The organization has spent their last two lottery picks on power forwards and employ the league's best low-post scorer in Professor Al Jefferson, and Cauley-Stein would definitely be repetitive next to Tyler Zeller or MKG (in that neither frontcourt players are three-point shooters). Charlotte can otherwise select Devin Booker, in the hopes that he can single-handedly revitalize their long-range issues, but that should still carry considerable risk by drafting based off of team need. Willie Cauley-Stein is the best player available at #9 and although he's redundant with their incumbent bigs, he could change their future upside. If the Hornets want to again make the playoffs as the Eastern Conference's eighth seed in 2015-16, after a year back in the lottery, then they go Devin Booker or Frank Kaminsky. If they hope to aim higher, to say the fourth or fifth seed in 2017 or '18, then the Hornets select Willie Cauley-Stein.
(Or trade him to the Celtics, take R.J. Hunter or Cameron Payne at #16, and roll the dice again next season with Dallas or Brooklyn or Boston's first rounder. Sorry, I promise I'm done now.) - PM
10. Miami Heat
Stanley Johnson
This pick seems inevitable and look even more likely if there are legitimate questions whether Dwyane Wade will be in Miami. Johnson seems to be one of the biggest enigmas in this draft. Playing in Miami with the core of Chris Bosh, Wade, and Goran Dragic would be great for his development and he could also provide some insurance should Luol Deng opt out of his contract.
But back to the Dwyane Wade thing. Give the man his money no? He was the reason that LeBron James ever considered Miami and he got you a championship prior to that when Shaq and Alonzo were having their Draft Class of '92 reunion. It's a shame that he has to utilize the Lakers to apply leverage in the negotiations and get all the Lakers fans fired up over their supposed Rondo/Wade/Kobe/Love/Cousins super team that is literally an impossibility.
Pay the man. - CS
11. Indiana Pacers
Frank Kaminsky
I wanted to select the youngest, highest-upside player to the Indiana Pacers so badly. Once their season began without their starting backcourt, the conversation turned to the Pacers perhaps "tanking" the season and adding a high-impact lottery pick to a pretty good infrastructure, although one that's steadily aging and getting closer to free agency. Paul George's return coincided with George Hill's, and the team playing up to their previous standards on the defensive end in a scorching hot month of February kept them in contention for the East's last playoff spot until the final day of the season (a loss in Memphis, which gave the Brooklyn Nets the tie-breaker). Team President Larry Bird and head coach Frank Vogel developed this current crew of talent and brought them to the precipice of two separate Finals appearances (damn LeBron), and need to focus on nailing the eleventh pick to get the team back into the playoff conversation in 2015-16.
But that's the question here (much like I argued with the Charlotte Hornets): to simply make the playoffs next year or build for a higher seed in the future? Kelly Oubre's insane physical tools and Tyus Jones's all-around (and clutch) skills at the point could give the Pacers a higher upside in two seasons, while probably giving management headaches in Year 1. Frank Kaminsky might not develop any more, after four strong seasons at Wisconsin, but he'll rebound and make jump shots from either big man position off the bench and hopefully groom into a starting frontcourt partner with a re-signed Roy Hibbert in 2017. The Pacers aren't yet ready to embrace small ball with their bigs, but Kaminsky could give them a spacing element while still helping the team on the boards and in protecting the paint. Kaminsky will help the Pacers immediately, as they work their way back to the playoffs; I would just like to see them aim a little higher with their highest first-round pick since 2011.
12. Utah Jazz
Myles Turner
The Jazz are in a great spot. They have young talent at every position and therefore any pick they make could be viewed as duplicitous. Given that, they can be patient with Turner as he develops into what the Jazz hoped Enes Kanter could have become. A floor spacer who defends and rebounds could be a great pair with either Derrick Favors or Rudy Gobert long term. How's a young core of Exum, Burke, Burks, Hood, Hayward, Favors, Turner, Gobert for you?
Also, as much as I'd love to see Turner slide to the Celtics at 16, getting picked at number 12 seems just about right for a guy with his physical gifts and talent who will need some time to live up to his potential.
13. Phoenix Suns
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
I immediately feel like I'm reaching here, even if Chad Ford approves in his full mock draft. My whole thought process with this pick and the Phoenix Suns is to find a unique talent to add to their roster, and unfortunately the current draft board makes that tough. They can rule out point guards, assuming they match any offer sheet that Brandon Knight signs this summer, and their wing situation is complicated with the Morrii (and their own complicated legal issues) and the T.J. Warren pick last season, which is why I'm ruling out some of the more offensive-minded wings. You mentioned the possibility of them upgrading the P.J. Tucker role of tough wing defender who could potentially hit the corner-three, and I like Hollis-Jefferson to at least fulfill the "tough" and "wing defender" obligations. Kelly Oubre has more long-term potential than RHJ and a functional jump shot, but the Suns could use a smart and versatile wing who can work without the basketball and off of their two ball-dominant guards.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder
Cameron Payne
This seems like one of the most uneventful picks in the draft (unless the Pacers talk themselves into Payne and move on from Hill which I would love by the way). The Thunder have limited roster and cap space and apparently want to bring back Enes Kanter, so they could be a wildcard on draft night.
But Payne would bring a scoring punch off the bench, could replace D.J. Augustin when his contract expires after next season, and could probably play alongside Russell Westbrook. To me, Payne is last year’s Elfrid Payton, in the sense that he moved up draft boards fast when the ‘Draft process’ began, but he’s a completely different type of player who can shoot and score, but he brings size, may develop defensively, and has some passing ability.
In the long term, Payne could be more than just a scoring guard off the bench. A nice get for the Thunder at the end of the lottery.
15. Atlanta Hawks
Kelly Oubre
Whoever the Atlanta Hawks select at #15, they need to swing for the fences and select the highest upside player available. As the last remnant of the Joe Johnson trade, the Hawks managed to jump 14 spots in their pick swap with the Brooklyn Nets, and while expecting another 60-win season is optimistic, Coach Budenholzer's team should safely be a 50-win squad over the next few years. Hitting on a potential star player with the 15th pick would be huge for a team that was over-matched against LeBron James's Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The only concern is their missed evaluation on last year's 15th overall pick, Adreian Payne, who they traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a lottery-protected (until 2020) first-round pick.
But Oubre is in a completely different situation, as a 19-year old wing with loads of potential and some immediate signs of translatable NBA skills. Oubre struggled early in Kansas head coach Bill Self's offense but improved his play over the second half of the season and shot 36% from three as a freshman, despite some inconsistent shooting mechanics. That should seemingly improve if with the Hawks next season and under their coaches, but I worry about his raw ball-handling skills and lack of court vision in Coach Bud's "read and react" system. Easing into the bench rotation alongside Dennis Schröder and Kent Bazemore's energy would allow Oubre to dumb down his game by running the floor, catching and shooting, and locking in on defense. Or not play at all. Either way he has plenty of skills and upside to merit the high-variance selection by Atlanta. - PM
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| Bobby Portis (#10) (Associated Press) |
Bobby Portis
In this scenario, the Celtics are faced with deciding between Bobby Portis and Trey Lyles and I’m going with Portis, who may have less upside if you listen to the general consensus. Ignoring the cynical view of this Boston Globe piece on Danny Ainge targeting Marcus Smart, I buy into the idea that Ainge drafted Smart as much for his mental makeup as his ability on the court.
I don’t think it’s a knock on Lyles to say that Portis may be more similar in mental makeup to Smart than him. Portis is continually talked about as the guy who is going to bring ‘energy’ and has less upside because his best skill is his effort and how can you improve on that?
But Portis can rebound, may have more range than we think, and is absolutely unafraid of performing and trying to win. - CS
17. Milwaukee Bucks
R.J. Hunter
The Milwaukee Bucks have a nice, young core emerging that's both long and versatile, if still short on shooting. R.J. Hunter would give the Bucks another lanky prospect and potential Khris Middleton insurance, who is super skilled with the basketball and maybe the best shooter in the draft. Hunter had to handle the ball more in his Junior season while at Georgia State and suffered in his shooting percentages as a result, but boasts unlimited range and good passing skills that would be a nice fit in Milwaukee and among their collection of position-less slashers. He projects to be capable enough to contribute on the defensive end and can provide instant offense off the bench. I'll admit that I'm high on Hunter, but I'd really like to see Milwaukee (or Boston...) add shooting and potentially trot out a Michael Carter-Williams, R.J. Hunter, Khris Middleton, Jabari Parker, Giannis Antetokounmpo five-man unit. Plenty of options for the Bucks at #17.
18. Houston Rockets
Tyus Jones
The Rockets desperately needed a point guard when Patrick Beverley went down last season and in the Playoffs I think they needed another shot creator in the rotation to take some burdan off of James Harden.
Although, I’m now fascinated by the idea that Indiana may draft Payne and make Hill available. George Hill would be the perfect point guard to pair with Harden in the backcourt, but assuming that doesn’t happen (or even if it does) bringing in Tyus Jones to play some point guard and provide offense seems like the right move.
19. Washington Wizards
Devin Booker
This is a weird pick, with Devin Booker plummeting down our draft board and the Washington Wizards already covered at the two-guard position, but completely necessary for a Wizards team starved for outside shooting. Excluding Randy Wittman's Keyser Soze routine from this past postseason, the Wiz run fairly basic pick-and-roll sets that rely on John Wall collapsing the defense and generating room for shooters; it's just that outside of Bradley Beal and first-half-of-the-season Rasual Butler, Washington's long-range options are limited. Playoff Otto Porter showed some competence in spotting up, and Drew Gooden has been working on his corner-three-point shooting, but otherwise the Wiz start three non-shooters in Wall (down 5% to 30% from deep this season), Nene, and Marcin Gortat.
Devin Booker offers one NBA-ready skill immediately, in his long-range shooting, to which he can get his shot off either with the ball or in catch-and-shoot situations. He shows good court awareness and sense of when to shoot and when to skip to another spot on the perimeter, and should translate well to modern NBA offenses (or, in this case, Wittman's). His basketball IQ and limited frame almost reminds me of Klay Thompson in an extremely best-case scenario, while his limitations on the court and athletic ceiling could put his floor at maybe a John Jenkins or Reggie Bullock. The only measurement of his that the Wiz should pause at is his meager wingspan, but that shouldn't dissuade them from experimenting with a Beal/Booker wing duo to finally give John Wall some actual spacing and passing lanes. This would be a great scenario for Washington and their anemic offense.
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| Trey Lyles (Andy Lyons/Getty Images) |
20. Toronto Raptors
Trey Lyles
Although the rumors that the Knicks were considering Lyles at number 4 were laughable, I think it’d be unrealistic to see him fall this far when the actual draft happens tonight. Lyles is a bit of an enigma since we weren’t able to see him play his natural position in college, and if he falls this far, this would be a steal for the Raptors who have a large hole at Power Forward to fill.
Amir Johnson worked like hell to become a respected and effective role player in this league, but injuries have taken a toll on him and he’s a shell of his former self. Patrick Patterson is inconsistent and provides certain things, but is definitely more suited for a bench position so that the Raptors don’t have to rely on him.
21. Dallas Mavericks
Jerian Grant
I'm basically in agreement with everything you said from Version 1. Perfect fit for Dallas, regardless of what their 2015-16 roster looks like, as a passer and bigger guard who excels in the pick and roll. If only he had an all-time great pick-and-pop big man to play with if selected by the Mavericks...
Jerian Grant shows flashes of being an instinctive defender and should improve in that area if under head coach Rick Carlisle, along with, possibly, his shooting mechanics on spot-up attempts. He'll also have to add some strength or a floater to improve his finishing in the paint, though he can get to the free-throw line at a decent rate. Grant's ability to push the tempo and move the ball on offense could give the Mavericks a less expensive and stressful version of what they hoped to acquire last season in the Rajon Rondo trade.
22. Chicago Bulls
Sam Dekker
Dekker is another player that seems a bit too low at 22. He could go anywhere from 8 to around this range, but there are legitimate concerns that Dekker’s hot finish in the NCAA tournament and good workouts have him valued higher than he ought to be.
He would be a great fit for Chicago though, who spent all of last season with patchwork to replace the hole that was left after Luol Deng was traded including extended looks at Dunleavy, Tony Snell, and even Mirotic at the small forward position.
Dekker would shore up the position for the Bulls and provide some more ball handling and creating from that position. Again, this could take some burden off of Noah and Rose, especially if Jimmy Butler is exploring other options.
23. Portland Trail Blazers
Kevon Looney
You've written extensively about the Trail Blazers' draft targets for Hoops Habit, but I doubt you envisioned a scenario where Kevon Looney was available at #23. Looney is still incredibly raw at 19 years old and scored mostly off of hustle plays and offensive rebounds while at UCLA, but is more polished on defense by utilizing his 7'3" wingspan to contest shots and contain opposing ball handlers. Like most players his age he needs to add considerable muscle and strength at the NBA level to fulfill his potential, yet also work on his conditioning to maintain his energy plays. He's not a post player by any means on offense, preferring instead to face up and take the jumper - to which he made 22 of his 53 three-point attempts - and lacks the explosive athleticism to finish around the rim and in traffic. Even among freshmen in this draft, Kevon Looney might be one of the furthest away from contributing to an NBA rotation, but the Portland Trail Blazers would love to find a player of his skills and potential at this point in the draft. - PM
24. Cleveland Cavaliers
Justin Anderson
If the Cavaliers learned anything from facing the Golden State Warriors it’s that you can never have too many long, athletic, wing athletes who can either shoot from the outside, penetrate, or both. Despite the presence of LeBron, Iman Shumpert, and J.R. Smith (although he did opt out), Anderson would fit in well and could hopefully soak up some of those James Jones minutes.
Anderson should be able to shoot from the outside from Day 1 and will be able to defend his position, that’s really all the Cavaliers would need him to do, which is good, because Anderson struggles when he’s asked to do too much creating on offense. - CS
25. Memphis Grizzlies
Delon Wright
The Grizzlies need outside shooting, as always, and could pull the trigger on Rashad Vaughn here to give them a gunner to bail out their half-court offense, but what about another ball handler? Nick Calathes is a restricted free agent this summer and could find better offers overseas, giving Memphis just Beno Udrih to back up Mike Conley. Conley is too important to the team's title chances to play heavy regular season minutes, and Delon Wright could take on the Grizzlies offense for minutes-long stretches and even allow Conley or Udrih to play off-ball alongside him. Wright's age and shaky jumper keep him in the bottom-third of our first round(s), but his passing skills would be a tremendous fit in a Grizzlies offense that runs a lot of Horns sets with back-door cuts. Beno Udrih is a great bench point guard option who can push the ball to get himself open looks, but Delon Wright prefers to push to draw and dish on the break and should help the Grizzlies immediately on the defensive end as an NBA-ready point guard.
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| Rashad Vaughn (Sam Morris/Las Vegas Review-Journal) |
26. San Antonio Spurs
Rashad Vaughn
I am beginning to have an unnatural affinity to the idea that Rashad Vaughn represents, but where he gets drafted, and more importantly by whom, is extremely important for him to develop to the best possible version of himself.
There would be major concerns if Vaughn went to a free-wheeling system that may foster some of his bad habits, but I have no concerns of that here with San Antonio. Vaughn’s game may be more similar to Patty Mills, but he has the size to replace Danny Green if the Spurs are not able to re-sign him and I love the idea of Popovich empowering this young and gifted scorer.
27. Los Angeles Lakers
Christian Wood
Before you feel bad for Christian Wood, think of this: what better way to maximize the mythology of Kobe Bryant than by drafting a player underrated reportedly only because of questions about his work ethic and intensity level? Wood has all of the physical tools and projectable skills at the power forward position to impact the game in all areas, from blocking shots to spacing the floor to rebounding the ball. His issues revolve entirely around intangibles and the need to add strength, which should all come with time and better coaching. The 19-year old Wood has plenty of time to better develop his basketball IQ and grow into his frame; we'll have to see if the Los Angeles Lakers and Byron Scott can expedite the process.
28. Boston Celtics
Anthony Brown
This is actually a bit of a reach I think, although picks 25-40 are fairly fluid in my opinion. I think the Celtics would have a chance at Brown with the 33rd pick as well which I would like even more.
Brown is your typical 3 and D prospect, who excelled defensively at Stanford. He shot 44.9% from the 3-point line last season on almost 5 attempts per game so it’s clear that he will be able to shoot the ball with range. The downside to Brown is likely that he projects as a role player only and is already 22 years old which makes him ancient by today’s draft standards, but he should be a solid defender that can catch and shoot. Brad Stevens can make use of that.
29. Brooklyn Nets
Joseph Young
When in doubt with Billy King and the Brooklyn Nets, always take the best senior available (BSA). Joseph Young checks that box, and also gives the Nets a potentially deadly bench scorer in the backcourt capable of lighting up the Barclays Center crowd with his jump shot or athleticism in going to the basket. He's almost strictly an instant-offense guy at the next level who isn't particularly effective at protecting or moving the ball, and is a non-factor on the defensive end. Dat jumper doe.
I recently wrote about the Brooklyn Nets showing up in a RealGM rumor expressing interest in signing Lou Williams in free agency (despite their limited funds), but selecting Joseph Young at #29 could give them a reasonable Lou replacement in a few seasons for a fraction of the cost. - PM
30. Golden State Warriors
Jarell Martin
Jarell Martin is a guy that has floated around the draft board during the process flirting with the late lottery and then sometimes considered a mid-second round pick. To me, he is a poor man’s Draymond Green, a skilled big who can handle the ball with above average skill, could be seen as a tweener, but may have the skills to defend small forwards and power forwards.
For Golden State, it’s just further pushing the idea of positionless basketball with skilled, long, athletic basketball players. The risk is almost inconsequential picking at 30. - CS
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