Hey Everyone! You probably know by now that my joy comes from doing straight NBA Draft scouting reports and game breakdowns BUT I also know that most fans LOVE a Mock Draft. So, I reached out to some of my friends to help me put together our first (of a few) NBA Mock Draft of the season!
A Few Notes:
I used a random tankathon spin, whatever happened on first spin is what I went with (and we did get quite the result for this one!)
No trades were allowed (for now)
Only first round picks (again, for now)
I assigned the selectors with the team. Some because it’s the team they are most familiar with, some via request and others just because
I did not make any selections in this Mock Draft but have linked my Scouting Reports on the players that are currently available AND give “My Thoughts” on each selection
I want to thank everyone who participated and hope all of you enjoy!
CONTRIBUTORS
Keith Smith (needs no introduction!)
Trevor Lane (see above)
Wes Davenport (Primary Team Covered - Detroit Pistons, @therealwesd3)
Nick Crain (Primary Team Covered - Oklahoma City Thunder and Draft Digest, @CrainNBA)
Matt Modderno (Primary Team Covered - Washington Wizards, @MattModderno)
Richard Stayman (Primary Team Covered - NBA Draft, @MavsDraft)
Corban Ford (Primary Team Covered - Los Angeles Lakers, @corbannba)
Jack Quantrill (The Drop Step Podcast, @JackQuantrill)
Esfandiar Baraheni (Primary Team Covered - Toronto Raptors, @JustEsBaraheni)
Garrett Johnson (@halfawaketakes)
Omari Sankofa II (Primary Team Covered - Detroit Pistons, @omarisankofa)
SOME contributors are anonymous due to the non-media work they are involved with
ORDER AND SELECTIONS
Grizzlies - Alex Sarr (7’1 Big - Perth)
Selection by Keith Smith - “This is likely the last shot Memphis has at snagging a high pick, they have to make the most of it. For most teams, it seems like this will be Zaccharie Risacher. And maybe it should be for Memphis too. But Alex Sarr is very, very good and he fills the need to add a big for the Grizzlies.”
My Thoughts - Sarr is the No. 1 player on my board and he fills a need for the Grizzlies, this absolutely would have been my selection as well.
Spurs - Nikola Topic (6’6 Guard - Red Star)
Selection by Wes Davenport - “The Spurs should jump at the chance to add the best pick-and-roll guard in the class. The potential to pair Wemby with this level of playmaker, who can grow as a scorer as well, is too great to pass up.”
My Thoughts - This makes complete sense to me. Adding floor spacing around Wemby it always an option that should be considered but adding the best PnR playmaker in the class is a great addition as well. I am excited to get some more tape on Topic down the stretch to evaluate as he has returned from his injury.
Rockets (via Nets) - Matas Buzelis (6’10 Wing/Forward - Ignite)
Selection by Nick Crain - “Houston has proven it has core pieces in the future that can defend at an incredibly high level. The biggest need to round out that young core is shooting, especially if Amen Thompson is going to reach his ceiling and get to his spots — spacing is key. A 3/4 punch of Jabari Smith and Matas Buzelis on the perimeter lends to fantastic positional size and shooting.”
My Thoughts - I am fine with this pick as I do have Buzelis in this range on my board and the Rockets are a tricky team to select for. If the shooting is closer to the HS profile than this past year with the Ignite then it makes a ton of sense.
Blazers - Zaccharie Risacher (6’9 Wing - JL Bourg)
Selection by Jack Quantrill - “With lottery picks of past drafts invested in the back court and Deandre Ayton’s presence at the 5, to me it makes sense to pick up a wing to join Rip City. Zac Risacher stands at 6ft 8, is a fluid mover with decent athleticism who shot the lights out earlier this season. Despite a lackluster 70% FT percentage and shorter self creation highlight reel than you’d typically expect in a number 4 pick, I think Risacher is the cleanest fit with the current Portland roster. Scoot, Sharpe and Simmons are all high usage guys, Deandre Ayton at his best looks like the ball dominant bigs of the 90’s (which can be a problem in itself in the 2020’s) so having a young guy who can come in, see the floor and develop with this young core without requiring a healthy number of iso’s every game leaves Portland with a functional looking young team and a healthy development environment for this new generation of Rose City Ballers.”
My Thoughts - Risacher has spent much of the cycle as the potential No. 1 pick for teams who didn’t seem to have a “need” for Alex Sarr but a rough stretch over the past few weeks has slid him on most boards. I still have him very high and think this is an awesome scenario for the Blazers.
Pistons - Tidjane Salaun (6’9 Forward - Cholet Basket)
Selection by Wes Davenport - “Last year, it was the Rockets and Pistons who drafted twins Amen and Ausar Thompson back-to-back. In this mock draft, it’s the Blazers and Pistons who draft back-to-back French forwards. Reed Sheppard and Dalton Knecht were intriguing here, but I think the Pistons want to add a forward. Salaun is raw, but he is a good athlete who plays with high energy on both ends. And I buy the catch-and-shoot jump shot. Day one, he’s a high-energy forward off the bench. In the future? The sky’s the limit with this young man’s motor and work ethic.”
My Thoughts - This is the first “WOW” moment of our mock draft. I understand the idea behind this selection in terms of what this Pistons team needs and what Salaun can bring but for me, he just isn’t in this tier of players right now. I think the players mentioned in the explanation are where I would have gone OR even solidify the big man position with Donovan Clingan (insert Troy Weaver loves centers joke here).
Wizards - Stephon Castle (6’6 Guard/Wing - Connecticut)
Selection by Matt Modderno - “The Wizards select Stephon Castle. At a minimum, he's the type of multi-positional perimeter defender their roster is sorely lacking. Even if he never develops into the type of primary facilitator he's shown flashes of, although I think there's a good chance he will, he's the type of connector they could use. He and Bilal Coulibaly could develop into one of best defensive duos in the league. If the offense comes around he's got big upside, which the Wizards need from their picks.”
My Thoughts - I am not quite as high on Castle as others BUT I do have him in my top tier list of players. The idea of pairing him and Coulibaly on the defensive end is EXCITING but it could lead to some real offensive spacing questions. My worries about Castle being able to space the floor seem to be stronger than others. I would have considered Ron Holland here, someone I am admittedly higher on than most, or Donovan Clingan.
Hornets - Rob Dillingham (6’2 Guard - Kentucky)
Selection by Corban Ford - “The Hornets select Rob Dillingham. Dillingham is an electric guard that should bring an immediate boost between his shotmaking ability and high-level passing reads, something Charlotte would most definitely benefit from, especially considering the anemic offensive droughts they experienced at various points over this past season. As a combo guard, Dillingham would have a role in a developing backcourt rotation of LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann, and provide more versatility with his own skillset.”
My Thoughts - Dillingham is definitely an electric offensive player and pairing him with Ball and Brandon Miller would make for a scary trio of talent for opposing defenses. The question here would obviously be how they work on the other end of the court and how much pressure that puts on Mark Williams to be an absolute anchor of the defense. While this is just a tad higher than I have Dillingham on my personal board, and with other prospects available that make sense, I can understand the idea behind the selection.
Spurs (via Raptors) - Dalton Knecht (6’6 Guard/Wing - Tennessee)
Selection by Wes Davenport - “The Spurs added the best pick-and-roll playmaker in this class, and now they add the best scorer in this class. Knecht is a bucket -- great shooter, scores at all three levels, and is a better athlete than he gets credit for. The floor spacing and scoring he would provide next to Wemby was already enticing at #2, it’s a downright steal at #8. The group of Topic-Knecht-Vassell would be a lot of fun.”
My Thoughts - I am completely in on this selection for the Spurs in what ends up being a nice draft haul with Topic and now, Knecht. As stated above, he is an absolute bucket that has three level scoring potential at his best outcome and is a real floor spacer at his “worst”. The defensive questions are real but having Wemby to make up for them puts Knecht in a great spot.
Jazz - Ron Holland (6’6 Wing - Ignite)
Selection by Richard Stayman - “Holland provides an upside swing on the wing as an all-around player. While his shot is far away, he should become a good defender that can get to the rim and thrive in quick offense. With the strong organization and culture in Utah under Will Hardy, Holland lands in arguably his top landing spot.”
My Thoughts - Holland was the top player on my personal big board at the time of this selection which makes this a really nice get for the Jazz in terms of talent and upside. They could have gone a little “safer” with Reed Sheppard but that backcourt is already fairly crowded with combo type guards. Long term, Holland could end up being a nice fit between the back court of Keyonte George (and whoever else the organization eventually commits to) and Lauri Markannen.
Hawks - Donovan Clingan (7’2 Big - Connecticut)
Selection by Garrett Johnson - “Atlanta is in a tricky spot if they want to draft for fit here with one of Trae Young or Dejounte Murray expected to be traded this offseason. Clint Capela is also expected to be on the move entering a contract year. With a lack of clarity outside of emerging star Jalen Johnson, Atlanta selects Donovan Clingan here as a potential best player available. This pick would represent the beginning of a return to a defensive identity that has been desperately needed for the Hawks. At 7’2”, Clingan is a significant rim deterrent with surprisingly nimble feet and fluid hips for a player his size; offensively, he’s a massive and mobile screen-setter that draws significant defensive gravity around the basket.”
My Thoughts - With Holland off the board, Sheppard would be my top player available but I fully understand this selection for the Hawks IF they are going into the offseason with the plans to trade Capela. At the end of the day this is a player that you can find as high as No. 2 or No. 3 on some big boards and mock drafts so getting him at No. 10 is great value for the Hawks.
Bulls - Reed Sheppard (6’3 Guard - Kentucky)
Selection by Richard Stayman - The Bulls have one of the most unique situations in the NBA, almost floating in limbo between core changes. Sheppard can be both a complementary piece to DeRozan and the rest of the team as a shooter that disrupts plays defensively, or a complementary guard that has a realistic starter upside alongside a new core that is built in the next couple of years.
My Thoughts - While Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu had really good seasons for the Bulls, adding Sheppard to the mix still makes plenty of sense to me. If they do trade LaVine this offseason that gives you a nice young trio in the backcourt to build with and at the end of the day he was not only the top player on my board but the final player in my first tier of prospects.
Thunder (via Rockets) - Cody Williams (6’8 Wing - Colorado)
Selection by Nick Crain - “Cody Williams has been at nearly every Thunder home game since his collegiate season ended. While he still needs time to develop into a player who can contribute on a contender, Oklahoma City has the luxury of staying patient and going for upside here.”
My Thoughts - Why not add another Williams to this roster and the younger brother of star, Jalen. This was my best player available and another prospect that has been in the top 5 (or even 3) on big boards at times throughout the season. The fit is really nice as the Thunder love players that can dribble, pass and shoot while also being able to defend and I can’t imagine there is a better place for Williams (Cody) to continue to develop these parts of his game than in OKC with his brother.
Kings - Ja’Kobe Walter (6’5 Guard/Wing - Baylor)
Selection by Trevor Lane - There are plenty of question marks surrounding the Kings after they failed to live up to expectations this season, getting ousted in the Play-In Tournament. They would like to keep Malik Monk, and Walter gives them another guard/wing to add to their young group and complement De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
My Thoughts - While Walter has really fallen on some draft boards I still have him as a late lottery/mid first round pick. The 3P% wasn’t as high as you would have liked to see for a guy whose offensive game is predicated on that but I still believe in the shot overall. Furthermore, the defense wasn’t quite as impactful as many thought but overall the intel on the kid is amazing and I am buying it. I think this fits a really nice need for the Kings and is the right value. Most quibbles with this selection will revolve around Duke guard Jared McCain not being selected above Walter.
Blazers (via Warriors) - Kel’El Ware (7’0 Big - Indiana)
Selection by Jack Quantrill - “As the draft flattens out in the late lottery stage I believe we’ll see teams take swings and that’s exactly what I’m doing here. Kel’el Ware is a toolsy player, 7’0 tall with a 7’7 wingspan, he’s a theoretical spacing five with a stride resembling a gazelle and nifty touch from floater range. There's still a rawness to his game and Indiana disappointed this season with Ware as their headline act but I’m willing to take a chance stepping into Joe Cronin’s shoes. I know I might be picking the next James Wiseman but that’s because I’m searching for what many thought James Wiseman could be pre draft. Portland has win-now players on the roster in Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon (amongst others) so I think there’s less value in taking a ready to play guy here. If this all works out I’ve got a five man who resembles a Frankenstinian hybrid of Deandre Ayton and Duop Reath, ready to pair in pick and roll action with Scoot Henderson. If it doesn’t I’m willing to take my lumps, I think Portland needs to shoot for the all-stars if they hope to build a contender over the back half of the 2020’s and that’s exactly what I’m doing in selecting almost ‘Son of Krypton’ Kel’el Ware.”
My Thoughts - If the Salaun selection made me say “WOW!” then this one REALLY caught me off guard. While Salaun jumped a tier (based on my personal rankings), he was a player that I could very much see as a lottery selection. In this scenario Ware not only jumps multiple bigs that I have higher (Filipowski, Missi, Holmes II, Edey and Ighodaro) but also from a second round pick into the lottery. I think it is easy to argue that Ware has first round talent and upside but I think this is a real “swing for the fences” by the Blazers.
Heat - Kyle Filipowski (7’0 Big - Duke)
Selection by Omari Sankofa II - “Filipowski seems like the type of player that makes teams later regret letting him fall outside of the lottery. He has real shooting touch, can handle and pass well for a 7-footer and is also capable defensively. He could be a really fun fit next to Bam as a stretch 5.”
My Thoughts - I have consistently been higher on Filipowski than what it seems like the consensus is. As stated above, this is a big man with real dribble, pass and shoot ability for the position which we continue to see the value of in today’s NBA. I also think the defense and mobility is better (not great) than he often gets credit for. While Kevin Love has played admirably for the Heat this season he will be entering his age 36 season next year assuming he exercises his player option and Thomas Bryant is an UFA this summer.
76ers - Isaiah Collier (6’4 Guard - USC)
Selection by Trevor Lane - The 76ers are going after big fish this summer armed with a ton of cap space, and will certainly be looking to win now. Collier offers plenty of upside and could make for an intriguing backup to Tyrese Maxey who can generate offense and get teammates looks.
My Thoughts - In a recent Mock Draft I took part in this was my selection as well. I just think the talent of Collier is too legit to pass up on at this point in the draft and the Sixers roster will essentially be a blank slate outside of Embiid, Maxey and a few other pieces. The backup PG position is one they will have to address (Lowry and Payne are both UFAs) so why not do it with a high upside talent like Collier.
Lakers - Zach Edey (7’4 Big - Purdue)
Selection by Trevor Lane - The Lakers have been in need of a big to back up Anthony Davis for a few seasons now, and finally get one here with Edey. While there are plenty of question marks about how well his game will translate to the NBA, he checks a box for the Lakers and perhaps could take some of the more physical center minutes off of Davis.
My Thoughts - Edey was the most dominant player in college basketball this season and I do think some of his game will translate to the NBA game to be a quality backup big. He is below two other bigs for me at this point (Missi and Holmes II) but if you are looking for the more physically imposing player, he checks that box. I also wonder if the Lakers could have gone Devin Carter or Jared McCain here depending on how they see their backcourt playing out this summer (Russell player option) and their belief in some of the younger players on the roster. (*I gave the Lakers this selection but did want to note the Pelicans do have the option to take this one or their 2025)
Magic - Tristan Da Silva (6’9 Wing/Forward - Colorado)
Selection by Richard Stayman - The Magic need more shooting, and they continue to prioritize size in almost every move they make. Da Silva checks both boxes, with some defensive upside and hidden playmaking potential. This gives him some skills to complement the roster well, and adds to the core message of having tall, capable two-way players.
My Thoughts - As we are fully into my second tier of players, Da Silva might be the best wing/forward of the bunch. As an older player he will potentially be able to help this Magic team a little bit sooner than a prospect with more developmental needs. Putting him in that wing/forward rotation with Franz and Paolo is really exciting. I will say it’s hard for me to not have been intrigued by them taking McCain with this pick and adding some scoring punch to their backcourt BUT they do have quite a few investments there already.
Raptors (via Pacers) - Devin Carter (6’3 Guard - Providence)
Selection by Esfandiar Baraheni - “The Raptors are desperate for 2-way guards and there might not be a better player in the draft for that than Carter. While he only shot the ball well in one season at Providence, he’s shown the confidence and ability to create his own shot and shoot with volume. He's also a ferocious point of attack and help-side defender, which directly fits into the Raptors needs at the position. Carter will likely start his career as the Raptors back-up PG with upside to eventually be more depending on how the scoring/shooting translates.”
My Thoughts - This was absolutely one of my top two or three players on the board and honestly, a player that I have heard might be even higher for NBA teams. There is conversation that he could end up being a late lottery pick. That makes this not only great value for the Raptors but fills a need for them in the backcourt with the potential loss of Gary Trent Jr. While he does not have the same offensive scoring upside, the two-way value should fit extremely well. I really like this pick.
Cavaliers - Jared McCain (6’3 Guard - Duke)
Selection by Keith Smith - “Depending on what happens with Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs either need another guard or really need another guard. McCain is a good fit. He can play with either Mitchell or Darius Garland. His rebounding will also benefit a team that doesn’t really rebound all that well.”
My Thoughts - This is an awesome get for the Cavs as McCain is a player that is really rocketing up draft boards and much like Devin Carter (above) is starting to even get some late lottery buzz. McCain does have an argument for the best shooter in this draft class and should hold up better defensively than you might expect for his height because of his strong frame. As mentioned, there is a need for backcourt depth and if nothing else he provides more floor spacing around a Cavs core that can always use more of that.
Pelicans (via Bucks) - Yves Missi (6’11 Big - Baylor)
Selection by Keith Smith - “The Pelicans have a need for another developmental big. Missi is young and he’s still pretty raw, but he’s got talent. New Orleans could re-sign Jonas Valanciunas, or another veteran stop-gap, and let Missi develop. He could eventually be a nice frontcourt partner for Zion Williamson.”
My Thoughts - Missi is going to be your prototypical rim running and rim protecting big when he first enters the league but showed flashes of developing more well rounded aspects of his game during his freshman campaign at Baylor. If this is the selection for the Pelicans I do think they would do well to bring back Valanciunas, or another veteran big, as I am not sure he will enter the league as a major minutes eater. Absolute best case scenario in his rookie season is he is able to provide what the Mavs got this season from Dereck Lively II.
Suns - Ryan Dunn (6’8 Forward - Virginia)
Selection by Anonymous - “In my eyes, and in the eyes of many of the NBA Draft world, Ryan Dunn is the premier defensive prospect in this class. Can contain a wide positional spectrum with outstanding footwork and physical tools. In Phoenix, Ryan can immediately handle tough defensive assignments and provide much needed lineup versatility. What Ryan lacks as a shooter, he makes up for as a quality screener and off-ball cutter. Floor spacing may be a concern, but I believe Ryan’s off-ball skills can unlock what often looks like a stagnant Suns offense.”
My Thoughts - I agree with ALL of the defensive praise being given to Dunn with this pick, he was one of my favorite players to watch this year on that end of the floor. The offense has a long ways to go and I am actually not sure he is the best fit with this isolation heavy, stagnant offense but I could actually see lineups where they go small and he plays as the “5” with the 3 stars and a floor spacer. This isn’t crazy high for me BUT I do have multiple wings and forwards ahead of him on my board. A Suns team desperate for some defense could definitely do much worse than perhaps the most versatile defender in the draft.
Bucks (via Pelicans) - Bobi Klintman (6’10 Wing/Forward - Cairns)
Selection by Keith Smith - “The Bucks don’t have any young wings that look like they’ll be surefire rotation guys. Andre Jackson Jr. is the closest, but adding another wing with good size is necessary. Klintman has a ton of potential to eventually be a decent scorer. His shot should continue to develop. Shooting with size is something all teams will always be in the market for. ”
My Thoughts - DaRon Holmes II is still my best player on the board at this point (someone is about to get a steal) but Klintman might make more sense here considering the three man big rotation the Bucks already have. I think there is an argument to be made for Tyler Kolek with Patrick Beverley being an UFA but it’s hard to argue adding wing/forward depth and Klintman is a player I really like. I think he might have the best off the ball cutting instincts in the class and I do think he will be an adequate floor spacer long term.
Knicks (via Mavericks) - Tyler Smith (6’10 Forward - Ignite)
Selection by Garrett Johnson - “The Knicks sport a deep roster of NBA veterans, making it difficult for players in this range to immediately impact winning on a nightly basis. In Tyler Smith, the Knicks look to add more athleticism and shooting pop to the bench power forward spot. Still fairly raw in the other areas of his game, Smith could afford to be brought along slowly for a team that would look to see him enter the rotation consistently in year two or three after he gets comfortable defending on an NBA court.”
My Thoughts - While there are players available higher on my board (DaRon Holmes II and Tyler Kolek), Smith is still in that same tier which means the Knicks are getting good value in a player that some in the media space have as high as a lottery pick. I do think he might be the most prototypical “stretch 4” with potential to play some “small ball 5”. I do not think he was in a good situation with the Ignite this season and his offensive value could be even greater than we saw. My one hesitation with sending him to NY to play for Thibs would be the defensive concerns and how quickly he can improve upon those.
Knicks - Tyler Kolek (6’3 Guard - Marquette)
Selection by Garrett Johnson - “Tyler Kolek is one of the best passing prospects in recent memory and plays with a level of intensity that should endear him to Coach Thibs right away. Coming off the bench, Kolek would serve as an expert distributor who could help maintain great spacing while Jalen Brunson is off the floor. On a team with multiple Big East stars who outperformed draft night expectations, Kolek could very well be the next.”
My Thoughts - This just seems like a great pairing considering the level of competitiveness Kolek plays with. Honestly, he was not a player I was fully bought into coming into the college basketball season but another year of solid shooting from the 3-point line sold me. He may never be an NBA starting level point guard but should thrive off the bench for many years as the primary floor general or spacing the floor off another creator.
Wizards (via Clippers) - DaRon Holmes II (6'10 Center - Dayton)
Selection by Matt Modderno - “A rebuilding team should take Best Player Available at a position where they actually have opportunity for playing time, which in this case is DaRon Holmes II. For a team in desperate need of front court depth, taking this two-way big is both a case of drafting for need and BPA.”
My Thoughts - STEAL ALERT!!! In “my thoughts” for the Wizards first selection I mentioned potentially taking Donovan Clingan as I think they drastically need to add a young big man to the roster. Well, they stayed patient and got a big man I absolutely love at the end of the first round. MULTIPLE players lower on my board have gone before him so not only is this an ideal fit but insane value.
Timberwolves - Jaylon Tyson (6’7 Guard/Wing - California)
Selection by Anonymous - “Jaylon Tyson is a high usage, tough shotmaking ball-handler with great positional size and skill, and can bring a scoring punch to a bench unit that ranks near the bottom of bench points per game. As key role players hit unrestricted free agency this summer (Monte Morris and Jordan McLaughlin), the Wolves allocate rookie scale value towards replenishing their guard depth.”
My Thoughts - I have been a fan of Tyson since the first game I watched of his this year at California. He is somewhat of a tough evaluation because his role does project to be different in the NBA than what you will see on film this past year but I simply buy the combination of size and skill. Not necessarily the same types of players, the hope would be that he can be the same type of “older prospect who immediately contributes to an NBA team” as we saw from Jaime Jaquez Jr. this season with the Heat.
Nuggets - Johnny Furphy (6’9 Wing - Kansas)
Selection by Omari Sankofa II - “I really like the idea of adding another big off-ball shooter next to Nikola Jokic. Furphy can really knock them down, but he’s also an open floor threat thanks to his athleticism and rebounds. Offers a lot as a modern four.”
My Thoughts - While Furphy was getting lottery love during the breakout part of his freshman season at Kansas, that momentum has died down just a bit. Still, he is a floor spacing wing that makes plenty of sense for a Nuggets rotation that has quality young wing/forwards (Christian Braun and Peyton Watson) that do have questions around their floor spacing (depending how the organization feels about Julian Strawther). Adding Furphy to these two would make for an exciting trio off the bench that compliments each other very well and gives the Nuggets real options with their lineup versatility. With that said, there is an argument that adding backcourt or center depth could be more of a pressing issue with this pick.
Jazz (via Thunder) - Payton Sandfort (6’7 Wing - Iowa)
Selection by Garrett Johnson - “The Jazz have a young on-ball guard in Keyonte George growing into his role next to multiple other ball-dominant guards in Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson. With this in mind, Utah would benefit from investing in a wing with high-level off-ball skills who can be counted on to make good decisions with inconsistent on-ball reps. Payton Sandfort has one of the sweetest strokes in the draft with a statistical profile that screams high-level NBA shooter. His feel for the game is exemplified through his adept off-ball movement and passing reads. Sandfort will need to demonstrate that he can defend in the NBA; in Utah, he has an opportunity with a team that can be patient as he develops on that side of the ball.”
My Thoughts - BEST. SHOOTER. IN. THE. DRAFT. I have been screaming this for over a year now and it seems like NBA teams are finally starting to notice the value this kid can bring in terms of his floor spacing. His junior year also highlighted the improvements he has made as a defender and rebounder. Teams that really watch the film will also see a plus level passer for his role and position. Sandfort is not getting first round buzz right now but I believe he absolutely should.
Celtics - Oso Ighodaro (6’11 Big - Marquette)
Selection by Keith Smith - “Boston has guards and they have wings. What they don’t have is a ton of bigs. Al Horford will retire…eventually. Ighodaro comes in as an older player, but that’s fine. Boston could plug him right away and Ighodaro will defend at an NBA level. He’s not perfect, but with the last pick of the round, the Celtics get a player who can help sooner, rather than a long-term project.”
My Thoughts - While Ighodaro has always been one of my favorite players, he has actually fallen down my big board recently due to his rebounding and figuring out exactly how he fits into some offensive schemes. His passing is a blast, he can operate a DHO comfortably and he can absolutely hit the short roll floater but he may never score outside of the lane. I currently have him as a 2nd round prospect but every single player I have ranked above him is either a guard or a wing which means if the Celtics are looking for a big this pick makes complete sense and he would offer some real defensive versatility to add to the rotation.
