1. Minnesota Timberwolves - Anthony Edwards, SG, Georgia - In a draft with no clear cut top guy, the Timberwolves could go several different routes with the first overall pick. Edwards is the best player in this draft in my opinion. He can score at every level of the game. He brings elite length, strength and athleticism to the backcourt. He can easily play all three positions across the front court as well. He lacks some quality on the defensive side of the ball and is not the most consistent three-point shooter at this point. That can come. For a team looking for an offensive spark-plug to put alongside D’Angelo Russell, this is a no brainer.
2. Golden State Warriors - James Wiseman, C, Memphis - The Warriors are in a tough spot here. There isn’t an exact fit among the top players in this draft for this team. I’d love to project Isaac Okoro here but I’ll stick with the big man, James Wiseman. Weisman has a 7-foot-5 wingspan. He’s an elite athlete and can protect the rim with the best of them. On top of that, he can step out beyond the three-point-line and shoot at an efficient rate. Imagine tossing Wiseman in a lineup consisting of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green. This of course, is if they don’t trade this pick.
3. Charlotte Hornets - LaMelo Ball, PG, USA - Ball is arguably the best player in this draft. Being 6-foot-7 puts him in the elite category for the position in terms of height. On top of having elite size, he has elite ball handling skills and a crazy high basketball IQ to complete the best passes on the floor. Due to his size, he also has the chance to be an above-average defender. He also just turned 19 in August. The Hornets are in need of a spark. He’ll also bring a bit of the spotlight to the often forgotten franchise.
4. Chicago Bulls - Isaac Okoro, SF, Auburn - Okoro will instantly bring elite defense to the NBA. He was arguably the best, and most impactful defensder in all of college basketball. The Bulls are in need of quality wing play and Okoro is the best in this draft. He’s long and plays with great intensity. He’s a quality rebounder from the wing as well. Okoro has elite lateral quickness and elite technique already in his locker. Okoro could be the best player in this entire draft when it’s all said and done. He has some work to do on the offensive side of the ball but I have faith that will come.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers - Deni Avdija, SF, Israel - We’ve seen the recent success of European players transitioning into the NBA. Avdijia could be the next success story. The 6-foot-9 Israelie is big enough (and skillful enough) to play power-forward but has the ball-handling skills and finesse of a point guard. Something we don’t talk enough about in terms of prospects is off-of-the-ball play. Avdija is one of the best, if not the best, in those terms in this draft. His defensive tenacity can not be matched. He’s quick enough to guard every position on the floor.
6. Atlanta Hawks - Tyrese Haliburton, PG, Iowa State - This is a pick that I don’t expect to be taken by the Atlanta Hawks come Wednesday night. If the selection is to be made by the Hawks, they desperately need to find Trae Young a running mate. At 6-foot-5 and a near 6-foot-8 wingspan, Haliburton can play shooting guard along Young. He’s a career 43-percent three-point-shooter in college and probably has the highest basketball IQ of anyone in this draft. Adding the likes of Haliburton not only gives a running mate for Young, but offers a better defender to run point when Young is to sit, without sacrificing much offense.
7. Detroit Pistons - Onyeka Okongwu, C, USC - Okongwu is by far the best-player-available at this point of the draft. Okongwu is quick on his feet, covers ground and plays above the rim. He’s already an elite offensive rebounder. He’s a very talented defender who has both the ability and basketball IQ to block shots at a high clip. His footwork is unmatched in this draft. His interior offensive game is the best you’ll find. He also shot 72-percent from the free-throw line during his time at USC, which is a great number for a bigman.
8. New York Knicks - Kira Lewis Jr., PG, Alabama - The Knicks have desperately been looking for their franchise point guard for years now. They may finally get this chance here. Lewis is one of the quickest rising players up draft boards through this pre-draft process. He’s easily the quickest player in this entire draft. He can change speeds and directions at will, putting even the best of defenders on skates. He shot over 36-percent from three at Alabama, meaning he shoots a quality three-ball. He’s soft on the floater and even has a quality euro-step in his game. This is a name worth keeping an eye on moving forward.
9. Washington Wizards - Obi Toppin, SF, Dayton - Toppin is the best transition player in this draft. He plays rim-to-rim with great speed, stride and efficiency. He can jump out of the gym with his athletic ability. Toppin is also a three-level scorer. He can jump over big-men to finish an alley-oop, drive the lane or even step out and bury the three. On top of his offensive skill set, he’s a quality defender. He’s best at cutting off driving lanes and even has the ability to play above the rim and block shots.
10. Phoenix Suns - Patrick Williams, SF, Florida State - After acquiring Chris Paul and trading away Kelly Oubre, the Suns need to fill a hole on the wing. The best option at ten is Florida State’s Patrick Williams. He has ideal physicals and size to be an NBA wing/forward. He has a wingspan over seven-foot to defend the back-court but also has the strength to guard big men. He has the ability to shoot the three-ball but can also pull up and shoot at an efficient rate. Williams is also the second youngest player in the draft.
11. San Antonio Spurs - Aaron Nesmith, SF, Vanderbilt - Nesmith is the best shooter in this draft. Nesmith made more than four three-pointers per game at Vanderbilt. He converted over 50-percent of his three-point attempts. Unlike most elite shooters we see in drafts, Nesmith also brings an impressive physical profile at 6-foot-6 and over a seven-foot wingspan. There isn’t a shot on the floor Nesmith can’t make. He’s a player not being talked about enough.
12. Sacramento Kings - Precious Achiuwa, PF, Kentucky - Another year, another elite athletic frontcourt player taken by the Kings. On top of having ideal physicals and athleticism, Achiuwa is one of the best defenders in this draft. He’s long with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. He’s a mismatch at the four. Achiuwa has the ability to score in the paint but also step out and hit the three, at which he shot just shy of 33-percent while at Kentucky. His best offensive trait is attacking the rim in space.
13. New Orleans Pelicans - Devin Vassell, SG, Florida State - The Pelicans could use some front-court shooting. That’s what Vassell brings to the table. He has three-and-D potential at the next level with his career 42-percent three-point shooting in college. On top of that, he has a reported seven-foot wingspan, as he can finish above the rim in transition. Vassell has much more shot-creating ability and ball handling skills than your typical three-and-D players.
14. Boston Celtics via Memphis Grizzlies - Aleksej Pokusevski, PF, Serbia - Pokusevski is unlike any prospect in his draft. He has a 9-foot-1 standing reach and a 7-foot-3 wingspan on top of his seven-foot frame. He’s already a polished offensive player with great footwork and technique, often of what we see out of European players. Pokusevski can also pull up and hit the three. He’s a quality rebounder and does well stepping into passing lanes for steals.
15. Orlando Magic - Killian Hayes, PG, France - The Magic could use an elite ball handler and that’s what the France point guard brings to the NBA. Hayes is experienced as he’s already played 72 professional games in Europe. He’s great on the pick-and-roll, has a quality three-point shot and is an above-average passer. He does all of this on a 6-foot-5 frame, which obviously is big for the point guard position. With the ball in hand, he can change directions and speed, getting past the best of defenders.
16. Portland Trailblazers - Jalen Smith, PF, Maryland - Jalen Smith played most of his minutes in college at center but has the ability to play either frontcourt position at the next level. He’s 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan. Even at that size, he hit 37-percent of three-pointers and shot 75-percent from the free throw line. In today’s ever changing game, the need for offensive versatility is a must. He’s an effective shot blocker and has the athleticism to be a great defender in the NBA.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves via Brooklyn Nets - Leandro Bolmaro, SG, Argentina - Bolmaro is one of the most interesting players in this draft. I love this guy’s game. He’s a 6-foot-7 guard who can easily run the point. He’s an elite ball handler who plays with different speeds and is one of the best passers off of the dribble in this draft. His energy of defense, combined with his size, makes him a quality defender as well.
18. Dallas Mavericks - Tyrese Maxey, SG, Kentucky - Maxey played most of his time in college off-of-the-ball but has the ability to play back-up minutes in terms of running the point. He’s what we would describe as an instinctive scorer. He can score from every place on the floor. He’s very physical on the defensive side of the ball. He’s stout for his 6-foot-3 frame.
19. Brooklyn Nets from Philadelphia 76ers - RJ Hampton, PG, USA - As the Nets look to acquire another star to pair with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, they’ll need to find some depth. Hampton is a quick and explosive athlete with great size at 6-foot-5. Hampton can play both on-and-off the ball. He’s best at attacking the rim but is also developing a decent three-point shot. He’s very good at driving and kicking the ball out. Imagine Hampton attacking the rim to kick the ball out to an open Durant, Irving or dare I say it, James Harden.
20. Miami Heat - Cole Anthony, PG, North Carolina - We can easily describe Anthony as an effective yet aggressive offensive player. He’s scored at every level during his time with North Carolina. Anthony also plays with a lot of confidence, which can both be described as an asset or a fault. He showed up at the Nike Academy, competing against NBA players. He lacks some ability on the defensive side of the ball, but showed signs of improvement during his later games in college.
21. Philadelphia 76ers from Oklahoma City Thunder - Josh Green, SG, Arizona - The 76ers are in desperate need of some perimeter shooting. Green is the best option at this point of the draft to fill that need. He has great measurables for the position, is long armed and can run-and-jump with the best of them. He has stand-still three shooting ability, is great with the swing pass and attacking the rim. He’s also an above-average defender who competes both on and off the ball.
22. Denver Nuggets from Houston Rockets - Saddiq Bey, PF, Villanova - The Nuggets can use some frontcourt help and there’s no one better than Bey. Bey is not the best of athletes but is a rather versatile player. He was one of the most efficient combo forwards in college basketball. He can play on the wing or down low. A team like Denver can use quality depth and that’s what you’re getting with Bey.
23. Utah Jazz - Nico Mannion, PG, Arizona - Mannion comes with a narrow and smaller 6-foot-3 frame but makes up for that with his blend of scoring and playmaking. He has potential to be a three-level scorer in the NBA. He does possess some of the highest basketball IQ in this draft. He has the ability to make any and every read on the court. In today’s NBA, we know what smaller point guards can do, and Mannion could be one of the next great ones.
24. Milwaukee Bucks from Indiana Pacers - Theo Maledon, PG, France - The Bucks made a move to acquire Jrue Holiday from the Pelicans but in the process sacrificed their point guard depth in the process. With a later pick in the draft they have a chance to find Jrue’s new backup. Maledon has excellent size for the position. He’s a very fundamentally sound player who is efficient and keeps his mistakes to a minimum. He has a career three-point shooting percentage of 36-percent. Ideal for an off-the-bench game manager.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder from Denver Nuggets - Cassius Winston, PG, Michigan State - I’m a big fan of Winston. When it comes to the pick-and-roll, you won’t find a better player in this draft. While shooting 600 collegiate threes, he shot 43-percent from three. That’s impressive. He’s great in pulling up in transition from three. He beats teams with underneath screens. He lacks size at 6-foot-1 and is a limited athlete. He’ll struggle a bit on defense in the NBA, but as the Thunder traded both Chris Paul and Dennis Schroder, they need help at the point.
26. Boston Celtics - Robert Woodard II, SF, Mississippi State - If You’re looking for the best bang-for-your-buck with a late first round pick, look no further than Woodard. His measurables are ideal for an NBA forward with a 7-foot-1 wingspan on his 6-foot-7 frame. He can defend every position from point guard to power forward. On top of all of this, he’s made 43-percent of his collegiate threes. This is an absolute steal if the Celtics can get Woodard this late.
27. New York Knicks from Los Angeles Clippers - Desmond Bane, SG, TCU - As I have the Knicks grabbing their franchise point guard in this draft, getting a spot shooter to run next to him or off the bench is a must. Bane is as good as they come in terms of spot shooters. Bane did hit 43-percent of his 574 collegiate threes. He’s 6-foot-6 with a small wingspan however. Although limited in size and athleticism, Bane is smart, effective and quick when it comes to defense.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder from Los Angeles Lakers - Elijah Hughes, SG, Syracuse - As the Thunder enter their rebuild and get a second first round pick from the Lakers for Dennis Schroder they’ll look for the best bang-for-their-buck. Hughes led the ACC in scoring a season ago with 19 points-per-game. Hughes has great shot-creation skills and a quality pull-up game. He shot a career 34-percent from three in college as well.
29. Toronto Raptors - Isaiah Stewart, C, Washington - Stewart is a physical specimen. He’s stout, tough and strong. He has the body to bang in the paint with NBA big men. His best asset is his intensity, both on offense and defense. Like previously mentioned, he has the strength to get rebounds and play great defense. He also shot 77-percent from the line in college.
30. Boston Celtics from Milwaukee Bucks - Tre Jones, PG, Duke - The Celtics get a third first round pick and will use it on Duke star Tre Jones. Jones’ return to Duke for his sophomore year helped him. He improved his three point shooting from 26-percent to 36-percent. He’s experienced and will definitely service as a quality spot starter or bench player.
Second Round
31. Dallas Mavericks from Golden State Warriors - Jaden McDaniels, PF, Washington
32. Charlotte Hornets from Cleveland Cavaliers - Udoka Azubuike, C, Kansas
33. Minnesota Timberwolves - Malachi Flynn, PG, San Diego State
34. Philadelphia 76ers from Atlanta Hawks - Payton Pritchard, PG, Oregon
35. Sacramento Kings from Detroit Pistons - Tyler Bey, PF, Colorado
36. Philadelphia 76ers from New York Knicks - Zeke Nnaji, PF, Arizona
37. Washington Wizards from Chicago Bulls - Reggie Perry, C, Mississippi State
38. New York Knicks from Charlotte Hornets - Xavier Tillman, C, Michigan State
39. New Orleans Pelicans from Washington Wizards - Daniel Oturu, C, Minnesota
40. Memphis Grizzlies from Phoenix Suns - Jahmi'us Ramsey, PG, Texas Tech
41. San Antonio Spurs - Kenyon Martin Jr., SF, USA
42. New Orleans Pelicans - Skylar Mays, SG, LSU
43. Sacramento Kings - Isaiah Joe, SG, Arkansas
44. Chicago Bulls from Memphis Grizzlies - Jordan Nwora, PF, Louisville
45. Orlando Magic - Vernon Carey Jr., C, Duke
46. Portland Trailblazers - Justinian Jessup, SF, Boise State
47. Boston Celtics from Brooklyn Nets - Tyrell Terry, PG, Stanford
48. Golden State Warriors from Dallas Mavericks - Immanuel Quickley, PG, Kentucky
49. Philadelphia 76ers - Cassius Stanley, SG, Duke
50. Atlanta Hawks from Miami Heat - Sam Merrill, SG, Utah State
51. Golden State Warriors from Utah Jazz - Josh Hall, SF, USA
52. Sacramento Kings from Houston Rockets - Grant Riller, PG, Charleston
53. Oklahoma City Thunder - Paul Reed, PF, DePaul
54. Indiana Pacers - Nate Hinton, SG, Houston
55. Brooklyn Nets from Denver Nuggets - Lamine Diane, SF, CSU Northridge
56. Charlotte Hornets from Boston Celtics - Karim Mane, SG, Canada
57. Los Angeles Clippers - Yam Mader, PG, Israel
58. Philadelphia 76ers from Los Angeles Lakers - Mason Jones, SG, Arkansas
59. Toronto Raptors - Abdoulaye N'Doye, PG, France
60. New Orleans Pelicans from Milwaukee Bucks - Devon Dotson, PG, Kansas
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