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Minnesota Timberwolves - 1st
Anthony Edwards G/F 6-5, 225 Georgia, Freshman
19.2 years old 6-9 wingspan
I want to waver on this pick and be contrarian but it makes too much sense, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Malik Beasley. Anthony Edwards can score in every way possible. He is a potential 30 points per game guy with the right breaks. This is a weak class, but that potential doesn't exist in every draft. He's a cannon ball on the floor with show-stopping strength. He led the SEC in steals, but needs to improve his instincts to become a consistent defender. Nothing is out of the question with him.
Golden State Warriors - 2nd
LaMelo Ball G 6-7, 180 Illawarra Hawks, New Zealand
19.3 years old 6-10 wingspan
If they don't trade this pick, it should be LaMelo. The Warriors alleged lack of size is an overblown concern, even with Anthony Davis in the conference. There are ample big men available in free agency, and a Nerlens Noel or Derrick Favors would love to join Golden State. The Warriors offense has minimal creation outside of Steph Curry and Draymond Green, who both have a lot of mystery surrounding what they’ll look like next season. Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson can’t create at all. Ball can stretch the floor, rebound, and has the highest floor in this draft. He's as good a dribbler and passer as exists at his age. Even if he is never great like his detractors think, he has a nice place in the NBA.
Charlotte Hornets - 3rd
Onyeka Okongwu C 6-10, 245 USC, Freshman
19.8 years old 7-2 wingspan
James Wiseman has major concerns and is a relic. He may conventionally fit better next to PJ Washington, but PJ should play more of the five this year after getting time doing it towards the end of last season. Okongwu and PJ could share the floor in more situations and are a fearsome, cutting edge front court. They’d probably be the two most versatile young bigs in the NBA. Okongwu is scary light on his feet, intelligent, and large. Bam Adebayo is a hefty comparison to live up to, but that's at least the mold OO could fit in.
Chicago Bulls - 4th
Tyrese Haliburton G 6-5, 170 Iowa St, Soph
20.6 years old 6-8 wingspan
Killian Hayes could also be the pick, it depends which guard Chicago likes better. Coby White fits well next to either, but the biggest hole in White’s game is defense and facilitation so I went with the top-tier defender and basketball genius Haliburton. He also hits threes and won't demand shots to succeed and contribute. Zach LaVine has been in trade talks and for good reason. He’s the oldest member of the Bulls core and the one with the least room to grow. His departure would open up a lot of shots and usage for what will soon be as good a young core as any. Coby White, Hali, Lauri Markkanen, and Wendell Carter, Jr. will be a lot of fun. I’m excited to see what they get for LaVine, hopefully it’s defense (or a way to draft Isaac Okoro).
Cleveland Cavaliers - 5th
Patrick Williams F 6-8, 225 Florida St, Freshman
19.2 years old 6-11 wingspan
The first big surprise of the draft. Williams is one of the best defenders in the class and is an absolute marvel physically. He is like the inverse Kevin Love, and with a Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, Kevin Porter, Jr. 1-3 of the future, he’s an incredible fit. Smarter scouts than me think he could even play some small ball center. His offense is raw, but with good feel and playmaking so he doesn't stop anything or contribute negatively. Not a tremendous rebounder right now, but next to Andre Drummond, he will be fine.
Atlanta Hawks - 6th
Killian Hayes G 6-6, 210 ratiopharm Ulm, Germany
19.3 years old 6-7 wingspan
The Hawks lowkey need creation and could use shooting. They really need defense, but there aren’t great options with Okongwu and Williams off the board, and Isaac Okoro playing the same position as Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hunter. Hayes can play alongside either Trae Young or Kevin Huerter, or alongside both in more modern lineups. His playmaking is great and so is his scoring. Making Huerter their third-best guard would be fantastic, and it would help both Huerter and Young define their roles. Not making Trae Young do everything for the offense will help a lot.
Detroit Pistons - 7th
Deni Avdija F 6-9, 220 Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel
19.8 years old 6-9 wingspan
The Pistons roster is really bare. They just need talent. They would be elated for any of the three point guards off the board to fall to them. Instead, they get a playmaker at wing with high upside. This is earlier than a lot of people may like for Deni, which is weird because early in the process he was a darling prospect. Wing is the most important position and Avdija can do pretty much everything on both sides of the ball except shoot. He and Luke Kennard will make a great and versatile wing attack on offense, and make up for their lack of point guard. Sekou Doumbouya will benefit from a lot of good looks. Point guards absolutely abound in this draft class, so acquiring a pick in the 20s will be easy and worthwhile.
New York Knicks - 8th
Obadiah Toppin PF 6-9, 225 Dayton, Sophomore
22.5 years old 6-11 wingspan
The Knicks signed three power forwards in last year’s free agency, and they get another. The only future pieces they have are RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson. They might as well see what they have some more in Dennis Smith, Jr., Frank Ntilikina, and Kevin Knox, because their trade values are all so low. Toppin injects some much needed offense to their young crew. He can score inside, shoot, pass, everything. Defense doesn’t matter when you’re this bad, they just need anything positive. And maybe Toppin’s defense can be coached up. Some scouts say it won’t be as bad as we all think, but his floor is maybe the worst defender in the NBA.
Washington Wizards - 9th
Devin Vassell G/F 6-7, 195 Florida St, Sophomore
20.1 years old 6-10 wingspan
John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Rui Hachimura is a top three that uses the ball a lot and accounts for a lot of the offense. And two of them, along with a good amount of their bench, can’t shoot the three very well. Enter Vassell, who is a great team defender and low-maintenance shooter. Isaac Okoro could be in play as well; he upgrades Vassell on defense a lot in exchange for worse shooting. Or Tyrese Maxey, who would be a great third guard. The Wizards two oldest players are their only two point guards: Wall and Ish Smith (who is also expiring).
Phoenix Suns - 10th
Kira Lewis Jr G 6-3, 165 Alabama, Sophomore
19.6 years old 6-7 wingspan
The Suns traded for Chris Paul, and they're likely a playoff team now - especially with the Pelicans and Thunder stepping back. The CP3 trade costed them starting point guard Ricky Rubio and projected backup Ty Jerome. Plus, Paul is way older than the rest of the roster. They need a backup for the present and a piece for the future. Enter Lewis, who could end up as good as any point guard in the class in his best-case scenario. A terrifically fast player with no skill that couldn't come around. Quality starter potential and a better fit next to Booker than some of the other guards available.
San Antonio Spurs - 11th
James Wiseman C 7-0, 240 Memphis, Freshman
19.6 years old 7-4 wingspan
This team needs shooting badly. But Pop is old school and LaMarcus Aldridge is both expiring and in trade rumors. They need a hit badly, and Wiseman has a chance at becoming a star. If he wasn't so 1990s in play style, his physical portfolio would have him going much higher. He can't playmake at all and needs work on his shot selection. Still, players with the gifts Wiseman has virtually always make it in the NBA. He's a dominant athlete.
Sacramento Kings - 12th
Tyrese Maxey G 6-2, 200 Kentucky, Freshman
19.9 years old 6-7.5 wingspan
An instant offense guard who plays intense defense. Probably best as an off-guard. Buddy Hield will not play another game for the Kings, and Maxey will fit their roster because of his playmaking. They have nothing in that department outside of De’Aaron Fox. That boy needs some help.
New Orleans Pelicans - 13th
Aaron Nesmith F 6-6, 215 Vanderbilt, Sophomore
20.1 years old 6-9.5 wingspan
They just traded for Eric Bledsoe, but he’s an awful fit next to Lonzo Ball. I imagine he gets flipped or becomes the sixth man. This team needs spacing regardless, with JJ Redick expiring and getting up there in age. Nesmith brings effort on defense and could be the best shooter in the draft. Low-maintenance shooting and spacing will be huge with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram doing the bulk of the scoring alongside Lonzo’s facilitation.
Boston Celtics - 14th
Tre Jones PG 6-3, 185 Duke, Sophomore
20.8 years old 6-3 wingspan
A reliable backup point guard. Brad Wanamaker was fine at best this past season, and is currently a free agent. Marcus Smart is a fine playmaker, but he is the second guard not a point guard. Jones will be adequate right away, bring good defense, and minimize mistakes. Huge for a contender. The Celtics also have selections 26, 30, and 47, so don’t be surprised if they package some of these in a trade.
Orlando Magic - 15th
Desmond Bane G/F 6-6, 215 TCU, Senior
22.3 years old 6-4 wingspan
Markelle Fultz should transition into the full-time point guard role with DJ Augustin gone. Evan Fournier is on the last year of his deal and isn’t a long term building block. Bane can score at will and has unlimited range. His playmaking is nice for an off-ball guard and after this year he and Fultz should be a high-quality backcourt. This team needs scoring.
Houston Rockets - 16th
Cole Anthony G 6-2, 190 UNC, Freshman
20.5 years old 6-5 wingspan
A Russell Westbrook or James Harden trade feels imminent at this point. This team will need another playmaker. Anthony could go a lot higher. He was a top-ten lock before North Carolina had an absolute nightmare season that was far from just his fault. If the Rockets end up turning Covington into Cole Anthony, they’ll be ecstatic. He has a tremendous ceiling and can do everything, especially if he gets to learn from one of Houston’s MVP guards.
Minnesota Timberwolves - 17th
Isaac Okoro SF 6-6, 230 Auburn, Freshman
19.8 years old 6-9 wingspan
A player who should not have fallen this far. Okoro is the best perimeter defender in this class, and can do everything on offense. There is no telling if his shooting will ever be a plus, but he can handle, finish, and pass at solid levels. The Wolves would love a point guard here as well, considering they straight up do not have one outside of D’Angelo Russell. They could trade for another selection coming up soon or sign a stop-gap in free agency. They did say they want to win now. Okoro's strengths and a veteran PG help with that.
Dallas Mavericks - 18th
Leandro Bolmaro F 6-7, 190 FC Barcelona, Spain
20.1 years old
Tim Hardaway, Jr. is currently the starting wing and he brings a lot of scoring punch, but he’s expiring and may not be around longterm. Bolmaro is a great shooter, good scorer, and could develop quality handling ability. The Mavericks have been rumored as interested in Zach LaVine, Buddy Hield, and Spencer Dinwiddie. Those players bring different things and new needs. THJ would likely be included in any trade, though.
Brooklyn Nets - 19th
Cassius Winston PG 6-1, 195 Michigan St, Senior
22.7 years old 6-6 wingspan
They could really trade up for Tyrese Maxey. It seems like Spencer Dinwiddie and/or Caris LeVert will be gone. They’re going to need guards. Maxey would be the perfect complement to Kyrie Irving. Winston is a little undersized, but facilitates well and plays good defense in spite of his stature.
Miami Heat - 20th
Saddiq Bey F 6-8, 220 Villanova, Sophomore
21.5 years old. 6-10 wingspan
The Heat love cerebral, rangey wing play. Bey can shoot and playmake, and will understand his role well on a team that was just in the Finals. His intelligence lends himself to a win-now priority.
Philadelphia 76ers - 21st
Tyrell Terry, PG 6-3, 170 Stanford, Freshman
20.1 years old 6-2 wingspan
Could be the best shooter in the draft. The 76ers need that more than anything. They were the worst-spaced team in the NBA last season. Ben Simmons is a super unique lead guard, and Terry provides what Simmons' complement needs.
Denver Nuggets - 22nd
Paul Reed F/C 6-9, 220 DePaul, Junior
21.4 years old 7-2 wingspan
A good replacement for Paul Millsap. Reed is an awesome defender all-around. Put up a crazy 5.0 stocks last season, and could have an unknown ceiling considering how late of a bloomer he is.
Utah Jazz - 23rd
Xavier Tillman Sr. C 6-8, 265 Mich St, Junior
21.8 years old 7-2 wingspan
Rudy Gobert wants a supermax. The Jazz are hesitant - rightfully - to give him that. If it doesn’t change, they will trade him. Tillman is a great defender and incredibly intelligent. He is not as good as Rudy Gobert, but he may be more suited to a modern game. The Jazz don’t appear close enough to win it all with Gobert, so letting him move on will let them add another star that moves the needle more. Tillman suits that likely future.
New Orleans Pelicans - 24th
Aleksej Pokuševski F 7-0, 205 Olympiacos, Greece
18.8 years old 7-3 wingspan
Poku is the most unique prospect I’ve seen since, no idea. Maybe ever. He is a rail-thin seven footer than can absolutely drill it from deep. He handles like a guard in transition and makes some of the most ridiculous passes you will see at any level. He can defend the perimeter and block shots. He thinks he’s the greatest basketball player who has ever lived. He dresses so poorly that he might be the best-dressed man alive. I’ve seen him number 1 and 2 on boards. I’ve seen him as low as 84. We are going to love him. This pick belonged to Milwaukee before the Jrue Holiday trade.
Oklahoma City Thunder - 25th
Zeke Nnaji, F/C 6-10, 245 Arizona, Freshman
19.8 years old 7-2 wingspan
Steven Adams appears on the move. He is due a change of scenery. Nnaji is mostly a conventional center like Adams, but he is not nearly as archaic. He’s a good lob threat and can actually shoot from outside of the restricted area.
Boston Celtics - 26th
Grant Riller G 6-2, 180 Charleston, Senior
23.6 years old 6-5 wingspan
A tremendous pure scorer, one of the best in the draft. Instant offense who can hit any shot. Gordon Hayward is likely gone, so an alternative route is them trading this pick and something else to replace him with Saddiq Bey.
New York Knicks - 27th
Devon Dotson G 6-2, 185 Kansas, Sophomore
21.2 years old 6-3 wingspan
An undersized scoring guard that gets to the rim exceptionally well. The Knicks go all about offense with him and Toppin. Dotson has solid starter potential, so if they hit both picks the Knicks are suddenly in a fantastic spot. All their veterans are expiring contracts.
Oklahoma City Thunder - 28th
Ty-Shon Alexander, G 6-4, 200 Creighton, Jr
22.4 years old 6-8 wingspan
A hyphenated name guard to pair with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 3&D player that can play right away. No holes in his game to speak of and complements the roster’s build well. Should learn like a disciple of Ricky Rubio and give OKC a future backcourt that makes the franchise's long and pestering play style proud.
Toronto Raptors - 29th
Precious Achiuwa FC 6-9, 235 Memphis, Freshman
21.1 years old 7-1 wingspan
Marc Gasol has returned to Spain and Serge Ibaka said a farewell already. Achiuwa is a rim protector with good athleticism and potential to defend the perimeter. Good coaching should help his offense.
Boston Celtics - 30th
Vernon Carey Jr C 6-10, 230 Duke, Freshman
19.7 years old 7-1 wingspan
Enes Kanter with athleticism. Their big man position is super weird right now with Robert Williams, Grant Williams, and Daniel Theis. I don’t expect them to make this selection.
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