NBA Mock Draft 3.0 with two weeks to go before draft day
Pistons select Cunningham at #1, but then things get interesting as Jalen Suggs falls out of the top 5 and James Bouknight, Davion Mitchell, and Keon Johnson make huge leaps into the top 10
A couple of months ago, I published my second NBA mock draft with a completely different top 5 than I have today. Since the lottery has happened and we know what teams have each selection, I started to wonder how different draft night could look than what many people think. People assume the top 5 are set, but as we have seen on previous draft nights, nothing is ever set in stone and there are always surprise selections that people may find questionable.
After a strong tournament, capping it off with a National Championship for Baylor, Davion Mitchell went from a possible lottery/first-round pick to a clear top 10 and maybe even top 5 selection in this draft.
Jalen Johnson from Duke was a clear top 10 pick all season because of his raw talent, size, and athleticism, but many scouts question his commitment and ability to transfer his game to the NBA level, which has him falling on many draft boards out of the top ten and some even into the late teens. I, however, understand Johnsons’ talent and there is no way he falls out of the top ten in my opinion. If he does it will certainly be a steal for any team that gets him.
Brandon Boston Jr. had a rough year at Kentucky but has so much pure talent and potential that a couple of solid workouts may lead him back into the lottery. Before the season started, Boston was supposed to be a lock for a top 5 pick but struggled to get his jumper going in his lone year at Kentucky. Either way, his talent and potential alone should get him back into the lottery after falling out of the first round in a lot of mocks early on in the year.
Kai Jones only averaged 8.8 PPG and 4.8 RPG but showed in Sophmore season at Texas that he has limitless potential with his athleticism and ability to guard multiple positions at an elite level. Jones is one of the biggest risers in the draft and I think that a team will take him in the top 10 just because of his upside.
Isaiah Jackson showed his freakish athleticism, ability to block shots, and an underrated ability to score in his Freshman year at Kentucky, which has him flying up draft boards with some mocks putting him in the lottery. Jackson started the year as a possible second-round pick, and although I still believe Jackson is going to be a second-round pick, he has impressed a lot of scouts these last few months and could slide into the first round.
Either way, following a lot of Pro-days and the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, promises have been made to prospects. Although no one is certain which prospects have promises from teams, most scouts and media members covering the draft process are almost certain J.T. Thor from Auburn, Joshua Primo from Alabama, and Trey Murphy III from Virginia have received draft promises in the first round. These three prospects were seen as second-rounders most of the year, but after strong showings at the combine and their individual pro-day workouts, they have solidified themselves to be selected in the first round.
More draft promises could come to fruition after certain pro-days occur, but for now, here is my NBA Mock Draft 3.0 with 14 days until draft night.
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, 6-8 PG Freshman, Oklahoma State
The only reason why I think the Pistons take Cunningham is because of the media pressure they will get to select him, otherwise, they would botch another first-round selection and take someone not named Cade Cunningham because they have Killian Hayes already. Cunningham would instantly change the trajectory of this organization, even though they need way more than a few pieces to compete anytime soon.
Cunningham is a very special player who can do it all. He led a team that wasn’t even supposed to be .500 to the Big 12 championship game and the NCAA tournament. Cunningham has the ability to lead a team to prominence just with his presence, similar to LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Magic Johnson.
I am by no means saying that he will be as good as those three Hall-Of-Famers, but being a point guard who can do it all at 6-8, Cunningham is easily the best prospect in this draft and assuming he goes to an organization that will let him grow, I expect him to be a perennial All-Star within two-three years in the NBA.
NBA Comp: Luka Doncic
Houston Rockets: Jalen Green, 6-6 SG 19 years old, G League Ignite
I surprised you didn’t I? Think the Rockets will take Mobley? Think again. Green may end up being the best player in this draft, and his off-the-charts athletcism, scoring, and potential will appease the Rockets so much so that they pass up Evan Mobley for him at the #2 overall selection in the draft.
The Rockets already have their big in Christian Wood, and even though playing both Wood and Mobley at the 4 and the 5 may seem enticing, Green could slot right in at shooting guard, create instant offense, and become one of the better defenders of the draft in time as well. At the moment, Green is sometimes a questionable playmaker, but his scoring is already so elite that the question marks won’t matter.
Green will enter the NBA averaging 18-20 PPG and he is one of the most special scoring prospects in recent memory. People say his game reminds them of Kobe Bryant, and I definitely see it. I see more of HOFER Clyde Drexler or current NBA stars Devin Booker and Paul George in his game, but as he develops, Green could become the next carbon copy of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Green’s elite scoring and athleticism are too much to pass up at #2 for the Rockets as Green has that it factor and could wind up being the biggest superstar from this loaded draft class.
NBA Comp: Kobe Bryant/Clyde Drexler
Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley, 7-0 C Freshman, USC
Mobley is easily the best defender in not only this class but in probably the last four or five draft classes. Don’t listen to people who tell you its Kai Jones. Mobley’s elite defense is indicated by his out-of-this-world 3.0 BPG in his lone season at USC. Oh, and by the way, he led USC to its first Elite 8 appearance in over 20 years because he simply is that dominant of a player.
Mobley is also a gifted offensive player, but that may not translate to the NBA immediately. It may take time for his offense to get going, but having Darius Garland at PG and Colin Sexton at SG to get you some open shots is a good way to get going. Either way, Mobley will enter the league as one of the best defenders in the NBA, and his through the roof potential makes him hard to pass up at any selection yet alone #3.
NBA Comp: Chris Bosh/Anthony Davis
Toronto Raptors: Davion Mitchell, 6-3 PG/SG Junior, Baylor
Surprised you again huh? Although it is undisputed who the top 5 prospects in this draft are(Cunningham, Mobley, Green, Suggs, and Kuminga), draft night always plays out differently than we think. Assuming the Raptors keep this selection, they aren’t too far off from competing again in the playoffs, so selecting a hard-nosed elite defender who can create and score like Mitchell makes the most sense for them. He is a proven winner as the best player on a national championship team at Baylor and is one of the most NBA-ready players in this draft.
The best perimeter defender in the country, Mitchell will enter the league as an elite defender and a sparkplug who can play big minutes with elite defense and some scoring and playmaking production on offense as well. At 6-3, he is almost 225 pounds and looks like a linebacker playing basketball, wreaking havoc on defense and using his power and strength to get into the lane and finish on offense. Funny enough, even though they are not related, Davion Mitchell’s game reminds me a ton of Donovan Mitchell’s game.
Donovan Mitchell wasn’t as good of a defender on draft night as Davion Mitchell is now, and Davion is not as good of an offensive player as Donovan was when drafted. However, they both are extremely athletic, can create their own shot by driving and by shooting the three-ball, and can both play great defense. I see why Mitchell is rising up all of the draft boards as there is a serious argument Mitchell is one of the most gifted and NBA-ready players in this draft. He has the highest floor in the draft by a mile.
NBA Comp: Donovan Mitchell
Orlando Magic: Jonathan Kuminga, 6-8 SF 19 years old, G League Ignite
Jonathan Kuminga is the best athlete in this draft and showed a ton of potential on the offensive end as well for G League Ignite this season. His defense and athleticism are elite at this point, and the similarities to when Jaylen Brown was at UC Berkeley are uncanny.
Brown at 19 needed a ton of time to develop his offensive game, but was already an elite athlete and defender when he was drafted. Kuminga is the exact same, and it may take time for his offensive game to flourish in the NBA, but he has one of the biggest upsides in the draft and that should entice a lot of teams to select him over Jalen Suggs.
NBA Comp: Jaylen Brown
Oklahoma City Thunder: Keon Johnson, 6-4 SG Freshman, Tennessee
Another surprise as Jalen Suggs continues to fall for whatever reason, Keon Johnson shattered the record for the vertical jump at the NBA combine with a 48 vertical, 3 more inches than the previous record by Kenny Gregory in 2001. Along with his defense and obviously elite athleticism, Johnson has one of the biggest upsides in the draft.
The Thunder always seem to select players that they think will be amazing in the long term, and since they have their PG of the future in Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, drafting Suggs may not make the most sense, because who knows if Suggs is able to play off guard at the NBA level.
If I were Sam Presti as the GM of the Thunder, I would draft here on talent and select Suggs, but Presti always seems to find diamonds in the rough, and Johnson could fit that description with his undeniable upside.
NBA Comp: Latrell Sprewell/smaller Jaylen Brown
Golden State Warriors(Via MIN): Jalen Suggs, 6-4 PG Freshman, Gonzaga
Unlike last year’s draft, the Warriors will select the most talented player here assuming they don’t trade this pick. Last year, they went with fit instead of talent, and even though I still think James Wiseman will be a very good NBA player, he is not LaMelo Ball by any means.
They needed an extra playmaker to help Draymond and Steph run the offense and did not have one last season. That changes with Suggs, who hit one of the most famous shots in the history of March Madness in overtime vs. UCLA in the Final Four. Suggs has that bulldog mentality teams want in a point guard to lead their offense.
He also has all of the intangibles, being a great leader, making all of the right plays, being a gifted playmaker and scorer, while also being a good defender as well. Suggs is also one of the most athletic prospects in this draft, and even though I believe he is a top 3 talent, teams will disagree and we will see him slide on draft night.
NBA Comp: Derrick Rose
Orlando Magic(Via CHI): Jalen Johnson, 6-9 SF Freshman, Duke
Jalen Johnson is a way better prospect than many scouts and media members make him out to be following his early departure from Duke. Johnson has been deemed a “quitter” and “not-committed” by many people, but these people are failing to mention that Johnson is a 6-9 230 pound point forward who can play solid defense and has one of the highest upsides in the draft.
Orlando already has enough backcourt depth for their future with Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, and R.J. Hampton, so after selecting Kuminga with the 5th overall selection, they go for another supremely gifted and athletic forward who has enormous upside. Johnson may fall further than this, but I don’t see how that is possible as he has the most NBA-ready body and has a superstar ceiling. Johnson will flourish in Orlando.
NBA Comp: Tobias Harris/T.J. Warren/Caris LeVert
Sacramento Kings: Kai Jones, 6-11 C Freshman, Texas
The Kings have a solid backcourt with Tyrese Haliburton and De’Aron Fox, so I’m assuming that the inconsistencies of their bigs not named Richaun Holmes will dictate the selection here.
The big that is rising up the boards is the ultra-athletic Kai Jones from Texas. There is always a team that gambles in every draft, and the Kings really have nothing to lose as they haven’t been really competitive in a very long time.
Jones could learn a lot from Richuan Holmes and although Jones’ game may not translate to the NBA right away, his athleticism, length, and flashes of potential on both ends of the floor may lead Sacramento to make this selection assuming Jones will reach his big-time potential.
Kai Jones only averaged 8.8 PPG and 4.8 RPG at Texas but showed tons of improvement on both ends of the floor to go along with his elite size and athleticism. Jones also showed that as a 6-11 big he could defend positions 1-5 basically with ease. The Kings drafting Jones here over James Bouknight, Moses Moody, and Scottie Barnes could be considered a reach, but it could work out in the long term if Jones reaches his potential.
NBA Comp: Jaxon Hayes
New Orleans Pelicans: James Bouknight, 6-4 PG/SG Sophmore, UCONN
Bouknight is one of the best scorers in the draft, and if the Pelicans can keep their core this offseason of Lonzo Ball, Zion Williamson, and Brandon Ingram, Bouknight could slot right into the rotation behind Josh Hart and Nickeil Alexander-Walker at combo guard. Even if the Pelicans do lose Lonzo Ball, Bouknight is a great consolation prize as he has future NBA Superstar written all over him.
He would bring instant offense and athleticism to a team that already has plenty of it. However, the Pelicans proved they are one scorer away from getting into the playoffs and Bouknight could turn into that guy. I see this as a perfect fit and I am sure the Pelicans will too. Moses Moody is another guy that could go here, but I see Bouknight as too good to pass up.
NBA Comp: Bradley Beal
Charlotte Hornets: Scottie Barnes, 6-9 SF Freshman, Florida State
At 6-9 227 pounds, Scottie Barnes has one of the most NBA-ready bodies in the draft. Although Barnes struggled with his shooting this year at Florida State, he played elite defense and showed his elite playmaking skills as well. It is rare for a guy his size to be able to create for others the way Barnes does, not to mention being one of the best defenders in the draft with a 7-2 wingspan.
The Hornets could use some depth at the forward position, and could also use a playmaker other than LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, and Devonte’ Graham to help create offense. I see this as a perfect fit as Scottie Barnes has been as high as the 6th or 7th pick in some mocks, but falls to the Hornets who would love to add a 6-9 point forward who can also shut down opposing forwards.
NBA Comp: taller Draymond Green
San Antonio Spurs: Moses Moody, 6-6 SG Freshman, Arkansas
Whoever the Spurs draft ends up good because they are one of the best organizations in all of sports. I don’t think it matters what phase the Spurs are in at the moment whether it is rebuilding or competing, they select the most talented guy that they believe can become a superstar.
I think San Antonio goes with Moses Moody, who showed his natural ability to score whenever he wanted to in his lone season at Arkansas, averaging 16.8 PPG on 43 percent from the floor.
Moody is also a gifted defender, as he showed that he could lock up any guard in the country this season with his 7-foot wingspan. With his knack for scoring and elite defense, Moody is a very intriguing prospect and could go as high as 6th in the draft, so if he falls to San Antonio, it will be a dream come true for both sides as it would be a picture-perfect fit.
NBA Comp: Joe Johnson
Indiana Pacers: Franz Wagner, 6-9 SF Sophomore, Michigan
Wagner is a crafty scorer who has good size and can shoot with the best of them. He should be able to play decent defense at the NBA level, but his size, shooting, and playmaking are what a team is drafting him on.
Indiana needs more shooters besides Doug McDermott and Franz Wagner can fit right in not having to do much besides shoot and make the extra pass, considering most of the offensive production will come from Domantas Sabonis, Malcolm Brogdon, and Caris LeVert anyways.
I like this fit, and I think that the Pacers are closer to being competitive than many people think. They have a good core and adding an extra shooter who can create for others may turn into a home run selection and push them closer to making the playoffs and even winning a first-round series next season.
NBA Comp: Nicolas Batum
Golden State Warriors: Brandon Boston Jr., 6-7 SG/SF Freshman, Kentucky
If Corey Kispert is available here, one would think that the Warriors would jump on his elite shooting skills to pair him with the two best shooters in the NBA Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. However, BJ Boston proved to have one of the best jumpers in the country in high school and had one bad year at Kentucky. His shooting mechanics are fantastic, and if he is not forced to do too much right away, his jump shot could flourish again and be lethal. Since they already selected Suggs with the #7 overall pick, adding a guy that can develop under other brilliant shooters like Boston would be another fantastic selection.
Golden State is a perfect situation for that, where they won’t need Boston to do much other than to defend and shoot the ball, and that may provide Boston with an opportunity to solely focus on his jump shot, making it lethal again. Many would assume that Corey Kispert(because of his shooting skills) or Franz Wagner if available( because of his shooting and playmaking) is the pick here, but I think Boston’s potential is off the charts and Golden State won’t be able to pass that up with their second first-round selection.
NBA Comp: Brandon Ingram
Washington Wizards: Corey Kispert, 6-6 SG/SF Senior, Gonzaga
Kispert is the best shooter in this draft. There is no doubt about it. In his senior year at Gonzaga Kispert shot 44 percent from 3 and over 52 percent in general from the floor. Seeing what Davis Bertans did this season from behind the arc, benefitting off of Russell Westbrook’s elite passing makes me wonder how much better the Wizards would be if they added another deadeye 3PT shooter.
I think this would help the team astronomically and Kispert is one of the most NBA prospects in this draft. Depending on how the Wizards view their future if they want to compete now with Westbrook and Beal, adding Kispert in the draft would be a home run as they would then have two deadeye shooters from beyond the arc.
NBA Comp: Joe Harris
Oklahoma City Thunder(Via BOS): Tre Mann, 6-5 PG Sophomore, Florida
Tre Mann is starting to rise on all draft boards, some mocks even having him in the top 10-15. Mann is a very athletic, explosive, and good defender for being a 6-5 guard, not to mention he also shot over 40 percent from beyond the arc during his sophomore season at Florida. He fits the modern NBA perfectly, as he can defend the guard position, plays with a quicker pace, and can spot up for threes and hit them with consistency.
He is a perfect fit for the Thunder, who are looking for more consistent shooters and depth at the guard position. Tre Mann is also considered a late bloomer and since he got astronomically better in his second season at Florida, why wouldn’t he continue to astronomically progress in the NBA? This is a win-win situation for both sides as the Thunder get away with a lottery-talented prospect at #16.
NBA Comp: Darius Garland
Memphis Grizzlies: Jaden Springer, 6-4 PG/SG Freshman, Tennessee
Springer is another wild card in this draft. He is a very good defender and has elite athleticism. He also was able to knock down close to 44 percent of his threes at Tennessee, which is pretty remarkable for a guy that is known for his defense and athleticism, not his 3PT shooting.
Many scouts believe Springer is a shooting guard at the NBA level, but is still a very raw prospect and will need time to develop. I completely agree, and since the Grizzlies have a rotation that is 11 deep, they do not need to rush Springer into action. His great defense and athleticism to go along with being an improved 3PT shooter fits the Grizzlies system pretty well. Springer is also one of the youngest players in the draft and will be just 18 on draft night. This is a win-win situation for Springer and the Grizzlies if he falls to 17th.
NBA Comp: Marcus Smart
Oklahoma City Thunder: Josh Giddey, 6-8 PG 18 years old, Adelaide
The Australian product has wowed a lot of people with his playmaking skills, size, and ability to shoot all as a 6-8 point guard. I would honestly be surprised if Josh Giddey falls this far, but if he does, expect the Thunder to jump on his upside and select him.
He put up numerous triple-doubles in the NBL this year as his feel for the game and finding open teammates are elite. He has a good-looking jumper, although he is not consistent with it yet. Lacking athleticism, many are hoping that Giddey can turn into an elite shooter to go along with his playmaking, considering his defense and athleticism are lackluster traits in his game.
NBA Comp: less athletic LaMelo Ball
New York Knicks: Ziaire Williams, 6-8 SF Freshman, Stanford
Williams did not have a very productive season at Stanford, but scouts know his through the roof potential and that he is far from a finished product. His defense was good at Stanford, but Williams could not get his shot to fall all season, leading him to fall on most draft boards. I wouldn’t be surprised if Williams goes in the lottery because of his physical tools, defense, and potential, but I would be very surprised if Williams falls past 20th in the draft.
NBA Comp: Paul George
Atlanta Hawks: Greg Brown, 6-10 PF Freshman, Texas
Atlanta doesn’t really have a need considering they are pretty solid at every position for the future and are coming off an amazing playoff run already making the conference finals and could even make the Finals when everyone doubted them.
Brown has one of the highest upsides in the draft, and getting him here would be a steal considering he is a very mobile big who can play very solid defense. Brown is going to be selected in this range, and I would not be surprised if Cam Thomas is the selection here, but Brown has undeniable physical tools and potential, which leads the Hawks to look more long-term here by selecting Brown.
Brown showed at the NBA Draft Combine that he was elite on the pick and roll and Trae Young is the best pick and roll guard in the game so Greg Brown could score 18 PPG just on lobs from Trae Young. That is another reason why the Hawks may draft him. He fits perfectly into their system centered around Trae Young and the pick and roll.
NBA Comp: Aaron Gordon
New York Knicks: Cameron Thomas, 6-3 SG Freshman, LSU
Thomas is an elite scorer at all three levels, and the Knicks desperately need someone who can score at will. Slot in Thomas and the Knicks have instant offensive production and a player that could turn into a solid defender under Tom Thibodeau’s system. Cameron Thomas has the ability to become an NBA superstar because of his scoring prowess. Time will tell though.
NBA Comp: Lou Williams
Los Angeles Lakers: Chris Duarte, 6-6 SG Senior, Oregon
Duarte is a 3PT specialist who can defend both the guard and the forward position. Since the Lakers will obviously again be in contention again next season, picking up another shooter who can play defense like Duarte will be helpful. They also need a ton of scoring, which Duarte can give you as well. His defense at Oregon during his senior season was stellar as well, and Frank Vogel should make Duarte an even better defender.
It also helps to pick a player that is NBA-ready when you are competing for a title and Duarte fits that description as one of the most NBA-ready prospects in this draft. I don’t care about Duarte’s age. He is fearless and other than KCP, the Lakers are seriously lacking fearlessness and a guy who is not afraid to take a big-time shot late in the game. Duarte fills this hole and it is a win-win for both the Lakers and Duarte as the 2020 NBA Champs look to revamp a championship roster after an early playoff exit in 2021.
NBA Comp: Evan Fournier
Houston Rockets: JT Thor, 6-10 SF/PF Freshman, Auburn
JT Thor raised his draft stock tremendously at the NBA Combine and many people believe that led to a draft promise either late in the lottery or toward the end of the first round. Thor’s athleticism and improved jumper are what really stood out according to scouts who attended his pro day.
Thor could hit the 3PT shot with extreme consistency at the combine, something he struggled with showing at Auburn as a Freshman. Thor has always had the elite athleticism and defense, but the improved jump shot to go along with his 6-10 frame with a 7-4 wingspan scream upside and if Thor ends up falling to #23, the Rockets will snag him as they want a long-term prospect since they aren’t competing anytime soon.
NBA Comp: Pascal Siakam
Houston Rockets: Sharife Cooper, 6-3 PG Freshman, Auburn
After averaging 20.1 PPG and 8.1 APG in his lone season at Auburn, Sharife Cooper has been getting a lot of comparisons to Trae Young with his ability to score and pass at elite levels. The biggest question marks are his size and defensive capabilities, but his offensive game is so elite that it should not matter for the Houston Rockets or any organization for that matter.
His shooting does need some obvious work(22 percent from 3 and 39 percent from the floor in general at Auburn), but he has that it factor that Damian Lillard and Trae Young have to take over games on the offensive end. The Rockets would be really happy if Cooper falls to them at #24, as it would be an A+ draft grade to get both Jalen Green and Sharife Cooper, while also picking up a long-term prospect in Sengun as well.
NBA Comp: Trae Young/Colin Sexton
Los Angeles Clippers: Trey Murphy III, 6-9 SG Junior, Virginia
Jerry West is the best executive in the history of basketball. He was high on Kyle Lowry in Memphis before anyone thought anything of Lowry. He fleeced the Lakers acquiring Ivica Zubac for Mike Muscala, and he was the brilliant mind behind pairing Kawhi Leonard and Paul George together in LA. He also saw what no one else did in Terrance Mann and Reggie Jackson which has paid dividends for the Clippers in these playoffs.
Trey Murphy III is another one of the big risers in the draft because of his elite 3 and D profile with his 7-0 wingspan for a 6-9 shooting guard. He has all of the tools to become an NBA superstar and the Clippers are lacking depth for 3 and D type players(besides Morris, Jackson, and Mann).
Murphy shot 43 percent from 3PT range in his Junior season at Virginia, and since he is extremely athletic as well I would be surprised if he falls down to #25. If he does, there is no question that Jerry West and the Clippers will jump on the opportunity to select Murphy III. This is a home run selection and immediately gives the Clippers even more depth and more of an opportunity to get back to the Western Conference Finals next year as well.
NBA Comp: Mikal Bridges
Denver Nuggets: Roko Prkacin, 6-9 SF 18 years old, Croatia
Denver has a proven track record drafting good international players(Nikola Jokic, Jusuf Nurkic to name a few) and Roko Prkacin is another interesting prospect on the international stage. He is 6-9 with a 7-0 wingspan, which projects him to become a good defender at the next level. Prkacin’s biggest strength is his excellent court vision as a 6-9 point forward.
He has a very explosive and quick first step and can get to the rim and finish with ease. His shooting needs some work, but this is obviously a long-term selection for the Nuggets, who thrive in the international scouting department. Prkacin has the potential to be a very good NBA player for a very long time and there aren’t many better organizations that can be patient and make that happen for Prkacin.
NBA Comp: Caris LeVert/Deni Avdija
Brooklyn Nets: Ayo Dosunmu, 6-6 PG/SG Junior, Illinois
Dosunmu proved to be a jack of all trades in his junior season at Illinois. He showed off his ability to create at a high level for others. He improved his scoring and shooting tremendously, shooting 49 percent from the floor and 39 percent from behind the arc in his Junior season, whereas in his Sophomore season he was only 29 percent from 3PT range. Donsunmu also improved his defense, showing the ability to lock up anybody in the country.
Dosunmu is one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft, who can help take pressure off of James Harden and Kyrie Irving as being another playmaker who can shoot really well. The Nets are trying to win a title next season and Ayo Donsunmu is one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft as well.
Ayo Dosunmu checks all of the boxes that the Nets need in this draft, and assuming they keep the selection, Dosunmu is the guy I think that they will take. Usman Garuba, Johnny Juzang, and Josh Christopher are the other three prospects I can see the Nets taking here.
NBA Comp: Jrue Holiday
Philadelphia 76ers: Jason Preston, 6-4 PG Junior, Ohio
The man who keeps rising in the draft has one of the best stories in basketball history. Jason Preston played for the C team on his AAU team and was asked to play in some tournament with one of the higher teams since they needed an extra player. Preston was planning to attend a university as only a student the following year, but many colleges and NBA scouts who attended Preston’s final AAU game were very impressed with his game and advised that Preston go to a postgraduate year to receive more basketball exposure. Preston lit up his postgraduate year but only had one walk-on spot the following year at Ohio University.
The coach at Ohio saw the potential many scouts saw and a walk-on turned into a scholarship, and long story short Preston led Ohio to an upset of #4 seed Virginia in the NCAA tournament and proved that his triple-double type numbers are not a fluke and he is indeed an NBA prospect. I believe that Preston has one of the best basketball IQs I have ever seen. He is not the most explosive athlete, nor is he the best shooter, which is limiting his rise into the lottery, but his ability to use his wits and skills to break down defenses and create for his teammates and for himself has wowed everyone from scouts to fans.
Preston is a serious contender to be the sleeper of this draft and Philadelphia may want to look for a new point guard who can actually shoot from behind the arc, but one who can also create for others and one who has a knack for rebounds, like Preston. Ben Simmons has a lot of talent, but it is time for him to be gone in Philadelphia since he is a shooting liability and teams have figured out the 76ers system because of Simmons' limited scoring and shooting ability.
Add in Preston and a couple of pieces via trade for Ben Simmons and the 76ers have a good shot at competing again next season. I am speechless at Jason Preston’s relentless work ethic and ability to continue to progress his game every year. He could have a long career in the NBA and the 76ers would have enough weapons around Preston to work with his game. This would be another win-win situation for both the 76ers and Preston.
NBA Comp: shorter Kyle Anderson
Phoenix Suns: Joshua Primo, 6-6 SG Freshman, Alabama
Like I mentioned in the introduction, Primo was expected to be a second-round pick if he stayed in the draft entering the combine, but after a solid combine showing and pro day, Primo is one of the three “big risers” in the draft, where many people believe he has received a draft promise in the first round. Primo is a very raw prospect and is still developing a lot of his game, specifically his offensive package. However, in his Freshman season at Alabama, Primo showed elite athleticism and premier physical tools standing at 6-6 with a 7-foot wingspan. Primo also showed a lot of potential on offense, something many scouts did not see from Primo in high school.
Primo also has a knack for scoring and finishing at the rim over less athletic and smaller guards. Obviously, this may not translate to the NBA right away, considering Primo will be matched up against some of the best players in the world, but it is promising to see him bully lesser-athletic and smaller guards at the college level at only 18 years old. He has a smooth shooting stroke too, even if it is still inconsistent. PRimo has one of the biggest upsides in the draft and projects to be at the very least a 3 and D guard who is extremely athletic. If his offensive game continues to develop at the rate many scouts are witnessing, then Primo may become the steal of the draft at #29 to the Suns.
NBA Comp: Anfernee Simons
Utah Jazz: Usman Garuba, 6-8 PF 19 years old, Spain
The Jazz have done very well in the international scouting department and since they do not have many holes on their roster other than big-man depth, Garuba can fill that role and play some solid defense.
His 7-3 wingspan and elite athleticism make Garuba one of the best interior defenders in this draft class. His offense needs a ton of work but assuming he comes over to play in the NBA immediately, he will boost the Jazz’s defense and big man depth.
NBA Comp: Kenneth Faried
Second round prospects to look out for that could be steals on draft night
Isaiah Jackson, 6-11 C Freshman, Kentucky
Kessler Edwards, 6-8 SF Senior, Pepperdine
Filip Petrusev, 6-11 PF 21 years old, Serbia
Quentin Grimes, 6-5 PG Junior, Serbia
Nah’Shon Hyland, 6-3 PG/SG Sophomore, VCU
Miles McBride, 6-2 PG Sophomore, West Virginia
Josh Christopher, 6-5 SG Freshman, Arizona State