NBA Mock Draft 2.0
It’s time to update my mock draft, now that we have the draft order set for November 18th, which will be virtually for the first time, so it will be a different experience for the first time ever.. This draft has been much maligned for its lack of top end talent, but I think there is a strength in this draft from picks 10–20 which will provide the best value for the picks in regards to talent and salary of those players. This draft will definitely produce a variety of long term NBA players who provide a good baseline for development. Most of these players don’t stand out in a shiny way, but you need glue guys around your better players, and this draft will provide that.
Here is what I have set up for the first round of the NBA draft, drafting for FIT with a lot of these picks, which hopefully will help the players reach their potentials a lot sooner than normally. These teams will be very active in trading, trying to find the best value for the highest player on their board. I would expect several trades, especially several trade downs involving teams like the Warriors and Timberwolves.
Lets dig in.
First Round:
- Minnesota Timberwolves
LaMelo Ball
The Timberwolves take a chance on the special passing talent of Ball, pairing him with the KAT- DLo to form a formidable offensive trio.
The question is with this pick is the defensive side of the ball. DLo and Ball will be traffic cones, offering no help for slowing down opposing wings to help KAT at the rim.
I think the Timberwolves will have serious thoughts on taking Edwards who provides more defense, or trading down to get a defensive player (Vassell would help them a lot). If they stay put, they will get an incredibly gifted passer in Ball.
2. Golden State Warriors
Anthony Edwards
Much of the talk involving the Warriors involves them trading this pick for immediate help, but what if the immediate help can come in the form of the best scorer in the class?
Edwards provides that while being ready to compete physically in the NBA from day 1.
Most mocks have the Warriors taking Wiseman who would help their defense a lot, but I don’t think the Warriors care that much about the C position. They will take a look at cheap options using the MLE or the Iggy trade exception to fill that spot.
Anthony Edwards will help the Warriors immensely, giving them someone to build around after the Splash Bros era is over.
3. Charlotte Hornets
James Wiseman
I usually am averse to using a top 3 pick on a big man, but I think a marriage between the Hornets and Wiseman makes a lot of sense.
Charlotte will get a big man that is agile and stands tall at 7’1 with a 7’6 wingspan. I think after a year or two with NBA training under his belt, he’ll get stronger with the ability to switch onto smaller guards and protect the rim.
The big swing skill for him is shooting. If he can provide modest numbers from mid range and the 3, the Hornets team will have a very strong center for the next decade.
4. Chicago Bulls
Deni Avdija
The Bulls are in need of wing help, as with most teams in the league. But due to injuries and previous roster construction, Kris Dunn was their starting 3 for the latter half of the regular season, so you can see how that’s a bad sign.
Deni gives them a strong 6’9 three with the ability to move down and play the stretch 4 in smaller lineups. Deni is strong all across the board, providing solid passing, rebounding and *enough* shooting to get defenses to stay home on him.
He will need to improve his shooting percentages, but I think he’ll have a long career in the NBA as long as he wants it. The bulls find a wing to build around with this pick of Deni Avdija.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
Isaac Okoro
Cleveland was in desperate need of a game changer and didn’t get the lottery luck they usually get. With their landing spot of 5 they go with the best available wing in Isaac Okoro. T
he Cavs have the worst wing rotation in the league, playing three guards and two bigs most of the time. Their only true wing sized player is Cedi Osman, which makes it hard to have a credible NBA defense these days.
Okoro is the best wing defender in the class standing at a stout 6’6 225 lbs. He’ll be the best defender on the Cavs by a wide margin from Day 1. If he can figure out his shot release and get to league average from 3, he will be a rotation player at least for years.
6. Atlanta Hawks
Tyrese Haliburton
This is the toughest pick in the lottery to figure out. The Hawks traded for Dedmon and Capela at the C position, drafted 1–4 with their recent lottery picks. I think they go defense next to Trae and draft Tyrese Haliburton.
He’s an off guard who is capable of facilitating and running secondary PNR next to Trae while guarding the tougher back court player for Trae.
He’s a solid 6’5 with long arms to cover whatever player he needs too. He needs to add strength to guard up but getting an intelligent 2 guard to play next to Trae in this draft is a great way to use the pick for the Hawks.
7. Detroit Pistons
Killian Hayes
I think Killian is the second or third best player in this draft but a lot of these teams already have lead initiators on their teams, so drafting Killian wouldn’t be a great idea for them.
Killian makes the most sense for Detroit who is devoid of high end young talent. They are in desperate need of a player to run their sets and make plays for the team.
Doumbouya and Wood would benefit from Killian’s high level creation ability the most.
8. New York Knicks
Obi Toppin
I think the Knicks will fall in love with Obi’s scoring ability and ability to finish plays for RJ. I see a world where it works out in NY for him, because he will be asked to score a lot which is something he can do.
His shooting will be needed next to Mitch and RJ to space the floor for them. I’m lower on Obi than most, but I think NY is a place where I think he could thrive.
9. Washington Wizards
Onyeka Okongwu
The Wizards had a notoriously bad defense last year and a lot of it is due to their front court of Rui and THomas Bryant being negative defenders. Okongwu comes in and is instantly their best defender on the whole squad on Day 1.
His ability to defend the rim and switch onto smaller guys will allow the Wiz to unlock a lot of switchability. His rim running playing off Beal’s creation will be beautiful to watch, as long as Beal can throw the ball anywhere near the rim for alley oops. Okongwu and Rui is a great pairing long term for the Wiz.
10. Phoenix Suns
Devin Vassell
James Jones has targeted wings who can shoot and defend with their last two lottery picks (Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson) and continues the trend here. Vassell would add to their wing rotation by adding a knockdown shooter and the best team defender in the draft class.
Vassell playing next to Booker/Ayton allows just more room for those guys to operate by giving them valuable spacing. Vassell will thrive playing off of the attention that those two guys receive.
11. San Antonio Spurs
Saddiq Bey
The Spurs lack size and shooting on the wing like many teams who missed the playoffs. Bey can shoot extremely well, while also having NBA ready size at 6’8 215lbs. He can guard the bigger wings that their smaller guards can’t. Bey should fit in seamlessly and be used as a desperately needed floor spacer for a team without much shooting.
12. Sacramento Kings
Patrick Williams
Williams has moved up a lot of draft boards, due to people buying the strength, versatility, and shooting skills. Patrick Williams will be able to switch between the 3–4 positions by coming in at 6’8 225 lbs with a 7 foot wingspan.
His defensive versatility will fit in perfectly for the Kings who desperately need wing defense when they start Fox/Hield (although maybe not for long). I could see the Kings go a number of ways here, but picking a wing is the most likely as they have plenty of guards and bigs.
13. New Orleans Pelicans
RJ Hampton
RJ is a super athletic, 6’5 wing who is lightning quick running the break. Pairing with Lonzo and Zion makes New Orleans a nightmare of a team out on the fast break with quick passes and fast, explosive athletes. RJ’s ability to get to the rim is something that Lonzo just can’t do, so running PNR with Zion will help the team immensely.
Hampton’s swing skill is making his shot work in the NBA. He is a tireless worker that has some of the highest upside in this class and could likely go much higher in this draft. I settled with him here after most teams having lead guards already.This would be a fantastic fit with New Orleans.
14. Boston Celtics
Tyrese Maxey
The Celtics have a wide array of options with this pick, as they have three picks in the first round. If they hold onto this one, I think they’ll target a backup guard like Maxey. Maxey is an athletic guard who can get to the rim and create his own shot, something the Boston bench had been missing all year.
The reliance on Brad Wanamaker was too much of a burden for him to carry. Maxey isn’t the most accomplished shooter, but having him create opportunities out of the PNR and his ability to get to the rim would allow the Celtics to be more careful with Kemba and his injuries after this year. Maxey has the upside to be one of the best guards in this class.
15. Orlando Magic
Precious Achiuwa
Orlando continues it’s collection of 3–4 combos that can’t shoot. Precious is an athletic freak measuring 6’9 220 lbs with the ability to be a lockdown defender with his wingspan of 7’2. Not many players possess a body like that, which would cause matchup nightmares on defense when paired with Isaac or Okeke going forward.
Achiuwa possesses almost no offensive game, with horrendous shooting. He will have to be utilized as a roller in his early days as the hopes of a shot comes through. This fits the bill for John Hammond and the front offense who always drafts long athletic players.
16. Portland Trail Blazers
Aaron Nesmith
The Blazers have one of the worst wing rotations in the league and adding a guy like Nesmith who can credibly guard his position and hit 40% of his threes will be a welcomed addition to the Portland roster. Nesmith stands at 6’6 with a 6’10 wingspan so he has the body to at least slow down opposing wings, while not being a complete stopper.
The bigger help to Dame/CJ would be Nesmith’s ability to space the floor, hitting open shots while Dame and CJ get double teamed. Stotts doesn’t usually play rookies, but adding a shooter of Nesmith’s ability might make it hard for Stotts to say no to playing him.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves
Josh Green
Green is a wing that stands 6’6 210lbs who will be able to guard either wing spot due to his size and strength. Green played phenomenal defense all year for Arizona, and will continue that in the NBA due to his great lateral quickness to guard quicker players.
Minnesota is going to need to go all out on 3/D players in between DLo and Towns to make a sufficient NBA defense. Green’s big question mark is his very hitchy 3 point shot. If he can get that ironed out in the first year or two, he’ll be a valuable NBA role player for years to come and take DLo’s point guard defensive assignment from him.
18. Dallas Mavericks
Desmond Bane
This is a bit of a high rise for Bane, who’s older than pretty much everyone else in this draft. His creation ability at 6’5 has improved to a point where he could give Luka breaks on offense and run side pick and roll rather easily. He shot 43% from 3 while at TCU and is widely known as a very high IQ player, which Rick Carlisle will value immensely.
He doesn’t have true NBA wing size or wingspan(he has a negative wingspan, actually), but his instincts and strength will allow him to guard players bigger than him with ease. Dallas needs to have a high priority on wing defense to help Luka with this pick, and Bane helps with that.
19. Brooklyn Nets
Jalen Smith
The Nets need size and shooting from the 4 spot desperately, and Smith can provide that in bigger lineups playing with De’Andre Jordan or Jarrett Allen. He might be best used as the lone big man with 4 wings, which the Nets will most likely do. Jalen sports a 7 foot wingspan at 6’10 height.
He isn’t the perfect 4 or 5 and is a bit of a tweener, but his shooting and rim protection should be welcomed for the Nets, who will need to surround Kyrie and KD with as much 3&D potential as possible. The offense will never be a problem, but having the role players be able to defend is a necessity and Jalen Smith brings that.
20. Miami Heat
Cole Anthony
I saw Anthony play live at the Nike Hoop Summit, and he looked like one of the two best players on the court at the time. He had a much maligned time at North Carolina, being the featured offensive player on a team with no shooting. I believe in Cole, and think he will be put into positive situations by the Heat coaching staff.
He’s very athletic and a strong guard at almost 200 pounds, so I think they’ll get the most out of his body. He can get to the rim at ease, but is very inefficient. The Heat need shot creation with Dragic potentially leaving via free agency and Nunn traded in the next year. Anthony will need to make improvements on his shot and passing, but he has a solid foundation to get drafted and he’ll fit right into that #HeatCulture.
21. Philadelphia 76ers
Kira Lewis
Kira Lewis isn’t the perfect pick for the Sixers, but I think he fits well enough to succeed in the Sixers system. He excels in transition, which will pair well with running with Ben Simmons. Lewis can run just enough pick and roll to help the Sixers bench create offense in the halfcourt which is the biggest negative for the Sixers offense. They need someone who can shoot and run PNR and Lewis can do that well enough to help the Sixers in the years to come.
22. Denver Nuggets
Tyler Bey
Bey probably has one of the largest swings in opinion on him. He could be drafted as early as 15, while also some people say he goes undrafted. I think he’ll be able to carve out a role in the NBA as he has the physical tools to compete instantly.
He stands at 6’7, 215lbs, which will allow him to guard wings and smaller bigs. Any NBA team could use someone with his defensive skills, and that’s why I have the Nuggets going after him, because they’ve been smart to target big wings in trades and the draft.
They’re most likely losing Torrey Craig and Paul Millsap in free agency, and Jerami Grant has a player option, so adding wing depth in between Murray and Jokic will be of the utmost importance. Bey needs to showcase he can hit the NBA 3 to be a high end role player, but I think that will come in time.
23.Utah Jazz
Jaden McDaniels
Raw but athletic, McDaniels exhibits the kind of upside teams look for in this area of the draft. McDaniels stand at 6’10, 165 lbs, so adding strength will need to be priority number 1.
I think he can be a successful 8th or 9th guy in a couple years, but right now, he’s probably the most raw prospect in the class. He reminds of a Jonathon Isaac light, with the ability to guard multiple positions in high school and college.
The Jazz desperately need someone with McDaniels size at the 4, as they were basically playing 4 guards in the bubble and first round of the playoffs. Hopefully NBA strength training and one to one training will help McDaniels reach his potential as a rangy, athletic NBA wing.
24.Milwaukee Bucks
Theo Maledon
Maledon is 6’4 PG who is one of the smartest players in this draft class. His high level IQ and instinctual passing were shown this past year playing in the Euroleague for ASVEL.
His height, wingspan and quick feet allow him to be a solid defender already at 19 years old. He has a strong set shot so I think a team like Milwaukee fits him because he won’t be asked to be the sole creator of offense. His shooting off the dribble and creation ability is not where it needs to be to be a starting level NBA guard.
If he adds strength and works on dribble moves to create separation, I think he can be a solid NBA player for years to come. The Bucks will need another guard to handle the ball, especially if Bledsoe gets traded this offseason.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder
Robert Woodard III
Woodard is a big body wing that will be able to compete physically from day 1 in the NBA. Presti loves these dudes that feature long arms and athletic ability that Woodard possesses.
He stands 6’7 with a 7’1 wingspan so he has the body to switch easily in an NBA defensive scheme between 3’s and 4’s. OKC needs wing bodies desperately, as do most NBA teams. OKC played lots of three guard-two big lineups last year with Dort and SGA at the 3, so picking Woodard would help them add NBA size to their wing rotation.
Woodard will not wow you with his ball handling or creation ability, but his shot looks consistent and that will be a major blessing to OKC who needs shooting in the worst way around SGA and CP3 if they intend to keep him. Woodard is a touch older at 21 but should be able to eat rotation minutes, especially if OKC doesn’t add more vets in the offseason.
26.Boston Celtics
LeAndro Bolmaro
If the Celtics hold onto this pick(they most likely won’t) but adding Bolmaro to their bench would be a huge help in adding shot creation to a bench that features none of it. The Celtics will need to decide if Bolmaro is the one draft pick they keep in this draft, because I think he’s worth the pick, with his ability to get to the rim and run PNR at 6’7.
If he could give them minutes in place of Romeo Langford, they could give Kemba and Tatum more rests in the regular season. Bolmaro’s negatives include not near enough strength and a questionable shot, but not many players at his age have the ability to create for themselves and create for others with their passing ability.
At this salary towards the end of the first round, Bolmaro is a worthy pick, especially if he’s able to get out of his overseas contract to come over immediately.
27.New York Knicks
Elijah Hughes
After watching tape on Hughes, I think he could be a great pick at the back end of the first round, especially for the Knicks. Hughes stands 6’6 215 lbs, with a 38% 3 point shot to go with it. Hughes profiles as a rotation 3&D player, something the Knicks are sorely missing on their team.
Going forward the Knicks need to be thinking about maximizing RJ Barrett and Mitch Robinson, and you do that by surrounding them with shooters like Hughes.
28. Los Angeles Lakers
Xavier Tillman
The Lakers will aim to fill a center void at some point with McGee and Howard potentially leaving in free agency. Tillman is a 6’9 245lb center who will give up height on a nightly basis in the NBA but not much else.
He is a prolific defender who can move his feet well and is athletic enough to finish through contact at the rim. He sets terrific screens, which Lebron will cherish as Tillman can lay the wood on defenders and roll to the rim. Where he excels the most is his passing on the short roll, which is something that would open up the Lakers offense immensely with their talented cutters and open shooters.
Tillman’s swing skill will be his shot which he has spent much improving and that just opens up another level in his ceiling he can reach as a player. He could fit beautifully in between Lebron and AD in their small ball lineups, while still maintaining NBA size.
29. Toronto Raptors
Grant Riller
Riller is someone I really love in this draft. For all the negatives about this class as a whole, Riller fits into the great value these late picks will have. Riller is already 23 but at 6’3 and 190 lbs, he has great size for an NBA point guard.
His IQ and ability to get to the rim, pass, and shoot is a rare trio for a prospect who usually has 1 or 2 of those skills. I think he could be a rotation player from day 1, especially if FVV leaves in free agency. He fits that same mold as FVV who was an older college player himself, but could shoot, defend, and pass at a high level.
30. Boston Celtics
Zeke Nnaji
The Celtics desperately need more size at center, which is probably the easiest thing to find on the market these days, for cheap. Nnaji stands at 6’11 240lbs, so he has NBA size from the get go.
Drafting Nnaji would give them an offensive force for their bench which could use offense from anyone. Nnaji has a solid free throw line shot, which could provide valuable spacing around their other players.
Nnaji is also a great lob threat, so playing with great passers like Kemba and Hayward would give them a vertical threat that the other C’s centers don’t provide.
The negatives on Nnaji are his defense which is a work in progress, so he could slide into the early second round quite easily due to his lack of wingspan and affinity for paint defense. I think his offense is too good to pass up in the first round, and would give the C’s legit NBA size from Day 1.
