1. Phoenix Suns – Luka Doncic
The connection between the European phenom Luka Doncic and Phoenix’s newly hired Head Coach Igor Kokoshov is too much to ignore. For those who don’t know, Kokoshov coached the Slovenian National team to a Eurobasket gold medal in 2017.
In an era where position-less basketball is becoming more and more prevalent, having two skilled scoring and playmaking guards playing together opens up so much more for everybody else. See how much better Houston has gotten this year with the addition of Chris Paul. Pairing Doncic and Booker together could be the perfect backcourt tandem for the Suns.
2. Sacramento Kings – DeAndre Ayton
Throughout the debate over who will go number one overall, there has been a relatively consistent theme – the Kings will take the other guy! I won’t be too surprised if Phoenix does select DeAndre Ayton first. He’s an impactful athlete capable of dominating the paint on both ends of the floor.
The similarities between him and DeMarcus Cousins ought to be more than a little bit ironic for Kings’ fans. That said, he and De’Aaron Fox should pair well together as cornerstones for this franchise moving forward.
3. Atlanta Hawks – Mohamed Bamba
With the top two prospects mostly locked in to the first two picks, there is already a ton of speculation about what Atlanta will do at number 3. Dennis Schroder, formerly thought to be the Hawks franchise player, may now be on his way out of Atlanta. With the hire of Lloyd Pierce, it appears it might be time to Trust the Process.
The likely departure of Schroder has some thinking Trae Young could be the choice here.
I think Mo Bamba has as much upside as any player in this draft, and seeing how important the development of Joel Embiid has been to Philly – the Hawks’ may see similar potential in Bamba (I know I do!)
4. Memphis Grizzlies – Marvin Bagley III
Marvin Bagley can play alongside Marc Gasol, if he remains with Memphis moving forward, and has the potential to take over for Marc as the man in the middle down the road. Bagley is crazy talented offensively, but will have to improve defensively to survive in the NBA. The Grit & Grind culture is exactly what he needs.
5. Dallas Mavericks – Jaren Jackson Jr
I’ll be shocked if Dallas doesn’t take a big here at number 5. Who they get is somewhat determined by the teams ahead of them, unfortunately. They will still have options here, but I think Jaren Jackson Jr might be the guy they’re hoping for anyway.
6. Orlando Magic – Trae Young
The Magic moved on from Elfrid Payton after struggling through continued mediocrity. They may still be a long ways away, but can take a step in the right direction if they hit in this loaded lottery. Trae Young definitely has potential to be a bust, but there’s legitimate argument that his ceiling is greater than almost anyone in this draft.
If Orlando is looking to take another chance on a point guard after dumping Payton, they will likely be choosing between Young and Collin Sexton. GM John Hammond has a spotted history in the lottery, often prioritizing length and potential over fit or need.
7. Chicago Bulls – Wendell Carter Jr
The Bulls have some promising young guard prospects, and landed All-Rookie 1st Team Lauri Markkanen in last year’s draft. They have their choice here of either Miles or Mikal Bridges, and Michael Porter Jr.
But I think the Bulls will take Wendell Carter Jr. He can protect the rim on defense, and stretch the floor on offense. Carter should pair nicely with Markkanen, much like he did with Bagley at Duke.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers – Michael Porter Jr
The Cavs will have an interesting off-season ahead of them, after the conclusion of the NBA Finals. By the time of the draft, they likely won’t know LeBron’s intentions. And drafting a player to appease LeBron only to have him leave isn’t a great strategy – just ask Miami about Shabazz Napier.
Michael Porter Jr is a player the Cavs could utilize with or without LeBron. He was a consensus top-3 pick before his back injury – which he is now fully recovered from. He has the ability to fill the playmaker-void if James leaves Cleveland again. Or, he may be talented enough to help convince the King to stay. It’s a win-win for Cleveland.
9. New York Knicks – Mikal Bridges
The Knicks have been rumored to be high on Mikal Bridges since their season ended. Yes, they’ve hired a new coach since then, but their front office will be making this call. Like I mentioned above, athletic wings with defensive potential will never go out of style in the NBA. The Knicks have a superstar in Porzingis, and good young guards. Bridges fills their biggest need here.
10. Philadelphia 76ers – Lonnie Walker
The Sixers have 6 draft picks this year, and will likely be trading some of them. I think they’ll keep this pick, though, and potentially add another key piece to the Process in Philly.
With so many talented young players already on this roster, the Sixers aren’t hurting for much. The emergence of Ben Simmons as a bonafide point guard makes Philly’s search for surrounding pieces that much easier. Lonnie Walker is a guard with natural scoring abilities, who could thrive playing off the ball.
11. Charlotte Hornets – Collin Sexton
Kemba Walker is very publicly on the trade block. If Charlotte can get back a first round pick paired with a young player with potential, they will likely move on from Walker. If they do – Sexton is a ready-made replacement.
12. LA Clippers – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Clippers have been linked to possible trade scenarios for a while now. Even though they are very much in a rebuilding stage, there is some skepticism about how valuable these two picks will actually turn out to be.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a point guard prospect with plenty of questions. But there might not be a more advantageous situation for him than LA. Pat Beverley is as good a defensive mentor as a young guard could ask for. And Milos Teodosic is one of the best passers in the world. SGA can learn the ropes and be ready in a year or two.
13. LA Clippers – Miles Bridges
Miles Bridges was a lottery candidate a year ago. He didn’t improve much statistically from his freshman to sophomore season at Michigan State. But he is visibly stronger, and essentially spent a year with Izzo learning how to be a pro. Bridges should have a chance to play right away for the Clippers.
If LA tries to trade this pick, it could be because someone else wants to move up and get Bridges before the Nuggets at 14.
14. Denver Nuggets – Kevin Knox
The Nuggets have their backcourt of the future, and their star at center. What Denver needs is wings. Wilson Chandler has a player option and will likely be back next season. But they may have to let Will Barton walk. Maybe Knox is too much of a forward for what they’re looking for, but he can shoot it from deep.
This pick could turn out to be Khyri Thomas, Troy Brown Jr, Zhaire Smith, or Gary Trent Jr. Denver could also try to package this pick with Kenneth Faried to get that cap hit off their books so they can keep Barton.
15. Washington Wizards – Robert Williams
The Wizards are in a precarious place with their roster. Marcin Gortat is on his last leg as a starter in the NBA. If Washington dumps his contract somewhere, this pick could be a big – and Robert Williams is the best on the board at this point.
It might also take this pick to sweeten the deal and convince a team to take Gortat.
Another rumor, one that I think makes a lot of sense for both sides, has Washington trading Otto Porter Jr for DeMarcus Cousins. If that happens, drafting wing depth here would be a good fit.
16. Phoenix Suns – Kevin Huerter
Kevin Huerter has intriguing potential. He can shoot the lights out, and has a decent offensive skill-set all around. After shining at the NBA Combine, he drew comparisons to Klay Thompson.
17. Milwaukee Bucks – Mitchell Robinson
The Bucks need a big, and they don’t have much money for free agency – unless they make some trades. Mitchell Robinson is a bit of an unknown, but he’s a big body and an athlete. He reportedly has a 1st round promise from the Lakers at 25, I predict Milwaukee steals him here.
18. San Antonio Spurs – Khyri Thomas
San Antonio is known for finding steals later in the draft, and Khyri Thomas could be their next find.
Playing with the Spurs, Khyri Thomas would have the potential ceiling of a guard version of Kawhi. He’s that talented defensively. His 6’10.5″ wingspan helps, too. Offensively obviously he isn’t Kawhi, yet. But neither was Kawhi when he entered the league.
19. Atlanta Hawks – Donte DiVincenzo
The Hawks are rebuilding, take the player with the best potential left on your board. In this scenario, that is Donte DiVincenzo. He proved himself athletically at the combine. And his ability to shoot the rock should translate to the next level immediately.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves – Gary Trent Jr
A native of Minneapolis, and former high school teammate of current Wolves player Tyus Jones, Trent Jr is a no-brainer pick for Minnesota here. This team needs bench scoring, and shooters to spread the floor for KAT. Gary Trent Jr. fits the bill.
His father, Gary Trent, spent the last three seasons of his NBA career with the Timberwolves.
21. Utah Jazz – Troy Brown Jr
Troy Brown Jr was a highly touted recruit before a mediocre season for Oregon left an underwhelming impression. He’s got a diverse offensive skill set, and should be able to compete athletically at the NBA level while his shot continues to develop.
22. Chicago Bulls – Chandler Hutchison
Hutchison withdrew from the combine after receiving a 1st round guarantee from the Bulls. In this mock scenario, they get their guy. I could also see Hutchison going a couple different picks ahead of this.
23. Indiana Pacers – Melvin Frazier
Melvin Frazier is an NBA ready athlete. After showing out at the combine, he earned his way into the first round. Indiana could go a couple different ways with this pick, but adding some size and athleticism to Victor Oladipo’s supporting cast seems like a sound decision.
24. Portland Trailblazers – Keita Bates-Diop
Portland is in need of front court depth, and Keita Bates-Diop can help with that. Dame and CJ respect 4 year college guys who make it to the league.
25. Los Angeles Lakers – Chimezie Metu
With their hopeful pick Robinson off the board, Los Angeles moves on to the next best available big.
26. Philadelphia 76ers – Dzanan Musa
Draft & Stash candidate, Philly has so many picks – they can’t give roster spots to all of them. Musa is a potential rotation player for them down the road. Much like Saric, when he finally came over, but more of a guard than a forward.
27. Boston Celtics – Shake Milton
Boston is in talks of trading up, but I think they’ll like the value left on the board here. Shake Milton joins former college teammate Semi Ojeleye as Ainge continues to find NBA-ready players in the draft.
28. Golden State Warriors – Josh Okogie
Elite defensive potential, perfect late first round pick for Golden State.
29. Brooklyn Nets – Jacob Evans
Brooklyn has the guards they like, and a promising young big in Jarrett Allen. Time to start filling in the pieces in between. Jacob Evans is a smart, well-rounded player and should fit in well with Brooklyn’s new culture.
30. Atlanta Hawks – Elie Okobo
Assuming they pass on a point guard in the lottery, Atlanta can find one here or at 19. Elie Okobo is a promising young prospect from France.
