Rough (NBA) Draft

The NBA Draft Lottery, one of my favorite basketball-related events,  was last night and it produced somewhat unexpected results as some teams were shifted from their original starting points. Most notably, the Suns dropped from 2 to 4 while the 76ers snuck into the top 3. Here is my first mock draft since the order has been confirmed. 

THE LOTTERY

1. Boston Celtics: Markelle Fultz- Fultz is the best prospect in this draft, and I don't think there is much of a debate. He is an effortless scorer and possesses all the tools necessary to be a star in the NBA. The Celtics have a logjam at guard, but they make it work for Fultz.

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball- It looks like the Ball family will get its wish as the Lakers are in prime position to draft UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball. I think the Lakers take the chance of LaVar Ball burning down the franchise for Lonzo's playmaking ability. 

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Jayson Tatum- Philly is left in a tough spot here: they clearly need a point guard, but there is a significant gap between Fultz and Ball and the rest of the crowd. Despite their need, I think the Sixers go with the "best available" strategy and make a free agency push for Kyle Lowry in the offseason. Tatum has a polished offensive skill set and has the build to be an elite two-way player. Whichever direction the Sixers go, they can't be wrong. 

4. Phoenix Suns: Josh Jackson- Seeing that their top candidate is off the board at #3, Phoenix takes the second best versatile forward in the draft in Josh Jackson. The Suns really don't need to improve their backcourt and adding a player like Jackson would give them immediate defensive stability and scoring. 

5. Sacramento Kings: De'Aaron Fox- The Kings are in dire need of an explosive playmaker who can create for himself and teammates at a consistent rate. Fox isn't completely there....yet. But his showing against UCLA in the Sweet 16 proved to any doubters that Fox has star potential. If his shooting improves, the Kings may find their franchise player. 

6. Orlando Magic: Dennis Smith Jr- The Magic need a scoring point guard and a face of the franchise. They can potentially get both with Dennis Smith Jr. The NC State product has shown he can score from anywhere while still creating for others. He needs to make better decisions in he wants to succeed in the NBA though. 

7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jonathan Isaac- A stretch 4 like Isaac would work relay well with Karl Anthony Towns. Isaac still needs some polishing, but if he can fine tune his offensive game under Tom Thibodeau, the Timberwolves may have a top 10 frontcourt by 2020. 

8. New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina- Ntilikina is the best international prospect in this year's class. Another point guard, Ntilikina's 6-5 frame and astute athleticism will secure his baseline status as a 3 and D guard. And the Knicks could certainly use help on that end. Also, Phil Jackson's Triangle Offense will provide a nice home for a player like Ntilikina. 

9. Dallas Mavericks: Lauri Markkanen- Yeah, yeah, European big guy that can shoot threes being drafted by the Mavericks. We've seen it before. But this is actually a perfect apprentice situation for Dallas. I'm thinking Markkanen learns under Dirk Nowitzki for two seasons and then takes over the starting spot. 

10. Sacramento Kings: Zach Collins- The Kings couldn't take their typical foreign center this year, so they settled for the next best thing: Zach Collins. Collins might be an answer for the Kings at this position, and they definitely need a center after trading DeMarcus Cousins for Buddy Hield and some Skittles.

11. Charlotte Hornets:  Malik Monk- Every year, there's a player who drops unexpectedly. This year it will be Malik Monk. Lucky for the Hornets, however, because they will get an electrifying scorer to pair in the backcourt with Kemba Walker. 

12. Detroit Pistons: Justin Jackson- The Pistons are losing confidence in Stanley Johnson, so I think they'll take the best available G/F at the time of their pick. Justin Jackson is a capable 3pt shooter and is long enough to be a really good defender. He's not a prototypical 3 and D guy, but the Pistons won't mind. 

13. Denver Nuggets: OG Anunoby- OG Anunoby tore his ACL this year, but many teams are still looking at him as a Lottery prospect because of his defensive versatility. Surely he's worth a look, and with the Nuggets seemingly set with their guards and big guys, they can afford to take a risk with Anunoby at 13. 

14. Miami Heat: John Collins- It doesn't look like Chris Bosh is coming back, so the Heat tell Luke Babbitt to take a hike and bring in John Collins. Collins was extremely efficient at Wake Forest and concerns about his wingspan would be negated with Hassan Whiteside standing next to him in the middle. 

THE POINT WHERE EVERYONE STOPS WATCHING THE DRAFT BECAUSE IT'S TAKING SO LONG

15. Portland Trail Blazers: Jarrett Allen

16. Chicago Bulls: Donovan Mitchell

17. Milwaukee Bucks: Luke Kennard  

18. Indiana Pacers: Terrance Ferguson

19. Atlanta Hawks: Justin Patton

20. Portland Trail Blazers: Rodions Kurucs

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Ike Anigbogu

22. Brooklyn Nets: Hamidou Diallo

23. Toronto Raptors: TJ Leaf

24. Utah Jazz: Jonathan Jeanne

25. Orlando Magic: Johnathan Motley

26. Portland Trail Blazers: Isaiah Harnstein

27. Brooklyn Nets: Harry Giles

28. Los Angeles Lakers: Bam Adebayo

29. San Antonio Spurs: DJ Wilson

30. Utah Jazz: Jawun Evans