With the NBA draft coming up on the 21st of June, I figured I would give my opinion on who will go where inside the lottery. The selections I propose will be who I think the team will draft, based on needs and fit. I will be giving my opinion on each player at each pick, along with giving a current player comparison. That will not be based skill level, but rather skill set. There will also be a secondary pick listed for each team, indicating the other player I could see being drafted at that spot.
1. Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton, C | Arizona Wildcats, Freshman
20.1 PPG, 11.6 REB, 1.9 BLK
Deandre Ayton is a force inside the paint, standing at 7'1" and weighing in at 250 pounds. His offensive game is already NBA ready, with an outstanding post game and a developing jump shot. Defense is the biggest question for Ayton, but he has the physical tools to become an excellent interior defender. Quoted as saying he and Booker would be "Kobe and Shaq," may be a longhsot, but with the potential Ayton has, there's a possibility.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: DeMarcus Cousins
Other Candidate: Luka Doncic
2. Sacramento Kings: Luka Doncic, G/F | Real Madrid, EuroLeague
14.5 PPG, 4.6 AST, 5.2 REB, 25 MPG
Doncic is the most coveted international prospect the NBA has seen in quite some time because of his versatility. He can run off ball and knock down threes with ease and also has the capability to run point guard with either isolation plays or great playmaking abilities. His defense is average at best, but can easily be improved upon. The one thing all scouts worry about is playing at the international level rather than in the NCAA system, but with Doncic I don't believe that should be an issue for the EuroLeague MVP.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: James Harden
Other Candidate: Marvin Bagley
3. Atlanta Hawks: Marvin Bagley, F | Duke Blue Devils, Freshman
21 PPG, 11.1 REB, 39.7 3P%
Bagley was a dominant force in the paint (if you excuse the lack of focus or even effort on defense). His athleticism outshone nearly every other big in college basketball, but people worry that may be his only upside. He has shown some capability as a stretch four though, which is something the NBA loves. Building around a John Collins and Bagley front court would be a dominant offensive force, but one that would need time to develop.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Kevin Love
Other Candidate: Jaren Jackson Jr.
4. Memphis Grizzlies: Michael Porter Jr., F | Missouri Tigers, Freshman
10 PPG, 6.7 REB, 2 Full GP
A lengthy forward that can play either the 3 or 4 with a great shooting stroke, Porter was the consensus number one pick before his back injury. His abilities on offense seem limitless, but his defense could use work. Lately his stock has been rising, as scouts see him going more around the 6-8 pick. His injury history is a concern, but Porter's potential on the wing will entice the Grizzlies, who have needed a wing like this for years.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Brandon Ingram
Other Candidate: Jaren Jackson Jr.
5. Dallas Mavericks: Mohamed Bamba, F/C | Texas Longhorns, Freshman
12.9 PPG, 10.5 REB, 3.7 BLK
Bamba is most likely going to be the best defensive player coming out of this draft. Averaging the second most blocks in the nation at the college level and having a ridiculous 7'10" wingspan, Bamba's potential on defense is incredulous. His offense has even shown the capability of developing into a pick and popper, or taking it to the paint. Bamba also ran 3/4 of the court at the combine faster than both John Wall and Russell Westbrook. Lack of maturity has been the biggest concern for Bamba, but the Mavericks may have landed the biggest steal in the entire draft.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Myles Turner
Other Candidate: Jaren Jackson Jr.
6. Orlando Magic: Jaren Jackson Jr., F/C | Michigan State Spartans, Freshman
10.9 PPG, 5.8 REB, 3 BLK
As the youngest player in the draft, Jackson may have the biggest boom-bust potential in the entire draft. He is a defensive stud that knows where to be and how to block a shot, and also can stretch out to the three-point line with a 39.6 3P%. His quickness and athleticism allows him to play the four or five. While only playing 21 minutes a game in college, Jackson has some great potential, but it could also entail bust. Playing alongside Aaron Gordon in Orlando may be the perfect complementary fit for Jackson.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Thon Maker
Other Candidate: Trae Young
7. Chicago Bulls: Miles Bridges, G/F | Michigan State Spartans, Sophomore
17.1 PPG, 7 REB, 2.7 AST
A year ago, Miles Bridges most likely would have been a top three pick. Going through his sophomore season may have hurt his stock this year, but his talent may be slept on as a prospect. His ability to handle the ball and score at 6'7" is always appreciated in the modern NBA. His fit on a young Chicago Bulls team could be great for a developing core.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Andrew Wiggins
Other Candidate: Trae Young
8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Trae Young, G | Oklahoma Sooners, Freshman
27.4 PPG, 8.7 AST, 5.2 TO
Trae Young is possibly the most confusing prospect in this draft, after a stellar first half of the college season was tarnished by an abysmal second season. Many see Young as only a scorer, which is justifiable after watching his ability on defense. His size is also a large question mark, but Trae Young has a very complete offensive game besides his shot selection. The Cavs are looking for some youth in case of a rebuild, and Trae Young has the capability to be either their future, or another mistake.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Jamal Murray
Other Candidate: Mikal Bridges
9. New York Knicks: Wendell Carter Jr., C | Duke Blue Devils, Freshman
13.5 PPG, 9.1 REB, 2.1 BLK
Carter Jr. is a solid glue guy for any team that needs a big man, starting or bench. His defense is solid and he has the quickness to defend a four on the wing. He also has the strength to be a great rebounder at the NBA level, with the energy to outplay many. A great defensive fit alongside Kristaps Porzingis, he may not be an immediate start, but a great project to build up in the frontcourt.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Julius Randle
Other Candidate: Mikal Bridges
10. Philadelphia 76ers: Mikal Bridges, G/F | Villanova Wildcats, Junior
17.7 PPG, 5.3 REB, 1.5 STL
A young team that is ready to compete could use an NBA level 3-and-D prospect, and the 76ers would be lucky to land Bridges at this point in the draft. His length and quickness on the floor helps him guard positions 1 to 3, and shot 43.5% from the three. He would be an excellent sixth man for this team, as the 76ers identity has become that of defense, something they lack off the bench. Expect Bridges to make an impact immediately for any team that drafts him.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Gary Harris
Other Candidate: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
11. Charlotte Hornets: Collin Sexton, G | Alabama Crimson Tide, Freshman
19.2 PPG, 3.6 AST, 2.8 TO
The Hornets have to start rebuilding at some point, right? Blow up the whole team and figure out how to become youthful. I expect this pick to be traded along with Kemba Walker for a top pick, but if that does not happen, Sexton could be a steal for the Hornets. His efficiency and defense are a question mark, but his explosiveness and leadership are excellent. Shooting is still in development, but Sexton could be the start of a long needed rebuild.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Russell Westbrook
Other Candidate: Kevin Knox
12. Los Angeles Clippers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G | Kentucky Wildcats, Freshman
14.4 PPG, 5.1 AST, 4.1 REB
As a team recently ravaged by trades, the Clippers need practically every position. They do not want to be stuck in limbo, as they are an old team that can't compete with very little youth. Picking the best available youth is what they should do, and Shai has good potential for this late in the lottery. He is an efficient point guard that can shoot the three, lead an offense, and play solid defense. There may not be superstar potential to him, but Shai could be an excellent starting point guard for any team that needs it.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Patrick Beverley
Other Candidate: Kevin Knox
13. Los Angeles Clippers: Kevin Knox, F | Kentucky Wildcats, Freshman
15.6 PPG, 5.4 REB, 2.3 TO
Having back-to-back picks always feels safe. The Clippers have already taken a safe pick with Shai, why not take a more mysterious prospect with his teammate, Kevin Knox? An athletic forward with explosiveness and the potential to become a great shooter, his efficiency is a big issue, but that can be fixed by a disciplined coach. Doc Rivers could take his experience of coaching Paul Pierce and attempt to mold Knox into that. Knox also has the athleticism and strength to guard positions 2 to 4. The potential with this pick is high, it will just take the right coach to make him more motivated and disciplined.
Pro Skill Set Comparison: A less efficient Jimmy Butler
Other Candidate: Lonnie Walker IV
14. Denver Nuggets: Keita Bates-Diop, F | Ohio State Buckeyes, Freshman
19.8 PPG, 8.7 REB, 1.6 BLK
The Nuggets will not be looking for potential with this pick, they will want matured NBA level ready talent. Bates-Diop is an excellent glue guy in any system, as he is a threat down low on offense and can play defense in the post or on the wing. The Nuggets could use a bench piece for a bench that ranked 25th in the NBA,
Pro Skill Set Comparison: Markieff Morris
Other Candidate: Zhaire Smith
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