1. Minnesota- Anthony Edwards, G (Georgia): Edwards is regarded by most scouting circles as the best prospect in this year's draft. His effort and energy is the big question mark surrounding him, but his ability to score the ball is undeniable. Pairing him with D’Angelo Russell in the backcourt makes for a lethal scoring duo.
2. Golden State- Onyeka Okongwu ,F/C (USC): Throughout the Warriors “run and gun” era so far of Klay Thompson and Steph Curry, the forward/center spot, other than Draymond Green has always been their weak spot. By selecting Okongwu, that gives the Warriors an intriguing frontcourt piece that can protect the rib, grab rebounds, and has an expanding game out to the three point line that can make him an enticing pick and pop option. I love the fit of Okongwu here, as it makes the Warriors a more well rounded squad.
3. Charlotte- Lamelo Ball, G (USA)- Charlotte has been a middle of the pack organization that has been in and out of the final few eastern conference playoff spots for the past decade. Last year, their franchise player Kemba Walker left for Boston, and they signed guard Terry Rozier to fill his shoes at the guard spot. But, they need a star still, and Ball has the potential to be that. An exciting player with flashy passing, and the ability to score the ball gives him big play potential everytime he touches the court and a potential franchise player to market for the Hornets going forward.
4. Chicago- Isaac Okoro, F (Auburn)- The Bulls have a solid young nucleus of players with Zach Lavine, Wendell Carter Jr., and Lauri Markannen. Adding a high level defensive player who is good in transition, and has solid shooting mechanics to develop into a “3 and D” type player makes it a logical fit here. I could also see the Bulls exploring trading out of this spot.
5. Cleveland- Obi Toppin, F (Dayton)- With two young guards in Colin Sexton and Darius Garland in the backcourt, Toppin would fill a need in the front court. At 6’9 with great leaping ability, the former Dayton Flyer will be great on pick and rolls and shoots the ball at a decent clip that makes defenses have to guard him out to the three point line. His defense is suspect, and he doesn’t create much offense off the bounce, but he brings a lot to the table and fills a need for the Cavs as a pick and roll specialist and rebounder.
6. Atlanta- Deni Advija, F (Israel)- The Hawks are flooding with young talent in Trae Young, Cam Reddish, DeAndre Hunter, and more. A thing they are missing is a versatile forward who can make some plays in the open court and has the ability to space the floor. Advija can do just that, and has a game very similar to Dario Saric, another former European prospect. Advija could use some more time developing, and potentially play overseas for another year, but the raw ability is there and he could be an intriguing option in the Hawks young core.
7. Detroit- James Wiseman, C (Memphis)- After shipping out Andre Drummond at the trade deadline, the Pistons are in the market for a new center. Wiseman, one of the top prospects in this draft is an uber athletic big man, with shot blocking ability, can control the glass, and can run the floor. He has a very high floor and should be a double-double threat right away in the NBA for a lowly Detroit team.
8. New York- Killian Hayes, G (France)- Hayes is the best pick and roll ball handler in this year’s draft, and his savvy left handed game, to pair with his pro experience in Europe makes him an intriguing option to pair in the backcourt with R.J. Barrett. This is a Knicks team that is still far away from competing, but adding a guard who can create alongside Barrett is essential.
9. Washington- Devin Vassell, G (Florida State)- Vassell is the best “3 and D” prospect in the draft this year, and fits well into a Washington rebuild who is looking to add young guys to their growing core. Vassell will contribute immediately, and provides more outside shooting to go with Bradley Beal.
10. Phoenix- Tyrese Haliburton, G (Iowa State)- Long term in Phoenix, they need a guard who can create off the dribble to pair with Devin Booker. Haliburton slides into that role, and he is also very good in transition, to combine with his length that makes him a solid defender as well. This pick would continue to grow the exciting young core that the Suns have going now.
11. San Antonio- Daniel Oturu, C (Minnesota)- As Lamarcus Aldrige is at the tail end of his career, and the Spurs have young guards in Lonnie Walker, Dejounte Murray, and Derrick White in the backcourt, the frontcourt needs to be addressed. Oturu is an enticing option as a player who continues to develop, and is able to potentially average a double-double at the next level. The Spurs should feel comfortable in their development history in taking the exciting prospect that Oturu is, and developing him into the center of the future for their franchise.
12. Sacramento- Aaron Nesmith, G (Vanderbilt)- Nesmith is the best knockdown shooter in the draft (52% from three last year), and gives the Kings a knockdown shooter for De’Aaron Fox who is becoming one of the best young guards in the league. Nesmith has some work to do for the rest of his game, but he can knock down shots and that is as valuable as a trait that you can bring to the table.
13. New Orleans- Saddiq Bey, F (Villanova)- Bey is another prototypical “3 and D” player who excelled last year at Villanova, and was named the best small forward in college basketball this past season. He is a player who can contribute right away, and can spell Brandon Ingram in spurts as a knockdown shooter and very good defender for positions one through four. Bey brings a lot of intriguing traits to the table and would be a welcomed addition to the Pelicans youth.
14. Boston- Precious Achiuwa, F (Memphis)- Achiuwa is a player that compares to Montrezl Harrell due to the aggressiveness and energy that he constantly plays with. That energy, effort, rebounding ability, and growing offensive game would be a welcomed addition for Boston. With players like Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Gordon Hayward already in the fold, Achiuwa would be a great addition off the bench to spell those guys.
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