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2025 NBA Draft Thread
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by addict4sneakers,
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He feels like a guy that makes sense at any of Orlando, Toronto or New Orleans.
Even Oklahoma Cory to an extent makes sense to me.
Even Oklahoma Cory to an extent makes sense to me.
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Great summary, maybe helps that I completely agree
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Lakers usually announce a group of prospects that work out for them, but guessing Lively is only doing a one on zero workout.
Edit:
He was supposed to be in Golden State hmm.
Edit:
He was supposed to be in Golden State hmm.
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2023 NBA mock draft: Best fit vs. best available for the first round
he best long-term talent available or the best roster fit for the present? It's a timeless question that has vexed NBA executives and scouts and one that will loom over the 2023 NBA draft June 22 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN and ESPN App) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
All 30 teams will approach the question differently. Some teams are seeking a player to complement their existing roster and would prefer to fill a need. Others are trying to replace a player they expect to lose in free agency. Many teams will look to the future, selecting on the basis of potential and attempting to identify a prospect who can grow into a significant long-term talent regardless of roster fit, with an eye on eventually ending up with one of the best players in the draft.
ESPN NBA draft experts Jeremy Woo and Jonathan Givony conducted their own draft alternating first-round picks with two competing agendas in mind -- a player who is best equipped to help a team win a game tonight, versus the prospect who is the best long-term talent available at that slot.
FIRST ROUND
1. San Antonio Spurs
Best fit: Victor Wembanyama | Metropolitans 92 | PF/C | Age: 19.4
Best available: Wembanyama
It goes without saying that the first pick is the easiest pick in the draft, and neither the Spurs nor the NBA have been compelled to dance around who will be selected No. 1 overall. The Spurs could have a roster full of 15 centers and Wembanyama would still be the best fit. -- Jeremy Woo
2. Charlotte Hornets
Best fit: Brandon Miller | Alabama | SF | Age: 20.5
Best available: Miller
Pairing LaMelo Ball with Scoot Henderson is far from an impossible task, but is one that would take time to find chemistry for the guards on both ends of the floor, particularly on defense. Many NBA executives feel that Henderson's hunger for scoring will eventually make him more of a combo guard better suited playing with a pass-first point guard such as Ball. It's very difficult for young guards in his mold to avoid being net negatives early in their career, however, especially with the inconsistency he's shown with his perimeter shooting, decision-making and defensive intensity.
Miller's fit on the Hornets is without question cleaner, considering how little talent Charlotte has on the wing. His ability to make shots in dynamic fashion from all over the floor, create for others off a live dribble, defend multiple positions and generally play the big guard/wing role every NBA team covets currently gives him the edge for me both in terms of fit and long-term. -- Jonathan Givony
3. Portland Trail Blazers
Best fit: Scoot Henderson | G League Ignite | PG | Age: 19.3
Best available: Henderson
The matter of best available here wasn't especially complicated, as Henderson sits inside the general consensus top three and has a case to go ahead of Miller as the No. 2 prospect, at least for some teams. The question of Portland's best at this spot is more up for debate, considering their guard-heavy roster. Ultimately, Henderson is physically ready and more experienced than the other top candidates at this spot, and if you view him as more of a natural combo, the pairing with Damian Lillard would be imperfect but potentially quite dangerous for defenses. Henderson would supply the Blazers' backcourt with a more downhill, attack-minded dimension, allow Lillard to spend more time operating as a threat away from the ball and would presumably become the next face of the franchise in time. -- Woo
4. Houston Rockets
Best fit: Ausar Thompson | Overtime Elite | PG/SG | Age: 20.3
Best available: Amen Thompson | Overtime Elite | PG/SG | Age: 20.3
With James Harden widely assumed to be joining the Rockets in free agency, it's difficult to see Amen Thompson being a great positional fit alongside him, Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. considering his struggles as a perimeter shooter and the fact that his long-term upside clearly revolves around being a big playmaking guard who a team builds their roster around.
His brother Ausar, while not quite the ballhandling/passing/finishing prospect, has more experience playing off the ball, cleaner shooting mechanics and perimeter shooting projection. He shares some of the same attributes that make Amen special with his transition scoring prowess, court vision, and defensive versatility -- which makes him an easier fit positionally but also gives him significant upside to grow into. -- Givony
5. Detroit Pistons
Best fit: Jarace Walker | Houston | PF | Age: 19.7
Best available: Cam Whitmore | Villanova | SF | Age: 18.9
This pick is viewed at the high end of Walker's range on draft night. Detroit has two high-usage playmakers in place in Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, and would have immediate use for Walker and his well-rounded, two-way game. Walker has interest all over the top 10, as he's physically prepared for the NBA and offers a substantial, sound floor as a winning contributor as long as his jumper continues to improve.
Through the best-available lens, Whitmore's explosiveness, scoring upside and relative youth (he turns 19 in July) make him another highly compelling option for the Pistons, and put him in play even higher than this on teams' draft boards. Whitmore's range of outcomes would seem a bit wider than Walker's and hangs largely on his ability to harness his talent into efficient, consistent scoring output, something Detroit could certainly use in the long run. -- Woo
6. Orlando Magic
Best fit: Gradey **** | Kansas | SG/SF | Age: 19.5
Best available: Ausar Thompson
Many NBA teams view **** as the best shooter in the draft. He has elite footwork, balance and confidence running off screens, pulling up off the dribble and drifting into spot-up 3-pointers with excellent mechanics and range.
He's also a competitive defender with good size at 6-foot-7 ½ and a strong frame, making him playable immediately at a huge position of need for the Magic without needing plays called for him. That's an important factor for integrating him into a roster with several featured options already in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
The Magic might hope **** is available still with their second lottery pick at No. 11, allowing them to take a swing on a prospect like Ausar who seems to have a higher upside with his superior frame, length, explosiveness and shot-creation prowess. There's optimism Ausar can develop into a capable shooter after making significant improvement over the last year in that area, and he clearly brings more to the table with his court vision, electric first step, live-dribble passing prowess and ability to lock up guards, wings and forwards alike. -- Givony
7. Indiana Pacers
Best fit: Anthony Black | Arkansas | PG/SG | Age: 19.3
Best available: Black
There are arguments out there for Black going as high as No. 4 -- an easy best-available choice for me here -- but his range would appear to fall between Nos. 6-12. The Pacers are hoping to be competitive next season, and Black gets the nod over Amen Thompson here for me as the best fit. He's a more polished half-court player, a solid multi-positional defender and closer to impacting an NBA game positively at this point.
The notion of a backcourt that features Black and Tyrese Haliburton as dual ball handlers is certainly intriguing. Indiana could run an uptempo, ball-movement centric offense with the duo. The primary holdup for some teams is Black's occasional struggles not only with making 3s, but his willingness to take them and be aggressive. Landing in Indiana alongside Haliburton, who's among the best in the league at empowering teammates, could be optimal for his growth. -- Woo
8. Washington Wizards
Best fit: Amen Thompson
Best available: Walker
Some might be surprised to see Amen -- my No. 4 prospect in the draft -- fall all the way to No. 8 in a needs-based mock. The teams drafting before Washington (Houston, Detroit, Orlando and Indiana) might be reluctant to build their rosters around Amen's star power and shooting limitations considering their own timelines and existing building blocks, which could actually be the best thing that happens to Amen for his long-term development.
The Wizards' hire of new president Michael Winger indicates a rebuild might be in the cards, something that could give Amen the reps and usage he needs to fully explore the depths of his talent and reach his sky-high ceiling.
Should Walker be available at this slot, he'd have a strong case for consideration as the best long-term talent on the board. He has a high floor with his tremendous frame (249 pounds), length (7-2 ½ wingspan), multi-positional defensive versatility and budding passing and shooting ability. Walker also has outstanding off-court intangibles, and there's hope he can continue to improve his skill level to become a more well-rounded offensive player down the road considering he's only 19 years old. -- Givony
9. Utah Jazz
Best fit: Whitmore
Best available: Taylor Hendricks | UCF | PF | Age: 19.5
Under the best-fit premise, this would be a bit of a fall for Whitmore, which points to the fact his game is still viewed as a work in progress. He offers tremendous upside at 18 years old, but apart from his high-level combination of strength and speed for a guy his size, his actual skill set isn't particularly polished in any one area. The Jazz need scoring and would be able to plug him in and offer developmental minutes immediately.
With Hendricks still on the board in the best-available draft, he's a pretty easy choice here. He not only offers some plug-and-play utility, but has nice upside as a starting-caliber forward who can space the floor, block shots and offer a range of strengths that contribute to winning basketball. While there could be a degree of duplication with Lauri Markkanen, Hendricks' upside would be worth the dive here regardless. -- Woo
10. Dallas Mavericks
Best fit: Hendricks
Best available: ****
The Mavericks' late-season collapse stemmed in no small part from their inability to get stops after going all-in on the offensive brilliance of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving at the trade deadline. Balancing the roster with a long-armed, high-intensity, defensively versatile power forward such as Hendricks could certainly make sense both in the short and long term.
From a long-term view, it's hard to find a better all-around talent than **** at this spot, especially considering the importance NBA teams place on size, shooting versatility, feel for the game, confidence and intensity -- all of which **** possesses. More than just a shooter, ****'s ability to attack closeouts, hold his own defensively and never shy away from the moment gives him both a high floor and significant upside. -- Givony
11. Orlando Magic (via Chicago)
Best fit: Jordan Hawkins | UConn | SG | Age: 21.0
Best available: Bilal Coulibaly | Metropolitans 92 | SG/SF | Age: 18.8
Factoring in Orlando's aforementioned need for off-ball shooters who don't need their number called, Hawkins' polished jumper could immediately slot into a niche for the Magic. His draft range starts around here and runs into the late teens -- there are a number of players on the board you can argue possess greater upside -- but from a short-term viewpoint, he makes sense at No. 11, potentially causing headaches for defenses that already have to worry about Banchero and Wagner.
Thinking longer term, Coulibaly has been making a strong case for himself as a player teams need to be thinking about in the late lottery, as his season continues alongside Wembanyama in the French Pro A Finals. Dating back to last fall, his development has been notable, going from a player who couldn't get off the bench regularly to an indispensable part of Metropolitans 92. Coulibaly projects as an excellent defender and has room for growth offensively, flashing on-ball playmaking and catch-and-shoot upside. Considering he's still 18 years old, there's quite a bit for teams who could use a perimeter stopper to think about here. -- Woo
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
Best fit: Coulibaly
Best available: Nick Smith Jr. | Arkansas | PG/SG | Age: 19.1
The Thunder are coming off an excellent season and can expect internal growth as their young core inches closer to its prime while adding a top talent inside in Chet Holmgren. It's hard to find too many holes to plug with that in mind, so drafting a versatile wing such as Coulibaly could make sense to bolster their defense with another long-armed option to put on opposing ball handlers and allow Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to focus on lesser options. Coulibaly was the best player on the floor for Mets 92 in the decisive Game 4 of the LNB semifinals, showing he's far more ready to contribute next year than most initially expected.
With Giddey, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Tre Mann in the fold, Smith might need more ballhandling reps than the Thunder have to offer but is still the best long-term talent on the board. Every NBA team is looking for versatile guards who can shoot off the bounce, create off a live dribble, finish with creativity inside the arc and bring strong competitiveness on both ends of the floor. We never got to see Smith at his best at Arkansas due to injuries, but there's a reason he started the season as a projected top-five pick. I'm still bullish on his long-term outlook. -- Givony
13. Toronto Raptors
Best fit: Cason Wallace | Kentucky | PG/SG | Age: 19.5
Best available: Wallace
While Wallace more often draws praise for his polished mentality and versatile skill set that resembles an NBA-ready player, you can also make the argument for him as a better long-term prospect than the other guards in this part of the draft. At this selection for Toronto, a team that values the type of toughness he supplies, Wallace could fit both criteria. Sometimes players in his mold get overlooked in favor of flashier ones in the pre-draft process, but Wallace's unselfishness, workmanlike approach and underrated scoring ability could make him a quality NBA starter in due time. With Fred Van Vleet entering free agency, this could be a simple way for the Raptors to replace him. -- Woo
14. New Orleans Pelicans
Best fit: Jalen Hood-Schifino | Indiana | PG/SG | Age: 19.9
Best available: Hood-Schifino
Hood-Schifino's booming stock could allow him to go several spots higher than this ultimately on draft night. He's both a good fit on the Pelicans' roster -- which lacked alternative shot creation options after Zion Williamson's season-ending injury -- and arguably the best talent on the board. At 6-5 ½ in shoes, 217 pounds with a 6-10 wingspan, Hood-Schifino has All-Star-caliber dimensions to go along with impressive flashes he dropped this season as an off-the-bounce shot-maker, live-dribble passer and versatile defender. The 19-year-old needs to gain experience and consistency to reach his extremely high ceiling but has considerable talent at his disposal as a big two-way guard. -- Givony
15. Atlanta Hawks
Best fit: Jett Howard | Michigan | SG/SF | Age: 19.7
Best available: Clowney
The Hawks could look to support their star backcourt pairing of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray with wing depth here. Rounding lineups out with extra shooting is never a bad direction to take as Howard seems to be solidifying himself as a top-20 selection, offering positional size and scoring upside teams are comfortable with. He's not a finished product, but his catch-and-shoot play can supply immediate value, and he's easy to project onto any roster with the universality of his skill set.
Longer term, I'm a big fan of Clowney, who was a highly impactful defender at Alabama and is still very much scratching the surface of what he can become at 18 years old. I also like his chances of becoming a reliable jump shooter as he matures. Two-way forwards in his mold with high basketball IQ and good physical skills tend to be worthwhile long-term bets, and with the Hawks on a seemingly eternal quest to find a new home for forward John Collins, Clowney also adds some positional cover there. -- Woo
16. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)
Best fit: Smith Jr.
Best available: Howard
Utah could have a big void in the backcourt with second-leading scorer Jordan Clarkson approaching a June 29 deadline to opt out of his contract, which he's widely expected to do. Committing significant years and dollars to the 31-year-old might not be the most prudent thing for the Jazz considering their rebuild timetable, which could cause them to consider Smith in the hope he can offer many of the same qualities as Clarkson eventually, with his confident, polished scoring instincts and impressive talent as a shot-creator.
If Smith isn't available, I would look to Howard, who brings dynamic perimeter shooting ability with positional size and a strong feel for the game, coveted attributes for every NBA team. -- Givony
17. Los Angeles Lakers
Best fit: Kobe Bufkin | Michigan | PG/SG | Age: 19.7
Best available: Keyonte George | Baylor | SG | Age: 19.5
The Lakers are at risk of losing some of their guard depth this offseason, as Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, Dennis Schroder and Lonnie Walker IV hit free agency, with a team option available on Malik Beasley. The odds are good that they'll be able to address the backcourt with this pick. In our best-fit scenario, I went with Bufkin, who doesn't supply an elite skill but does a lot of things pretty well, with the versatility to play on and off the ball and good energy on the defensive end and on the glass.
If winning games immediately were no object in this decision process, then the scoring upside George offers might be worth the dive instead. He's one of the more dynamic and skilled ball handlers in the class but will likely require some time to fully harness that and become a positive contributor. -- Woo
18. Miami Heat
Best fit: Rayan Rupert | NZ Breakers | SG/SF | Age: 19.0
Best available: Rupert
Miami's wing depth has been tested in the playoffs, and the looming free agency of Max Strus and Gabe Vincent has to be a concern considering the Heat's punitive luxury-tax situation. Adding Rupert, a young, defensively versatile wing with toughness and a strong feel for the game, could make sense, as he brings many of the qualities Miami seeks out from a culture standpoint with his outstanding off-court intangibles. His perimeter shooting will have to improve to earn immediate playing time next year, but he also brings significant upside as a young 19-year-old to be considered the best talent available on the board at this juncture. -- Givony
19. Golden State Warriors
Best fit: James Nnaji | Barcelona | C | Age: 18.8
Best available: Bufkin
With Golden State set to be a franchise impacted by the new CBA's rules that penalize high-spending teams' ability to trade and maximize the value of their draft picks, the Warriors have an interesting decision here. They could continue their recent trend of taking long-term bets in the draft (Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody) or simply opt to place an NBA-ready player on a cost-controlled deal at this spot.
Nnaji earned himself a role in Barcelona's rotation this season with one of the better physical toolboxes in this draft, and could immediately add some depth and size up front alongside Draymond Green and Kevon Looney. Thinking longer term, Bufkin would also be a nice fit here, potentially giving the Warriors an eventual upgrade at guard and making it easier to move on from Jordan Poole and his hefty contract. -- Woo
20. Houston Rockets (via LA Clippers)
Best fit: Brice Sensabaugh | Ohio State | SF/PF | Age: 19.5
Best available: Hawkins
The Rockets' offense ranked last in 3-point percentage last season, so adding shooting to the lineup is a priority on draft night.
Sensabaugh shot 41% from 3 last season on a large volume of attempts (4.5 per game), despite a difficult shot diet that consisted of more pull-up jumpers than attempts with his feet set -- excelling nevertheless in both. More than a shooter, he's an elite scorer from anywhere on the floor, bringing the type of firepower every NBA team actively seeks from the forward spots.
From the best talent available standpoint, Hawkins would be an easy choice here if teams above Houston prioritize younger and more upside-laden prospects. He has a highly coveted skill that should get him on the floor immediately with his ability to space the court and make shots off movement -- giving him plenty of room to grow as his frame, defense and ballhandling continue to evolve. -- Givony
21. Brooklyn Nets (via Phoenix)
Best fit: Clowney
Best available: Sensabaugh
Brooklyn has a ton of flexibility in approaching this draft, with back-to-back picks in a part of the draft that might serve as a backstop for whichever prospects unexpectedly slip out of the top 20. Going with Clowney, a mature player for his age who can offer depth but wouldn't face a ton of immediate pressure with the Nets, could give them the freedom to potentially deal one of their more established forwards to address another need at guard.
Thinking long term, the Nets could use more scoring and shot creation on the roster, and Sensabaugh could certainly provide that as a quality shooter who offers some sneaky upside if he can work himself into better shape. If teams can look past his previous knee injuries, there aren't many better scorers in the draft. -- Woo
22. Brooklyn Nets
Best fit: George
Best available: Nnaji
The Nets are flush with wings and forwards but don't have a great deal of long-term depth assembled at the guard spots, where a shot-creator and shot-maker like George could be a clear fit. His scoring instincts and ability to find teammates off a live dribble could be a good fit alongside Spencer Dinwiddie and Mikal Bridges if he surprisingly drops this far on draft night.
From a talent perspective, it's hard to find a player at this slot with better physical tools and upside than Nnaji, who has a 7-4 wingspan and impressive quickness getting off his feet. His rim protection and finishing prowess give him significant upside to grow into considering has been playing basketball competitively for only five years. -- Givony
23. Portland Trail Blazers (via New York)
Best fit: Kris Murray | Iowa | PF | Age: 22.7
Best available: Jaime Jaquez Jr. | UCLA | SF | Age: 22.2
The immediate shooting and low-maintenance style Murray offers could be quite appealing to Portland, which could sorely use another floor-spacer in its frontcourt whether or not Jerami Grant stays in free agency. Murray isn't flashy but knows how to score and play off teammates and doesn't need to see much of the ball, making him a great fit here on a team with an offense that should again be heavily backcourt-driven, particularly if it adds Henderson at No. 3.
Thinking less from a perspective of fit and more from a long-term value angle, I love what Jaquez brings to the table. Factoring in his age and role, he's not the type of prospect who typically gets slapped with the upside label this time of year, but Jaquez is a good bet to have a long NBA career as a glue guy who can play multiple roles. His versatility and toughness are difficult to replicate, and I'd argue there's a pretty strong chance he's one of the 25 best players in this draft class five years from now. -- Woo
24. Sacramento Kings
Best fit: Brandin Podziemski | Santa Clara | SG | Age: 20.2
Best available: Dariq Whitehead | Duke | SG/SF | Age: 18.8
Getting on the floor for the NBA's No. 1 offense requires a certain amount of skill and feel, things Podziemski possesses to go along with impressive confidence and toughness. For a team in win-now mode, he brings a nice blend of current ability as the reigning WCC player of the year, with room to grow alongside the Kings' existing core, and his perimeter shooting could allow him to carve out a role early in his career if he can hold his own defensively.
Thinking more long term, taking a swing on Whitehead, who started the season a top-10-pick candidate but saw his stock drop because of injuries, could make sense. He's one of the youngest players in the draft -- not turning 19 until August -- and has terrific size and length at 6-7 with a 6-10 wingspan. He already offers quite a bit as a perimeter shooter who has shown disruptive defensive potential with some budding passing ability in previous settings. -- Givony
25. Memphis Grizzlies
Best fit: Jaquez
Best available: Murray
Jaquez fits the high-feel, high-character role player mold Memphis tends to value and would have a chance to earn immediate minutes as part of a crowded forward mix that includes Ziaire Williams, Santi Aldama, David Roddy and Jake LaRavia. The Grizzlies don't seem to mind loading up on these types of players, and Jaquez could rise to the top of that group.
Thinking along similar lines as Jaquez, in the best-available mock, I went with Murray. He's already a more reliable shooter than the young players he'd be competing with for playing time and projects as a solid long-term pro. When we talk about upside while thinking five years out, we frequently center those conversations on younger prospects, but when drafting in the 20s, there's a strong argument for guys such as Murray, who come in with more fully realized skill sets and as better long-term plays. -- Woo
26. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland)
Best fit: Dereck Lively II | Duke | C | Age: 19.3
Best available: Lively
With their second of three first-rounders, it might make sense for the Pacers to look for frontcourt depth, especially at center where Myles Turner has struggled to stay healthy in previous seasons. Lively could be an excellent understudy for Turner, offering similar qualities at the same stage of development with his rim-protection prowess, ability to cover ground on the perimeter and budding floor-spacing potential. He's an easy choice as the best player available at this slot for those same reasons, bringing an intriguing combination of size, reach, mobility, defensive instincts and improving shooting range. -- Givony
27. Charlotte Hornets (via Denver)
Best fit: Colby Jones | Xavier | SF | Age: 21.0
Best available: Podziemski
With this pick, Charlotte should be looking for role players who can complement Ball and whomever it takes at No. 2, preferably players whose value doesn't hinge on their offensive usage. Jones is a true gadget player who can playmake, handle and shoot without hijacking an offense, competes defensively, and should be ready to contribute in relatively short order.
With Podziemski still on the board here in the best-available mock, I'd bet on his productivity, competitiveness and work ethic turning him into a solid backcourt player for the Hornets, who have struggled to cultivate depth behind Ball and Terry Rozier and could benefit from having a reliable third guard to help soak up minutes and some of the creation duties. -- Woo
28. Utah Jazz (via Philadelphia)
Best fit: Trayce Jackson-Davis | Indiana | PF/C | Age: 23.2
Best available: Maxwell Lewis | Pepperdine | SF | Age: 20.8
The 23-year-old Jackson makes a big climb up our board when thinking strictly about winning a game right now, as few players in this draft offer the same combination he does of productivity, feel for the game and versatility as an interior scorer, passer and shot-blocker. The All-American's ability to rebound off the defensive glass could bring an interesting wrinkle to the Jazz operating alongside the floor-spacing ability of Markkanen and Kelly Olynyk, while providing quality depth behind Walker Kessler.
If taking a swing on a player with the biggest long-term upside is the goal, the potential Lewis shows as a 6-7 wing with a 7-foot wingspan and a wide arsenal of shot-creation and shot-making versatility could definitely be intriguing here. Every team is looking for fluid, long-armed wings in this mold, and Lewis' late-blooming trajectory gives him plenty of room to grow if a coaching staff can eliminate some of the bad habits he shows with shot selection and defensive intensity. -- Givony
29. Indiana Pacers (via Boston)
Best fit: Marcus Sasser | Houston | PG/SG | Age: 22.6
Best available: Jones
Sasser's shooting, defensive chops and ability to play both guard positions make him a pretty good bet to have a solid NBA career. While the Pacers have Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard already in the backcourt, Sasser could certainly make their team better playing alongside either player. He's a pretty well-established prospect with a stronger case in the late first round than it might seem considering the relative lack of quality, experienced college guards in this class.
Thinking longer term, I'd go with Jones, who's still hanging around in the best available mock and could be an excellent match with the guards the Pacers already have, preferring to play a similarly unselfish style. As long as there's enough scoring on the court, I don't think you can have too many guys in Jones' mold. He's able to play a variety of roles in a range of lineups and can add value without stopping the ball or wasting possessions. -- Woo
30. LA Clippers (via Milwaukee)
Best fit: Kobe Brown | Missouri | PF/C | Age: 23.4
Best available: Olivier-Maxence Prosper | Marquette | PF | Age: 20.9
A team trying to win a game right now would have to look hard at the 23-year-old Brown's productivity, feel for the game and perimeter shooting at this stage of the draft. He carried Missouri to an unexpected appearance in the round of 32 of the NCAA tournament on the back of a first-team All-SEC season, doing so in a highly efficient and winning style that should translate alongside better teammates.
Thinking more long term, Prosper's versatility and upside are what teams will study closely throughout the latter portion of the first round, as everyone is looking for long-armed wing-forwards in his mold who can defend multiple positions, run the floor in transition and show flashes of budding 3-point shooting. He has been one of the big winners of the pre-draft process thus far, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him selected higher than this. -- Givony
he best long-term talent available or the best roster fit for the present? It's a timeless question that has vexed NBA executives and scouts and one that will loom over the 2023 NBA draft June 22 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN and ESPN App) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
All 30 teams will approach the question differently. Some teams are seeking a player to complement their existing roster and would prefer to fill a need. Others are trying to replace a player they expect to lose in free agency. Many teams will look to the future, selecting on the basis of potential and attempting to identify a prospect who can grow into a significant long-term talent regardless of roster fit, with an eye on eventually ending up with one of the best players in the draft.
ESPN NBA draft experts Jeremy Woo and Jonathan Givony conducted their own draft alternating first-round picks with two competing agendas in mind -- a player who is best equipped to help a team win a game tonight, versus the prospect who is the best long-term talent available at that slot.
FIRST ROUND
1. San Antonio Spurs
Best fit: Victor Wembanyama | Metropolitans 92 | PF/C | Age: 19.4
Best available: Wembanyama
It goes without saying that the first pick is the easiest pick in the draft, and neither the Spurs nor the NBA have been compelled to dance around who will be selected No. 1 overall. The Spurs could have a roster full of 15 centers and Wembanyama would still be the best fit. -- Jeremy Woo
2. Charlotte Hornets
Best fit: Brandon Miller | Alabama | SF | Age: 20.5
Best available: Miller
Pairing LaMelo Ball with Scoot Henderson is far from an impossible task, but is one that would take time to find chemistry for the guards on both ends of the floor, particularly on defense. Many NBA executives feel that Henderson's hunger for scoring will eventually make him more of a combo guard better suited playing with a pass-first point guard such as Ball. It's very difficult for young guards in his mold to avoid being net negatives early in their career, however, especially with the inconsistency he's shown with his perimeter shooting, decision-making and defensive intensity.
Miller's fit on the Hornets is without question cleaner, considering how little talent Charlotte has on the wing. His ability to make shots in dynamic fashion from all over the floor, create for others off a live dribble, defend multiple positions and generally play the big guard/wing role every NBA team covets currently gives him the edge for me both in terms of fit and long-term. -- Jonathan Givony
3. Portland Trail Blazers
Best fit: Scoot Henderson | G League Ignite | PG | Age: 19.3
Best available: Henderson
The matter of best available here wasn't especially complicated, as Henderson sits inside the general consensus top three and has a case to go ahead of Miller as the No. 2 prospect, at least for some teams. The question of Portland's best at this spot is more up for debate, considering their guard-heavy roster. Ultimately, Henderson is physically ready and more experienced than the other top candidates at this spot, and if you view him as more of a natural combo, the pairing with Damian Lillard would be imperfect but potentially quite dangerous for defenses. Henderson would supply the Blazers' backcourt with a more downhill, attack-minded dimension, allow Lillard to spend more time operating as a threat away from the ball and would presumably become the next face of the franchise in time. -- Woo
4. Houston Rockets
Best fit: Ausar Thompson | Overtime Elite | PG/SG | Age: 20.3
Best available: Amen Thompson | Overtime Elite | PG/SG | Age: 20.3
With James Harden widely assumed to be joining the Rockets in free agency, it's difficult to see Amen Thompson being a great positional fit alongside him, Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. considering his struggles as a perimeter shooter and the fact that his long-term upside clearly revolves around being a big playmaking guard who a team builds their roster around.
His brother Ausar, while not quite the ballhandling/passing/finishing prospect, has more experience playing off the ball, cleaner shooting mechanics and perimeter shooting projection. He shares some of the same attributes that make Amen special with his transition scoring prowess, court vision, and defensive versatility -- which makes him an easier fit positionally but also gives him significant upside to grow into. -- Givony
5. Detroit Pistons
Best fit: Jarace Walker | Houston | PF | Age: 19.7
Best available: Cam Whitmore | Villanova | SF | Age: 18.9
This pick is viewed at the high end of Walker's range on draft night. Detroit has two high-usage playmakers in place in Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, and would have immediate use for Walker and his well-rounded, two-way game. Walker has interest all over the top 10, as he's physically prepared for the NBA and offers a substantial, sound floor as a winning contributor as long as his jumper continues to improve.
Through the best-available lens, Whitmore's explosiveness, scoring upside and relative youth (he turns 19 in July) make him another highly compelling option for the Pistons, and put him in play even higher than this on teams' draft boards. Whitmore's range of outcomes would seem a bit wider than Walker's and hangs largely on his ability to harness his talent into efficient, consistent scoring output, something Detroit could certainly use in the long run. -- Woo
6. Orlando Magic
Best fit: Gradey **** | Kansas | SG/SF | Age: 19.5
Best available: Ausar Thompson
Many NBA teams view **** as the best shooter in the draft. He has elite footwork, balance and confidence running off screens, pulling up off the dribble and drifting into spot-up 3-pointers with excellent mechanics and range.
He's also a competitive defender with good size at 6-foot-7 ½ and a strong frame, making him playable immediately at a huge position of need for the Magic without needing plays called for him. That's an important factor for integrating him into a roster with several featured options already in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
The Magic might hope **** is available still with their second lottery pick at No. 11, allowing them to take a swing on a prospect like Ausar who seems to have a higher upside with his superior frame, length, explosiveness and shot-creation prowess. There's optimism Ausar can develop into a capable shooter after making significant improvement over the last year in that area, and he clearly brings more to the table with his court vision, electric first step, live-dribble passing prowess and ability to lock up guards, wings and forwards alike. -- Givony
7. Indiana Pacers
Best fit: Anthony Black | Arkansas | PG/SG | Age: 19.3
Best available: Black
There are arguments out there for Black going as high as No. 4 -- an easy best-available choice for me here -- but his range would appear to fall between Nos. 6-12. The Pacers are hoping to be competitive next season, and Black gets the nod over Amen Thompson here for me as the best fit. He's a more polished half-court player, a solid multi-positional defender and closer to impacting an NBA game positively at this point.
The notion of a backcourt that features Black and Tyrese Haliburton as dual ball handlers is certainly intriguing. Indiana could run an uptempo, ball-movement centric offense with the duo. The primary holdup for some teams is Black's occasional struggles not only with making 3s, but his willingness to take them and be aggressive. Landing in Indiana alongside Haliburton, who's among the best in the league at empowering teammates, could be optimal for his growth. -- Woo
8. Washington Wizards
Best fit: Amen Thompson
Best available: Walker
Some might be surprised to see Amen -- my No. 4 prospect in the draft -- fall all the way to No. 8 in a needs-based mock. The teams drafting before Washington (Houston, Detroit, Orlando and Indiana) might be reluctant to build their rosters around Amen's star power and shooting limitations considering their own timelines and existing building blocks, which could actually be the best thing that happens to Amen for his long-term development.
The Wizards' hire of new president Michael Winger indicates a rebuild might be in the cards, something that could give Amen the reps and usage he needs to fully explore the depths of his talent and reach his sky-high ceiling.
Should Walker be available at this slot, he'd have a strong case for consideration as the best long-term talent on the board. He has a high floor with his tremendous frame (249 pounds), length (7-2 ½ wingspan), multi-positional defensive versatility and budding passing and shooting ability. Walker also has outstanding off-court intangibles, and there's hope he can continue to improve his skill level to become a more well-rounded offensive player down the road considering he's only 19 years old. -- Givony
9. Utah Jazz
Best fit: Whitmore
Best available: Taylor Hendricks | UCF | PF | Age: 19.5
Under the best-fit premise, this would be a bit of a fall for Whitmore, which points to the fact his game is still viewed as a work in progress. He offers tremendous upside at 18 years old, but apart from his high-level combination of strength and speed for a guy his size, his actual skill set isn't particularly polished in any one area. The Jazz need scoring and would be able to plug him in and offer developmental minutes immediately.
With Hendricks still on the board in the best-available draft, he's a pretty easy choice here. He not only offers some plug-and-play utility, but has nice upside as a starting-caliber forward who can space the floor, block shots and offer a range of strengths that contribute to winning basketball. While there could be a degree of duplication with Lauri Markkanen, Hendricks' upside would be worth the dive here regardless. -- Woo
10. Dallas Mavericks
Best fit: Hendricks
Best available: ****
The Mavericks' late-season collapse stemmed in no small part from their inability to get stops after going all-in on the offensive brilliance of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving at the trade deadline. Balancing the roster with a long-armed, high-intensity, defensively versatile power forward such as Hendricks could certainly make sense both in the short and long term.
From a long-term view, it's hard to find a better all-around talent than **** at this spot, especially considering the importance NBA teams place on size, shooting versatility, feel for the game, confidence and intensity -- all of which **** possesses. More than just a shooter, ****'s ability to attack closeouts, hold his own defensively and never shy away from the moment gives him both a high floor and significant upside. -- Givony
11. Orlando Magic (via Chicago)
Best fit: Jordan Hawkins | UConn | SG | Age: 21.0
Best available: Bilal Coulibaly | Metropolitans 92 | SG/SF | Age: 18.8
Factoring in Orlando's aforementioned need for off-ball shooters who don't need their number called, Hawkins' polished jumper could immediately slot into a niche for the Magic. His draft range starts around here and runs into the late teens -- there are a number of players on the board you can argue possess greater upside -- but from a short-term viewpoint, he makes sense at No. 11, potentially causing headaches for defenses that already have to worry about Banchero and Wagner.
Thinking longer term, Coulibaly has been making a strong case for himself as a player teams need to be thinking about in the late lottery, as his season continues alongside Wembanyama in the French Pro A Finals. Dating back to last fall, his development has been notable, going from a player who couldn't get off the bench regularly to an indispensable part of Metropolitans 92. Coulibaly projects as an excellent defender and has room for growth offensively, flashing on-ball playmaking and catch-and-shoot upside. Considering he's still 18 years old, there's quite a bit for teams who could use a perimeter stopper to think about here. -- Woo
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
Best fit: Coulibaly
Best available: Nick Smith Jr. | Arkansas | PG/SG | Age: 19.1
The Thunder are coming off an excellent season and can expect internal growth as their young core inches closer to its prime while adding a top talent inside in Chet Holmgren. It's hard to find too many holes to plug with that in mind, so drafting a versatile wing such as Coulibaly could make sense to bolster their defense with another long-armed option to put on opposing ball handlers and allow Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to focus on lesser options. Coulibaly was the best player on the floor for Mets 92 in the decisive Game 4 of the LNB semifinals, showing he's far more ready to contribute next year than most initially expected.
With Giddey, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Tre Mann in the fold, Smith might need more ballhandling reps than the Thunder have to offer but is still the best long-term talent on the board. Every NBA team is looking for versatile guards who can shoot off the bounce, create off a live dribble, finish with creativity inside the arc and bring strong competitiveness on both ends of the floor. We never got to see Smith at his best at Arkansas due to injuries, but there's a reason he started the season as a projected top-five pick. I'm still bullish on his long-term outlook. -- Givony
13. Toronto Raptors
Best fit: Cason Wallace | Kentucky | PG/SG | Age: 19.5
Best available: Wallace
While Wallace more often draws praise for his polished mentality and versatile skill set that resembles an NBA-ready player, you can also make the argument for him as a better long-term prospect than the other guards in this part of the draft. At this selection for Toronto, a team that values the type of toughness he supplies, Wallace could fit both criteria. Sometimes players in his mold get overlooked in favor of flashier ones in the pre-draft process, but Wallace's unselfishness, workmanlike approach and underrated scoring ability could make him a quality NBA starter in due time. With Fred Van Vleet entering free agency, this could be a simple way for the Raptors to replace him. -- Woo
14. New Orleans Pelicans
Best fit: Jalen Hood-Schifino | Indiana | PG/SG | Age: 19.9
Best available: Hood-Schifino
Hood-Schifino's booming stock could allow him to go several spots higher than this ultimately on draft night. He's both a good fit on the Pelicans' roster -- which lacked alternative shot creation options after Zion Williamson's season-ending injury -- and arguably the best talent on the board. At 6-5 ½ in shoes, 217 pounds with a 6-10 wingspan, Hood-Schifino has All-Star-caliber dimensions to go along with impressive flashes he dropped this season as an off-the-bounce shot-maker, live-dribble passer and versatile defender. The 19-year-old needs to gain experience and consistency to reach his extremely high ceiling but has considerable talent at his disposal as a big two-way guard. -- Givony
15. Atlanta Hawks
Best fit: Jett Howard | Michigan | SG/SF | Age: 19.7
Best available: Clowney
The Hawks could look to support their star backcourt pairing of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray with wing depth here. Rounding lineups out with extra shooting is never a bad direction to take as Howard seems to be solidifying himself as a top-20 selection, offering positional size and scoring upside teams are comfortable with. He's not a finished product, but his catch-and-shoot play can supply immediate value, and he's easy to project onto any roster with the universality of his skill set.
Longer term, I'm a big fan of Clowney, who was a highly impactful defender at Alabama and is still very much scratching the surface of what he can become at 18 years old. I also like his chances of becoming a reliable jump shooter as he matures. Two-way forwards in his mold with high basketball IQ and good physical skills tend to be worthwhile long-term bets, and with the Hawks on a seemingly eternal quest to find a new home for forward John Collins, Clowney also adds some positional cover there. -- Woo
16. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)
Best fit: Smith Jr.
Best available: Howard
Utah could have a big void in the backcourt with second-leading scorer Jordan Clarkson approaching a June 29 deadline to opt out of his contract, which he's widely expected to do. Committing significant years and dollars to the 31-year-old might not be the most prudent thing for the Jazz considering their rebuild timetable, which could cause them to consider Smith in the hope he can offer many of the same qualities as Clarkson eventually, with his confident, polished scoring instincts and impressive talent as a shot-creator.
If Smith isn't available, I would look to Howard, who brings dynamic perimeter shooting ability with positional size and a strong feel for the game, coveted attributes for every NBA team. -- Givony
17. Los Angeles Lakers
Best fit: Kobe Bufkin | Michigan | PG/SG | Age: 19.7
Best available: Keyonte George | Baylor | SG | Age: 19.5
The Lakers are at risk of losing some of their guard depth this offseason, as Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, Dennis Schroder and Lonnie Walker IV hit free agency, with a team option available on Malik Beasley. The odds are good that they'll be able to address the backcourt with this pick. In our best-fit scenario, I went with Bufkin, who doesn't supply an elite skill but does a lot of things pretty well, with the versatility to play on and off the ball and good energy on the defensive end and on the glass.
If winning games immediately were no object in this decision process, then the scoring upside George offers might be worth the dive instead. He's one of the more dynamic and skilled ball handlers in the class but will likely require some time to fully harness that and become a positive contributor. -- Woo
18. Miami Heat
Best fit: Rayan Rupert | NZ Breakers | SG/SF | Age: 19.0
Best available: Rupert
Miami's wing depth has been tested in the playoffs, and the looming free agency of Max Strus and Gabe Vincent has to be a concern considering the Heat's punitive luxury-tax situation. Adding Rupert, a young, defensively versatile wing with toughness and a strong feel for the game, could make sense, as he brings many of the qualities Miami seeks out from a culture standpoint with his outstanding off-court intangibles. His perimeter shooting will have to improve to earn immediate playing time next year, but he also brings significant upside as a young 19-year-old to be considered the best talent available on the board at this juncture. -- Givony
19. Golden State Warriors
Best fit: James Nnaji | Barcelona | C | Age: 18.8
Best available: Bufkin
With Golden State set to be a franchise impacted by the new CBA's rules that penalize high-spending teams' ability to trade and maximize the value of their draft picks, the Warriors have an interesting decision here. They could continue their recent trend of taking long-term bets in the draft (Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody) or simply opt to place an NBA-ready player on a cost-controlled deal at this spot.
Nnaji earned himself a role in Barcelona's rotation this season with one of the better physical toolboxes in this draft, and could immediately add some depth and size up front alongside Draymond Green and Kevon Looney. Thinking longer term, Bufkin would also be a nice fit here, potentially giving the Warriors an eventual upgrade at guard and making it easier to move on from Jordan Poole and his hefty contract. -- Woo
20. Houston Rockets (via LA Clippers)
Best fit: Brice Sensabaugh | Ohio State | SF/PF | Age: 19.5
Best available: Hawkins
The Rockets' offense ranked last in 3-point percentage last season, so adding shooting to the lineup is a priority on draft night.
Sensabaugh shot 41% from 3 last season on a large volume of attempts (4.5 per game), despite a difficult shot diet that consisted of more pull-up jumpers than attempts with his feet set -- excelling nevertheless in both. More than a shooter, he's an elite scorer from anywhere on the floor, bringing the type of firepower every NBA team actively seeks from the forward spots.
From the best talent available standpoint, Hawkins would be an easy choice here if teams above Houston prioritize younger and more upside-laden prospects. He has a highly coveted skill that should get him on the floor immediately with his ability to space the court and make shots off movement -- giving him plenty of room to grow as his frame, defense and ballhandling continue to evolve. -- Givony
21. Brooklyn Nets (via Phoenix)
Best fit: Clowney
Best available: Sensabaugh
Brooklyn has a ton of flexibility in approaching this draft, with back-to-back picks in a part of the draft that might serve as a backstop for whichever prospects unexpectedly slip out of the top 20. Going with Clowney, a mature player for his age who can offer depth but wouldn't face a ton of immediate pressure with the Nets, could give them the freedom to potentially deal one of their more established forwards to address another need at guard.
Thinking long term, the Nets could use more scoring and shot creation on the roster, and Sensabaugh could certainly provide that as a quality shooter who offers some sneaky upside if he can work himself into better shape. If teams can look past his previous knee injuries, there aren't many better scorers in the draft. -- Woo
22. Brooklyn Nets
Best fit: George
Best available: Nnaji
The Nets are flush with wings and forwards but don't have a great deal of long-term depth assembled at the guard spots, where a shot-creator and shot-maker like George could be a clear fit. His scoring instincts and ability to find teammates off a live dribble could be a good fit alongside Spencer Dinwiddie and Mikal Bridges if he surprisingly drops this far on draft night.
From a talent perspective, it's hard to find a player at this slot with better physical tools and upside than Nnaji, who has a 7-4 wingspan and impressive quickness getting off his feet. His rim protection and finishing prowess give him significant upside to grow into considering has been playing basketball competitively for only five years. -- Givony
23. Portland Trail Blazers (via New York)
Best fit: Kris Murray | Iowa | PF | Age: 22.7
Best available: Jaime Jaquez Jr. | UCLA | SF | Age: 22.2
The immediate shooting and low-maintenance style Murray offers could be quite appealing to Portland, which could sorely use another floor-spacer in its frontcourt whether or not Jerami Grant stays in free agency. Murray isn't flashy but knows how to score and play off teammates and doesn't need to see much of the ball, making him a great fit here on a team with an offense that should again be heavily backcourt-driven, particularly if it adds Henderson at No. 3.
Thinking less from a perspective of fit and more from a long-term value angle, I love what Jaquez brings to the table. Factoring in his age and role, he's not the type of prospect who typically gets slapped with the upside label this time of year, but Jaquez is a good bet to have a long NBA career as a glue guy who can play multiple roles. His versatility and toughness are difficult to replicate, and I'd argue there's a pretty strong chance he's one of the 25 best players in this draft class five years from now. -- Woo
24. Sacramento Kings
Best fit: Brandin Podziemski | Santa Clara | SG | Age: 20.2
Best available: Dariq Whitehead | Duke | SG/SF | Age: 18.8
Getting on the floor for the NBA's No. 1 offense requires a certain amount of skill and feel, things Podziemski possesses to go along with impressive confidence and toughness. For a team in win-now mode, he brings a nice blend of current ability as the reigning WCC player of the year, with room to grow alongside the Kings' existing core, and his perimeter shooting could allow him to carve out a role early in his career if he can hold his own defensively.
Thinking more long term, taking a swing on Whitehead, who started the season a top-10-pick candidate but saw his stock drop because of injuries, could make sense. He's one of the youngest players in the draft -- not turning 19 until August -- and has terrific size and length at 6-7 with a 6-10 wingspan. He already offers quite a bit as a perimeter shooter who has shown disruptive defensive potential with some budding passing ability in previous settings. -- Givony
25. Memphis Grizzlies
Best fit: Jaquez
Best available: Murray
Jaquez fits the high-feel, high-character role player mold Memphis tends to value and would have a chance to earn immediate minutes as part of a crowded forward mix that includes Ziaire Williams, Santi Aldama, David Roddy and Jake LaRavia. The Grizzlies don't seem to mind loading up on these types of players, and Jaquez could rise to the top of that group.
Thinking along similar lines as Jaquez, in the best-available mock, I went with Murray. He's already a more reliable shooter than the young players he'd be competing with for playing time and projects as a solid long-term pro. When we talk about upside while thinking five years out, we frequently center those conversations on younger prospects, but when drafting in the 20s, there's a strong argument for guys such as Murray, who come in with more fully realized skill sets and as better long-term plays. -- Woo
26. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland)
Best fit: Dereck Lively II | Duke | C | Age: 19.3
Best available: Lively
With their second of three first-rounders, it might make sense for the Pacers to look for frontcourt depth, especially at center where Myles Turner has struggled to stay healthy in previous seasons. Lively could be an excellent understudy for Turner, offering similar qualities at the same stage of development with his rim-protection prowess, ability to cover ground on the perimeter and budding floor-spacing potential. He's an easy choice as the best player available at this slot for those same reasons, bringing an intriguing combination of size, reach, mobility, defensive instincts and improving shooting range. -- Givony
27. Charlotte Hornets (via Denver)
Best fit: Colby Jones | Xavier | SF | Age: 21.0
Best available: Podziemski
With this pick, Charlotte should be looking for role players who can complement Ball and whomever it takes at No. 2, preferably players whose value doesn't hinge on their offensive usage. Jones is a true gadget player who can playmake, handle and shoot without hijacking an offense, competes defensively, and should be ready to contribute in relatively short order.
With Podziemski still on the board here in the best-available mock, I'd bet on his productivity, competitiveness and work ethic turning him into a solid backcourt player for the Hornets, who have struggled to cultivate depth behind Ball and Terry Rozier and could benefit from having a reliable third guard to help soak up minutes and some of the creation duties. -- Woo
28. Utah Jazz (via Philadelphia)
Best fit: Trayce Jackson-Davis | Indiana | PF/C | Age: 23.2
Best available: Maxwell Lewis | Pepperdine | SF | Age: 20.8
The 23-year-old Jackson makes a big climb up our board when thinking strictly about winning a game right now, as few players in this draft offer the same combination he does of productivity, feel for the game and versatility as an interior scorer, passer and shot-blocker. The All-American's ability to rebound off the defensive glass could bring an interesting wrinkle to the Jazz operating alongside the floor-spacing ability of Markkanen and Kelly Olynyk, while providing quality depth behind Walker Kessler.
If taking a swing on a player with the biggest long-term upside is the goal, the potential Lewis shows as a 6-7 wing with a 7-foot wingspan and a wide arsenal of shot-creation and shot-making versatility could definitely be intriguing here. Every team is looking for fluid, long-armed wings in this mold, and Lewis' late-blooming trajectory gives him plenty of room to grow if a coaching staff can eliminate some of the bad habits he shows with shot selection and defensive intensity. -- Givony
29. Indiana Pacers (via Boston)
Best fit: Marcus Sasser | Houston | PG/SG | Age: 22.6
Best available: Jones
Sasser's shooting, defensive chops and ability to play both guard positions make him a pretty good bet to have a solid NBA career. While the Pacers have Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard already in the backcourt, Sasser could certainly make their team better playing alongside either player. He's a pretty well-established prospect with a stronger case in the late first round than it might seem considering the relative lack of quality, experienced college guards in this class.
Thinking longer term, I'd go with Jones, who's still hanging around in the best available mock and could be an excellent match with the guards the Pacers already have, preferring to play a similarly unselfish style. As long as there's enough scoring on the court, I don't think you can have too many guys in Jones' mold. He's able to play a variety of roles in a range of lineups and can add value without stopping the ball or wasting possessions. -- Woo
30. LA Clippers (via Milwaukee)
Best fit: Kobe Brown | Missouri | PF/C | Age: 23.4
Best available: Olivier-Maxence Prosper | Marquette | PF | Age: 20.9
A team trying to win a game right now would have to look hard at the 23-year-old Brown's productivity, feel for the game and perimeter shooting at this stage of the draft. He carried Missouri to an unexpected appearance in the round of 32 of the NCAA tournament on the back of a first-team All-SEC season, doing so in a highly efficient and winning style that should translate alongside better teammates.
Thinking more long term, Prosper's versatility and upside are what teams will study closely throughout the latter portion of the first round, as everyone is looking for long-armed wing-forwards in his mold who can defend multiple positions, run the floor in transition and show flashes of budding 3-point shooting. He has been one of the big winners of the pre-draft process thus far, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him selected higher than this. -- Givony
HOU$TON
formerly convertibleburt
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Wut
“I’d go in that direction too over Scoot Henderson because Miller brings playmaking skill in his own right, on top of his go-to scoring prowess.”
“I’d go in that direction too over Scoot Henderson because Miller brings playmaking skill in his own right, on top of his go-to scoring prowess.”
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Miller is a solid passer, which is one of the things I do like about him and gives me hope, but the playmaking skill isn’t even in the same realm as Scoot. Wild to even bring that up.
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Psycho Granger vibes.
Loved Granger as an NBA player.
Loved Granger as an NBA player.
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Miller seems like more of a complimentary scorer than a go to, which I think he can be very good at that role
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What direction is Orlando taking?
Is 6 and 11 good enough to get into the top 3 to get Miller? They're a play-in team next year.
Is 6 and 11 good enough to get into the top 3 to get Miller? They're a play-in team next year.
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Won't get to 3 with 6 and 11.
I think they walk away with Ausar and one shooter (Gradey D1ck/Jordan Hawkins).
I think they walk away with Ausar and one shooter (Gradey D1ck/Jordan Hawkins).
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Orlando should trade Suggs and both their lotto picks for Scoot
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This would be a no brainer for Orlando, but absolutely zero reason why Portland should do this
Bend_The_Knee
formerly gotholesinmysocks
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What is your guys’ go-to YT channel/podcast for NBA Draft content?
I watch
Locked On NBA Big Board
Hoop Intellect
I watch
Locked On NBA Big Board
Hoop Intellect
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Don't watch all the videos but
Game Theory - Sam Vecenie does general NBA and college bball analysis too
Adam Spinella - does the best scouting videos since Mike Schmidt left
No Ceilings NBA
The Scouting Rapport
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No Ceilings or The Scouting Rapport
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Rod Boone doing the Lords work
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