The NBA draft is eight days away. Teams are finishing up their workouts. Draft boards are firming up. The deadline to withdraw was June 15 (and a number of young international prospects decided to do just that), so we now have a finalized list of who is eligible to be drafted.
Still, there's much left to be decided. I spoke with a number of NBA executives in Las Vegas on Friday. Most of them said their draft boards are still pretty fluid, and they were considering four to five players at the team's draft position.
In other words, while it's becoming clearer who is in consideration for each pick, it's hard to pinpoint who exactly a team is going to take. Nevertheless, after talking to numerous NBA team sources, here's our best stab at how the draft might play out on June 25. And for the first time this year, we're also running a full second-round mock! If you think the first round is tough to predict, the second round is almost impossible right now.
The second round of every draft is a bit of a crap shoot. Unlike the NFL draft, very few prospects taken in the second round go on to have a major impact. However, there are always exceptions. Jordan Clarkson was taken 46th last year and made the NBA All-Rookie first team. Draymond Green is about ready to get a max contract after falling into the second round.
This year's draft is particularly thin in the second round thanks to a dearth of international players. But here's our best guess at what each team will do.
Remember, our mock draft is not a ranking of who we think the top players are (see our Top 100 for the latest rankings of players). Instead, it's a reporting tool to convey our latest intel from NBA scouts and GMs on what each team might do in the draft.
Note: Traded picks are denoted by numbers with explanations at the bottom.
1) Karl-Anthony Towns
Minnesota Timberwolves
COLLEGE: Kentucky
HT: 6-11
WT: 250
POS: C
It's a two-man race between Towns and Jahlil Okafor for the No. 1 pick, multiple sources say, even though the Wolves also have been trying to get in D'Angelo Russell, traveled to Vegas to see Kristaps Porzingis and are bringing in Emmanuel Mudiay. Which guy will they take? General manager and coach Flip Saunders has been an Okafor guy all year, but most of his staff is pushing for Towns, who will be a better fit given Minnesota's personnel. Saunders traveled to Thousand Oaks last week to watch Towns work out. After the workout, I kept getting assured that Flip will ultimately turn Towns' way. But it's not a done deal. Okafor was in Minnesota on Tuesday and Wednesday.
2) Jahlil Okafor
Los Angeles Lakers
COLLEGE: Duke
HT: 6-11
WT: 275
POS: C
The Lakers will keep crossing their fingers that Towns somehow falls to them. If he doesn't, it sounds like it's down to Okafor versus Russell for No. 2. Both players worked out for the Lakers last week. While neither player necessarily wowed in the workout (Russell was fighting a bug and Okafor struggled a bit with the pace of the workout), neither hurt or separated himself, I'm told. Mudiay also came in for a workout, and while he was impressive in many areas, he didn't shoot the ball as well as he did in other workouts. The Lakers also traveled to Vegas to see Porzingis work out and they interviewed him afterward. They were impressed, but I'm told it's doubtful they'd select him over Okafor or Russell. There are arguments for both players, but I'm told the Lakers fear that getting a quality center via free agency or trade will be much harder than getting a scoring guard. Advantage: Okafor.
3) Kristaps Porzingis
Philadelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: Latvia
HT: 6-11
WT: 220
POS: PF
We've been hearing both Mudiay's and Russell's name here for months. But in the past few weeks, multiple sources around the league suspect that GM Sam Hinkie may actually be leaning toward Porzingis. He's an odd fit, given the Sixers' abundance of big men (though news that Joel Embiid's foot hasn't healed may change the fit analysis). But Hinkie has always drafted based on the best-player-available strategy. He doesn't draft for need. So while the team needs Mudiay or Russell more, if he believes Porzingis is the best player on the board, so be it. Or, as one rival GM believed, this Porzingis intel is all a smoke screen to get Orlando (who loves Porzingis) to trade up to No. 3 and give Hinkie another coveted asset. I believe Porzingis' camp strongly prefers he land in Orlando.
4) D'Angelo Russell
New York Knicks
COLLEGE: Ohio State
HT: 6-5
WT: 193
POS: PG
As I wrote on Monday, the Knicks are exploring possibly trading their pick if Towns, Okafor and Russell are all off the board at No. 4. They'd trade down a few spots, grab someone like Frank Kaminsky and get a veteran to help them now. However, in this scenario, I doubt they trade their pick. For all of Phil Jackson's talk about defense, Russell is an almost perfect fit in the triangle. While he could go as high as No. 2, I doubt Russell slides past No. 4.
5) Mario Hezonja
Orlando Magic
COLLEGE: Croatia
HT: 6-7
WT: 200
POS: SF
The Magic have been very high on Porzingis, but he's not the only player who makes sense for them. The team badly needs shooting and Hezonja's ability to shoot from 3-point range, combined with his athleticism and aggressiveness on the scoring end, will be a perfect addition to the defensive-minded Magic. Willie Cauley-Stein is another option here for Orlando if Porzingis is off the board, but I think Hezonja's offense is more of a need.
6) Emmanuel Mudiay
Sacramento Kings
COLLEGE: China
HT: 6-5
WT: 196
POS: PG
The Kings have needed an elite point guard for some time and I think if Mudiay is on the board, it's going to be hard for them to pass. On talent, he's a top-four pick and is a major upgrade over Darren Collison at the point. Cauley-Stein is the other option for Sacramento, and he's also a fit, but I just don't see them passing on Mudiay if he's still on the board.
7) Justise Winslow
Denver Nuggets
COLLEGE: Duke
HT: 6-6
WT: 222
POS: SF
We've had Winslow here for a while and still think this is his floor. He'll get looks as high as the Knicks at No. 4 and the Magic at No. 5. But he'd be a good fit in Denver, and defensive mastermind Mike Malone, the Nuggets' new coach, could really use a player like Winslow to help jump-start the defense.
Sam Dekker
Detroit Pistons
COLLEGE: Wisconsin
HT: 6-9
WT: 219
POS: SF
Everyone in the league has Mario Hezonja pegged here for the Pistons. And if he falls to No. 8, it's likely he'll be the pick. However, if he's off the board, don't be surprised if the Pistons select Dekker a few spots higher than other NBA teams have him. He had a terrific workout there Saturday, shot the lights out, and is more NBA-ready than several of the wings. The Pistons also have a huge hole at the 3. Stanley Johnson and Devin Booker will be other options for Detroit.
9) Devin Booker
Charlotte Hornets
COLLEGE: Kentucky
HT: 6-6
WT: 206
POS: SG
The Hornets traded Lance Stephenson to the Clippers on Monday, getting Spencer Hawes and Matt Barnes in return. Barnes likely will be waived, which means there's a very strong chance the Hornets will look to replace Stephenson with a 2-guard who can shoot 3s. Booker is probably the best shooter on the board. No. 9 might be a little high, but given how desperately the Hornets need shooting, I don't think they'll mind reaching. There's another scenario to consider. The Hornets also really like both Kelly Oubre and R.J. Hunter. I'm told they'll explore options to trade back into the mid to late teens if they can land a valuable veteran as well for the No. 9 pick. One team to watch in that scenario? Boston. They've been exploring moving up for a while and would be especially thrilled if Willie Cauley-Stein was still on the board.
10) Stanley Johnson
Miami Heat
COLLEGE: Arizona
HT: 6-6
WT: 242
POS: SF
Frank Kaminsky, Dekker and Johnson are the three players most likely to find a home in Miami. In this scenario, Dekker is off the board. Kaminsky is an option -- they could use more offense in the middle -- but the Heat's needs at the 3 may push Johnson to the top. He's tough, plays on both ends and is super-competitive. His upside might not be as high as that of several others on the board, but I wouldn't be shocked if Miami is content to hit a double instead of a home run.
11) Willie Cauley-Stein
Indiana Pacers
COLLEGE: Kentucky
HT: 7-1
WT: 242
POS: C
Team president Larry Bird told Cauley-Stein he thought he'd be a max player someday. For weeks, it has looked as if Cauley-Stein could go as high as the Knicks at No. 4 and the Kings at No. 6. That's still possible. But if both teams pass, then Cauley-Stein could slide, and I doubt he gets past the Pacers. They are looking to re-energize their front line with speed and defense. Cauley-Stein offers both and is worth the risk. Cameron Payne, Myles Turner and Bobby Portis are other players getting a strong look from Indiana.
12) Myles Turner
Utah Jazz
COLLEGE: Texas
HT: 6-11
WT: 239
POS: PF
The Jazz have been looking at about seven players at this spot: Turner, Trey Lyles, Frank Kaminsky, Johnson, Dekker, Kevon Looney and Kelly Oubre. You can make a solid argument for each of them. However, if Turner somehow falls to them at 12, I don't know how they pass. The Jazz have the ability to be patient. They have starters at every position and money to add a few free-agent veterans to support the bench. And Turner gives them something they don't have: a big man who can really stretch the floor. If Turner is gone, I think Lyles is the next most likely option.
13) Frank Kaminsky
Phoenix Suns
COLLEGE: Wisconsin
HT: 7-1
WT: 231
POS: C
It has been hard to get a read on what Phoenix is going to do at 13. There are a lot of variables left in the draft. But Kaminsky makes a lot of sense for a team that's trying to fight its way into the Western Conference playoffs next season. He's more ready than most draft prospects to come in and do his thing. His ability to stretch the floor is especially appealing. Alex Len can't play 48 minutes a night. The Suns really need backup help at the 5.
14) Cameron Payne
Oklahoma City Thunder
COLLEGE: Murray State
HT: 6-2
WT: 183
POS: PG
The Thunder have been on Payne for a while. They need a long-term backup behind Russell Westbrook, and the buzz around Payne has made him a real draft sleeper. Payne has a high basketball IQ, excels in the pick-and-roll and has great quickness for his size. Another sleeper at No. 14, I'm told, is Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
15) Bobby Portis
Atlanta Hawks
COLLEGE: Arkansas
HT: 6-11
WT: 246
POS: PF
The Hawks get this pick from Brooklyn. Portis has drawn raves everywhere he works out. He has a great motor, is skilled, and competes on both ends of the floor. He's one of the safest players in the draft and could go as high as 11 to the Pacers. But at 15, he gives the Hawks some much-needed support in the frontcourt. Portis can rebound, block shots and stretch the floor, and he gives you tremendous energy. Trey Lyles and Kelly Oubre are other potential options for Atlanta.
16) Kelly Oubre
Boston Celtics
COLLEGE: Kansas
HT: 6-7
WT: 203
POS: SF
The Celtics, as we said, are trying to move up in the draft. But if they stay at 16 and both Oubre and Lyles are on the board, they're in very good shape. Both players could fit a need, and I'm not sure which player the Celtics would take. Oubre is here because in many ways, his upside is the highest, both as a defender and as an offensive player. He has shown more maturity lately, and if Boston believes he'll work, he's worth the risk. Two dark horses to watch: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Rashad Vaughn.
17) Trey Lyles
Milwaukee Bucks
COLLEGE: Kentucky
HT: 6-10
WT: 242
POS: PF
Lyles is getting looks from teams as high as the Pistons at No. 8. No one is quite sure what to make of him after he played out of position all season at Kentucky. Everyone likes him; I'm just not sure anyone is in love with him. With Ersan Ilyasova now out of the mix, the Bucks will have a little more playing time for a player like Lyles. While the Bucks' bigger needs are at center and shooting guard, Lyles' talent will make him tough to pass at this spot. Sometimes you just have to take the best prospect left on the board.
1
Houston Rockets
COLLEGE: Duke
HT: 6-2
WT: 185
POS: PG
The Pelicans send their pick to the Rockets as part of the Omer Asik trade. Jones hurt his back in a workout with the Rockets and hasn't worked out since. While the injury may be legitimate, rival GMs have whispered that the Rockets may have shut him down. He's an analytics darling, fits a major need, and has a lot of momentum after winning a national championship. Jerian Grant, Delon Wright and Terry Rozier are other players the Rockets like.
19) Kevon Looney
Washington Wizards
COLLEGE: UCLA
HT: 6-9
WT: 222
POS: PF
As I wrote two weeks ago, the Wizards are hoping that one of the three young power forwards -- Portis, Lyles or Looney -- falls to them at 19. That's their major area of need going forward, and all three players are young and still have upside. Of the three, Looney has the most. He's incredibly long, a terrific offensive rebounder and very skilled. He's also the furthest away of the three, and questions about a hip he injured before his freshman season at UCLA and a form of sports asthma have caused his stock to slip from the mid-lottery to here. He's worked out well recently, however, and if teams can get comfortable with the hip (the asthma thing doesn't seem to worry anyone), he could end up going as high as the Heat at No. 10.
20) Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Toronto Raptors
COLLEGE: Arizona
HT: 6-7
WT: 211
POS: SF
Hollis-Jefferson is rising. A number of teams in the teens have told me he's now in the mix after terrific workouts. Yes, his shot is broken, but many teams see him as an elite defender and slasher and believe he'll find a niche in the league. And if his shot starts falling, he could be a star. Jerian Grant and Rashad Vaughn are two other guards who could fill a similar role in Toronto.
21) Jerian Grant
Dallas Mavericks
COLLEGE: Notre Dame
HT: 6-4
WT: 198
POS: PG
Just about everyone in the league is penciling in a point guard for the Mavs. Rajon Rondo is likely leaving and J.J. Barea is a free agent. They need help. Grant is one of the most NBA-ready point guards in the draft, is terrific in the pick-and-roll, can swing to the 2 when you need him and plays with incredible fire. He could go as high as 14 to the Thunder, and if he's here, he'll be tough to pass on. Rashad Vaughn, R.J. Hunter and Delon Wright are other options for Dallas.
22) Rashad Vaughn
Chicago Bulls
COLLEGE: UNLV
HT: 6-5
WT: 199
POS: SG
The Bulls are always looking for shooting, and Vaughn can really fill it up. Some teams also believe he can play some backup point guard in a pinch. He has received interest from the Celtics, Bucks, Raptors and Mavericks, but could end up being here at No. 22. Very few players his age can score the way he can. R.J. Hunter, Delon Wright and Justin Anderson also could hear their names called by Chicago.
23) R.J. Hunter
Portland Trail Blazers
COLLEGE: Georgia St
HT: 6-6
WT: 185
POS: SG
Hunter is one of those love-him-or-hate-him prospects. Teams that love him point to his terrific shooting and passing ability. Teams that hate him think he's soft and will get killed on defense. He has teams as high as the Hornets at No. 9 who really like him. But I could also see him sliding to about here. It would be tough for the Blazers to pass on him, however, with Wesley Matthews heading into free agency.
24) Delon Wright
Cleveland Cavaliers
COLLEGE: Utah
HT: 6-6
WT: 181
POS: PG
With Kyrie Irving out, Matthew Dellavedova played admirably (and sometimes great) in his absence in the postseason. But the Cavs could always use depth at the point position, and Wright has the chops to provide it right away. He's an excellent, pass-first point guard who, if he can continue to improve his jumper, could be a terrific NBA backup. Justin Anderson and Terry Rozier are other good candidates at No. 24.
25) Justin Anderson
Memphis Grizzlies
COLLEGE: Virginia
HT: 6-6
WT: 231
POS: SF
Anderson is another guy who has been tough to peg. Teams in the teens, such as the Bucks, and teams in the early 20s, such as the Raptors and Bulls, are interested. At this point, he's a steal, especially if you believe his 3-point shooting wasn't a fluke this year. And the truth is, the depth of the draft really starts to fall off here. The Grizzlies could use more shooting, and Anderson is probably the best shooter left on the board.
26) Montrezl Harrell
San Antonio Spurs
COLLEGE: Louisville
HT: 6-8
WT: 253
POS: PF
Harrell has explosive athleticism and is tough, but his lack of focus has scared off some teams. The Spurs are the right sort of culture to nurture his strengths and minimize his weaknesses. They definitely could use some backup help at the 4.
27) Joseph Young
Los Angeles Lakers
COLLEGE: Oregon
HT: 6-2
WT: 182
POS: SG
(via Houston) If the Lakers take Okafor or Towns with their first pick, I expect they'll look at guard with their second one. The Lakers had great success with Jordan Clarkson last year and I think they could have similar success taking a chance on Young here. I believe both guards could play together in the backcourt because of Clarkson's size at the 1. Young brings something to the table that the Lakers desperately need: shooting. And the fact that he hasn't worked out since the combine is suspicious. Multiple sources believe that a team in the late first round made him a promise in exchange for not working out for other teams. While I have no idea if that's L.A., he is a good get at No. 27.
2
Boston Celtics
COLLEGE: LSU
HT: 6-9
WT: 239
POS: PF
Boston receives this pick via the L.A. Clippers. One of the reasons team president Danny Ainge can roll the dice on a wing like Oubre is that there are several interesting forwards who will be available later in the draft. Martin is especially intriguing. He's skilled, a very good athlete, and he has an NBA body. He's just a bit of a tweener. But if he focuses on rebounding and toughness, he'd give the Celtics some much-needed athleticism to their frontcourt.
29) Chris McCullough
Brooklyn Nets
COLLEGE: Syracuse
HT: 6-9
WT: 199
POS: PF
(via Atlanta) McCullough tore his ACL and will likely miss most of the NBA season. But there is lottery talent there, and given the Nets' atrocious draft-pick situation in the coming years, they need to take a half-court heave here and hope that when he's healthy, McCullough will live up to his raw potential.
30) Anthony Brown
Golden State Warriors
COLLEGE: Stanford
HT: 6-7
WT: 211
POS: SG
The Warriors, believe it or not, are looking for more shooting in their backcourt. When Steph Curry or Klay Thompson sit, they'd like someone who could come in and make open shots. Brown shot 45 percent from 3 as a junior and 44 percent this past season, and has very good size for his position.
31) Terry Rozier
Minnesota Timberwolves
COLLEGE: Louisville
HT: 6-2
WT: 190
POS: PG
Rozier will get several good looks in the first round, but if he slides, he won't slide far. Rozier's toughness and ability to play both backcourt positions will be a good fit in Minnesota.
32) Guillermo Hernangomez
Houston Rockets
COLLEGE: Spain
HT: 6-11
WT: 255
POS: C
(via New York) Hernangomez draws comparisons to a young Zaza Pachulia. He's not the most athletic guy in the world, but he's skilled and is playing significant minutes in the ACB. He's under contract for one more year in Spain, so the Rockets are free to stash him overseas and continue to let him develop.
PLAYER CARD
33) Robert Upshaw
Boston Celtics
COLLEGE: Washington
HT: 7-0
WT: 258
POS: C
(via Philadelphia via Miami) Danny Ainge has been a risk-taker in the past (remember Fab Melo and JR Giddens, or Rajon Rondo, for that matter). The Celtics desperately need an elite shot-blocker, and Upshaw has all the tools to be that. His off-court issues killed his draft stock, but he may be worth the risk in the second round.
PLAYER CARD
34) Cedi Osman
Los Angeles Lakers
COLLEGE: Macedonia
HT: 6-6
WT: 190
POS: PG
Osman has the most upside of anyone left. He's a playmaking 3 who, while he can't really shoot, does just about everything else well. He's a likely draft-and-stash for the Lakers, though his play for Efes this season suggests he may be more ready than some believe.
PLAYER CARD
35) Olivier Hanlan
Philadelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: Boston College
HT: 6-4
WT: 186
POS: SG
(via Orlando) Hanlan is also getting looks in the first round -- especially by teams that think he could become a point guard at the next level. The Sixers sure could use some help there and have the ability to experiment with him.
36) Mouhammadou Jaiteh
Minnesota Timberwolves
COLLEGE: France
HT: 6-11
WT: 247
POS: C
(via Sacramento via Houston) The Wolves have only so many roster spots to play with in this draft. Jaiteh has done well enough in workouts. He's big and skilled. He just plays under the rim. Expect him to go back to France and continue to develop for a few more years.
PLAYER CARD
37) Vince Hunter
Philadelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: UTEP
HT: 6-8
WT: 208
POS: SF
(via Denver, via Houston, Portland and Minnesota) The Sixers just love guys like this. They already have several, but grabbing Hunter will be a bit like their K.J. McDaniels pick last year. He's super-athletic, plays with a high motor and is a jump shot away from being a very good role player in the NBA.
PLAYER CARD
3
Detroit Pistons
COLLEGE: Syracuse
HT: 6-10
WT: 243
POS: C
Christmas has been a star in the draft process, and if he goes in the late first round, I wouldn't be surprised. I doubt he slides further than here. The Pistons will need backup help at both frontcourt positions, and Christmas can come in and contribute right away.
PLAYER CARD
39) Tyler Harvey
Charlotte Hornets
COLLEGE: Eastern Wash.
HT: 6-4
WT: 181
POS: SG
The worst shooting team in the NBA doubles down on one of the best shooters in college basketball. Some scouts still believe there's a little Steph Curry in him. His ability to play some point guard also helps his cause.
40) Dakari Johnson
Miami Heat
COLLEGE: Kentucky
HT: 7-0
WT: 265
POS: C
Johnson is your classic backup NBA center. Good for five fouls, some rebounds and some putbacks at the rim. Given the dearth of size in the middle for Miami, this would be a good fit.
PLAYER CARD
41) Christian Wood
Brooklyn Nets
COLLEGE: UNLV
HT: 6-11
WT: 216
POS: PF
Wood has first-round talent. Maybe lottery talent. But teams are worried about his basketball IQ, lack of strength and so-so work ethic. The Nets can afford to swing for the fences with him.
PLAYER CARD
42) Pat Connaughton
Utah Jazz
COLLEGE: Notre Dame
HT: 6-5
WT: 215
POS: SF
Connaughton was another star at the combine. He's tough and athletic and can really shoot it. Is he the next Matt Harpring?
PLAYER CARD
43) Larry Nance Jr.
Indiana Pacers
COLLEGE: Wyoming
HT: 6-9
WT: 227
POS: PF
Nance has picked up major late momentum, and several teams are considering him in the first round. He has been slowly improving from an ACL tear last year and has impressed everywhere he has gone. He could play an Austin Croshere-type of role for the Pacers, especially with David West in the final year of his deal.
44) Cliff Alexander
Phoenix Suns
COLLEGE: Kansas
HT: 6-9
WT: 239
POS: PF
Alexander's stock has really fallen. He sprained his MCL in a workout, which has limited his ability to prove himself the past few weeks. He starts working out again this week, but the damage may be done. The Suns can afford to gamble on one of the most athletic forwards in the draft.
PLAYER CARD
45) Nikola Milutinov
Boston Celtics
COLLEGE: Serbia
HT: 6-11
WT: 220
POS: C
The Celtics are going to have to use some of their picks as a draft-and-stash. Milutinov has size, mobility and great footwork. He just needs to get stronger. He's a wait-and-see prospect.
PLAYER CARD
46) Norman Powell
Milwaukee Bucks
COLLEGE: UCLA
HT: 6-4
WT: 215
POS: SG
The Bucks could use more help at the 2-guard. O.J. Mayo is in the last year of his deal and Powell's athleticism and improving jump shot could make him a nice rotation player.
PLAYER CARD
47) Josh Richardson
Philadelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: Tennessee
HT: 6-6
WT: 200
POS: SG
(via New Orleans via Washington and L.A. Clippers) There has been some significant buzz about Richardson the past few weeks. He has been excelling at workouts and is one of the few seniors left on the board with significant upside. The Sixers need backcourt help, and Richardson will be worth the gamble here.
4
Oklahoma City Thunder
COLLEGE: Lithuania
HT: 6-10
WT: 225
POS: C
Gudaitis played a significant role in the Euroleague this year and has shown some major progress the past few seasons. But let's be honest. The Thunder don't have any roster spots; they need a pick they can keep overseas.
PLAYER CARD
49) Richaun Holmes
Washington Wizards
COLLEGE: Bowling Green
HT: 6-10
WT: 243
POS: PF
Holmes has been another star of the draft camps. He's incredibly long, bouncy and a terror as a shot-blocker. His offense is limited, but he could help the Wizards' interior defense.
PLAYER CARD
50) Michael Frazier II
Atlanta Hawks
COLLEGE: Florida
HT: 6-5
WT: 199
POS: SG
(via Toronto) The Hawks love shooters, and Frazier has proved his ability to launch it from deep during the past three years at Florida.
PLAYER CARD
51) Jordan Mickey
Orlando Magic
COLLEGE: LSU
HT: 6-8
WT: 238
POS: PF
(via Chicago) Mickey could go 10 to 15 spots higher. He was very impressive in Chicago. But teams are still trying to figure out what else he gives besides shot-blocking. The Magic are in desperate need of rim protection, and this appears to be a good fit.
52) Guillem Vives
Dallas Mavericks
COLLEGE: Spain
HT: 6-4
WT: 180
POS: PG
Vives is a pure point guard with a high basketball IQ. He's not a great athlete, but his feel for the game makes up for some of that. He's a draft-and-stash candidate.
PLAYER CARD
53) Andrew Harrison
Cleveland Cavaliers
COLLEGE: Kentucky
HT: 6-6
WT: 213
POS: PG
(via Portland via Chicago and Denver) I could see the Cavs being the team willing to take a risk on Harrison. They have a strong leader and culture, and Harrison has been bred in the hotbed of huge expectations at Kentucky. I think this would be an ideal landing spot for him, especially if Kyrie Irving continues to struggle with injuries.
PLAYER CARD
54) Jonathan Holmes
Utah Jazz
COLLEGE: Texas
HT: 6-9
WT: 242
POS: SF
(via Cleveland) Holmes had a great start to the season before tapering off like the rest of the Longhorns. But he has great size, can stretch the floor and can play multiple positions. The Jazz will really upgrade their shooting if they take these three in the draft.
PLAYER CARD
55) Aaron White
San Antonio Spurs
COLLEGE: Iowa
HT: 6-9
WT: 220
POS: PF
White's a mobile big man who runs the floor well and even became a bit of a stretch shooter this season. He has a great work ethic and seems like the sort of player who would thrive in San Antonio.
56) Alan Williams
New Orleans Pelicans
COLLEGE: UC Santa Barbara
HT: 6-8
WT: 261
POS: PF
(via Memphis) Williams is a beast in the paint and has been one of the best rebounders in college basketball the past few years. He should help the Pelicans' front line offensively.
PLAYER CARD
57) Quinn Cook
Denver Nuggets
COLLEGE: Duke
HT: 6-2
WT: 179
POS: PG
(via L.A. Clippers) The Nuggets could use some help at the point, and Cook may be one of the most underrated players in the draft. He shoots the ball well and rarely turns it over. He's an ideal backup point guard.
PLAYER CARD
5
Philadelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: Slovenia
HT: 6-11
WT: 255
POS: C
(via Houston) Dimec wasn't heavily scouted, but he is big, performed well at the Las Vegas pro day and has drawn a lot of interest from teams looking to stash players. The Sixers have been one of the teams showing interest and could keep him in Europe until he becomes a more valuable asset playing on a better team.
PLAYER CARD
59) J.P. Tokoto
Atlanta Hawks
COLLEGE: North Carolina
HT: 6-6
WT: 196
POS: SF
Tokoto has talent as a wing defender and as a passer. If he could ever figure out his jump shot, he'd be very valuable. With DeMarre Carroll hitting free agency, Atlanta might try to groom him into the same role Carroll played. There are a lot of similarities.
60) Daniel Diez
Philadelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: Spain
HT: 6-8
WT: 220
POS: SF
(via Golden State via Indiana) Diez had a very good season in Spain this year. He shot 41 percent from 3-point range on 4.7 attempts per game. The Sixers won't want seven rookies on their roster, and his ability to be stashed overseas should get him drafted.
PLAYER CARD.
Traded picks: (1) The Lakers will send their first-round pick to the Suns if it falls somewhere from No. 6 to No. 30. (2) The Pelicans will send their pick to the Rockets if it falls somewhere from No. 4 to No. 19. (3) The Hawks have the right to swap first-round picks with the Nets. (4) The Heat will send their first-round pick to the Sixers (via the Cavs) if it falls somewhere from No. 11 to No. 30. (5) The Rockets will send their first-round pick to the Lakers if it falls somewhere from No. 15 to No. 30. (6) The Clippers will send their first-round pick to the Celtics
cmon man
If Dekker is drafted ahead of Stanley Johnson WCS, and Lyles, someone needs to be firedDekker at 8cmon man
Agreed with this. But still not saying much. As I believed at the time as I do now that McDermott was one of the most overhyped draft prospects I have ever seen
So are Dangelo and Okafor.Mudiay had a 2nd private workout with the Lakers
33% from 3 but over 50% from the field. People get too caught up in shooting percentages. All I know is he hit them tre's when they mattered in the tourney.
No one said he would be a star
