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GustavBahler
Posts: 42864 Alba Posts: 15 Joined: 7/12/2010 Member: #3186 |
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/mock-draft-61-picks-knicks-sixers-top-10/story?id=47934623
Editor's note (June 9):?This mock draft has been updated with the news that French center Jonathan Jeanne was diagnosed with a career-threatening genetic disorder. The NBA draft is in about two weeks, and new info is coming in. We are finding out more about what teams are seeing in workouts and debating in front offices.
1. Boston Celtics (via Nets)
He didn't do medical testing at the combine, so this will give the Celtics their first good look at his health. With Lonzo Ball refusing to work out for the Celtics, it gives Fultz a chance to solidify the thinking that he's the best prospect for the team. Fultz has been the top guy on the Celtics' board for a while, but he's not the only player they're considering. Ball, De'Aaron Fox, Josh Jackson and Jayson Tatum are also in the mix, according to sources. A strong workout and interview could help seal the deal for Fultz. 2. Los Angeles Lakers Lonzo Ball
Fox and Jackson have a real shot at going No. 2. Ball is the favorite, but he's far from a lock. 3. Philadelphia 76ers (via Kings)
There's quite a debate going on between the front office and coaching staff about whom they should take. Best player available? That's probably Jackson or Fox. Their elite toughness, athleticism and defensive potential are very attractive. The problem is that both players struggle as shooters and the Sixers need backcourt players who can stroke it. Best fit among available players? Malik Monk or Dennis Smith. Both players are athletic, shoot well and play off the ball (a must given head coach Brett Brown's decision to make? Ben Simmons?the Sixers' primary ball handler). The Sixers still have several workouts to gauge the best fit, so it's premature to put a solid favorite here. Based on the sheer level of admiration for a particular player, it's between Fox and Jackson. I'm giving Jackson the edge right now, but it's a slight edge. 4. Phoenix Suns
If he's not there, it will be among Jackson, Fox and Tatum. With Jackson off the board, Fox seems like an ideal fit. The Suns are loaded with offensive talent. Getting Fox's defensive versatility, intensity and playmaking should really improve the Suns and open the door to an Eric Bledsoe trade. 5. Sacramento Kings (via 76ers)
The Kings also like Jackson, but he too looks like he'll be off the board before they draft. There's talk inside the organization about combining picks Nos. 5 and 10 to move up in the draft to secure Fox. If they found a taker, that would be a high price to pay to move up two to three spots. Other options include Tatum, Jonathan Isaac and Smith. All three players fit a need for the Kings. Tatum or Isaac would be a nice long-term replacement for Rudy Gay. Smith is the next-best point guard on the board. Right now Tatum has the edge. He's the safest of the three guys. 6. Orlando Magic
He's also one of the biggest risks. In Milwaukee, Hammond and Weltman bet on Giannis Antetokounmpo?and they won't be afraid to take Isaac. 7. Minnesota Timberwolves
Both are excellent fits for the Wolves, who are looking for a stretch-4. Isaac would offer more upside. Markkanen is more ready now and a more proven shooter. With Isaac off the board, this looks like Markkanen's spot. 8. New York Knicks
Monk may be the highest upside player and best fit of the group. If he lands here, Knicks fans will love him when he heats up.
Ntilikina has great size for his position, plays with strength and displays a great feel. He's also an improving shooter. He reminds me a bit of George Hill. Smith has more athleticism, shoots it better and is more NBA ready, but does not quite possess the same feel for the game. The Mavs have scouted Ntilikina more than any other team in the league, but I think it might be hard for them to pass on Smith if he's there. He's really good and in a normal draft would be a top-five pick. 10. Sacramento Kings (via Pelicans)
Ntilikina could be their starting point guard of the future. He's more raw than the other elite point guard prospects, but at this point in the draft he's a great get. Other prospects that will get a look here include Luke Kennard, Donovan Mitchell and Harry Giles. 11. Charlotte Hornets
NBA scouts are talking themselves into his elite combination of athleticism, length and versatility. Some teams think he can play some point, others see him as the next Eric Gordon. His versatility will be a strong selling point for the Hornets. Zach Collins and Kennard are also strongly in the mix at No. 11. 12. Detroit Pistons
Kennard wowed NBA scouts and GMs at his pro day, putting on an epic 3-point display and showing more athleticism than scouts thought he had a Duke (the Lakers recorded him with a 38.5-inch max vertical at his workout). Kennard is getting interest as high as No. 8 to the Knicks. He's a hot name to watch right now. 13. Denver Nuggets
Even with the possibility he'll miss next season, I'm not sure the Nuggets will be scared off. They could use a long, athletic player like Anunoby, who can guard five positions on the floor. John Collins and Giles are other strong possibilities at No. 13. 14. Miami Heat
Zach Collins has the unusual ability to both stretch the floor and protect the rim. He's a good athlete, he's aggressive and his analytics scores are through the roof. He is in the mix as high as No. 9 to the Mavs. I don't think he slips past here. 15. Portland Trail Blazers
The key will be the medical results. Giles, like many of the other top prospects in the draft, didn't go through the combine medical testing and chose instead to do a private physical. Once teams get a look at those results, we'll have a better feel for whether No. 15 is too high or too low. But if feels like extraordinary value for the Blazers here. 16. Chicago Bulls
He shot the ball really well in recent workouts and that's improving his stock. If he can be a stretch-4 in the league, he's very good value here. 17. Milwaukee Bucks
Jarrett Allen, Terrance Ferguson and Justin Jackson are also options for the Milwaukee. 18. Indiana Pacers
However, at this point in the draft, anyone a team picks is going to have a glaring weakness or two. Leaf's ability to get buckets should make him valuable to the Pacers. Ferguson and Bam Adebayo are other possibilities. 19. Atlanta Hawks
Allen is a terrific rebounder and shot-blocker. Plus, he's a fluid athlete. He just needs to add a lot of strength and work on his offensive game. |
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