I know what Orlando Magic are doing. When Jonathan Issac is healthy, they’re going to have him, Mo Bamba & Bol Bol just hold eachother’s hands across mid court. None shall pass.
Swap out Lonzo (arguably a better fit) for Lowry and these texts still ring true. Excited for the @chicagobulls place in the Eastern Conference race this year!
MEM(30) - Santi Aldama - Talented passing big with a perimeter game to him. Can rebound at a high rate, though he isn’t an elite defender. Very interesting pick, quite the reach in most mock drafts, but his stats are eye popping, even against lower comp.
Pro Comp: Gorgui Dieng
BKN(29) - Day’Ron Sharpe - Interior big with a great motor. Very old school, bruising centre. Does not have an outside shot or a good FT shot, but he is a big body to bring off the bench in Brooklyn.
Pro Comp: Kendrick Perkins
PHI(28) - Jaden Springer - Tenacious defender with excellent on and off ball defense. Strong player who makes the winning, hustle plays. Though he does not have a great ability to stretch the floor, he’s still a gifted finisher at the rim.
Pro Comp: Marcus Smart
BKN(27) - Cameron Thomas - Bucket getter and really good scorer. Not the most efficient shooter, but he can fill it up. With less volume, he’ll be better. Makes his FTs. Brooklyn needs scorers to supplement losses of Shamet and potentially Bruce Brown.
Pro Comp: Lou Williams
DEN(26) - Bones Hyland - Great shooting point guard for VCU, will be able to provide offense with the absence of Murray this season. Deep range, but does not draw FTs. Love his length, but his frame needs to put on size.
Pro Comp: Jamaal Crawford
NYK(25) - Quentin Grimes - Very good 3&D player, prototypical for the NBA. He’s an excellent knockdown shooter and works tremendously on the defensive end. Can defend guards and wings, plays with a lot of grit and has hit big time shots.
Pro Comp: Khris Middleton
HOU(24) - Josh Christopher - A very athletic, quick guard with high potential. Excellent strength and ball handling, but his jump shot lacks a bit. He’ll have a lot of ability to learn from John Wall (if the Rockets keep him), as he fits that mould.
Pro Comp: Anthony Edwards
HOU(23) - Usman Garuba - Probably the best defender in the draft. Ability to guard multiple positions with strength and speed. Offense is not part of his strength, but that’s why you get Jalen Green. Fantastic motor, will be great for rebuilding.
Pro Comp: Lugentz Dort
IND(22) - Isaiah Jackson - Really bouncy athlete and elite shot blocker. Can run the court and finish lobs. Does not have much of an offensive game outside that, but every team needs a player like Jackson. Myles Turner replacement?
Pro Comp: Willie Cauley-Stein
LAC(21) - Keon Johnson - One of the best all-around athletes in the draft. Tough defender and good rebounder for a smaller frame. Needs to work on his shooting and all around offensive game. Brings phenomenal cutting ability with his explosiveness.
Pro Comp: Victor Oladipo
ATL(20) - Jalen Johnson - A talented scoring threat who has the ability to facilitate and defend at multiple levels. Can do everything on the court. Love his versatility, tough to find minutes in ATL; he’ll need to work on his shooting.
Pro Comp: Larry Nance / Otto Porter