The TGH staff has been putting together NBA Draft profiles over the last month to help give an in-depth look at each team heading into the NBA Draft. Now, the staff will put together a mock draft. This will make the mock more realistic with many different minds involved. Some of the staff have included reasonings and thoughts behind their selections. Here are the results:
1. Phoenix Suns (Joe DiTullio)- DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona
“Ayton is a physical freak, who looks to be a once in the generation talent. The thought of him and Devin Booker on the same team is scary if they can both develop.”
2. Sacramento Kings (Josh Burris)- Marvin Bagley, PF, Duke
“The Kings lack a big man, and Bagley is one of the best, if not the best, in this draft. He can definitely bring a presence in the post for Sacramento, and can also step back and shoot the three. Bagley had an incredible freshman season at Duke last season and is full of NBA potential.”
3. Atlanta Hawks (Braxton Angle)- Michael Porter Jr., F, Missouri
4. Memphis Grizzlies (Rob Hanes)- Luka Doncic, G/F, Slovenia
5. Dallas Mavericks (Braxton Angle)- Mo Bamba, C, Texas
6. Orlando Magic (Joe DiTullio)- Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma
“The Magic need playmakers and Young is definitely that. He needs to stop turning the ball over and improve his defense but can make the Magic have at least one promising player on the roster.”
7. Chicago Bulls (Eli Sherman)- Wendell Carter Jr., PF/C, Duke
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (Josh Burris)- Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
“The Cavs should keep this pick in anticipation for life after LeBron, whether he leaves this season or in the future. Why not pick a guy that could compliment him at the point guard position if he stays? Sexton may be the best point guard prospect in this draft and brings a lot of energy and athleticism. There are also reports that LeBron’s people like Sexton, so why not do what pleases The King?”
9. New York Knicks (Jay Louden)- Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Villanova
“Mikal Bridges to the Knicks because they need someone who can contribute immediately and partner with Frank. Bridges can guard three positions and has the lowest risk. Knicks can’t afford to reach or take a chance on a big project. They’ve done it already with KP and Frank.”
10. Philadelphia 76ers (Josh Burris)- Jaren Jackson Jr., PF, Michigan State
“Philly can get a nice pick in Jackson if he falls all the way to No. 10. Even though the Sixers already have Joel Embiid and Dario Saric in the frontcourt, Jackson is too good of a prospect to pass up on. In a few years down the road, that trio could develop into one of the scariest group of bigs in the league. He also brings versatility on offense, as well as great athleticism, size and length.”
11. Charlotte Hornets (Josh Burris)- Kevin Knox, F, KentuckyÂ
“Charlotte needs to try and find some offense with this pick. At No. 11, they will most likely just be missing on some of the draft’s top prospects, unless someone like Jaren Jackson Jr. falls to them. If not, Kevin Knox could develop into a nice scoring option for the Hornets. He can score multiple different ways and showed improvement throughout the season defensively.”
12. Los Angeles Clippers (Joe DiTullio)- Shai Gilgeuos-Alexander, PG, Kentucky
“Patrick Beverly is there but the Clippers need a point guard of the future. Gilgeous-Alexander excels at pick and rolls and can shoot from deep. His wingspan and defense should also be moldable talents.”
13. Los Angeles Clippers (Joe DiTullio)- Robert Williams, PF, Texas A&M
“Williams has a lot of athletic talent, but has a questionable motor and a terrible outside shot. He could help replace the loss felt by Blake Griffin.”
14. Denver Nuggets (Braxton Angle)- Miles Bridges, SF, Michigan State
15. Washington Wizards (Joe DiTullio)- Zhaire Smith, G, Texas Tech
“Zhaire Smith is a “3 and D” prospect who also has some of the best athleticism in the class. He can be a key role player for the Wizards.
16. Phoenix Suns (Joe DiTullio)- Lonnie Walker IV, G, Miami
“It would be beneficial for the Suns to draft a young developmental point guard. Walker is nowhere close to a finished product but could be a guy worth taking based on his potential.”
17. Milwaukee Bucks (Braxton Angle)- Mitchell Robinson, C, USA
18. San Antonio Spurs (Manny Finale)- Grayson Allen, G, Duke
“The Spurs ranked 27th out of 30 in points per game. Not to mention Manu Ginobili is 40 years old. Grayson can bring much needed youth and a decent boost for their offense.”
19. Atlanta Hawks (Braxton Angle)- Jerome Robinson, G, Boston College
20. Minnesota Timberwolves (Ben Hendricks)- Keita Bates-Diop, F, Ohio State
21. Utah Jazz (Braxton Angle)- Omari Spellman, PF, Villanova
22. Chicago Bulls (Eli Sherman)- Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova
23. Indiana Pacers (Joe DiTullio)- Chandler Hutchison, SG/SF, Boise State
“Hutchison can do it all. At Boise State, he scored at a high rate, rebounded and even handled the ball a decent amount. With Oladipo and Turner, the Pacers can use a wing to help spread the floor.”
24. Portland Trail Blazers (Rob Hanes)- Dzanan Musa, SF, Bosnia and Herzegovina
25. Los Angeles Lakers (Brad Stonebraker)- De’Anthony Melton, G, USC
“Melton is a little risky considering his history and shaky jump shot, but his athleticism and shot-blocking ability are a great fit for a young team like the Lakers.”
26. Philadelphia 76ers (Josh Burris)- Donte DiVincenzo, G, Villanova
“Donte DiVincenzo is on the rise. After watching him play in the NCAA Tournament, it is a wonder he was not a regular starter at Villanova, but maybe that speaks more about how talented Nova was this past season. DiVincenzo is super athletic as he had the highest standing vertical leap and tied for the highest max vertical leap at the NBA Draft Combine. He also was hot from the 3-point line, which is very valuable in today’s NBA.”
27. Boston Celtics (Braxton Angle)- Troy Brown, G, Oregon
28. Golden State Warriors (Jay Louden)- Jacob Evans, SG/SF, Cincinnati
“University of Cincinnati’s Jacob Evans would be an ideal pick at No. 28. The Bearcat forward has the size (6’6″ 210), athleticism and defensive mindset that would be able to fit into the Golden State system the smoothest. Evans’ will have to develop a consistent jump shot to fit in perfectly and pay off as an investment; he averaged 13 points on 42% (37% from 3) shooting this past season with UC. Evans’ defense will be his redeeming quality his first year while he develops a better jumper.”
29. Brooklyn Nets (Rob Hanes)- Khyri Thomas, G, Creighton
30. Atlanta Hawks (Braxton Angle)- Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA
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