MOCK DRAFT 2.0

UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:

MOCK DRAFT 2.0:

Now that the draft lottery has determined the fate of the league, it's time to take another look at who might get drafted where. This mock includes insight from the combine and has a lot of movement from the first mock draft. I will likely still have one final mock before the NBA draft, as well as some crazy trade-related mocks somewhere in between.

1. ORLANDO MAGIC: Previous: Paolo Banchero - CHET HOLGREM - There a lot of factors that went into me changing this pick. For one, the Holgrem hype train continues to rise. He does have the Gonzaga connection with Jalen Suggs. Additionally, he just seems like he'd be the best fit. He's switchable as a 4 and 5 with the inevitable departure of Mo Bamba, he is an elite defender, and elite scorer, has passing upside, moves like a guard with a 7-foot frame, and played well at every stage in his young career. There are the concerns about his frame but looking back on many other thin players like Durant, Davis, and Giannis, all have excelled despite entering the league slim. I think it's unlikely that the Magic trade this pick and it would not surprise me to see the Magic try to move some of their veteran players for additional picks in this draft.

2. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: Previous: Jaden Ivey - JABARI SMITH JR - The Thunder really lucked here. While I don't know if Jabari Smith Jr will be necessarily a significant upgrade as far as ceiling, he does have more upside as far as fit. Should Holgrem be available at 2, I think they go with that, but Smith is a fantastic option for them as well. His shooting ability, size for a tweener forward, passing upside, and defense all make him a potentially complete player. Smith would be an immediate upgrade over Bazley and they can still look for a center later in the draft since they have an additional 3 picks within the first 35.

3. HOUSTON ROCKETS: Previous: Jabari Smith Jr - PAOLO BANCHERO - Many of the same tidbits mentioned in the previous mock still apply. The Rockets will likely find a new home for Christian Wood as they attempt to continue the development of Alperen Sengun. Much like when I wrote about Smith could also apply to how they would use Paolo. Banchero moves much better than many realize and he could end up being a 1B scoring option with Jalen Green as the primary initiator on offense. The Rockets seem to be collecting a solid amount of young assets and it would not surprise me to see them draft either a point guard of the future or another center later in the draft. Wood has some value so maybe they can find a team in the 8-12 range to move up from 17 with Wood as the extra player.

4. SACRAMENTO KINGS: Previous: Shaedon Sharpe - JADEN IVEY - I'd love to see the Kings move up to try to get either Paolo or Jabari. They have a lot of players that I think would be good fits for the Thunder or Rockets, while still giving them a prime draft player. Should the Kings keep their pick, I think they go with the best player available. Shaedon Sharpe might still have the highest ceiling of the remaining players at this point, but I think they Kings need a 2-guard and a wing regardless of who is available here. Davion is probably too small to play the 2-guard full time, Terence Davis is still recovering from a serious wrist injury, Justin Holiday just turned 33, and Lamb, Jackson, and DiVincenzo are all on expiring deals. Ivey has starter upside, is a solid secondary playmaker, solid shooter, and was ascending into the elite category before a disappointing end to his collegiate career against St. Peter's. Ivey could go as high as 2 in this draft, so 4 is a steal by those metrics.

5. DETROIT PISTONS: Previous: Chet Holgrem - SHAEDON SHARPE - Pistons fans are likely disappointed that they don't get another #1 pick, but they'll live with Sharpe as the consolation prize. I said before that I don't think Sharpe falls below 7 in this draft, and this holds true. Pistons need a backcourt teammate to pair with Cade Cunningham, and Sharpe is an excellent fit. He's got great size, shooting ability, explosiveness, and his game shouldn't interfere with what Cade is doing. Having just turned 19, he is one of the youngest players in the draft, but as the #1 prospect coming out of high school, he will still have plenty to prove on a team thirsty for some wins.

6. INDIANA PACERS: Previous: Keegan Murray - KEEGAN MURRAY - I still think Murray is the best fit for the Pacers. Unless they make some other moves in this draft, I think he makes the most sense. While many teams are looking to get really young talent to develop, the Pacers are more in a position to win now. Their starting line-up is mostly veterans and their head coach, Rick Carlisle, thrives more with veteran players than a developmental team. Murray immediately improves this team's offense and his defense will give their front court a huge boost with Turner oft injured. He can hit spot up 3's, he can score in the low post, he can score in transition, and with two elite playmakers in Haliburton and Brogdon, he'll get excellent passes no matter where he goes.

7. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS: Previous: Jalen Duren - JALEN DUREN - Even if they decide to bring Nurkic back, I think Duren has a chance to get some real minutes for the Trailblazers. They do need a do-everything wing, but I think they are willing to give Josh Hart, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson the first right of refusal in that regard. Anfernee Simons will likely be their primary target to bring back, but with essentially no other centers on roster, Duren seems like the smart choice for them. Looking at the available centers in free agency, I don't really see one that stands out enough for them to not get Jalen Duren, and waiting until #36 for a center seems really risky. Duren is unlikely to be a significant outside shooter, passer, or reliable at the line, but he does everything else you need from a top tier center. His size and length makes him blocking machine, and while his offense is improving, his defense is the biggest factor in his game. When you have bucket getters like Dame and Simons in your backcourt, you just need a guy that can get rebounds and block shots and he does both very well.

8. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: Previous: Bennedict Mathurin - BENNEDICT MATHURIN - I still think the Pelicans will either go with Mathurin or Davis here. A lot of analysts really like the Pelicans to lean toward Dyson Daniels, who seems to be moving into the middle part of the lottery, or Johnny Davis. Davis makes more sense to me than Daniels, but looking at their cap hamstrung roster, and they will need to make some moves. You might see players like Graham, Valanciunas, Nance and Temple moved to help keep them under the luxury tax this season. They saw excellent development last year from guys like Alvarado and Jones and Mathurin could be the missing piece they've been looking for to finish their roster. Mathurin has the size, length, passing and shooter to play whatever role they need. As a 2-guard they could have him defend some of the elite shooters and he has the skill set to guard the elite wings. It will be interesting to see if the Pelicans go with a small ball set up with Zion returns, but they may look to consolidate talent or even move up in the draft.

9. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: Previous: Tari Eason - JEREMY SOCHAN - My statements about Eason being a Spurs-like player still apply, but after more thought, I think Sochan would end up being a better fit. Sochan played a lot more at the wing, compared to Eason at the 4, and Sochan's size and speed make him incredibly appealing for a team that lacks anyone similar on the roster. While Sochan struggled with efficiency at times, he improved throughout the year and his defense was very valuable in the tournament. He is also two years younger than Eason and doesn't have the same issues with turnovers and fouls. Either prospect would be very Spurs-esque, but I think that Sochan ends up being the guy they go for at #9.

10. WASHINGTON WIZARDS: Previous: TyTy Washington - DYSON DANIELS - While I like the game of Washington, I think Daniels has the higher ceiling. Daniels is the better defender, better passer, is younger, has G-League experience, and has immense size. His game is similar to fellow Aussie, Josh Giddey, and I think he could be an immense upgrade at the point. There is a lot of uncertainty around what Bradley Beal long-term, but I think if he stays their skill sets mesh well. His game will need a lot of work, but I think he gives them a huge size mismatch for other teams and with guys like Kristaps, Kuzma, and Avdija, their team could be a nightmare for the fast paced offenses in the East. 

11. NEW YORK KNICKS: Previous: Dyson Daniels - MARK WILLIAMS - There are a lot of reasons why the Knicks should draft a point guard, but honestly, if Derrick Rose is entering the season healthy, I say upgrade your centers. Dyson Daniels appears to be the top "point guard" in the draft. His size and and two way ability make him too hard to pass. Ty Washington is a prototype center in regards to size, but lacks the defensive acumen, elite shooting, or elite athleticism to be a lottery pick. Kennedy Chandler has the defensive mindset, but lacks the size or efficiency to be a lottery pick as well. The Knicks are not short on wings, so it really comes down to them needing a big man. Williams fits the bill. He's a 7' 2" center that is a ridiculous blocker and rebounder, is efficient at the line, has elite offensive upside, and is only 20. He was able to be effective despite a low usage, so in a fast paced offense like New York he could put up some big numbers.

12. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: Previous: Mark Williams - JOHNNY DAVIS - Davis is SGA insurance. It's really hard to read how the Thunder value Shai, but Davis could come in, start, and produce offensively immediately. His game would not interfere with Giddey or Jabari's game and is large enough to play wing if the Thunder keep Shai. AJ Griffin has been going higher on draft boards, but with Griffin being a mostly one dimensional player, I think Davis fits their timeline better as they develop. Davis got better throughout the season and has legitimate 30-point upside. He gets to the line, can hit 3's, and is an aggressive rebounder. Davis is something the Thunder can build around with Giddey and Jabari.

13. CHARLOTTE HORNETS: Previous: AJ Griffin - TARI EASON - AJ Griffin is still available for the Hornets at #13, but I think they go with a defensive guy in case things don't go well in the Bridges contract negotiations. Eason is an older player and his ability to hit open shots, disrupt opposing offenses, and shoot the 3-ball at a respectable rate make him a really good option for them. The Hornets have guys like him on their roster already, but I think with how often Hayward is injured, it is good to have switchable guys that can produce on both ends. Eason's game is more developed than Griffin and I think this is a good win-now draft selection for the Hornets.

14. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: Previous: Jeremy Sochan - AJ GRIFFIN - This is phenomenal fit for the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers acquired Caris LeVert last year for a couple of second round picks, a deferred pick (lottery protected this year), and an injured Rubio's expiring contract. With LeVert being oft-injured, Griffin is a great option for a team that has been weak on the wing for a while. Griffin brings elite shooting to a team that is middle to bottom of the pack in that regard and he has a true NBA frame at 6' 6" with a 7-foot wingspan. His game is somewhat raw due to his lake of playing time on a stacked Duke team, but he's an amazing value pick at 14. Unlike Kispert in the last draft, who seemed very one dimensional and was already 22, Griffin will be barely be 19 when the season starts and has much more athleticism. Because the Cavaliers traded for LeVert, they can bring Griffin on at his own pace, but he has all the tools necessary to evolve into an elite 3-and-D wing in this league.

15. CHARLOTTE HORNETS: Previous: Walker Kessler - WALKER KESSLER - While this still might be somewhat of a reach for them, Kessler has lottery upside. The bigman from Auburn stands at a legitimate 7-1, has 3-point potential, ridiculous blocking upside, and can be a major factor on the boards. His per-minute numbers are video game-like and his defensive rating is insane. Kessler has everything you look for in a center and while he is an older prospect, he is one of the few prospects I've seen that I think will have a point-rebound-block triple-double at some point in his career. There are some minor flaws in his game - his free throw percentage leaves much to be desired, he finished the year on one of his worst career performances, and his 3-pointer does need a lot of work. With such an elite passer in LaMelo Ball, he will be fun to watch in transition and in lob plays for years to come. A defensive front court of Tari and Kessler is going to be really intimidating for other teams.

16. ATLANTA HAWKS: Previous: Kennedy Chandler - KENNEDY CHANDLER - I still really like this pick for the Hawks. He gives them defense and motor off of the bench. He's a better pre-minute passer than Washington and is almost a full year younger. The Hawks know how to develop undersized guards, so I think he'll benefit a lot from playing with Trae, who might also benefit from his defense. His vertical leap was the best among the guards at the combine, which is a testament of him playing larger than he measures. There are not a lot of must have players at this point in the draft for the Hawks, so unless they consolidate some of their assets or decide to move on from a major core piece, Chandler added to their roster of expiring guards seems like the missing piece. 

17. HOUSTON ROCKETS: Previous: Wendell Moore - NIKOLA JOVIC - Even though I picked Moore last time, I think they Rockets need a player to allow their back court to play more off the ball. I think that Porter and Green honestly play the same position and it hurts their team as a whole. Jovic is arguably the best passing big man in this draft and could play the Draymond or Jokic role for a team full of shooters. I think with Jabari likely taking Tate's position in the starting line-up, they stand to gain from having a 6'11 wing that can space the floor, play defense, run the offense when asked, and just gives them so much size and switch-ability.

18. CHICAGO BULLS: Previous: Nikola Jovic - JADEN HARDY - While I think that it is still mostly unlikely that Zach LaVine leaves the Bulls, Hardy gives them excellent insurance. A lot of the critiques with his game, scouts had with Anthony Edwards. His outside shot needs work, he's not the best decision maker, but all of the ancillary items are there. His 88% free throw percentage makes me believe that outside shot will come at some point, his assist numbers were pretty good during his season with the Ignite, but he's just super entertaining to watch. He dunks like the hoop is a foot lower and every time it's ferocious. He's 6'4" with a 6'9" wingspan, was a top 5 prospect in the nation last year, and at 18, he's a steal. It would not surprise me to see a team take a chance on him in the lottery and even if he doesn't have an overwhelmingly impressive rookie year, he's a guy to look to have a breakout year in year 2 or 3.

19. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: Previous: EJ Liddell - JALEN WILLIAMS - The wing from Santa Clara plays a lot bigger than many would expect. He's about 6'6" but has over a 7'2" wingspan (wider than Eason, Butler, Miller, and all guards), shoots close to 40% from beyond the arc, passes well for his position, is efficient in the mid-game, and was 2nd in vertical leap. As an NBA prospect, he marks all the check boxes. He may not positionally be exactly what the Wolves need, but they might draft Williams figuring to get some improvement from McDaniels and Vanderbilt this off-season. Some analysts are talking Williams potentially making it as high as the lottery, but somewhere in the late teens to early/mid-20s seems like where he'll eventually land.

20. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: Previous: Ousmane Dieng - TYTY WASHINGTON - With the Spurs already drafting a wing earlier in the draft, I think they go with a best available and very solid point guard in TyTy Washington. He's got more size than Tre Jones, is a comparable passer, and better shooter. Washington is also a decent defender and could usurp Jones rather quickly as the back-up point guard for this team. It's possible the Spurs could continue to load up on wings, but I think that Washington falling to 20 makes it too enticing to pass up. Washington is a little older for a one-and-done prospect, but I think his high floor makes him an appealing flier for them at this point in the draft.

21. DENVER NUGGETS: Previous: Johnny Davis - EJ LIDDELL - He's hard to predict on draft boards but he fits Denver's system quite well. They get back Murray and Porter Jr this season, so they will likely draft for long-term. The Nuggets had to overpay a lot of their personnel, which puts them in a bad position overall next season. Should they move on from Porter Jr or Aaron Gordon, there could be an ever better path for Liddell long-term. Liddell's value comes in his ability to defend as well as shoot the 3-ball. He is 37% from beyond the arc, shoots almost 77% from the line, blocked 2.6 times per game, and passed well at 2.5 per game. He's a complete package and has an NBA body on day 1. He should be able to contribute right away and is insurance for their bench if Jeff Green retires or opts out. His skillset is not too dissimilar to Zeke Nnaji, but I think Liddell's game is more developed and mature.

22. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: Previous: Ochai Agbaji - MALAKI BRANHAM - They might need some more big men, but Branham is a great addition to their team. The Grizzlies only had 4 players shoot over 35% from beyond the arc, one of which is on an expiring contract. Branham can score at all 3 levels and shot 42% from beyond the arc. He is not overly athletic but is smooth around the rim, has a solid mid-range shot, and is an absolute sniper from the 3. His lack of contributions on the defensive end is why I'm having him fall outside of the lottery, but at 6'6 with a 6'10" wingspan, 19 years old, and highly efficient offensively, I see him as a great fit for them. Agbaji is still a solid option, as are some of the other athletic guards like Wesley or McGowens. Dillon Brooks is entering the final year of his contract and it'll be intersting to see how they adjust their personnel to fit Ja Morant and Desmond Bane - the cornerstones of their franchise.

23. BROOKLYN NETS: Previous: Jaden Hardy - JAKE LARAVIA - The Nets have a lot of expiring contracts and it will be interesting to see how they navigate this off-season. Kyrie's contract is going to be the first domino, but regardless of his status, LaRavia is a fantastic pick for them. Previously, I had him going in the second round, but he excelled in the portion of the combine he participated in and his combination of defense and elite upside scoring has him going much higher in this draft. He's got NBA size and ability and with two-way wings being a premium in this league, he could be a player that the Nets rely on right away with them being so top heavy. It's possible they reach for a big like Koloko, but I think they try to continue to develop Claxton and Sharpe and maybe add a veteran minimum guy like McGee.

24. MILWAUKEE BUCKS: Previous: Patrick Baldwin Jr - PATRICK BALDWIN JR - This is a critical selection for Baldwin in this draft. I feel like if the Bucks decide to pass on him here at #24, he will slide really far in this draft. His measurables were impressive as expected, but everything else in his combine debut was very concerning. The Bucks will need to decide if they're drafting a guy to build around for the future, as Lopez is entering his final year in his contract, there's uncertainty around Connaughton and Portis, Allen has been problematic, Ibaka and Matthews are expiring, and this team is too deep into the cap to have any flexibility. Should the Bucks view this as a must-win year, they might go for one of the more mature prospects entering this draft. Wendell Moore, Christian Braun, and Christian Koloko could all be viewed as must-have prospects for this Bucks team, but I think they go with the local boy. We will see, as his draft stock has taken a major hit and Milwaukee could trade into the second round to get him.

25. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: Previous: Malaki Branham - LEONARD MILLER - Miller could be the Spurs' ace in the hold. Miller is a huge specimen and plays like a guard with power forward size. Watching his high school highlights he moves so fast it looks like everyone else is still. He is a player that hustles on both end of the floor and could end up being the franchise player on any of the rebuilding teams in the league. He is still very young and he could be in foul trouble quite a bit in his rookie season. That being said, he stands to be one of the biggest steals if he ends up being what his ceiling is projected to be. The Spurs have 3 picks in the first round, so if they were going to select a boom or bust player, here would be when they do it. His body type is similar to a Kevin Durant, with his slender frame, but he could a major weapon for the Spurs for the next decade.

26. DALLAS MAVERICKS: Previous: Christian Braun - JAYLIN WILLIAMS - His combine scrimmage performance drew a lot of people's eyes. He may not have the peripherals that some of these other large centers has, but he's exactly what you want in a modern big. His ability to read the floor, pass in tight spaces, hit 3's, chase down balls, and be a disruptive force on defense make him a perfect player to pair with Luka Doncic. Unlike many of the centers in this draft, he has the twitch mobility to change position, can guard the perimeter, and has gotten more comfortable shooting the 3-ball. He got better throughout the March tournament and got significantly better in his sophomore season than his freshman. Williams will take some time getting used to NBA speed, but he looked much more developed than many other players in the scrimmage play. If he can average close to his tournament averages of 14 points and 12 rebounds per game, he'll give the Mavericks a major boost next season.

27. MIAMI HEAT: Previous: Josh Minott - CHRISTIAN KOLOKO - The Heat need some size. PJ Tucker has been a solid veteran presence for this team, but he has a player option this summer and his playoff performance was met with mixed results. Koloko excelled in the combine with his rare combination of elite size, quickness, and athlecism. He ranked in the upper tier in just about all categories, and his wingspan goes for days. He is one of the oldest prospect in this draft and for a team like the Miami Heat, which were one game away from the NBA Finals, adding a guy like him could be a huge boost if he comes into the league NBA-ready.

28. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: Previous: Christian Koloko - OCHAI AGBAJI - The Warriors are one of the best outside shooting teams in the league. Agbaji would be a major asset as an older veteran that can shoot and defend. The Warriors are very cap hamstrung and many of their important role players will be looking to get pay raises next year - something I don't think the Warriors can afford. Kevon Looney will likely be the Warriors' priority to re-sign, even with Wiseman presumably returning soon. Guys like Otto Porter Jr, Gary Payton II, and Juan Tuscano-Anderson could all be looking to get a larger role next year elsewhere. Should Iguodala want to return, as well as Damion Lee, I believe they'll take a minimum contract. The Warriors are fortunate that Poole is still in his rookie deal and they received a lot of high picks over the last couple of years in Kuminga, Wiseman, and Moody. They'll have difficult choices to make to be able to keep this team together, but it seems very likely that at some point they will have to trade Wiggins to make space. Kuminga's per-36 numbers in this playoffs are 22.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.2 APG - so Agbaji could see a large role right away next year if Wiggins is no longer with the team.

29. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: Previous: John Butler - OUSMANE DIENG - Dieng did not have impressive numbers overseas, but that's the whole story with him. He has a smooth shooting stroke, can play both forward positions, moves like a guard, and is still growing as a playmaker and defender. He is about 6'10" and could be a long-term replacement for Kyle Anderson for this team. While he is still very young, he did play professionally overseas and improved over the course of the season. He enters a situation where he could be fast tracked to a starting position. Many analysts have Dieng going as high as the lottery, but I think he has one of the wider ranges for first round prospects. He very well could be selected by the Thunder or Cavs early on, but I also like him for San Antonio. The Grizzlies would have him as a luxury pick here and would continue their streak of elite players at the end of the first round.

30. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: Previous: Kendell Brown - ISMAEL KAMAGATE - I don't think Derrick Favors is a long-term option for the Thunder. Right now their rotation of Roby, Robinson-Earl, and Muscala are severely inefficient. Kamagate will likely come in somewhat raw, but the fall-off in centers in this draft after Kamagate are pretty steep. The Thunder select again in 4 picks, but have Toronto selecting before them, which puts pressure on them to draft a big. Kamagate is a very athletic center, moves well on the floor, but still needs to develop offensively and posting-up. He has not quite developed a reliable outside shot, but it could be there eventually. His rebounding is not elite, but for the purposes of this Thunder team, should be sufficient. He compares himself to Bam Adebayo, who is only 24 years old and has already been to one NBA Finals, and was one game away from a second. The Thunder can really only go up from here, so him and Jabari Smith in the front court seem really enticing when you have Giddey and Shai helping you run the pick and roll.

SECOND ROUND:

31. INDIANA PACERS: Previous: Jake LaRavia - CHRISTIAN BRAUN - Until I see them move Brogdon/Turner, I think Pacers are trying to compete. Another older draft pick in Braun gives them size and shooting off the bench.

32. ORLANDO MAGIC: Previous: Marjon Beauchamp - BLAKE WESLEY - Magic go with the guy highest remaining guy on their draft board. Beauchamp is still a solid option, as is Terquavion Smith. 

33. TORONTO RAPTORS: Previous: Ismael Kamagate - KENDALL BROWN - With all viable bigs for them off the board, they go with best available. Brown has lottery upside, but slid in this scenario.

34. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: Previous: Bryce McGowens - TERQUAVION SMITH - He elite burst has been turning heads at the combine. Should the Thunder move on from Shai he will be an interesting project for them.

35. ORLANDO MAGIC: Previous: David Roddy - WENDELL MOORE - A solid prospect, but is very young. His low usage pushed him later in the draft. His defensive effort in the tournament probably keeps him in the first round.

36. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZAERS: Previous: Justin Lewis - JUSTIN LEWIS - I still like the fit and he is a great player for the Blazers to consider. He had the 2nd widest wingspan at combine and I like his combination of size and athleticism. Blazers covet guys like him.

37. SACRAMENTO KINGS: Previous: Jean Montero - JOHN BUTLER - Butler gives them size outside of Sabonis. Over 7-foot with shoes, long wingspan, has potential as an upside pick.

38. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: Previous: JD Davidson - ORLANDO ROBINSON - With Jakob Poeltl entering the final year of his contract, Robinson gives them a legit 7-footer that can shoot 3's, pass, and score at a high rate. Could get drafted due to shallow position.

39. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: Previous: Blake Wesley - DAVID RODDY - The Cavs doubling down on the wing seems like a solid strategy. It's possible they are able to keep Sexton for a cheap contract for one more year to elevate his profile. They try to run it back with their new pieces and full health.

40. MINNEOSTA TIMBERWOLVES: Previous: Leonard Miller - JOSH MINOTT - With their first pick going more toward a wing, they look to improve their front court with an excellent two-way forward. Limited minutes in college are the only reason he slides to the second round.

41. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: Previous: Dalen Terry - DALEN TERRY - I still like his game. A lot of the reasons why people like Dyson Daniels applies to Terry. A large guard that needs an upside shooting coach like what the Pelicans have. He could be a sleeper in this draft.

42. NEW YORK KNICKS: Previous: Ibou Dianko Badji - ANDREW NEMBHARD - This pick is somewhat contingent of if they're rebuilding. Nembhard is an older prospect, but has great size and efficiency for a team that desperately needs a point guard.

43. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS: Previous: Kofi Cockburn - MOUSSA DIABATE - With Hartenstein on an expiring contract, the Clippers need a big. With limited availability and no cap space, he impressed at the combine enough to get drafted.

44. ATLANTA HAWKS: Previous: Terquavion Smith - BRYCE MCGOWENS - With Smith moving up in the draft, McGowens is another first round capable talent. A large, athletic guard, he has room to improve his efficiency.

45. CHARLOTTE HORNETS: Previous: Jalen Williams - MARJON BEAUCHAMP - This spot is incredibly low for him to be drafted, but the Hornets might look for an athletic guard like Beauchamp here in the mid-2nd. He has first round upside but struggled at times for the Ignite.

46. DETROIT PISTONS: Previous: Khalifa Diop - ALDONIS WILLIAMS - The Wake Forest products has been moving up the draft boards. With a weak guard rotation outside of Cade, Williams as a stretch defender that has passing upside and maturity. Not much of a shooter but his defense is a big improvement over the rest of the rotation.

47. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: Previous: Keon Ellis - JEAN MONTERO - A luxury pick for the Grizzlies. With Tyus Jones on an expiring contract he gives a lot of energy off the bench. Plus wingspan and legit dunking ability he's fun to watch. 

48. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: Previous: Trevor Keels - KEON ELLIS - With Beverley about to be 34 and entering the final year of his contract - they get a s

imilar body type guard with elite defensive upside. A stash pick that could see minutes if things go south for them next season.

49. SACRAMENTO KINGS: Previous: Trevion Williams - DOMINICK BARLOW - Another Overtime Elite player, he has good size and moves well, but his offense appears ahead of his defense. Good value pick for them at 49.

50. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: Previous: Jabari Walker - JABARI WALKER - This is still a great pick for them late in the draft. Good size for his position, he'll have to fight with a lot of similar players for minutes.

51. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: Previous: Michael Foster Jr - RYAN ROLLINS - A bucket getter. Only 6'3" but has almost a 6'10 wingspan. If the future of Golden State is Poole / Agbaji / Moody / Kuminga / Wiseman with Rollins as sixth man, they'll be in good hands.

52. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: Previous: Yannick Nzosa - TREVION WILLIAMS - He's not an overly fast moving forward, but has a soft touch around the rim, has 3-point potential, decent passer, and excellent rebounder. With Zion oft-injured, he could be an eventual successor to Nance.

53. BOSTON CELTICS: Previous: Andrew Nembhard - ANDREW NEMBHARD - I still like this fit for them. He's a larger guard that can defend, shoot well, and can help them in their window.

54. MILWAUKEE BUCKS: FORFEITED PICK

55. MIAMI HEAT: FORFEITED PICK

56. WASHINGTON WIZARDS: Previous: Matteo Spagnolo - MAX CHRISTIE - Christie impressed with his speed and agility at the combine. Good size guard with almost a 6'9" wingspan, good free throw shooter leaves hope to develop an outside shot, and young. He'll be a stash but might see a big role if the Wizards tank.

57. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: Previous: Ryan Rollins - GABRIELE PROCIDA - A pick and stash combo guard/wing. He might not even make the team, but his unique size at the guard and his professional experience overseas might see him available for garbage time or emergency depth.

58. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: Previous: Trayce Jackson-Davis - HUGO BESSON - The theme of this draft is getting players that are bigger than their natural position. Besson is a point guard at almost 6'6" and is one of the best International prospects. Cavs aren't super deep at guard even if Sexton returns.

59. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS: Previous: Drew Timme - KENNETH LOFTON JR - Moves incredibly well for his size. Could be the second coming of Baby Davis. Not much of a shooter, but you start seeing the less complete players at the end of the draft.

60. INDIANA PACERS: Previous: Hugo Besson - TREVOR KEELS - Likely will be drafted earlier, but his miserable season at Duke will hurt his draft stock quite a bit. Once a top prospect in the nation, he will look to show the season was a fluke. Reminds me a lot of Brandon Boston Jr from last draft.

- ADAM SAFIANOW - NBA ANALYST - UPSYDE SPORTS [COPYRIGHT 2022]