With the NBA draft in 10 days, most teams have already some idea of what they want to do, and which prospects they plan on obtaining. Here is my latest mock draft of the latest teams.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards
Minnesota snags Edwards, making an offensive dynamite pairing with D’Angelo. Minnesota is clearly in no shape to contend, so investing in the #1 pick makes sense. LaMelo Ball would not work well with Russell given their positions on a roster, but Edwards seems like the perfect fit beside Russell given Minnesota’s team composition. Further, with Towns coming back next season along with talks of trading their 17th pick, Minnesota snagging Edwards should be a safe call to make.
2. Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman
Much like Minnesota, LaMelo does not fit well with Golden State, as both Curry and Klay will be manning the one and two spots for the upcoming season. Instead, they go with need as well as the best player available with Wiseman, who can have an amazing career trajectory at Golden State. Although Warriors might want a veteran center, Wiseman can impact the floor right away even as a rookie.
3. Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball
Quite frankly, I do not see LaMelo falling behind the Top 3. Ball is an awesome talent and a lengthy guard who can attack space and dish out assists.
At this point, Charlotte is in a talent drought, so anything other than the Best Player available wouldn’t be the smart choice to make. Further, a lot can be done to the roster to make room for Ball, as there is some clog with Graham, Monk, and Rozier.
4. Chicago Bulls: Obi Toppin
Toppin is an offensive powerhouse that can add to the Bull’s lack of an offensive presence. In fact, they ranked third to last in offense last year. Adding Toppin next to Lauri would make an offensive frontcourt nightmare.
However, both of their defensive abilities in the post would become a vulnerability. Further, Toppin adds to the core of Coby White, Lavine, and Wendell Carter Jr, and complements the roster nicely.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Deni Avdija
Deni Avidja is no Luka Donkic, but he can become one of the best players of this draft. Right now, much like the Hornets, the Cavaliers need a lot of talent, regardless of where it comes from.
In fact, some reports have Avidja going at #2, and letting him slip past the top 5 would be a great mistake. As of now, Avdija’s playing style is being compared to Turkoglu of the past Orlando Magic.
6. Atlanta Hawks: Killian Hayes
At this point in the draft, any prospect is fair game for any team. The Hawks won’t take Okoro, as they will have invested already into Hunter and Reddish.
The Hawks won’t take Okongwu either, as Collins and Capela would be their frontcourt. At this point, Trae Young needs a better guard with him, and Killian Hayes would be an amazing option to have.
7. Detroit Pistons: Onyeka Okongwu
After losing Drummond, and possibly Christian Wood, Okongwu would be a great fit on the team next to Blake Griffin. Although similar to Drummond, Okongwu’s motor would make all the difference in his compatibility with Blake at the 4 spots. Further, with Blake’s questionable post defense, Okongwu would be the pick to place a bet on.
8. New York Knicks: Isaac Okoro
The Knicks may be in dire need of shooting, but they are in a greater need for talent. Okoro provides that even if he currently cannot shoot in the perimeter. However, Okoro knows how to attack the basket, get points on the board, and play amazing defense. He should be a great fit next to the guys on the team, including Barett, Frank, and Robinson.
9. Washington Wizards: Devin Vassell
As of now, the Wizards are in great need of wing depth and an offensive punch. Vassell provides both for the team and should work well next to guys like Beal and Wall manning a huge load on the offense.
10. Phoenix Suns: Tyrese Haliburton
Although Devin Booker has been on trade talks as of late, it would take a massive deal for him to be shipped and I do not see him in anything but a Suns uniform next year. Haliburton would be an amazing addition to next to Booker in the frontcourt, and he can facilitate the ball well Bridges and Ayton. Haliburton would not only be a complementary piece, but the best player available at this spot.
11. San Antonio Spurs: Patrick Williams
Although Willaims was not projected to go this high earlier in the year, he has now bumped himself into a practical lock at the lottery. In fact, some mocks have him going as early as 6, and the Spurs at this time in their team cannot let talent like Williams pass up. As a forward, Williams can also stretch the floor and energize his teammates with his athleticsim and solid shooting.
12. Sacramento Kings: Kira Lewis Jr.
Much like Williams, Kira was not projected to go this high. However, given his hard work and increase in almost every stat that he has, Kira deserves to be going to the lottery. With high speed and ability to attack the basket, him and Fox would make a deadly duo in the backcourt.
13. New Orleans Pelicans: Aaron Nesmith
The Pelicans are a dangerous team, especially with Zion, Ingram, and Ball. However, this draft represents a time that they can build their core unit, and Nesmith, an amazing shooter, can really add depth and space to their squad, complementing Zion very well.
14. Boston Celtics: Cole Anthony
Even if Cole’s stock dropped, he is still a valuable player and could be a steal of the draft if his potential comes to fruition. Although seen as a high volume shooter, Cole could add that spark and offensive ability that Boston needed to edge out in the playoffs. Given Boston’s developmental staff, Cole could have an amazing trajectory as a Celtic.
