With the conclusion of my first full season covering the NBA Draft, I have decided to put together a mock draft. The mock will be a combination of what I think will happen and what I would do, so do not expect this mock draft to go 30/30.
From: Olivier Chassignole (AFP/Getty Images)
1. The San Antonio Spurs Select Victor Wembanyama, Forward, Metropolitans 92 (France)
Wembanyama is one of the best prospects we have ever seen. The French big man is a true unicorn of the game, possessing elite interior and perimeter offensive skills. Wemby has a freakishly good handle for his size, commonly grabbing rebounds and taking them coast to coast with ease. Wembanyama has shown the ability to stretch the floor from three as well. Wembanyama has all of the tools in the world to be the next NBA great, but some scouts are wary of his frame given the injury history of previous players with his height and weight. Thankfully, he has been working with a trainer on injury prevention for about two years at this point, so we should get Wembanyama on the court for a long time in the NBA.
From: USA TODAY Sports
2. The Charlotte Hornets Select Scoot Henderson, Guard, G League Ignite
After the Spurs is when the draft actually starts. Rumors have been swirling around what the Hornets want to do at two, but I have them taking the best player available, Scoot Henderson. Scoot is an explosive athlete for his size and has an NBA-ready body already. Scoot's game reminds me a lot of Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook. Henderson possesses electrifying athleticism, and showcased his playmaking last year for G League Ignite. Scoot loves to pull up into the midrange when big men use drop coverage in the pick and roll, leading me to believe he can become a serviceable perimeter shooter at the next level. If Henderson shoots around 35-38%, the combination of LaMelo's playmaking and Scoot's athleticism could make them one of the best backcourts in the league.
From: Rogelio V. Solis (AP Photo)
3. The Portland Trail Blazers Select Brandon Miller, Wing, Alabama
Brandon Miller is the last top tier prospect on my big board. Portland has been tied to pretty much every trade rumor so far, but signs are pointing to them keeping number three to try to build around Dame. With Simons and Sharpe already there and a Jerami Grant reunion on the table, a wing like Miller makes a lot of sense for Portland. Miller is an elite shooter, and with his long arms and big frame, he will be able to shoot over defenders with ease. The Blazers need a player that doesn't need the ball in his hands a lot, and Miller is the best off-ball player left on the board. Miller also showed he has the ability to create for others at Alabama, an asset coach Chauncey Billups could further unlock. Even if Portland ships Dame off to a contender, Miller would still provide spacing to open up lanes for Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe to exploit.
From: Dale Zanine (USA TODAY Sports)
4. The Houston Rockets Select Amen Thompson, Guard, Overtime Elite
Amen Thompson is the best athlete in this class. Thompson is also one of the highest risk/reward players in this draft. Houston is in a position to take some swings on players, especially with Ime Udoka being hired as the new head coach. Udoka will be able to get the most out of his players, and I like the Rockets putting some pressure on Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green to out produce Amen. Amen is a wizard of a passer. Thompson is a walking paint touch, easily blowing by defenders in the half court and transition. Amen uses a variety of finishes at the rim, using his athleticism as a weapon once he gets to the basket. Amen is also a good rebounder for his size. Unfortunately, the jump shot is nowhere near NBA ready, but I believe in Udoka's ability to coach Thompson.
From: Mary Altaffer (AP)
5. The Detroit Pistons Select Cam Whitmore, Wing, Villanova
With their backcourt solidified for the foreseeable future, Detroit could use a wing like Whitmore. The Pistons seem committed to their big man trio of Jalen Duren, James Wiseman, and Marvin Bagley, all the more reason to draft a wing. Whitmore, the lone bright spot on an otherwise dim Villanova season, possesses all the traits needed to be a quality off ball wing. To start, Whitmore is built like a linebacker at 6' 7" 232 pounds. He attacks closeouts well, and uses his physical frame to finish at the rim. Whitmore is a better than average on and off ball defender, which should help hide some of Jaden Ivey's deficiencies on that end. With a couple free agent pieces to refine the edges, Cade Cunningham back, and Whitmore in the fold, Detroit could be in the mix for a play-in spot.
From: UCF Athletics
6. The Orlando Magic Select Taylor Hendricks, Forward, UCF
Taylor Hendricks is the ideal four man in today's NBA. He can guard every position, and holds his own on both on the perimeter and the interior. Hendricks was a good rim protector last year, as his long arms helped him get deflections, blocks, and steals. Adding a forward to an already loaded front court in Orlando would usually be a problem, but the UCF forward's versatility should make it easy for the Magic to play him, Franz Wagner, and Paolo Banchero at the same time. Hendricks is the perfect connective piece for a roster that has the talent to compete. Markelle Fultz, Hendricks, pick 11, Wagner, Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr. should combine to make a fun and exciting core for Orlando going forward.
7. The Indiana Pacers Select Jarace Walker, Forward, Houston
Speaking of versatile forwards, meet Jarace Walker. Walker is also a likely connective piece that Indiana can plug and play from day one. The Houston freshman does not require the ball in his hands to be effective, and with the playmaking of Tyrese Haliburton, Walker should get easy looks at the rim. The Pacers are not drafting for a superstar, they are drafting pieces to surround Haliburton and Mathurin to set them up for success. Walker can stretch the floor a little bit, and if he can keep defenses honest at the next level, it should help both his and the Pacers' offense. Walker's defensive versatility and rebounding should pair well with Myles Turner to create one of the better defensive big man tandem in the league.
From: Morry Gash (AP Photo)
8. The Washington Wizards Select Anthony Black, Guard, Arkansas
Anthony Black is one of my draft crushes this year. Black's game reminds me a lot of Lonzo Ball: a tall guard with lightning quick processing and decision making who can also defend at a high level. Black was one of the only consistent pieces on a tumultuous Arkansas roster last year. His big frame for a guard and sneaky athleticism allows him to be a constant threat at the rim as well as a lob threat if someone like Johnny Davis was initiating the offense. As Washington is headed into a clear rebuild, their roster is lacking both depth and talent, and Black is my favorite point guard outside of Henderson and Thompson at the top. Anthony Black will be able to serve up easy looks for their other young pieces like Davis and Deni Avdija, as well as hitting Corey Kispert for open threes.
From: Dale Zanine (USA TODAY Sports)
9. The Utah Jazz Select Ausar Thompson, Wing, Overtime Elite
The Jazz will end the slide of the other Thompson twin. Ausar has fallen in many draft boards since the start of the pre-draft process. Utah is not picking some scrub through, as Thompson possesses the same athleticism as his brother Amen. Also, his jump shot is miles ahead of his brother's, with both the numbers and shot form looking a lot better. Ausar is a lockdown defender, and will be able to defend one through four in the NBA. If Utah can add that defense to a defensive core of Colin Sexton and Walker Kessler, the Jazz could be back in the mix for a playoff spot. While his passing and playmaking looks special, Thompson sometimes gets a little to flashy and causes unnecessary turnovers instead of making the easy read. Utah can take a swing early, and look to address scoring later in the draft with their other first round picks.
From: Grant Halverson (Getty Images)
10. The Dallas Mavericks Select Dereck Lively II, Center, Duke
Lively has had a rollercoaster of a ride when it comes to his draft stock. In the preseason at Duke, Lively was widely regarded as one the best players in his class, and an easy lottery pick in this year's draft. However, injuries and offensive inconsistencies led to rumors being floated that he may return for his sophomore season. Jon Scheyer was able to figure out the puzzle, and as Duke got rolling, so did Lively. Outside of Wembanyama, Lively is the best interior defender that is going to go in the first round on Thursday. While Lively did not stretch the floor well at Duke, at his pro day his jumper looked smooth and back to what we saw in high school and the AAU circuits. If Dallas resigns Kyrie and keeps number 10, the Mavs are going to need someone who does not command the ball. Lively is the perfect fit next to two ball dominant guards out on the perimeter.
From: Michael Reaves (Getty Images)
11. The Orlando Magic Select Gradey Dick, Wing, Kansas
While Jordan Hawkins might be the best pure shooter in the draft, Gradey Dick is a much better all around prospect than Hawkins. Dick would provide much needed floor spacing to a lineup with Franz, Paolo and Hendricks, and pushes the Orlando roster another step further. Gradey Dick shoots about every jump shot at close to an elite level, hitting both off the dribble and catch and shoot threes with ease. If you lose him in transition, he will make you pay with an easy step-in three. Dick is not slouch defensively, and the combination of effort, instincts, and athleticism have been able to hide some of his defensive woes. Gradey is a sneaky lob threat if defenders chase him around screens.
From: Franck Fife (AFP/Getty Images)
12. The OKC Thunder Select Bilal Coulibaly, Guard, Metropolitans 92 (France)
Coulibaly's range is all over the board heading into Thursday's draft. However, rumors have been swirling that OKC might have given the French guard a promise that they will take him at 12. Coulibaly seems to be a very Thunder pick, as Sam Presti has elected to take high upside guys instead of proven talents so far in their rebuilding window (Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, Aleksej Pokusevski...). Bilal did not have the production that we see out of most lottery picks, but his upside and flashes are some of the best in the class. Coulibaly is young for the draft, and will not turn 19 until after he is selected, and is still maturing both mentally and physically. His switchability should help him get on the court in his rookie year as he is still figuring out the other side of the ball.
From: Indiana Athletics
13. The Toronto Raptors Select Jalen Hood-Schifino, Guard, Indiana
With Fred VanVleet opting out, a guard is almost a certainty for Toronto at thirteen. Jalen Hood-Schifino possesses the frame that the Raptors covet, causing them to take him over other guards like Wallace and Bufkin. Hood-Schifino is one of the smoothest prospects in the draft, and displays a poise you do not see from most freshman. He gets to his spots at ease, and picks apart the pick and roll like nobody's business. His three point shot is more inconsistent than it is bad, which Toronto should be able to unlock. JHS shows up in big games, dicing up Purdue twice in much needed rivalry wins. Hood-Schifino is such a crafty finisher, using his body to create unique angles at the rim. Toronto needs to look for a lead guard in the draft, and Jalen Hood-Schifino could be the perfect fit.
From: Dylan Buell (Getty Images)
14. The New Orleans Pelicans Select Cason Wallace, Guard, Kentucky
New Orleans might move up for Scoot according to sources, but for the mock draft's sake, the Pels are going to stay put at 14. Cason Wallace will bring everything that the Pelicans need out of a guard spot. He is sort of a turbo-charged Jose Alvarado, something that New Orleans could be looking for. Wallace is a tough two-way guard who will be a physical point of attack defender and a downhill driver who can get the rim easily. He has active hands, and uses those hands to get deflections and steals. Wallace's results were not always there within his jump shot, but the confidence he has in his shot should allow for improvement. Cason Wallace could be a great fit next to C.J. McCollum, allowing for NOLA to put him back to his more comfortable position at the two.
From: Arkansas Athletics
15. The Atlanta Hawks Select Nick Smith Jr., Guard, Arkansas
The Nick Smith Jr. slide ends in Atlanta. With doubts about the combination of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray working out, why not take a stab at another guard? If it weren't for injuries, Smith Jr. would likely be a top ten pick. Unfortunately, his injuries might linger which is cause for concern. Thankfully his jump shot won't be affected by injuries, which is one of the smoothest in the class. His mechanics are so sound and easily transferrable to Atlanta. If his bounce is still there, he becomes an even scarier thought as his finishing should get a boost. The Hawks are in a very peculiar spot right now, and Dejounte Murray is closer to free agency than you might think.
From: Rick Osentoski (USA TODAY Sports)
16. The Utah Jazz Select Jett Howard, Wing, Michigan
After taking a swing with their first pick, the Jazz take a safer prospect who can contribute quickly at 16. As a big wing, Howard is an elite shooter that can be a deadly floor spacer. He's got NBA range with ease, and has more to his game than just a catch and shoot three. Ausar and the rest of the roster should limit the defensive flaws that come with Jett. Howard's floor spacing paired with Lauri Markkanen creates a deadly shooting force for the future. Utah is in a great spot, and they can even go and get another scorer later in the first round if they want.
From: Jessica Hill (Associated Press)
17. The Los Angeles Lakers Select Jordan Hawkins, Guard, UConn
The Lakers need to prioritize floor spacing, especially with one of Austin Reaves or Rui Hachimura leaving in free agency. Might as well take the last elite shooter in the draft: Jordan Hawkins. Hawkins is more a specialist, but has the potential to become a Celtics/Heat Ray Allen type. Jordan Hawkins can hit every three under the sun, and is the best movement shooter in this draft. When coming off screens, Hawkins look like he's been shot out of a cannon, and sets his feet quickly to elevate and get his shot off. He's very athletic, so if you overcommit to the three, he can make you pay with a drive to the rim. That athleticism helps him out defensively, especially with the effort he gives you. If Darvin Ham can scheme up looks for Hawkins, he could be very effective next to LeBron and AD.
From: University of Michigan Athletics
18. The Miami Heat Select Kobe Bufkin, Guard, Michigan
In an offseason in which Gabe Vincent and Max Strus are free agents, Miami could be in the market for a guard. Kyle Lowry is also aging, so the Heat might want to take the best guard available in Kobe Bufkin. Bufkin's sophomore season saw his draft stock skyrocket. Michigan was pitiful with him on the bench last year. Bufkin is silky smooth offensively and has been able to stretch the floor. He can maneuver the pick and roll well, using his slight frame to bend around screens and get into the lane. He's a little wiry, but the Miami offseason program should sort that out. His lack of muscle hampers his defense, but his active hands and good athleticism helps him stay close to his matchup. Bufkin is almost instantly one of the best guards on the roster, especially with some shuffling in the offseason.
From: Baylor Athletics
19. The Golden State Warriors Select Keyonte George, Guard, Baylor
With the new CBA waiting in the wings, Golden State needs to trim their salary cap fat. Draymond Green recently opted out of his player option, saving the team 27 million. The Dubs are still flirting with that second apron, and will likely make a move soon using one of their guards. Curry is safe, but the team has fielded offers on Poole and it would be smart if they did the same with Klay Thompson. The bench also needs some help, so Golden State's going to add one of the best shot creators in this draft. Keyonte George should pack a punch off the bench, and surprisingly fits well in the Warriors' system with his catch and shoot upside. If George is there for the passing of the torch, he has the frame and skill set to be a lead guard in this league. Like is the case for most scorers in this draft, the defense is not quite there. George also tended to struggle with defenders who were longer than him and opted to get up and pressure him. George and Poole could create the next guard core for the Warriors after the Splash Brothers retire.
From: Alabama Athletics
20. The Houston Rockets Select Noah Clowney, Forward, Alabama
Clowney is certainly one of the upside picks in this draft. If you trust your development system, Clowney could be a home run pick for you. The Rockets are in a position to draft for upside as there is no real timetable for their rebuild. Alperen Sengun has been good for you, which lessens the burden for Clowney to be ready right away. Listed at 6' 10", Clowney has ideal stretch big size. His jumper looks a lot better than the rest of the bigs behind him, and had spurts of good rim protection last year. He's got all the makings of a Myles Turner molded player, but had little to no consistency at Alabama. It will be interesting to see where Clowney goes on Thursday, and what teams believes in their organization enough to develop him.
From: Pepperdine University Athletics
21. The Brooklyn Nets Select Maxwell Lewis, Guard/Wing, Pepperdine
The Nets have practically perimeter heading into next year. Ben Simmons has been been a disaster, and with players like Spencer Dinwiddie and Patty Mills on the downturn of their careers and Cam Johnson headed to free agency, it makes a lot of sense for Brooklyn to select Lewis. Lewis is the opposite of Cam Thomas, and the two should mesh well in Brooklyn. Lewis has an ultra smooth shot, and displayed quality basketball IQ last year in the WCC. He's a patient driver, waiting his turn to dissect defenses. In comparison to the high volume Thomas, Maxwell Lewis should be able to pack a punch in less touches than Thomas. Lewis can also hide some of the defense from Thomas. He can serve as a solid passer, creating looks for Thomas, Mikal Bridges, and Nic Claxton.
From: David Becker (NBAE via Getty Images)
22. The Brooklyn Nets Select Leonard Miller, Wing, G League Ignite
In similar reasoning, Brooklyn grabs another wing to contribute for them. Leonard Miller is a polarizing prospect, with scouts and draft analysts having a wide range of projections for him. While he does not have an elite quality, Miller's good at pretty much everything. He posted a very efficient 17 and 10 last year in the G League, something you don't see very often. Miller also ended the season on a tear, averaging 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game (Rafael Barlowe). If Brooklyn wants to let Cam Johnson walk, Miller could step into a contributing role on day one. If Miller is not ready to contribute, no worries, as you can play him off the bench to get his feet wet. Miller is a slam dunk for the Nets at 22.
From: Charlie Neibergall (AP Photo)
23. The Portland Trail Blazers Select Kris Murray, Wing/Forward, Iowa
Reports are that Portland is shopping this pick to add more help around Damian Lillard and company, but for the sake of the mock draft, they are staying put. If they are looking to add help around Dame, add an NBA-ready wing in Kris Murray. While it sounds redundant, Murray is built in the same mold as his brother Keegan. He scored at will at Iowa, routinely putting up large numbers in the Big Ten. A smooth, floor spacing wing with solid defensive attributes will always get playing time in the NBA, and Kris should be a contributor from day one.
From: John Bazemore (AP)
24. The Sacramento Kings Select Colby Jones, Guard, Xavier
The Kings need to add scoring and depth on the perimeter, and Colby Jones fits perfectly in Sacramento. Jones can do everything well, and is being overlooked in some aspects in the draft. If he hits, he could be worth a lottery pick. Jones is just a smooth guard who plays at his own pace. Jones will step into the same role with the Kings that he had at Xavier: an off ball guard who can command defensive attention and score when he wants. Likely coming off the bench, he can work well with Davion Mitchell to create a solid bench unit. Jones is just a solid player, and the Kings need to continue to add players like Colby Jones if the want to build on their success from the previous season.
From: UCLA Athletics
25. The Memphis Grizzlies Select Jaime Jaquez Jr., Wing/Forward, UCLA
Jaime Jaquez is such a Grizzlies pick. Memphis has targeted guys who have been productive year after year in college, and Jaquez is just that. The UCLA Wing is the epitome of a winner, and will do everything he can to help his team win. Jaquez is everything the Grizzlies want in a draft pick. He's going to put his nose down and go to work. Jaquez is a crafty player, using his body and pivots to create angles in order to finish at the rim. His physical nature allows him to be solid defensively and contribute on the glass regularly. Jaquez will have a great role in Memphis coming off the bench.
From: Chris Gardner (Getty Images)
26. The Indiana Pacers Select Brandin Podziemski, Guard, Santa Clara
Brandin Podziemski is someone who has skyrocketed up draft boards in the pre-draft process. As more people found out about him, more people have become infatuated with the player. The former Illini turned Santa Clara guard put up an incredibly efficient 20 points per game in the WCC last year, shooting 48.3% from the field and 43.8% from three. "Podz" is going to make the right read almost every time in the pick and roll, and he routinely dissected different coverages last year. A trio of Haliburton, Mathurin, and Podziemski could be one of the most exciting guard core for the future. Podziemski makes a lot of sense as a bench creator and scorer for the Pacers moving forward.
From: Jay LaPrete (AP Photo)
27. The Charlotte Hornets Select Brice Sensabaugh, Guard/Wing, Ohio State
For whatever reason, Brice Sensabaugh is falling down draft boards quickly. Sensabaugh is arguably a better shot creator than George, but is going eight picks lower in this mock. Sensabaugh is an ultra-physical guard/wing who uses an old school approach to get his shots. He was efficient from pretty much anywhere on the court last year, and possesses zero flaws in his scoring abilities. The worries start to creep in when you mention the rest of his game, as he is a below average creator for others and defender. Thankfully, with the Hornets hypothetically having both LaMelo and Scoot as primary ball handlers, Sensabaugh's role will likely be to strictly get buckets, something he's pretty good at. Brice Sensabaugh is a player who could pretty easily outplay where he was drafted.
From: Matt Pendleton (USA TODAY Sports)
28. The Utah Jazz Select Dariq Whitehead, Guard/Wing, Duke
The Jazz need scoring from the guard position, and Dariq Whitehead is possibly the best one left on the board. If it weren't for injuries, Whitehead would be a fringe top 10 pick. Three foot surgeries later and he's barely a first rounder. When Whitehead was on the court, he was a sniper and opened up the floor for the rest of his Duke teammates. Whitehead has supreme confidence in his shot, something players need when going to the next level. He struggles to create quality looks in the paint, but his perimeter shot creation should allow him to be an effective NBA player. If Whitehead stays healthy, he could very well outperform a lot of the perimeter players ahead of him.
From: University of Houston Athletics
29. The Denver Nuggets Select Marcus Sasser, Guard, Houston
In a pre-draft trade, the Nuggets have moved back into the first round. Denver could elect to pick a player from the same mold as Christian Braun who created a role for himself in his rookie year. Sasser is another seasoned college player who won every year he was at Houston. If the Nuggets value college production, there is no better player left than Marcus Sasser. A bulldog of a guard, Sasser has a toughness to his game that translates anywhere. He was a dynamic scorer and playmaker last year, and lit up the combine with his shooting ability. Sasser is going to defend, and would fit in nicely on a bench unit lacking guard play.
From: Marquette University Athletics
30. The Los Angeles Clippers Select Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Wing/Forward, Marquette
Prosper was a major cog in the system that produced a two-seeded Marquette team who outperformed expectations last year. Prosper is an ultra utility forward who is going to bring a bundle of energy when he steps on the court. His frame should allow him to translate well to the NBA, and with the Clippers needing talent that can stay on the court, they may turn to Prosper. OMax's shot got better every year at Marquette, which should signal future improvements in the jump shot. If Prosper's jumper comes around, his energy and defensive versatility should help him carve out a role with the Clippers
Conclusion:
This mock draft was the culmination of countless hours watching film on dozens of prospects. While this mock draft won't be perfect, I believe the draft should play out somewhat similarly to this. I want to thank everyone who has constantly supported me during this draft process, but this is just the beginning of college basketball/NBA Draft content at Next Man Up.
Until next year,