Picks 21-30
21
Philadelphia 76ers
Desmond Bane
Guard/Forward, TCU
| PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16.6 | 6.3 | 3.9 | 45% | 43% |
Bane is a perfect fit for Philadelphia. Philly is a team that has a win-now situation but also has time due to younger stars, and they need shooting. Assuming the Sixers fail to make any spectacular trades, Bane and Matisse will be key role players on the wing. Desmond Bane hit a 43.4% three-point clip in his four-year college career, and projects to be an NBA ready sharpshooter.
Player Comp
Eric Gordon
22
Denver Nuggets
Cole Anthony
Guard/Forward, UNC
Averages: 18.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.0 APG, 38% FGP, 35% 3 PT FGP, 3.5 TOV
| PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16.6 | 6.3 | 3.9 | 45% | 43% |
With the impending free-agency of Monte Morris, I expect Denver to address the backup PG position with this pick. Luckily for Denver, another highly touted HS recruit underperformed and got injured, resulting in them falling in the draft. But this is a match made in heaven. Denver can be patient with Cole and allow him to develop alongside MPJ and Bol Bol. I can easily see Cole Anthony leading Denver’s second unit next season. But, I highly doubt Anthony falls to 22, it is plausible but unlikely. RJ Hampton will be the more likely pick if Anthony is off the board. If everything can pan out with this selection, Denver could walk away as the winner from this year’s NBA Draft.
Player Comp: (Tall) Nate Robinson/Austin Rivers/Steve Francis
Player Comp
Nate Robinson (Tall)
Austin Rivers
Steve Francis
23
Utah Jazz
Jalen Smith
Forward/Center, Maryland
| PTS | REB | BLK | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15.5 | 10.5 | 2.4 | 53% | 37% |
With the current situation with Rudy Gobert, expect Utah to select a big with the 23rd overall selection. Jalen Smith’s offensive versatility is very intriguing. Similar to Daniel Oturu, Smith is a 6’10” shooter with guard likeability. He can push the break with the ball in his hands, hit contested 15-20 footers, and knock down the 3 at an excellent rate. Let’s not forget his insane leaping ability. He will need to sure up his defensive game to be formidable at the next level, but he posses the proper instincts to take those leaps. He has the tools just not the coaching, Utah is a match made in heaven.
Player Comp
Amare Stoudemire
Thomas Bryant
Pascal Siakam
24
Milwaukee Bucks
RJ Hampton
Guard, New Zealand
| PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.8 | 3.9 | 2.4 | 40% | 29% |
With a divorce looming with Giannis Antetokounmpo, I expect Milwaukee to be desperate and try to turn trash into gold. Unfortunately, RJ Hampton is by far the most overhyped player in this draft class. He needs work, a lot of it. Maybe Milwaukee is the place that gets through to him, but I doubt it. He does have a ton of potential and insane physical attributes. Only time will tell if taking Hampton was a waste of time.
Player Comp
Shannon Brown
Dante Exum
Steve Francis
25
Oklahoma City Thunder
Jaden McDaniels
Forward, Washington
| PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 5.8 | 2.1 | 40% | 33% |
If you told me a year ago Jaden McDaniels wasn’t a lottery pick, I would’ve called you insane. This kid has raw talent and can truly be something special at the next level. At 6’9” with a 6’11.5” wingspan and elite shot creation skills, McDaniels could really be a factor off the bench next season for OKC. Bazley and McDaniels could be a scary rotational forward duo moving forward as well. Another late NBA draft steal for Sam Presti and the OKC Thunder.
Player Comp
Cam Reddish
Paul George
Rashard Lewis
26
Boston Celtics
Leandro Bolmaro
Guard, Barcelona/Argentina
| PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2 | 2.5 | 35% | 25% |
This selection likely won’t be made by Boston, but if we have the pick I’d love a draft and stash prospect, ie. Leandro Bolmaro. He is a player who still needs work and someone we could utilize possibly in the G league to develop. He will need to develop his 3-point shot to be good at the next level, but with his 6’7″ frame, his raw feel for the game may find him a roster spot.
Player Comp
Milos Teodocic
Danilo Gallinari
Evan Turner
27
New York Knicks
Josh Green
Guard, Arizona
| PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 4.6 | 2.6 | 42% | 36% |
Green is the perfect fit next to the newly acquired Tyrese Haliburton. Green was an elite defender at Arizona averaging 1.5 SPG. He knows his role and his spot on the court, which is something you like to see from a 19-year-old. His freakish athleticism will help sell tickets as well.
Player Comp
Gerald Green
Gerald Henderson
Gary Harris
28
Oklahoma City (via LAkers)
Nico Mannion
Guard, Arizona
| PTS | AST | STL | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14.0 | 5.3 | 1.2 | 39% | 32% |
The Arizona backcourt is off the board in back to back picks. With OKC dealing Dennis Schroder and CP3, it would be smart to grab a guard in an extremely deep class. Nico is the best guard available, is only 19, and is one of the best passers in the NBA draft. His physical liabilities may restrict him on the court, but being paired with Shai may subdue some of that.
Player Comp
Jason Williams
TJ McConnell
29
Toronto Raptors
Payton Pritchard
Guard, Oregon
| PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20.5 | 4.3 | 5.5 | 47% | 41% |
Pritchard is one of the oldest players in the draft, similar to Cassius Winston. His experience is a big draw for a team like Toronto. With Fred VanVleet likely on the way out, they will need to sure up that backup PG position. Thankfully, Pritchard is a spitting image of VanVleet as a prospect and could have similar success. His 3 point shooting ability and stingy defense will make him a very valued rotational piece next season.
*Pick belongs to Detroit after today’s Troy Brown. I still expect Pritchard to be selected at 29.
Player Comp
Fred VanVleet
Steve Blake
30
Boston Celtics
Zeke Nnaji
Center, Arizona
| PTS | REB | BLK | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16.1 | 8.6 | 0.9 | 57% | 39% |
As I said at the 26th overall selection, Boston likely won’t be making this pick. If they are, Zeke Nnaji out of AZ would be a great pick. He is lanky, can shoot the ball from the mid-range amazingly, and is a decent rim protector. A player with a lot of upsides if used correctly.
Player Comp
Meyers Leonard
Alex Len
Dwayne Dedmond
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