Cover image courtesy of No Ceilings
New Orleans Pelicans - Cooper Flagg - PF/SF - Duke (NCAA) - 2006
The Player: 19.5ppg, 7.7rpg, 4apg, 1.1bpg, 1.6spg - 6’9”/205 - A potential centerpiece on the defensive side of the ball with a rapidly improving offensive skillset (imperfect as it still may be at the time of writing) and leadership beyond his years. There’s an argument that the Pelicans need a lead guard more than a lengthy forward, but with the franchises’ commitment to Zion Williamson, the wing slot did open up with Brandon Ingram’s departure. The long-term vision for New Orleans isn’t super clear, but pairing Flagg with last year’s first-round pick, Yves Missi, as well as Herbert Jones, sure makes a defensive-minded team more clear (sorry CJ, you might be gone).
The Dream Teammate(s): Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Yves Missi
Brooklyn Nets - Dylan Harper - PG/SG - Rutgers (NCAA) - 2006
The Player: 19.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.2apg, 1.4spg, 48.7%FG - 6’6”/215 - A big guard who can play either backcourt spot and uses his size to put consistent pressure on the rim. While he may not be a natural playmaker, he has no problem getting teammates involved. Defensive effort isn’t always the most attractive, thereby having De’Angelo Russell as a mentor could be risky. Three-level scorer that will continue to generate offense quickly for a team now focused on that.
The Dream Teammate(s): Cam Thomas, Cam Johnson, Nic Claxton
Toronto Raptors - VJ Edgecombe - SG - Baylor (NCAA) - 2005
The Player: 14.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.4apg, 2spg, 44.1%FG - 6’5”/180 - Completely ridiculous athlete with a very high defensive floor and a potentially higher offensive ceiling. Not an over-the-top ball-handler, but can use his athleticism to simply overwhelm opponents, and it’s game-changing enough athleticism that it will almost certainly translate to the pros (think Shaedon Sharpe with a defensive-first mindset). While there’s another player who’s been in most top-threes, adding Brandon Ingram creates a bit of a logjam on the wing in Toronto should they draft that guy, so adding a stalwart wing defender who can fly up and down the court with the rest of the roster makes the vision a little more clear.
The Dream Teammate(s): Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley
Charlotte Hornets - Ace Bailey - SF/PF - Rutgers (NCAA) - 2006
The Player: 18.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3bpg, 1spg, 46.4%FG - 6’10”/200 - The Hornets, employers of Brandon Miller that they may be, would be delighted to have Bailey slide to them outside of the top three. His offensive imperfections (lack of playmaking, shot selection) have been well-documented since the beginning of the collegiate season, but the positives outweigh most doubts people have had about him. Extremely athletic, may be able to be a stretch four in the NBA instead of a wing due to knowledge of the dunker’s spot and ability to get defenders away from the rim. The Raptors need more wing defense alongside Scottie Barnes, and the Hornets need more pieces to their offensive puzzle.
The Dream Teammates(s): LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, Brandon Miller
Washington Wizards - Kasparas Jackucionis - PG/SG - Illinois (NCAA) - 2006
The Player: 15.5ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.8apg, 1spg, 46.6%FG - 6’6”/200 - While the Wizards are obviously devastated to fall out of their slotted first-overall odds, this is a year of pretty good consolation prizes, and the Illinois floor general can be just that. None of the guards the Wizards currently employ are real point guards, and if you wanted to get into semantics, neither is KJ, but he’s a master of the pick-and-roll and should be able to help a lot of the other budding offensive pieces get involved, as well as feed the ball to current bucket-getters Jordan Poole and Khris Middleton. If the Wizards were to keep together a core of KJ/Coulibaly/Carrington/Kispert/Sarr, the future may not be AS dim as we thought.
The Dream Teammate(s): Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Marcus Smart
Utah Jazz - Tre Johnson - SG/SF - Texas (NCAA) - 2006
The Player: 20.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg, 44.4%FG, 37.5%3FG - 6’6”/190 - A running theme with some of the top draft prospects in 2025 is that many of them are “as advertised” coming out of high school. There hasn’t been one person who’s made people say “Wow, I didn’t expect to get that out of him”, and Johnson is a perfect example of that. A perfect modern wing and ready-made shooter, he’ll help any team that he ends up on, and in Utah specifically, he can inject an anemic offense with a scoring touch that not everyone has. By year two or three, I fully expect Johnson to be making over 35% of his threes on north of seven attempts per game.
The Dream Teammate(s): Isaiah Collier, Keyonte George, Walker Kessler
Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia 76ers) - Khaman Maluach - C - Duke (NCAA) - 2006
The Player: 8.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.1bpg, 71.4%FG - 7’2”/250 - So this is how it starts, huh? The absolute faceplant that the 76ers are currently taking part in (sorry, I am a Celtics after all) is going to give the best team in the NBA (and an IMPARTIAL Celtics fan, at that) an absolute physical nightmare with one of the highest ceilings in the draft? Fine. People seem to be mixed on Maluach, but whether he turns out or not, the idea of a guy like him is always going to be extremely tempting for any GM looking to add to an abundance of riches. At worst, he’ll protect the paint both blocking and deterring shots, and the “at best” scenario is terrifying.
The Dream Teammate(s): Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren
Chicago Bulls - Asa Newell - PF/C - Georgia (NCAA) - 2005
The Player: 15.4ppg, 6.7rpg, 1apg, 1.1spg, 1.1bpg - 6’11”/220 - Newell is another one of those prospects who is always going to be attractive to an NBA front office, if for no other reason than his physical profile, his motor, and his floor. The Bulls are in a bizarre place as a franchise, after moving on from Zach Lavine and keeping Nic Vucevic and other pieces. Should they end up with Newell, and keep the current roster together, he’ll inject the starting lineup with some athleticism, be a great target for Lonzo and Josh Giddey, and sort of be the “defensive side of the coin” compared to 2024 draftee Matas Buzelis.
The Dream Teammate(s): Josh Giddey, Lonzo Ball, Nic Vucevic
Portland Trail Blazers - Kon Knueppel - SG/SF - Duke (NCAA) - 2005
The Player: 13.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.4apg, 38.3%3FG - 6’7”/217 - Knueppel is another guy who’s been up and down peoples’ draft boards (a theme at Duke this year) due to three-point struggles and questions about how his game will translate, and he seems to be quelling many of those concerns. The Blazers, record notwithstanding, are clearly an exciting team on the rise, with many of their best players under the age of 25. In the likely event that they move on from Jerami Grant, there will be space on the wing for someone whose primary focus is putting the ball in the basket (what IS Jerami Grant’s primary focus as a player?). In a fast-paced offense, he’ll be able to get to his spots to get wide open when people crash the paint and use an underrated “bag” to get to his spots.
The Dream Teammate(s): Scoot Henderson, Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan
San Antonio Spurs - Liam McNeeley - SF/SG - Connecticut (NCAA) - 2005
The Player: 15.3ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.4apg, 34.3%3FG - 6’7”/210 - I know, I put these guys back to back again. Call me what you want, I really think they’re going to be within 3 picks of each other come June. Losing Victor Wembanyama for the year may catapult the Spurs’ draft odds by the time the season ends, but should they end up with pick ten, they’ll get a great spot-up shooter, a guy who knows his role and how to maximize his skill set, and a guy who won’t need a lot of time to develop. He’ll have wing mentors who can help him develop his game into something a little more dynamic, and a great young core to grow with.
The Dream Teammate(s): Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Chris Paul
Miami Heat - Noa Essengue - SF/PF - Ulm (GER) - 2006
The Player: 8.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.3apg, 42.7% - 6’9”/198 - This pick screams Heat Culture to me, and he seems infinitely moldable without a defined skillset at this point in his young career. He’s going to be one of the youngest players on draft night, and he’s going to have some of the wackiest NBA Combine measurables, I have little doubt. In the wake of the Jimmy Butler saga, the remaining pieces seem gritty, defensive-minded, and athletic. And also Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson. It also seems that what is to come for both Essengue and the Heat is more exciting than what currently is, so it might be worth taking a flyer on someone who could end up being much better than projected.
The Dream Teammate(s): Davion Mitchell, Bam Adebayo, Kel’el Ware
Houston Rockets (via Phoenix Suns) - Jeremiah Fears - SG/PG - Oklahoma (NCAA) - 2006
The Player: 15.9ppg, 4rpg, 4apg, 1.6spg, 44.4%FG - 6’4”/182 - I did say that by and large, most of the top picks in this year’s draft class have more or less been as advertised, with no player either internationally or in college usurping expectations people had. I should go back and edit that paragraph because both Fears and the next player on this list have surprised people with how they’ve been able to succeed despite perceived gaps in their games. Watching Fears kind of reminds me of Jalen Suggs at Gonzaga, and Fears might be a little bigger than he is. The Rockets seem honed in on athletic, exciting offensive prospects these days, and Fred Van Vleet isn’t going to be around forever.
The Dream Teammate(s): Fred Van Vleet, Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun
Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings) - Derik Queen - C/PF - Maryland (NCAA) - 2004
The Player: 15.9ppg, 9.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1bpg, 1spg, 54.9%FG - 6’10”/246 - 2000’s basketball enjoyers, rejoice. Your guy is a lottery pick this year. An undersized, broad-chested center who plays out of the middle of the lane, he’s a guy most thought was very talented but wasn’t sure how his game would translate. He’s having no problem imposing his will on opponents in the Big Ten, due to elite footwork, a very soft touch, and patience. He’s definitely more “bull in a china shop” athletic than “smooth” or “explosive”, which are words you see so often in this process, but the skills are undeniable, and he’ll be able to be an offensive option down low amid two rim protectors and lob threats (Okongwu, Capela).
The Dream Teammate(s): Trae Young, Onyeka Okongwu, Zaccharie Risacher
Miami Heat (via Golden State Warriors) - Collin Murray-Boyles - PF/SF - South Carolina (NCAA) - 2005
The Player: 15.7ppg, 8.5rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5bpg, 1.4spg, 57.2%FG - 6’7”/245 - Where you call this pick redundant after the Noa Essengue pick three picks ago, I call it the creation of a two-headed defensive nightmare that’s going to be able to pair with two of the better defensive bigs in the NBA. Where Essengue is more of a wing, Murray-Boyles is more of a low-post guy (and a documented non-shooter). I don’t really anticipate him being called on nightly to go get a lot of buckets, as he’s basically a 6’7” center for South Carolina. If he can figure out how to exploit mismatches and become more dynamic to pair with his stout defense though, yikes.
The Dream Teammate(s): Noa Essengue, Bam Adebayo, Kel’el Ware
San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta Hawks) - Egor Demin - SF/SG - BYU (NCAA) - 2006
The Player: 10.9ppg, 3.5rpg, 5.6apg, 1.2spg, 42.8%FG - 6’9”/200 - Demin is one of the guys who’s been up and down draft boards in the most extreme ways throughout the collegiate season, and potentially only to be topped by a certain French point guard. I might be higher on him than others personally, but I tried to be objective in placing him right in the middle of the first round. After they took McNeeley earlier, the Spurs can use their second first-round pick on someone a little more moldable, and while Israel’s Ben Saraf has been garnering lots of Manu Ginobili comparisons, I can’t be the only one imagining a jumbo-sized Ginobili (Demin) running around 7’4” Wemby and how scary that is. He might shoot right-handed but is as ambidextrous of a finisher as Argentina’s finest, and the ceiling in San Antonio is nightmarish.
The Dream Teammate(s): Victor Wembanayama, Liam McNeeley, Stephon Castle
Orlando Magic - Ben Saraf - PG/SG - Ulm (GER) - 2006
The Player: 12.1ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.4apg, 49.7%FG - 6’6”/200 - Another guy who’s been up and down draft boards, the rise of Kasparas Jakucionis certainly put a damper on some of the hype surrounding Israel’s Saraf, but even the greatest doubters haven’t had him outside the first round. The big lefty will be a great guy to deploy in Orlando’s jumbo-sized lineups, and off the bench, if he’s paired with someone like Cole Anthony, who’s not exactly a pass-first guy, he’ll be on triple-double watch often. The lack of shooting at this point is a little eyebrow-raising, but that may not be what defines his career when we look back in 20 years.
The Dream Teammate(s): Jalen Suggs, Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner
Dallas Mavericks - Nolan Traore - PG/SG - Saint Quentin (FRA) - 2006
The Player: 10.6ppg, 1.7rpg, 5.2apg, 36.3%FG - 6’3”/175 - And here we have arrived, at the ever-polarizing Traore. A lightning-quick guard that some had as PG1 early in the draft process, the real lack of shooting has hurt his stock, undoubtedly, but to say he has no chance at any success in the NBA isn’t giving him enough credit. Dallas would be a perfect situation for him to come in and cut his teeth behind Kyrie Irving (and hopefully pick up some scoring tips from him as well). He’s a natural playmaker, and between the Mavs’ seemingly infinite lob options and spot-up shooters, he’ll be able to maximize what he’s best at.
The Dream Teammate(s): Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson
Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves) - Thomas Sorber - C/PF - Georgetown (NCAA) - 2005
The Player: 14.5ppg, 8.5rpg, 2.4apg, 2bpg, 1.5spg, 53.2%FG - 6’10”/255 - Bafflingly, there have been more than zero rumors about the Jazz moving on from Walker Kessler. I don’t have any real idea as to why they’d do that, as to me, he’s the quintessential modern rim-protecting big. With or without Kessler, Sorber brings some more beef to a frontcourt that could stand to get a little meaner. He’s not dissimilar to a slightly more raw Derik Queen, with post moves and a midrange jump shot that requires attention, but with more offense coming from rim rolling. He could spell Markkanen or Kessler, and his rim assaults will free up a shooter like Keyonte George or Tre Johnson.
The Dream Teammate(s): Walker Kessler, Tre Johnson, Colin Sexton
Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers) - Hugo Gonzalez - SF/SG - Real Madrid (ESP) - 2006
The Player: 4.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 0.9spg (12.8mpg), 45%FG - 6’6”/205 - Staying with a theme of “pretty high floor, kind of ridiculous ceiling” for OKC, Gonzalez still hasn’t been able to crack the rotation of the “A” squad for Real Madrid, but the signs of a strong, pass-first slasher are still there. Not dissimilar to Maluach, he’s more the kind of guy that you just kinda see a really good basketball player in there, and on a team like Oklahoma City, there’s just no rush for those guys to contribute right away. Gonzalez, Maluach, and the returning Nikola Topic is unfortunately just the beginning of what this OKC nonsense will likely turn into.
The Dream Teammate(s): Chet Holmgren, Khaman Malauch, Jalen Williams
Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit Pistons) - Rasheer Fleming - PF/SF/C - St.Joseph’s (NCAA) - 2004
The Player: 15.1ppg, 8.8rpg, 1.3apg, 1.4spg, 1.5bpg - 6’9”/240 - Admittedly, part of this pick’s logic lies in the fact that Naz Reid recently said that he was going to test the waters of free agency, and that Rudy Gobert is not getting younger. While Fleming is no Reid, he’s an explosive athlete and has the potential to be more impactful on both sides of the ball (defensively early on, especially). He’s an energy guy who’s a ridiculous athlete for his size and will be more than a lob threat once he’s able to figure out how best to exploit that athleticism in the NBA. I don’t anticipate him falling under the offensive tutelage of Julius Randle, as his game is less defined by back-to-the-basket offense.
The Dream Teammate(s): Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert
Indiana Pacers - Jase Richardson - SG/PG - Michigan State (NCAA) - 2005
The Player: 10.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.8apg, 53%FG, 40%3FG - 6’3”/185 - Alright so this is really fun, right? All of us who grew up with Jason Richardson now just get to watch his kid get buckets for his alma mater. He’s not big, and there’s a chance that hurts him in the summer, especially post-combine when we find out how big he really is or isn’t. He’s a real shooter though, there’s no real way to debate that, and his microwave-style offerings on offense will lend well to a team that plays like the Pacers do. He’d be a very funny pairing with TJ McConnell on the court, and if he were to become a problem on the defensive side of the ball like he is, he’d all of a sudden look like a steal.
The Dream Teammate(s): Tyrese Haliburton, TJ McConnell, Benedict Mathurin
Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee Bucks) - Kam Jones - SG/SF - Marquette (NCAA) - 2002
The Player: 18.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.9apg, 1.4spg, 48.8%FG - 6’5”/200 - We’ve had a few years of Kam Jones at this point, and he’s continuously refining his game, and just as we were hoping, he’s developing into a more-than-competent playmaker in Tyler Kolek’s absence. The Nets are truly throwing shit at the wall and seeing what sticks right now, so there’s an argument to be made that in a similar way that landed them Jalen Wilson, take a shot on an established guy that can come in and get you buckets when Cam Thomas inevitably needs to breathe. Also, this gives the Nets three K/Cams on their roster, would they then lead the league?
The Dream Teammate(s): Dylan Harper, Cam Thomas
Brooklyn Nets (via Houston Rockets) - Will Riley - SF/SG - Illinois (NCAA) - 2006
The Player: 11.7ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.1apg, 41.2%FG - 6’8”/180 - Okay so like, the same as what I just said about Kam Jones, except bigger (but lighter), right-handed, and with a potentially way higher ceiling. Alright reading that back admittedly that’s not that similar, but the mindset of taking a flyer on a guy that has a chance to come in and hit a couple of threes early on and develop behind “The Cams” and figure out how to round off his offensive game is there. Riley is someone I have my eye on to be a big-time riser in the pros, and knowing he won’t be expected to do much besides go out and “just play” when he gets a chance, gives me more hope.
The Dream Teammate(s): Dylan Harper, Cam Thomas
Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers) - Adou Thiero - SF/PF - Arkansas (NCAA) - 2004
The Player: 15.6ppg, 6rpg, 2apg, 1.7spg - 6’8”/220 - Back to our regularly scheduled Hawks defensive programming now, Thiero is a wing enforcer that can make people think twice about not just entering the Okongwu/Capela paint, but trying to get past Dyson Daniels in the first place. Losing De’Andre Hunter hurts, no doubt, and I don’t know if Thiero will become the shooter that Hunter is, but the Hawks adding another stout defender will only help them protect Trae Young and Zaccharie Risacher, as he hopefully develops into a focal point on offense for them.
The Dream Teammate(s): Onyeka Okongwu, Trae Young, Dyson Daniels
Brooklyn Nets (via New York Knicks) - Nique Clifford - PF/SF - Colorado State (NCAA) - 2002
The Player: 17.9ppg, 10.2rpg, 4.1apg, 1.1spg, 49.1%FG - 6’6”/200 - Okay, this is the last pick the Nets have in the first round. I promise. Clifford is another guy I may be higher on than others, especially given that he’s basically a 6’6”, 200lb power forward, but I think the argument in favor of a super-athlete on a Jordi Fernandez team makes sense. Offensively, it’s hard to tell what he’s going to be as a pro, but when you’re in a situation like Brooklyn, adding pieces that are guaranteed in one way or another (see, Clifford’s athleticism or Kam Jones’ half-court scoring) or full-on projects (Will Riley) are the only real way to do it through draft picks.
The Dream Teammate(s): Nic Claxton, Dylan Harper, Cam Johnson
Washington Wizards (via Memphis Grizzlies) - Danny Wolf - C/PF - Michigan (NCAA) - 2004
The Player: 12.7ppg, 9.9rpg, 3.7apg, 1.5bpg - 7’0”/250 - Danny Wolf is categorically one of the most fun players to watch in all of college basketball this year, and he’s been able to be more than just a social media darling and use his unique skillset to real success at Michigan. The Wizards, like the Nets, are a team without a real identity, though they are beginning to stack enough pieces to become hard to ignore. Wolf will provide frontcourt depth, a very fun pick-and-whatever partner for Kasparas Jakucionis, and more of a focus on the offensive side of the ball, allowing Alex Sarr to lean into his strengths as a defender.
The Dream Teammate(s): Kasparas Jakucionis, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly
Orlando Magic (via Denver Nuggets) - Donnie Freeman - PF/SF - Syracuse (NCAA) - 2005
The Player: 13.4ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.4apg, 50.4%FG - 6’9”/205 - Freeman is the last in our trio of "late first round, aggressive, super athletic wings". Orlando is all length these days, and he is no exception. A cagey 6'9", he's got a very high motor and projects as a potentially elite lob threat at the next level. Paired with Jonathan Isaac, he could form a fearsome bench defensive duo, giving opponents no real chance to rest when Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner leave the court. He's a little bit slight, so there's an argument that a decent amount of his success as a pro (if he doesn't develop a polished offensive game) will be contingent on his getting stronger without losing any mobility.
The Dream Teammate(s): Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black
Boston Celtics - Johni Broome - C/PF - Auburn (NCAA) - 2002
The Player: 18.6ppg, 11.1rpg, 3.4apg, 2.6bpg, 50.7%FG - 6’10”/240 - I'm really not trying to juice out the Celtics by giving them the likely National Player of the Year, I'm really really not. I just think that getting a guy like Broome under the wing of Al Horford as he nears the twilight of his career (unless, you know, he plays forever) is very wise. He's a very good rim protector for his size (miss you, Robert Williams) and while he isn't a consistent three-point threat at this point in his career, neither was Al early on. If Broome can be a playmaking hub for guys like Pritchard, Hauser, Schierman, or Torrey Craig (please come back my glorious king), then the Celtics could be on a path to further sustained excellence.
The Dream Teammate(s): Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White
LA Clippers (via Oklahoma City Thunder) - Johnuel ‘Boogie’ Fland - PG/SG - Arkansas (NCAA) - 2006
The Player: 15.1ppg, 3.4rpg, 5.7apg, 1.6spg, 36.5% 3FG - 6’2”/175 - While some of the initial hype surrounding Boogie Fland has died down, he's still been electric to watch all season for Coach Cal, and he's been an excellent argument for the existence of the small guard in the current NBA. He's a risk because you never truly know how someone with a frame like his (or Jase Richardson's, or even Jeremiah Fears') will go in the league, but if he can pick up some playmaking tricks from Harden and score the way he does off the bench, he'll have a perfectly stable NBA career. Also, it's a guard coming from Coach Cal. Another really good argument for him finding a way to succeed in the league.
The Dream Teammate(s): James Harden, Kris Dunn, Ben Simmons
Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland Cavaliers) - Labaron Philon - PG/SG - Alabama (NCAA) - 2005
The Player: 10.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, 46%FG - 6’4”/177 - After losing their first pick to the Rockets, and consequently, Jeremiah Fears, the Suns end up with a solid consolation prize to finish up the first round. If you can imagine the idea of Bones Hyland being bought in on defense, you're on the right track. While he doesn't exactly scream lead guard to you, especially playing next to Mark Sears, the Suns need something resembling a point guard that isn't Tyus Jones. I love Tyus Jones, and he's as pure of a point guard as you'll find in the NBA today, but go look at the Suns' depth chart and tell me that Philon isn't at least a potential backup point guard on that team.
The Dream Teammate(s): Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Nick Richards
ROUND TWO
Boston Celtics (via Washington Wizards) - Ian Jackson - SG/PG - North Carolina (NCAA) - 2005
The Player: 13.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 0.9apg, 47.3%FG - 6’4”/190 - If he doesn't return to Chapel Hill, let Jackson come in and be a fun running mate for Payton Pritchard (or JD Davison in Maine), and pick up some defensive tips from Jrue and DWhite.
The Dream Teammate(s): Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum
Charlotte Hornets (via New Orleans Pelicans) - Sergio de Larrea - PG/SG - Valencia (ITA) - 2005
The Player: 6.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.3apg, 53.1%FG, 52.2%3FG - 6’6”/198 - Pairing another risk-taking big guard with LaMelo might seem redundant, but I love the idea of this guy as his backup, and his shooting ability may be able to cover athletic limitations he's likely going to come in with.
The Dream Teammate(s): LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Mark Williams
Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz) - Alex Karaban - PF/SF - Connecticut (NCAA) - 2002
The Player: 14.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 3apg, 1.7bpg, 34%3FG - 6’8”/225 - After they landed their energy guy in Rasheer Fleming, the Wolves use this pick to snag some guaranteed shooting as a target for a rim-assaulting Anthony Edwards or a black hole like Gobert or Randle.
The Dream Teammate(s): Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Anthony Edwards
Charlotte Hornets - Carter Bryant - PF/SF - Arizona (NCAA) - 2005
The Player: 6.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.1apg, 0.9spg, 0.9bpg, 48%FG - 6’8”/220 - A guy who's undoubtedly going to be a lob target for Lamelo and de Larrea, Bryant might not turn into much offensively, but he's a lot more value at pick 34 than Tidjane Salaun was at pick six. Defensively he'll bring a little grit to a squad that could use it.
The Dream Teammate(s): LaMelo Ball, Sergio de Larrea, Miles Bridges
Detroit Pistons (via Toronto Raptors) - JT Toppin - PF/C - Texas Tech (NCAA) - 2005
The Player: 17.2ppg, 9.2rpg, 1apg, 1.2bpg, 55.7%FG - 6’9”/225 - More lob targets for Cade! More rebounding with Duren and Stewart! More athletes like Ron Holland and Ausar Thompson! What's not to like? It's round two man, you just hope any of these guys work out.
The Dream Teammate(s): Ausar Thompson, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren
Philadelphia 76ers - Noah Penda - SF/PF - Le Mans (FRA) - 2005
The Player: 10.2ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.5apg, 1.5spg, 1.1bpg, 44%FG - 6’8”/225 - So like, one of Paul George or Joel Embiid is so gone from Philly, right? We're firmly back to the process and just taking some young guys and hoping they turn out? Maxey is great, you can build a squad around him. If you could get PG or Embiid to agree to an "I'm not who I used to be" contract, you could use them as savvy vets (just, you know, not in the playoffs). Penda's floor is very solid and if he fixes some easily fixable stuff, he's an NBA wing.
The Dream Teammate(s): Kelly Oubre, Jr., Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid
Brooklyn Nets - Ryan Kalkbrenner - C/PF - Creighton (NCAA) - 2002
The Player: 18.7ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.5apg, 2.8bpg, 66%FG - 7’1”/270 - He's no explosive athlete, but Kalkbrenner is established and could be solid frontcourt depth from day one, and without Cooper Flagg, they're going to need all the frontcourt depth they can handle.
The Dream Teammate(s): Dylan Harper, Day’Ron Sharpe
Sacramento Kings (via Chicago Bulls) - Miles Byrd - SF/SG - San Diego State (NCAA) - 2003
The Player: 12.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.5apg, 2spg, 1bpg - 6’7”/190 - This is another slot where I have a chance to be made real foolish, as Byrd has been someone that people have as high as sniffing the lottery. Part of the reason I have him here is because he projects as the exact type of guy who slips through round one and ends up on a good team like the Kings.
The Dream Teammate(s): Markelle Fultz, Domantas Sabonis, Trey Lyles
Toronto Raptors (via Portland Trail Blazers) - Rocco Zikarsky - C - Brisbane (AUS) - 2006
The Player: 4.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 0.3apg, 0.6bpg (11.8mpg) - 7’3”/225 - While Zikarsky may project better as a 2026 draft prospect based on this year, but the Raps are another team that needs to beef up down low a little bit, and if nothing else, Zikarsky is big as hell.
The Dream Teammate(s): Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick, Jakob Poeltl
San Antonio Spurs - Dink Pate - SG/SF/PG - Mexico City (NBAGL) - 2006
The Player: 9.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 2apg, 39.8%FG - 6’8”/210 - Dink Pate has a chance to prove a lot of doubters wrong or prove a lot of doubters right. Coming out of high school to the G League so young, he's already had a lot of run against pros. If he can just figure out who he IS as a pro, we'll be talking about a "he was a SECOND ROUNDER??" kind of talent.
The Dream Teammate(s): Victor Wembanyama, Liam McNeeley, De’Aaron Fox
Golden State Warriors (via Miami Heat) - Drake Powell - SG/SF - North Carolina (NCAA) - 2005
The Player: 7ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.1apg, 48.4%FG, 36.6%3FG - 6’6”/195 - Potentially leading my "all-2026" draft class, a shooter like Powell ending up in a situation like Golden State is about what we'd expect, at this point. He's a great athlete and could develop into a high-value two-way wing.
The Dream Teammate(s): Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Gary Payton II
Oklahoma City Thunder (via Atlanta Hawks) - Darrion Williams - SF/SG - Texas Tech (NCAA) - 2003
The Player: 14.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 4apg, 1.3spg, 44.8%FG - 6’6”/225 - Adding to the spoils of their Viking-esque raids on other franchises, the Thunder get another high-motor, defensive-minded guy who just makes winning plays and is a seemingly perfect Jalen Williams backup.
The Dream Teammate(s): Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Khaman Maluach
Washington Wizards (via Phoenix Suns) - Michael Ruzic - PF/SF - Badalona (ESP) - 2006
The Player: 3.3ppg, 2rpg, 0.3apg, 44%FG - 6’10”/223 - Biggest flyer of the draft, by far, and someone who could easily be a top pick in 2026, Ruzic could easily flame out, but he plays hard and has a chance to be a lengthy three-point threat, which would be a nice add to the Wizards in the middle of round two.
The Dream Teammate(s): Kasparas Jakucionis, Alex Sarr
Orlando Magic - Joan Beringer - C/PF - KK Cedevita (SLV) - 2006
The Player: 4.1ppg, 3.6rpg, 0.4apg, 1.3bpg - 6’10”/230 - More length for the Magic. More hustle for the Magic. More energy. More wingspan. More potential. I am becoming more and more afraid of the Orlando Magic every single day.
The Dream Teammate(s): Jonathan Isaac, Tristan Da Silva, Cole Anthony
Chicago Bulls (via Sacramento Kings) - Yaxel Lendenborg - PF/SF - Alabama-Birmingham (NCAA) - 2002
The Player: 17.8ppg, 11rpg, 4.3apg, 1.5bpg, 1.5spg, 55.3%FG - 6’9”/240 - I don't know if this is JUST Asa Newell insurance, but as long as the Bulls employ Giddey and Lonzo, lob threats are going to be something that is a part of their offense. Adding more rebounding as Vucevic moves toward retirement is equally crucial.
The Dream Teammate(s): Josh Giddey, Lonzo Ball, Patrick Williams
Washington Wizards (via Golden State Warriors) - Alex Toohey - SF - Sydney (AUS) - 2004
The Player: 10.6ppg, 4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.4spg, 44.9%FG - 6’7”/205 - While the Warriors may be bummed to miss out on a shooter like Toohey, the Wizards can just continually bolster their bench and G-League squads with "what if THIS works out?" guys. If he plays day one, Toohey and Kispert will be a hot-shooting duo immediately.
The Dream Teammate(s): Kasparas Jakucionis, Bub Carrington, Corey Kispert
Utah Jazz (via Dallas Mavericks) - Alex Condon - C/PF - Florida (NCAA) - 2004
The Player: 10.6ppg, 7.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4bpg 50.3%FG - 6’11”/230 - While he did just go down with a pretty gnarly-looking lower leg injury, the Jazz can add more rebounding and a potential inside-out scoring threat in Florida's Condon, potentially allowing Thomas Sorber to focus more on becoming an elite defender.
The Dream Teammate(s): Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, Isaiah Collier
LA Clippers (via Minnesota Timberwolves) - Maxime Reynaud - C - Stanford (NCAA) - 2003
The Player: 19.9ppg, 11.2rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1bpg, 1spg, 46.3%FG - 7’1”/250 - High on my list of "fun-to-watch" guys this year, Stanford's big guy isn't going to have to move far to join the Clippers. He can shoot, he can rebound, and he's taller than Zubac (though about a third as tough). What's not to like about that for a flyer pick?
The Dream Teammate(s): James Harden, Ben Simmons, Norman Powell
Utah Jazz (via LA Clippers) - Chaz Lanier - SG - Tennessee (NCAA) - 2001
The Player: 18ppg, 3.7rpg, 1apg, 42.4%FG, 41.4%3FG - 6’4”/199 - As referenced when talking about Tre Johnson, the Jazz need some real help on offense, and should they pair one of the best three-level scorers in CBB with him and Keyonte George, they could all of a sudden become one of the most exciting bench wing trios in the league.
The Dream Teammate(s): Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier, Alex Condon
Washington Wizards (via Detroit Pistons) - Tyrese Proctor - PG/SG - Duke (NCAA) - 2004
The Player: 12ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.3apg, 43.8%FG, 40.9%3FG - 6’6”/183 - Oh Tyrese Proctor, I do believe you can still help an NBA franchise, even if you're now projecting more as a sweet-shooting off-guard than a jumbo-sized playmaker. Let the Wizards keep adding these guys, and let's just see what happens. They're the Wizards, we shouldn't hate.
The Dream Teammate(s): Alex Sarr, Corey Kispert, Alex Toohey
Cleveland Cavaliers (via Milwaukee Bucks) - Jojo Tugler - PF/SF - Houston (NCAA) - 2005
The Player: 5.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 0.9apg, 2bpg, 53.2%FG - 6’8”/230 - Love this fit as an amateur scout. Hate it as a Celtics fan. Tugler is tough, defensive-minded, and strong. The Cavs' interior presence is defined by a couple of beanstalks, but Tugler could be another who makes a sneaky amount of impact early in his career due to effort and athleticism.
The Dream Teammate(s): Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Dean Wade
Indiana Pacers - Bogoljub Markovic - PF/SF - KK Mega Basket (SRB) - 2005
The Player: 13ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.8apg, 49.7%FG - 6’11”/212 - This draft has so many fun "maybe" prospects, and adding an offensive talent like Markovic (best name in the draft by the way) both is currently and could be, to pair with athletes like Obi Toppin, just continues the Pacers' reign as the "team that Mike D'Antoni probably watches the most at home"
The Dream Teammate(s): Obi Toppin, Tyrese Haliburton, Thomas Bryant
Memphis Grizzlies (via Houston Rockets) - KJ Lewis - SG/PG - Arizona - 2004
The Player: 10.5ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.4spg, 45.4%FG - 6’4”/205 - Finally making their first pick, the Grizzlies add a bulldog in Lewis who is developing into the defender many hoped he would, while maintaining the same offensive firepower that NBA benches love.
The Dream Teammate(s): Desmond Bane, GG Jackson, Luke Kennard
Los Angeles Lakers - Zvonimir Ivisic - C/PF - Arkansas (NCAA) - 2003
The Player: 9.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 0.8apg, 2.1bpg, 49.7%FG - 7’2”/245 - Also making their first pick of the night, the Lakers also take a super-fun flyer, with Ivisic's best moments at Arkansas looking Kristaps Porzingis-level unguardable. I don't care if LeBron was 100, he'd love throwing the ball to this due.
The Dream Teammate(s): LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Dalton Knecht
New York Knicks (via Memphis Grizzlies) - Johann Grunloh - C/PF - Vechta (GER) - 2005
The Player: 8.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 0.5apg, 1.8bpg, 47.2%FG - 6’11/220 - Rounding out the first picks of the evening, the Knicks add an energy piece in Grunloh that has the potential to develop into a big with some real offensive skill a little way down the line.
The Dream Teammate(s): Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart
FORFEITED
Phoenix Suns (via Denver Nuggets) - Tucker Devries - SG/SF - West Virginia (NCAA) - 2002
The Player: 14.9ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.8spg, 47.3%3FG (6.9 attempts/game) - 6’7”/220 - 48% on 7 attempts a game will get you drafted even IF your name is Tucker. This is a perfect guy to pair with Grayson Allen (and probably bug a lot of people) as well as give Philon a playmaking target.
The Dream Teammate(s): Devin Booker, Labaron Philon, Grayson Allen
Orlando Magic (via Boston Celtics) - Hunter Sallis - SG/PG - Wake Forest (NCAA) - 2003
The Player: 18.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.9apg, 1.3spg, 46.8%FG - 6’5”/185 - I still believe in this dude, and I still think him choosing to leave Gonzaga to carve his own path at Wake was the right move. If he works out, the Magic are just getting bigger, scarier, and more loaded on offense.
The Dream Teammate(s): Cole Anthony, Anthony Black, Gary Harris
Houston Rockets (via Oklahoma City Thunder) - Eric Dixon - PF/SF - Villanova (NCAA) - 2001
The Player: 22.9ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.2apg, 45.6%FG, 42.3%3FG - 6’8”/265 - Maybe not the typical Rockets athlete when you think of their current makeup, Dixon is big and tough and is well-rounded enough on offense that he can be a bench-bucket-getter at worst.
The Dream Teammate(s): Amen Thompson, Jeremiah Fears, Cam Whitmore
Cleveland Cavaliers - Walter Clayton, Jr. - PG/SG - Florida (NCAA) - 2003
The Player: 17.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 4apg, 1.3spg, 44.9%FG - 6’3”/195 - He's a scoring guard, not necessarily a distributor, but he can score it, and as the Cavs approach potential long-term reign at or near the top of the East, any scoring you can get late in the draft is always a plus.
The Dream Teammate(s): Ty Jerome, Evan Mobley
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