It's everyone's favorite time of year - when guys who look like they've never picked up a basketball (I MAYBE look like I could have been a backup D1 combo guard) cast a bunch of judgments about 18-22 year olds and offer opinions to multi-billion dollar franchises.
This is an interesting year, prospect-wise as compared to years past. If we take the last three drafts as content, there are certain "through-lines" that always emerge.
In 2019, a trio of highly-touted Duke recruits (and one in particular) dominated conversations from the beginning of the year, and the emergence of a certain mid-major point guard during the NCAA tournament created buzz not seen since Damian Lillard. Teams took some big swings on athletic, shot creating wings that carried mixed results in the lottery (Culver, Hunter, Cam Johnson, Hachimura), and some of the biggest contributors in the wake of that draft are guys like Tyler Herro and Grant Williams, neither of whom were lottery picks.
In 2020, and whatever the hell else that year was, another trio of equally curious top prospects emerged after an obviously non-traditional season. Anthony Edwards rode on the back of a couple great games and overcame questions about efficiency to give their first number one pick ever. James Wiseman played a total of three games at Memphis and still convinced the Warriors to take him at 2, and still looks to have some of the most upside of any prospect in recent memory. And of course, social media sensation Lamelo Ball's nontraditional path to the league came to fruition. There were more swings at 2-way wings early (Pat Williams, Okoro, Avdija), all of whom have been interesting thus far, and there were more key pieces to established or growing teams added later in the first round (Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey ending up in Detroit, and Payton Pritchard and Desmond Bane finding rotational spots in Boston and Memphis, respectively).
And in 2021, one of the most highly-touted draft classes in some time emerged, and many players from throughout the first round have found themselves in good situations as rebuilds happen. Cade Cunningham stepped in immediately and looks to be the future of his promising situation in Detroit, and guys like Evan Mobley, Jalen Green, and Scottie Barnes look to be in the same role. Orlando added a couple pieces with Wagner and Suggs, and look to make noise following this year's #1 pick. New Orleans and Golden State both took pairs of wings that look to help them immediately (Murphy/Jones and Moody/Kuminga).
This year's a bit of a unique situation, with a fairly defined, yet ever-changing top 3. Arguments for any of them at number one could easily be made (partially because the Orlando Magic exist). After those three, there are a lot of prospects who are looking to develop into what their NBA roles will be, both under and upper-classmen. I've expunged enough though, let's get to the actual content.
#1, Orlando Magic: Jabari Smith Jr., F, Auburn
6'10", 220lb, 7'1" wingspan
Making the decision to go with Smith feels a bit cliché almost at this point, as he seems to be establishing himself as the number one pick amidst the other two who will be named shortly after. He'll give Orlando a clear number one option with the jump-shooting he displayed while at Auburn, to go with his obvious physical and mental tools. His length and physical capabilities allow him to be very switchable and versatile on the other side of the ball, which will be helpful especially if we don't ever see Jonathan Isaac play basketball again. Guys like Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner fit nicely in an offense run by Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony next to a do-it-all like Smith.
#2, Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren, C/F, Gonzaga
7'1", 195lb, 7'3.5" wingspan
I truly went back and forth a hundred times about Holmgren's upside vs. the established skill of the next player chosen, and I think if a different team was in the position Sam Presti and Co. have put themselves in, they may choose differently. But with two more first round picks this year, and a true unicorn like we haven't seen in years, the upside is too tempting. Alongside other unique playmakers like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and the obvious match made in heaven, Aleksej Pokusevski, OKC could have a very interesting, free flowing offense for years to come. Chet's shooting ability and vision stand out, beyond his obvious size and defensive prowess. I think he falls to OKC because of Orlando knowing that last time they tried to pack their lineup full of centers, it did not go the way they wanted.
#3, Houston Rockets: Paolo Banchero, F, Duke
6'10", 250lbs, 7'0.5" wingspan
Rounding out the "consensus" top three is Banchero, who I debated OKC taking as mentioned. He's widely considered to be the most "pro-ready" of all lottery picks, with a size/skill combination that's still rare, even in the day of positionless basketball that we're in. As a large forward, he'll have the chance to slide into Houston's starting lineup day one, and make an impact like his high-flying predecessor from last year's top three. In lineups with guys like Alperen Sengun, he'll have the chance to isolate himself closer to the basket, which is where he does the majority of his damage on offense. It's impossible to look at what the Rockets are putting together and not be a little excited, if for no other reason than they'll be really goddamn fun to watch. Houston would be psyched for either of those top two guys to fall to them at this spot too, for sure. Any of these three would give them immediate frontcourt scoring help and a future star to pair next to Jalen Green. (Editor's Note ((I'm the editor)) reports are coming out morning-of that this top three is pretty well solidified, so I'm off to a good start here).
#4, Sacramento Kings: Shaedon Sharpe, G/F, Kentucky
6'5", 198lbs, 6'11.5" wingspan
So this isn't necessarily who I think the wisest pick is for the Kings, but this is my draft prediction, and I absolutely think the Kings are the team to take a swing on Sharpe, who a handful absolutely believe could be the best player in the entire draft. What you're getting with Sharpe is obvious, a potential number one option on the wing with long arms and a knack for getting his shot off in many situations, to pair with ridiculous athleticism. The problem and hesitation is obvious, as we never actually saw him at Kentucky, after reclassifying to the 2021 graduating class from the top spot in '22. The ultimate high-risk, high-reward prospect, Sharpe will offer supplementary scoring on the outside to match the slashing from De'Aaron Fox and the post play of Domas Sabonis. Again, I don't know if it's the RIGHT pick, but it sure does seem like what the Kings will do.
#5, Detroit Pistons: Keegan Murray, F, Iowa
6'8", 225lbs, 6'11" wingspan
Perhaps the smarter pick at 4, according to many, Detroit is psyched to land Murray here. Jerami Grant's $60 million(!!!!!) contract is up at the end of next season, and with Cade Cunningham in prime position to take the lead as Motor City's number one option, Grant would either need to take a serious pay cut and role adjustment or he'll depart. Enter Murray. He has a fluid jumper that, if paired with Saddiq Bey on the floor, could cause real issues. He's a switchable defender with long arms and a good physical profile that will make him super valuable in today's pick-and-roll heavy league. If JG decides to restructure, then one of the two of them will provide a lot of offense and a chance at number one defensive options off the bench, alongside stalwarts like Kelly Olynyk and Marvin Bagley (that's a joke). (Editor's Note, Jerami Grant got traded to the Blazers yesterday, which makes this pick likely if Murray's available, and increases the likelihood of Daniels to the Blazers)
#6, Indiana Pacers: Jaden Ivey, G, Purdue
6'4", 195lbs, 6'9.5" wingspan
Another one of those scenarios where it seems that 4-6 is nearly as defined as 1-3, and also equally transient in what scouts and writers seem to think of their draft positioning. For different reasons, Sacramento, Detroit, and Indiana would all be stoked to have Ivey, but with the Kings being the Kings and the Pistons likely not wanting to step on Cade's toes, I have him falling next to Haliburton and Brogdon in Indiana. This possibility creates some interesting lineups that the Pacers could throw at teams, with three guys between 6'4" and 6'6"ish all in the backcourt at the same time as TJ Warren and Myles Turner. Buddy Hield's in that spot now, and I'd be unsurprised to see him stay there so the Pacers can tire teams out and THEN throw the athleticism/scoring of Chris Duarte and Ivey at them. He improved as a jump shooter and is obviously bouncy as hell, so he could create some really curious matchup problems for other Central division guards.
#7, Portland Trail Blazers: Dyson Daniels, G, G League Ignite
6'7", 195lbs, 6'11" wingspan
This is a pick for both now and the future for the Trail Blazers. Damian Lillard is obviously known for being loyal to the soil, to a point that has likely cost him multiple opportunities at championships. Damian Lillard is 31. Anfernee Simons blossomed into one of the most exciting young guards in the league last year, especially in the wake of the trade that sent CJ McCollum to New Orleans. He's 23. Daniels gives the Blazers a 19-year-old running mate that fits with either of these dynamic lead guards that stands at 6'7" with far-above-average passing skills and feel for the game. Some may think this is a reach, and point to below-average shooting numbers in the G League to support this, but that part of his game is improving enough to where this feels appropriate, especially for the Blazers. He'll be a switchable defender and is confident with the ball in his hands to the point where, at least in my perfect world, Lillard gets to play more like a traditional shooting guard, flying around screens and isolating against defenders with no chance.
#8, New Orleans Pelicans (via LAL): Bennedict Mathurin, G/F, Arizona
6'6", 210lbs, 6'9" wingspan
After a season where they surprised many without Zion Williamson, New Orleans finds itself in a sweet situation, holding the Lakers pick that was a ripple of the Anthony Davis trade. They would be psyched to grab Mathurin here, even though 8 could be a bit of a drop for a player rising up many boards. He would provide another athletic, dynamic 2-way wing for the Pels to throw at people. There's also a world where he plays more shooting guard, and with the rapid ascension of Jose Alvarado, Devonte Graham could be out soon, freeing up more cap space. With Ingram/Herb Jones/Mathurin/Trey Murphy/Zion at their disposal, and guys like Alvarado, CJ McCollum, and Jonas Valanciunas, we could be looking at a serious contender in less than three seasons. On the court, Mathurin allows another target for Zion when he's in drive-and-kick mode, and he's comfortable enough with the ball in his hands to take guys off the dribble, which pairs with elite athleticism. If he goes higher, there are certainly roles that most guys mentioned in the 4-8 spots could take, but this would add another layer of complexity to a team that's already shaping up to be one of the harder ones to guard in the Association.
#9, San Antonio Spurs: Ousmane Dieng, F, New Zealand Breakers
6'10", 220lbs, 7'0" wingspan
This is another one of those selections that may be a bit of a reach, but with Popovich's affinity for international players with high ceilings and the Spurs' need for a bit of length, the rising Dieng makes sense here. Even without the traditional physical profile of a "center" or "big", his fluidity and versatility on the offensive side of the ball would allow the Spurs to further lean into some of the hybrid jumbo lineups they've used in the past couple years. Jakob Poeltl has exceeded many expectations since his arrival in San Antonio, but the idea of Dieng on the court with Murray, Primo/Walker IV, Vassell, and Keldon Johnson is definitely kind of mouthwatering. It would also not necessarily surprise me to see the Spurs reach for one of the more notable "rim-runner" types here, but it would be a reach and I believe they'll be tempted by potential. And it would be a reach, as Dieng may not be able to contribute to what the Spurs are doing day one, but I believe they won't be able to pass on him. He's not a defensive star at this point, but he has long arms and good instincts. In a pick and pop scenario, his jump shooting adds dynamism to his game, and the Spurs could easily run a five-out with him and be happy with retaining Poeltl.
#10, Washington Wizards: Johnny Davis, G, Wisconsin
6'5", 195lbs, 6'8.5" wingspan
The news that Bradley Beal has "already made his decision" and just isn't sharing yet, as well as the news that he had been getting recruited everywhere, the Wizards need to mentally prepare themselves for a world without him and what their offense is going to be built around. The forward pairing of Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis seems to be where many possessions will go through, and there's some potential in the second unit, but if Beal departs, there's a fairly glaring hole in this team for a ball-dominant guard who can lead. Enter Davis, who has the physical profile of a two, but is comfortable handling the ball. He's a bit more mature than some of the other prospects after two years at Wisconsin, and around other young players like Corey Kispert, there would be an opportunity for young leadership. He's shifty and can finish well with both hands, and his improved shooting would make him a utilized asset pretty quickly in a situation like Washington's.
#11, New York Knicks: Jalen Duren, C, Memphis
6'11", 250lbs, 7'5" wingspan
The first of what could be loosely described as a "traditional" center off the board, Knicks fans will be glad to see the arrival of Duren and his imposing frame to the Big Apple. There seems to be a widely held belief that Julius Randle is on his way out the door, Nerlens Noel has a serious injury problem, and Mitchell Robinson will likely command more money in the free agent market than the Knicks will want to pay him. Duren became the proverbial "star of the show" at Memphis, especially with Emoni Bates not playing every night, and making news of his transfer known pretty early. He most easily fits in the spot of Robinson at least for now, with his physical profile and shot blocking instincts making him ready day one, but he has the shooting and playmaking upside and potential that gives you hope that he could at the very least become a high post threat for the future of the Knicks offense.
#12, Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): AJ Griffin, G/F, Duke
6'6", 222lbs, 7'0" wingspan
Potentially the most polarizing prospect in the draft who's name isn't Shaedon Sharpe, Duke's Griffin has been all over different draft boards all spring. His physical profile and ready-made shooting and offensive capabilities don't allow him to fall past the Thunder's second first-round pick. Some have questioned his explosiveness and ability to attack a closeout, but if he develops a further midrange game, there's an element of his size that he'll be able to use in a different way, and allow him to play more physically. His wingspan also brings to mind obvious defensive potential, even if he didn't excel on that side of the ball in college. The Thunder are still in such a place where they need the talent at the opportunities they have to get it, so adding an offensive talent like Griffin to pair with their unicorn in Holmgren feels ideal.
#13, Charlotte Hornets: Jeremy Sochan, F, Baylor
6'9", 230lbs, 7'0" wingspan
It felt facetious to let a player with Sochan's potential fall much past this spot at 13, even if there are some other wing players that the Hornets may need "more" around Lamelo Ball. And that's not to say there's nothing with Sochan on the offensive side of the ball, he has good if not perfect jump shot mechanics, and very good instincts about where to be within a set. But the real selling point with him is of course what he can do on the defensive side. He's a legit unicorn that can guard 1-5 in a way few can, with lateral quickness to match verticality, and long arms that can really affect opponents trying to work inside against Charlotte. Without spoiling their next pick at fifteen, the argument can be made that the Hornets need more actual size, but I think with his leaping ability and wingspan, and a frame that could easily become 245-50lbs, there are definitely worlds where he plays center for them. Bonus points that Eric Collins (Hornets electric play-by-play announcer) would LOVE this guy.
#14, Cleveland Cavaliers: Ochai Agbaji, G/F, Kansas
6'6", 220lbs, 6'10" wingspan
The best player on the national championship winning team, Agbaji would slide in near-perfectly to a roster that surprised a lot of people last season. In Cleveland, his three-and-D skills (48% from three last year) would fit in a number of scenarios, whether that's in the starting lineup in some kind of jumbo package if a Sexton departure happens (RFA), or backing up and occasionally starting for defensive stopper Isaac Okoro. On the second unit when paired with someone like Rajon Rondo, Agbaji could easily become the best offensive option for the Cavs, with his ability to do damage from anywhere on the floor. His tendency to make himself both available as a lob threat and shooting threat on the fast break has to entice a Cleveland team looking for a bit more shot making to pair with a lot of their young defenders with so much potential.
#15, Charlotte Hornets (via NOP): Malaki Branham, G/F, Ohio State
6'5", 185lbs, 6'10" wingspan
As previously stated, there's a certain center left on the board that many don't have falling past the Hornets, especially twice, but Sochan falling to them at 13 here, and his defensive potential, opens up a lot for Branham's offense. In Charlotte, he's a plug-and-play scorer, and a seriously gifted shot creator. He reads the pick-and-roll very well, and allows the game to come to him without rushing through every possession. He also shows tremendous upside as a catch-and-shoot scorer, and depending on the coaching staff brought in under Michael Jordan, could be developed into a serviceable defender. In his approach to offense, he's able to utilize his long arms in the pick-and-roll to pull up over smaller defenders. He's not an exceptional athlete, and can develop his quickness as much as anyone is able to, but surrounding him with a playmaker like Lamelo and athletes like Sochan, Montrezl Harrell, Kelly Oubre and Miles Bridges, he'll be able to be a solid offensive option.
#16, Atlanta Hawks: TyTy Washington, G, Kentucky
6'3", 195lbs, 6'8" wingspan
Another situation/player combo that potentially makes too much sense, Washington slides in as the obvious backup point guard to franchise centerpiece Trae Young. As a big PG, Washington is adept at getting his body into the lane and finishing, and both his decent free throw and three-point numbers would suggest he has the chance to grow into an above-average shooter, as well. With Atlanta's slurry of athletic lob threats (Capela, Collins, Okongwu), having someone who can read the floor the way Washington can would be ideal for when Trae is off the floor. He's not afraid to take his own shot however, as he displayed in his lone season at Kentucky. If the read is correct off the screen, he'll pull up from the midrange not in a dissimilar way to Malaki Branham. His frame suggests defensive potential as well, which there's no denying Atlanta would be excited about and try to bring out of him.
#17, Houston Rockets (via BKN): Mark Williams, C, Duke
7'0", 245lbs, 7'7" wingspan
Most draft boards don't have "Big Mark" falling this far, and it's easy to see why when you watch him. Physically, he's comparable to Duren (#11) and possesses much of the same talent both now and projected in the future. Many think Charlotte takes him with one of their mid-first rounders, but I think Sochan tempts them and everyone else gets obsessed with filling a specific role and trying to win now (or soon). If that's the case, Houston would be beyond ecstatic to add the Blue Devil big man to their growing list of talented young players. Reuniting him with old teammate Paolo Banchero would just be a bonus. He's a tremendous rim runner and shot blocker. Teams all over the country planned their offense around where he was in the paint, and Houston would love to add something like that around Alperen Sengun, who despite being a great find for them, is no Mark Williams on defense.
#18, Chicago Bulls: Jalen Williams, G/F, Santa Clara
6'6", 195lbs, 7'2" wingspan
A late bloomer by the draft's standards, Williams is described as the type of player who "sort of realized how good he could be as he got older". His length stands out above all else, and it creates for unique matchup issues on both sides of the ball. In the role that Javonte Green is filling now, there's a world where Williams steps in and offers double-digit point production off the bench right away. Over 18 per game at Santa Clara on a well-rounded combination of rim attacks (he has a very nice first step and can attack a closeout well) and jumpers from a variety of areas on the floor. Ranked in the 89th percentile nationally in PnR ballhandling, and his height allows for good vision and matching reads. His wingspan and the fact that his frame suggests a heavier weight than he is allows him to be a real issue for wing offensive players. This could be a key bench pickup for a Chicago team looking to return to glory.
#19, Minnesota Timberwolves: Tari Eason, F, LSU
6'8", 215lbs, 7'2" wingspan
Another in what seems to be a bit of a slew of 3-and-D wings with lots of both potential and win-now possibility. Eason's length, defensive capabilities, and shooting look to help a Wolves second unit looking for the post-Anthony Edwards scoring lift when he goes to the bench. Converting 36% of his threes may seem underwhelming, but should he find himself in catch-and-shoot situations, his form suggests improvements are imminent. His 2spg and 1bpg slide him into the "Taurean Prince" role currently occupied on that bench. For another team looking to capitalize on more noise than expected in 2021-22, Eason could be a piece that steps in immediately.
#20, San Antonio Spurs (via TOR): Nikola Jovic, F, Serbia
6'11", 225lbs, 7'0" wingspan
While he's not the player his closely-named MVP counterpart may be, should the Spurs find themselves with Dieng and Jovic, they should feel good about the future of their frontcourt, and the potential length at play. Jovic, while not being an explosive athlete, is quick for a man of his size, and is comfortable taking players off the dribble from the three-point line. His quickness also allows him to stay with attacking players and recover well to block shots, despite not being the most intimidating physical prospect in the draft. He's not afraid to call his own number and get a shot, and has a good stroke from three that translated to a similar to Eason 35.5%. His vision, as typically demonstrated by the stereotypical "Euro" player still proves advantageous, and he'd slide in well next to a prospect like Dieng and another creator like Lonnie Walker IV in the second unit.
#21, Denver Nuggets: Jaylin Williams, C/F, Arkansas
6'10", 235lbs, 7'1" wingspan
One of the most unique prospects in the class, Williams' feel for the offensive side of the ball, and his ability to affect the game on defense without elite length makes him a nice fit for a Nuggets team that still trots out Jeff Green and Demarcus Cousins as their forwards with the second unit. His ability to pass from the high post allows the Nuggets to run similar sets with Williams as they do Jokic, even if they're not exactly the same player. He can press other bigs that retreat away from the rim, and has really excellent instincts in drop coverage, and takes charges at an extremely high rate. He also understands how to challenge vertically without fouling, and having him on the floor at the same time as Jokic could also prove advantageous, as he wouldn't have to guard the best big on the floor.
#22, Memphis Grizzlies (via UTA): Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame
6'4", 185lbs, 6'9" wingspan
Comfortable with the ball in his hands at a solid 6'4" (and he could be taller), Wesley gives the Grizzlies another player with a high motor and defensive length who can rotate around Ja Morant with the rest of the guards. His wingspan translated to 1.3spg at Notre Dame, there's no reason to think he won't be similarly disruptive at the next level. Strong at attacking the rim with decent athleticism, his ability to read the passing lanes and get out in transition will surely be well-received by Memphis, both his teammates and fans alike. His vision allows him to take the role as primary ballhandler when called upon, and he uses his size to see over defenders and make crisp passes.
#23, Philadelphia 76ers: EJ Liddell, F, Ohio State
6'7", 245lbs, 7'0" wingspan
After returning to college after testing the draft waters last season, Liddell is now in a place where he can step in to a variety of different situations and help immediately. That fits well with what the Sixers are trying to do, as Joel Embiid continues to redefine what it means to be a center and has no playoff success to show for it. Liddell is a good shot blocker and rebounder for his size, and his comfort in many different catch-and shoot situations will make him a nice fit next to someone like Matisse Thybulle, who for being such a good defender, can truly suck the life out of an offensive possession. If isolated on the block, he can turn and face and attack smaller defenders with his muscly frame, and if used correctly can be a real advantage to him.
#24, Milwaukee Bucks: Kendall Brown, F, Baylor
6'8", 205lbs, 6'11" wingspan
Held by many as the best pure athlete in this draft, Brown's arrival in Milwaukee would give the Bucks another "must-see TV" type player. He's very switchable one through four, and will be a player the Bucks will likely count on to get back in transition on defense, as well. Obviously in tandem with his athleticism is a fairly ridiculous finishing capability, which would make the second unit including him and Pat Connaughton very exciting. Guys that guard 1-4 are extremely valuable, so he may not fall to here, but a powerhouse like Milwaukee would be pretty stoked to have him.
#25, San Antonio Spurs (via BOS): Walker Kessler, C, Auburn
7'1", 245lbs, 7'5" wingspan
The Spurs may look to adjust their goals for this draft after news yesterday came out that they're listening to offers around Dejounte Murray. At either this spot or 20, they may look to draft another lead guard-type, perhaps a Blake Wesley, especially if Murray is dealt for someone like Atlanta's John Collins. But in drafting Kessler, the Spurs round out their frontcourt of the future that they put together with this draft, and his massive reach and shot blocking instincts would likely give him minutes over the Zach Collins' of the world. Offensively you're not getting something revolutionary, but his broad shoulders and strong frame make him a very good inside finisher, and San Antonio may use him as a target on the PnR on offense, and use him as the primary defender in drop coverage.
#26, Houston Rockets (via DAL): Jaden Hardy, G, G League Ignite
6'4", 185lbs, 6'9" wingspan
Arguably one of the highest-touted prospects in the Ignite's short history, Hardy showed some signs of struggle, especially with his jump shooting in the early part of the season. His bounce back in the second half makes him a first rounder, especially considering his upside, which Houston is apt to take. Especially considering locking down their frontcourt with Banchero and Williams, Hardy allows them another player in the rotating cast of Jalen Green/Josh Christopher/Kevin Porter Jr. characters that are a headache for perimeter players to stay in front of and tiresome for guys to keep challenging vertically. He's a strong shot creator, and his free throw shooting and improved three-point shooting point to him improving on that side of the ball, efficiency-wise.
#27, Miami Heat: Marjon Beauchamp, F, G League Ignite
6'6.5", 195lbs, 7'1" wingspan
Beauchamp's story is worth some research on your own time, as he possibly has had one of the most nontraditional paths to being a first-round pick that we've seen. For Miami's second unit, he'll add another flash of athleticism and defensive versatility for a team that had a disappointing end to their campaign last season. He's not an elite jump shooter, but his transition instincts are strong, and he takes pride in guarding elite wings. On offense, his length and athleticism make him a lob threat who can easily finish over larger opponents, and he has very strong instincts about when to cut to the rim. His grind-it-out on defense mentality makes him an obvious fit in Miami, and if he does get beat, he is very strong on recovery and has the ability to challenge just about anyone vertically.
#28, Golden State Warriors: Christian Koloko, C, Arizona
7'0", 225lbs, 7'5.5" wingspan
Perhaps this is an overly cautionary pick on the part of the defending champs, but so much of what James Wiseman has been touted to be has yet to be seen, and the Summer League will hopefully be our first real taste of what he can do. What Koloko brings is similar, with very strong shot blocking instincts to match his imposing frame. He showed flashes of a shooting touch as well while at Arizona, and as an older prospect, he's likely to be able to step in and help the reigning champs immediately on the defensive side of the ball, giving them another Kevon Looney type player, with the size of Wiseman.
#29, Memphis Grizzlies: Wendell Moore Jr., F/G, Duke
6'5", 215lbs, 7'0" wingspan
Moore is a great example of using your college program to improve your game steadlily over multiple years, and how to get good feedback from draft experts and get better. Improving his three point shooting over the past two seasons under Coach K is what makes him too good for the Grizzlies to pass up, especially after I have them take a headstrong guard like Wesley. Moore is as level-headed as they come, and his tenacity on defense will be well-received. As an older prospect, he slides in to the rotation of Desmond Bane/Dillon Brooks/Zaire Williams seamlessly, especially with his improved shooting.
#30, Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHX): Kennedy Chandler, G, Tennessee
6'0', 175lbs, 6'5" wingspan
Rounding out the first round is Chandler, who was an electric factory in Chattanooga during his lone campaign there. Making up for his lack of size with elite quickness and scoring ability. His wingspan makes him more than a complete liability on defense, especially if and when he will be matching up with opposing point guards only. As a high-level shooter and scorer, he can settle into a unique role within the Thunder organization, as a defensive grinder and pure bucket-getter alongside jumbo-sized playmakers like Josh Giddey, Poku, and Chet Holmgren.
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