With the Draft just over one week away, it’s time for our second Mock Draft here at GMS. With that in mind, here we go.
1.) Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky
The Timberwolves have coveted KAT since they earned the top pick, and it’s not just his potential on the block. Given the fact that he doesn’t need the ball to affect the game on a nightly basis, he fits in with Minnesota’s roster a bit better than his Duke counterpart.
2.) Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, Duke
If the Lakers did anything but take Okafor, it would be the stunner of the Draft. Okafor is the most advanced offensive talent that this Draft offers on the inside, and the Lakers don’t exactly have anyone on their current roster that can be counted on for buckets with their back to the basket.
3.) Philadelphia 76ers: Kristaps Porzingis, Europe
No one has seen their stock skyrocket as much as Porzingis, and it’s looking more and more likely that the 76ers will jump on him here. There has been talk that the Lakers are interested as well, but given the immediate needs of that roster, Okafor has significantly less risk than Porzingis.
4.) New York Knicks: D’Angelo Russell, Ohio State
This would be such an easy fit between Russell and the Triangle Offense; it’s almost as if Russell is made for it. He can shoot, pass, and rebound at a high level for his position. The question will be if he makes NYK any better on the defensive end.
5.) Orlando Magic: Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky
If the Magic want defense and size, which appears to be the case, than “Trill” makes perfect sense here. He’s still the most versatile defender in the class, and he should be given ample time to develop his offensive repertoire.
6.) Sacramento Kings: Mario Hezonja, Europe
The Kings have coveted him for quite some time, so it makes sense that they’d jump at the chance to take him here. There’s a lot of questions regarding Hezonja’s playing time for FC Barcelona, but he’s been very effective in the limited minutes he’s gotten for one of Europe’s best clubs.
7.) Denver Nuggets: Emmanuel Mudiay, China
After Justise Winslow tanked his workout in Denver, and given the likelihood that Denver will be without a true point guard next season, this move would make the most sense for them. With new HC Mike Malone in town, Mudiay will also give him a PG with serious defensive potential.
8.) Detroit Pistons: Justise Winslow, Duke
Winslow’s stock has suffered as of late, much of it stemming from a porous workout in Denver. Shooting is still very much a concern for him, but there’s reason to think that he would fit in very well with Detroit, given his ability to defend and buy into a role.
9.) Charlotte Hornets: Devin Booker, Kentucky
Booker has worked himself into the top ten here thanks to his performance in recent workouts. Not only is he showing people his ability to knock down shots, but he’s flashed off his athleticism to scouts and GMs in a way he couldn’t while at Kentucky.
10.) Miami Heat: Kelly Oubre Jr., Kansas
How wild would this be? As we reach the back half of the Lottery, things are bound to get wild, and Oubre recently crushed a workout in Salt Lake City, generating quite a bit of buzz around NBA circles. The Heat could take the talented wing and hope he can be mentored by Dwayne Wade.
11.) Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner, Texas
This pick makes too much sense for the Pacers, who are speeding up their pace and looking for the next big man to man the paint for them once Roy Hibbert leaves town.
12.) Utah Jazz: Stanley Johnson, Arizona
If Johnson falls to this spot, it’s hard to imagine the Jazz passing up on him. Sure, they’re young and talented on the perimeter, but he’d be the best talent available, and in the NBA, you can never be too deep.
13.) Phoenix Suns: Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin
Again, this would be a pick where you take the best talent available. Kaminsky can score in a variety of ways, and is ready to step in on day one and contribute.
14.) Oklahoma City Thunder: Cameron Payne, Murray State
Bringing in a guy like Payne to learn from Russell Westbrook would be ideal for OKC, plus, he’d have the chance to get true backup minutes right away for the Thunder.
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15.) Atlanta Hawks: Trey Lyles, Kentucky
16.) Boston Celtics: Sam Dekker, Wisconsin
17.) Milwaukee Bucks: Bobby Portis, Arkansas
18.) Houston Rockets: Jerian Grant, Notre Dame
19.) Washington Wizards: Tyus Jones, Duke
20.) Toronto Raptors: Kevon Looney, UCLA
21.) Dallas Mavericks: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona
22.) Chicago Bulls: R.J. Hunter, Georgia State
23.) Portland Trailblazers: Montrezl Harrell, Louisville
24.) Cleveland Cavaliers: Rashad Vaughn, UNLV
25.) Memphis Grizzlies: Delon Wright, Utah
26.) San Antonio Spurs: Justin Anderson, Virginia
27.) Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Brown, Stanford
28.) Boston Celtics: Chris McCullogh, Syracuse
29.) Brooklyn Nets: Terry Rozier, Louisville
30.) Golden State Warriors: Jonathan Holmes, Texas
