By: Cole Muzio · 2mo
Photo: CBS Sports
The NBA Draft is just five days away, which means it's time to run through and predict what each team will do in the first round of this year's annual selection meeting. From 1-30, here is my NBA mock draft:
Donovan Clingan has a lot of buzz right now as does Zaccharie Risacher, but Sarr is a great fit in Atlanta and, to me, has the most upside of this class. For now, I’m reading “smokescreen” on the Clingan buzz and sticking with Sarr, but that could change.
The Wizards were not the worst team in the NBA last season, but they are the most hopeless with seemingly nothing to build on. That being the case, you take the best player available, and that is Risacher. The Wizards have an abundance of wings, but none of them are guys to build around.
With an interesting ensemble of young talent, the Rockets need to be careful here. They could/should trade this pick, but, in the absence of a trade, you take a guy with a unique skill set. That’s Sheppard.
For the Spurs, every decision they make has to be about helping Wemby and advancing his development. While this pick is a slight reach, I believe it best accomplishes that goal.
Like the Rockets – though not as deep – the Pistons are trying to build around a young core. Buzelis represents the best piece to compliment and elevate that group.
This represents a windfall for Charlotte, who gets a prospect that had the possibility of going No. 1 overall. The UCONN big man could form a nice core with Ball, Bridges, and Miler.
The Blazers, like the Wizards, are just bad. Cody Williams is a high talent prospect with versatility to allow other pieces to be brought in and adjust accordingly.
Again, this is about Wemby. The fall of Stephon Castle made him very intriguing, but taking Salaun to go with the existing roster (plus Dillingham) gives the Spurs an incredibly exciting French frontcourt.
One of my favorite prospects in this class, Castle takes a tumble. This is a good situation for him, though.
After an incredible season, the Tennessee product heads to Utah where he could surpass expectations of a typical No. 10 pick.
The Bulls are in basketball purgatory. This would not be a particularly compelling pick, but it makes the most sense given what’s on the board.
A contender, the Thunder will look to make a pick that helps them right now. Da Silva brings versatility and is a ready-made product.
Here’s a high value pick for the Kings.
Even after taking Cody Williams earlier, the Blazers double down on a versatile wing with Holland.
An excellent college player who has performed well throughout the process, the Heat get a steal in Carter.
The 76ers need to maximize their window with Joel Embiid, and McCain instantly makes this team better. While this class may not be elite at the top, this is a high quality mid-round selection.
An excellent 3-and-D for a franchise desperately needing to get the absolute most out of this pick.
Another young team needing a versatile piece they can move around, Furphy gives the Magic what they need here.
This would be a strong backcourt addition for a rebuilding Raptors franchise.
With major considerations this offseason, the Cavs are looking for a solid contributor here.
The Pelicans give Zion a fellow Blue Devil to run with.
An incredibly gifted athlete, Collier could develop into something special with the Suns if he adapts well to a role where he’s called to facilitate.
Gearing up for a run, the Bucks land an athletic big.
The contending Knicks can’t pass up a dynamic offensive producer.
And then they follow up with a bouncy, athletic big.
Again, I think this has to be all about talent acquisition for the Wizards.
Primed and hungry for another run, the T’Wolves add a piece to help right away.
A needed additional inside presence comes to Denver.
After going with the experienced Knecht, the Jazz go with upside in Smith
A complimentary piece as the Celtics gear up for another run.
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