The Draft

Philadelphia 76ers (from BOS) — Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington

The 76ers complete the process with Fultz. An excellent scoring guard with good potential. He is a great complement to Simmons and a young core of Fultz-Simmons-Embiid looks awesome on paper. Although, Simmons has not played a NBA game since drafted in 2016 and Embiid only played 31 games since being drafted in 2014. Staying healthy will be key, but they might have completed The Process.

2. Los Angeles Lakers — Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA

The Lakers can take Ball or Jackson and both make sense. I still think Ball is the pick. It’s destiny. Ball-Russell-Ingram should be stellar on the perimeter for many years. His elite passing ability and great shooting ability should transform LA’s offense, similar to what he did at UCLA.

3. Boston Celtics — Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke

Tatum has NBA ready offense with great upside. He will be able to come in and help them win now. He will provide another option on offense and make things easier on IT. They have Brown who has potential to be an elite defensive complement to Tatum on the wing. They also now have more assets to trade and bring in another star and really give the Cavs a run for the money in the East.

4. Phoenix Suns — De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky

The Suns are definitely taking a Kentucky player right? (not the only reason I have the Suns taking Fox). Fox has elite athleticism, defense, and playmaking ability and would fit very nicely next to Booker. The Suns will likely move Bledsoe and it makes sense for them to bring in new talent at PG. Fox’s only concern is 3P-Shooting, but that is huge to consider with today’s game. Nonetheless, if he can become just a 35% 3-Point Shooter he could be the best PG out of this class when it’s all said and done. Besides, he can still score with the best of them at the rim and in the mid-range.

5. Sacramento Kings — Josh Jackson, SF, Kansas

The Kings would love to come away with a PG but Jackson is too good to pass on for DSJ. Jackson is a great athlete and underrated playmaker who has potential to be a very good two-way player, a poor man’s Kawhi Leonard possibly. The Kings have holes everywhere and while they want to get a PG, they should take the BPA here.

6. Orlando Magic—Dennis Smith Jr., PG, NC State

Elite athleticism and great scorer. Question marks surround him about his attitude and defensive effort but the Magic should look to move on from Payton. Guards in today’s game have to be able to score and while DSJ needs to improve his passing vision at the next level, scoring is not a concern.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves — Jonathan Isaac, F, Florida State

Isaac has a lot of upside but comes with a risk. He can eventually play PF consistently if he is able to add weight to his frame, which he should be able to with NBA training. Isaac should be able to come in and utilize his length to help the Wolves defensive woes and his offense should improve. If Isaac can play PF, the Wolves might have the most athletic starting five in the NBA once everyone completely develops.

8. New York Knicks — Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky

Monk is an elite scorer and he has shown he can explode on opposing teams as he did many times in his one year at Kentucky. Monk would definitely help them score but could very easily be a liability on defense due to his size.

9. Dallas Mavericks — Frank Ntilikina, PG, France

The Mavericks have scouted Ntilikina more than any other team. His elite size and length is intriguing. He’s an excellent defender but overall a pretty raw prospect with tons of upside. Ntilikina is still a few years away from being a solid starter but with Dirk’s career likely ending after this upcoming season, the Mavericks realize the rebuild era is upon them and they are willing to be patient.

10. Sacramento Kings — Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona

Efficient shooting stretch four who could be a solid piece down the road. Markkanen has a high floor and low ceiling. He should have a solid career as a Ryan Anderson type but needs to improve on defense and add another dimension to his offensive game.

11. Charlotte Hornets — Donovan Mitchell, SG, Louisville

12. Detroit Pistons — John Collins, PF, Wake Forest

13. Denver Nuggets — OG Anunoby, SF, Indiana

14. Miami Heat — Luke Kennard, SG, Duke

15. Portland Trail Blazers — Semi Ojeleye, SF/PF, SMU

16. Chicago Bulls — Justin Jackson, SF, UNC

17. Milwaukee Bucks — Jarrett Allen, C, Texas

18. Indiana Pacers — Zach Collins, PF, Gonzaga

19. Atlanta Hawks — Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA

20. Brooklyn Nets (from POR) — Harry Giles, PF, Duke

21. Oklahoma City Thunder — Tyler Lydon, SF/PF, Syracuse

22. Brooklyn Nets (via WAS) — Anzejs Pasecniks, C, Latvia

23. Toronto Raptors (via LAC) — DJ Wilson, PF, Michigan

24. Utah Jazz — Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State

25. Orlando Magic (via TOR) — Terrance Ferguson, SG, USA

26. Brooklyn Nets (from POR) — Derrick White, PG/SG, Colorado

27. Portland Trail Blazers (from BKN) — Caleb Swanigan, PF, Purdue

28. Los Angeles Lakers (via HOU) — Justin Patton, C, Creighton

29. San Antonio Spurs — Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky

30. Utah Jazz (via GSW) — Alec Peters, PF, Valparaiso