With March Madness just around the corner, now seems like the perfect time for me to start another round of mock drafts! This year's draft class is unique; I've never seen so much disparity in people's mock drafts and big boards. In my opinion, this makes the draft season so much more exciting this time around.
Similar to last year, however, is the fact that so many of the top prospects are not playing college ball. Players like Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher, and Nikola Topic, who all happen to be top three on my aggregate big board (coming soon), are all playing overseas. We'll see if they get pushed down by any March Madness breakouts.
Let's get into the mock.
Pick 1 - Washington Wizards
Alex Sarr, C/PF
18 - 7'1" - 224lb - France
Usually, teams drafting at the top of the draft aim for talent over positional need, however, without a clear-cut top prospect of this draft class, the Wizards may opt to fill a hole. Of course, Sarr would more than "fill a hole" as he would likely cement himself as the center of the future for Washington. He is flexible on defense with the capability of guarding multiple positions and is also an elite shot-blocker. Sarr's skills extend far beyond the expectations of a normal center; the athletic big man is a great passer and has a solid handle. Developing a consistent jumper (currently shooting under 30% from three) would raise his ceiling to superstar level.
Pick 2 - Detroit Pistons
Zaccharie Risacher - SF/PF
18 - 6'8" - 202lb - France
Risacher would be the perfect piece to complete the Piston's lineup of the future consisting of Cunningham, Ivey, Thompson, and Duren. He's a deadly shooter from three-point range (43% over his career in Europe), which Detroit desperately needs. Although Risacher is still pretty raw as a prospect, he shows signs of becoming a solid playmaker, and his length gives hope that he may become a switchable defender. The Pistons are still seasons away from a championship run, so he would have ample time to develop and mesh with the young core.
Pick 3 - San Antonio Spurs
Nikola Topic - PG
18 - 6'6" - 200lb - Serbia
Having a player of Wemby's caliber comes with the responsibility of quickly finding him a playmaker for the future. Topic could be just that; he's averaging over 7 assists per game as a lead ball-handler and has outstanding vision that generates buckets for his team. He's also a great scorer in his own right, notching over 18 points per game on 52% shooting. Topic isn't a great defender, but Vassell would be able to pick up the slack in the backcourt until some improvements are made.
Pick 4 - Charlotte Hornets
Reed Sheppard - SG/PG
19 - 6'3" - 187lb - Kentucky
Reed Sheppard has quickly shot up draft boards during this incredible season he's been having at Kentucky. The freshman is averaging 13 points per game on 53% from three (!!). He would be the perfect guard to pair LaMelo Ball up with in the backcourt. Many catch-and-shoot triples would follow. Defensively, Sheppard is an on-ball pest who plays with high energy and effort. The passing ability is there, and he should be able to take over as a lead ball-handler if Charlotte were to part ways with Ball at some point. His size is concerning, but we have plenty of shorter guards that have made it in today's NBA.
Pick 5 - Portland Trail Blazers
Matas Buzelis - PF/SF
19 - 6'11" - 195lb - G-League Ignite
Despite having multiple solid scorers on the roster, Portland has one of the worst offensive ratings in the league. Picking Buzelis here would be smart because his playmaking ability would open up opportunities for players like Simons, Grant, and Sharpe. Every team wants a player with length like Buzelis because they come with high potential to become a serviceable or better defender, and he has already shown he can be a capable defender off the ball. His three-point shot needs work, as he hasn't been efficient, but he's shown flashes that he can become a true floor-spacer.
Pick 6 - Memphis Grizzlies
Cody Williams - SF/PF
19 - 6'8" - 180lb - Colorado
The Grizzlies' season was spoiled by their entire roster getting injured, but Cody Williams would be a great consolation prize. One of the better offensive players in the class, Williams can drive and finish at the rim with ease, and if the shot isn't there, he can dish it to the open man. He has also made 46% of threes this season, albeit on low volume, and 59% overall. Williams is a versatile defender who can stay in front of his man and apply pressure. Memphis could use the NBA-ready prospect as a crucial role player for their bounce-back season and continue to develop him into a potential star for years to come.
Pick 7 - San Antonio Spurs
Ron Holland - PF/SF
18 - 6'8" - 195lb - G-League Ignite
Landing Topic and Holland would be a dream scenario for San Antonio in this draft. Entering the season, Holland was projected by many to go first overall, but a lack of efficiency playing with the Ignite this year has caused his stock to drop a bit. He is still averaging nearly 21 points per game despite that. The real value in drafting Holland is his defense as he might be the best defender in the class. He plays with energy and grit, which, along with his length, allows him to keep up with his man and make switches as needed.
Pick 8 - Houston Rockets
Ja'Kobe Walter - SG/PG
19 - 6'5" - 195lb - Baylor
Even as a Rockets homer, this was a tough call for me. But, ultimately, you can never go wrong with a 3&D player. Especially with the Rockets needing to make a decision on whether or not to pay Jalen Green, who is very streaky offensively, and isn't known for his defense, either. Walter is a physical player who can drive and finish strong at the basket. He excels at creating his own shot and has a fluid jumper. Defensively, the physicality remains, and his 6'10" wingspan makes it tough for opponents to get around him.
Pick 9 - Utah Jazz
Stephon Castle - SG/PG
19 - 6'7" - 215lb - UConn
This offseason should be the one for Utah to finally trade Jordan Clarkson to a contender, or they could opt to sell high on Collin Sexton. Either way, Castle would be a good replacement in the backcourt. Castle is an oversized guard, which is always a green flag coming into the league. He isn't a great shooter but excels in a lot of other ways. He's a great lead ball-handler and playmaker and would mesh well with players like Kessler (pick-and-rolls) and Markkanen (kickouts to the corner). He can guard multiple positions on defense and plays with high effort both on and off the ball.
Pick 10 - Atlanta Hawks
Rob Dillingham - PG
19 - 6'2" - 175lb - Kentucky
This NBA season has been filled with rumors that the Hawks will move Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, or even both in the near future and blow things up. In any case, Dillingham would be a great pick to kickstart their rebuild. Although he's an undersized guard, Dillingham is a prolific, three-level scorer with a slithery handle. He's also shooting nearly 45% on threes. But that short frame could be a problem defensively at the NBA level. He should have plenty of time to develop and sync with Jalen Johnson should Atlanta take him here.
Pick 11 - Oklahoma City Thunder
Kyle Filipowski - C/PF
20 - 7'0" - 230lb - Duke
The Thunder are pretty stacked already, and will likely make a blockbuster deal soon using all of their upcoming picks, but for the moment they could use some center depth. Filipowski could be great here as a serviceable, all-around player. He's good in pick-and-roll situations, and can also step out for the three if needed (he's shooting 35% from three this season). Filipowski is also a good shot-blocker and plays tough as a defender overall. His handle is solid for his size, too.
Pick 12 - Chicago Bulls
Tidjane Salaun - PF/SF
18 - 6'9" - 212lb - France
The Bulls are another team that will likely blow it all up this offseason (though we've been saying that for a couple of years now), so taking a young, somewhat raw prospect in Salaun wouldn't be a bad option. Salaun already has the tools to become an amazing defender in the league; he plays with high effort, has a long wingspan (7'1"), and is quick laterally. He's also shooting fairly well this year at about a 36% clip from deep. Some playing time on a depleted Chicago team next year would jumpstart his development.
Pick 13 - Portland Trail Blazers
Donovan Clingan - C
20 - 7'2" - 265lb - UConn
Ayton has his flashes, but it's clear to see that he's not the long-term answer for Portland. Adding Clingan to a young core that includes Scoot Henderson would get the rebuild moving for them, and they could become a special dynamic duo. Clingan excels in the pick-and-roll game and terrorizes the rim on offense. He's the type of player that could average a double-double right out of the gate and add in a few blocks as well. His 7'7" wingspan is scary.
Pick 14 - New Orleans Pelicans
Dalton Knecht - SG/SF
22 - 6'6" - 203lb - Tennessee
Knecht is one of the most well-rounded offensive players in the class, which makes sense considering his age, and the Pelicans need an NBA-ready prospect as they turn up for a championship run these next couple of seasons. He's shooting 52% from three this season on over six attempts per game. Not only can he shoot the ball efficiently, but he can also finish strong at the rim. Knecht is a liability on defense, but with multiple great defenders (like Herb Jones), New Orleans can afford to have him out there.
Pick 15 - Miami Heat
Kevin McCullar Jr - SG/SF
23 - 6'6" - 200lb - Kansas
Kevin McCullar Jr just feels like the next "Heat Culture" guy. The 23-year-old NBA-ready prospect has a high basketball IQ and can fit in well with any system. He's mostly known for being an excellent all-around defender, but he has also improved a lot offensively during this season. He's averaging over 18 points per game, and his efficiency has gone way up. There's still room to grow there, but a not-so-flexible Miami team could use a guy like McCullar as a tough bench piece if they are to make another run next season.
Pick 16 - Toronto Raptors
Isaiah Collier - PG/SG
19 - 6'5" - 210lb - USC
The Raptors hit the reset button this past offseason and should be near the bottom of the standings for the next couple of years, so why not take a chance on a guy with a high ceiling? Collier was projected to be one of the top picks entering this season, but his sloppy play pushed him down a bit. He's been playing better as of late and improving his efficiency. Collier has a large build and should be able to bully his opponents as he drives into the paint and when they try to drive on him.
Pick 17 - Philadelphia 76ers
Tyler Smith - PF/SF
19 - 6'11" - 224lb - G-League Ignite
Tyler Smith has been one of the few bright spots for a terrible Ignite team this season. He's averaging 13 points per game and shooting 36% from three. If he can continue to improve his shot, that and his 6'11" frame will be scary to whoever has to guard him. Defensively, Smith is a liability but clearly has the physical attributes necessary to become capable with a good development staff. Philadelphia could be a good place for him to start and learn from several veterans.
Pick 18 - Orlando Magic
Johnny Furphy - SG/SF
19 - 6'9" - 202lb - Kansas
Furphy's stock has risen tremendously this season due to his three-level scoring ability. He can hit catch-and-shoot threes and finish at the rim, and he especially excels playing off the ball. Orlando needs some extra help on offense and lacks wings, so Furphy could help out there. He can get abused on defense at times, but not due to lack of effort. He's also 6'9"; imagine the size of a lineup of Furphy-Wagner-Banchero playing together.
Pick 19 - New York Knicks
Ryan Dunn - SF/SG
21 - 6'8" - 208lb - Virginia
Ryan Dunn is one of the best defenders in the class, if not the best. He can guard multiple positions and switch with ease, a valuable skill in today's NBA. This season, Dunn is averaging over a steal a game and over two blocks as well. He doesn't have much of an offensive game, but he knows that and doesn't force shots. Dunn developing a jump shot would be deadly for his opponents. The Knicks should be looking to make a championship run next year, and Dunn can help right away on defense.
Pick 20 - New York Knicks
Yves Missi - C
19 - 7'0" - 235lb - Baylor
I doubt the Knicks will actually be making both of these selections come draft night, but if they do, Missi would be a safe bet. He's a defensive monster who could learn from Hartenstein and Robinson until one of them is let go. Missi is quick and agile for his height, which pairs well with his 7'6" wingspan, allowing him to guard multiple positions and switch on screens. On offense, he can set solid screens of his own and finish through contact at the rim. He doesn't have much of an offensive game other than that.
Pick 21 - Phoenix Suns
Devin Carter - PG/SG
22 - 6'3" - 195lb - Providence
With KD, Booker, and Beal leading the offense, Phoenix needs a lockdown defender to hold things down in the backcourt. Devin Carter is just that. He plays much larger than his 6'3" frame and stays in front of his man. Carter also averages nearly 9 rebounds a game this season (!!), so he could turn into a nightly triple-double threat if he gets a chance. He's hitting 38% of his threes, too. I wouldn't be surprised to see Carter's stock rise higher before draft night.
Pick 22 - Atlanta Hawks
Bobi Klintman - PF/SF
21 - 6'10" - 235lb - Australia
Klintman was rumored to have had a first-round promise last season, but he opted to go overseas and try to improve his stock. It's about the same as it was last season, but good to see he can keep up in a professional league. He has great size and speed for a forward and can get to the basket quickly. He's shot well from three this season at about 36% and has also shown some playmaking promise on offense. Atlanta would be a good landing spot for him as they are probably about to blow up their roster.
Pick 23 - New Orleans Pelicans
Oso Ighodaro - C/PF
21 - 6'11" - 235lb - Marquette
New Orleans could use some extra center depth, and Ighodaro is arguably the best one available. He's an incredible playmaker for his position and would play very well alongside Zion Williamson if given the chance. Ighodaro can guard out on the perimeter if a switch is needed, and also stay strong inside. Offensively, he can't shoot at all and doesn't, but he's a pick-and-roll threat. He's also a crafty scorer from within the paint. He could get some playing time next season in New Orleans should a big get injured.
Pick 24 - Milwaukee Bucks
Jared McCain - PG/SG
20 - 6'3" - 197lb - Duke
McCain is having a great season for Duke, averaging over 13 points per game and shooting 40% from three. He's averaging under 2 assists per game, which is concerning, but he seems to be a capable passer. Though undersized, he defends at a high level and shows a lot of toughness. McCain also grabs nearly 5 rebounds per game. Who knows how much playing time he'll get for this contending Milwaukee team, but he'd be a good piece for the future.
Pick 25 - Cleveland Cavaliers
Tristan da Silva - PF/SF
22 - 6'9" - 220lb - Colorado
This would be a great pick for Cleveland. They already have their young core for the future and will be trying to contend next season after breaking out this year, and da Silva can help out right away. The senior forward has averaged 16 points per game this year and is shooting 38% from three. He's also a great passer that can get his teammates open looks. On defense, da Silva is more than capable and can switch when needed. He's not the best athlete, but he plays smart.
Pick 26 - Washington Wizards
Tyrese Proctor - PG/SG
19 - 6'5" - 175lb - Duke
Proctor is a tall PG with a high basketball IQ on both sides of the ball. He is one of the best passers in the class with an assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly 3:1. He shoots more outside the arc than inside, hitting 37% of his threes and 55% of his twos. The reason is, Proctor isn't much of a slasher, so he might struggle against stronger defenders in the paint. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions with his size and length and does well on that end. Overall, he'd be a good project player for the Wizards.
Pick 27 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Hunter Sallis - SG/SF
20 - 6'5" - 185lb - Wake Forest
Sallis has had a breakout season at Wake Forest after transferring from Gonzaga, averaging 18 points per game with good efficiency. The three-level scorer can create his own shot, catch-and-shoot, and maneuver with ease in the paint. He is shooting 49% from the field, including 41% from three. On defense, he shows grit and doesn't give his opponents a path to the basket. For a wing, he's also a great playmaker who could fit well in lineups that include KAT and Gobert.
Pick 28 - Utah Jazz
Kyshawn George - SF/SG
20 - 6'8" - 205lb - Miami
Kyshawn George has flown up draft boards this season after showing some promising 3&D potential. He doesn't play a whole lot of minutes, but he makes the most of them, averaging 8 points per game and shooting 41% from three. George has good height for a wing at 6'8", and can even play PG if needed due to his skills as a playmaker. He's a physical defender, too, and has the body necessary to develop into an elite defender. If Utah decided to sell some of their veterans, he could see some playing time during his rookie year.
Pick 29 - Denver Nuggets
Zach Edey - C
21 - 7'4" - 300lb - Purdue
Zach Edey has been the best player in college basketball for two years now but isn't projected to be picked near the top of the draft due to being slow and without a jumper. If there's a team that doesn't mind slow centers, it's Denver. The Nuggets need a skilled player who can help them right away, and Edey is definitely skilled when it comes to scoring around the basket. He uses his size and finesse and hits about 62% of his shots. He gets fouled a lot as well and hits 72% of his free throws. Being so tall makes him an imposing defender in the paint as well.
Pick 30 - Boston Celtics
DaRon Holmes II - PF/C
21 - 6'10" - 220lb - Dayton
Holmes opted to return to Dayton last season, and it did him wonders, particularly because he was able to develop an outside jumper. He is shooting 39% from beyond the arc this season, and his free throw percentage has also shot up to 71%. On the inside, he can finish powerfully at the rim, especially on pick-and-rolls. On defense, he can guard multiple positions, whether that be on the inside or out on the perimeter. The Celtics should be good for a while, so Holmes could help them contend in the near future.
Conclusion
There's my mock! Let me know what picks you agree or disagree with. March Madness should shake things up quite a bit more than usual for this class which is so fluid. I'm excited to see how it all plays out.
Until next time...
Zach Edey is too low here .My Knicks are drafting him .