March Madness just concluded, so it's time to redo my mock draft. Despite the tournament being fairly chalky this year (outside of NC State, of course), there were plenty of risers and fallers on the big boards. Still, there isn't much of a consensus for the number one pick or even for tiers of players. Lots of disparity this year.
Last time around, I used the regular NBA standings to determine the draft order, but this time, I used a lottery simulator. So, the draft order is a little different than what you might expect. I thought it would be fun to shake things up a bit.
Let's get into the mock. **note: ages are as of draft night
Pick 1 - Charlotte Hornets
Alex Sarr, C/PF
19 - 7'1" - 224lb - France
Charlotte getting the number one pick would be interesting because they really could go any direction. Zaccharie Risacher (who is in a big slump right now) and Sarr seem to be ranked above the rest of the prospects, but Reed Sheppard and Cody Williams could also be good fits. I went with Sarr because I feel he has one of the higher floors in the class while also having a high ceiling. The Hornets have a lot of positional versatility on their team, so they don't really need to draft for fit, especially first overall. Sarr is a great defender on the interior and perimeter, and he isn't a liability on offense, either. Although his outside shooting is still developing, he shoots over 60% on twos, passes well, and has a bit of a handle as well.
Pick 2 - Detroit Pistons
Reed Sheppard - SG/PG
20 - 6'3" - 187lb - Kentucky
The Pistons are one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the league, in terms of both percentage and attempts. They also have one of the worst defensive ratings in the league. Reed Sheppard solves both of those problems. He is one of the best shooters in the class, as he averaged over 52% from three this season on over four attempts a game. On defense, he applies heavy pressure on-ball and gets in the way despite his small size. The combo guard can also be a playmaker for his teammates.
Pick 3 - Atlanta Hawks
Zaccharie Risacher - SF/SG
19 - 6'8" - 202lb - France
Risacher hasn't been playing well as of late, but something about those raw, tall, long-armed international prospects gets scouts excited. He has one of the highest ceilings in the class, so why not take a chance on him? The Hawks are likely to be sellers this offseason and enter a rebuild, so they don't him to be good right away. They can take the time to help him develop a more consistent jumper (we've seen flashes of him being a knockdown shooter) and show him how to use his build to his advantage on defense. He's already a good passer and ball-handler, so he's not all raw. He just needs experience.
Pick 4 - Washington Wizards
Nikola Topic - PG
18 - 6'6" - 200lb - Serbia
Topic hasn't been getting much buzz since his injury, but that doesn't change the fact that he has great lead-guard potential. There's not much of a defender in him yet, but his offensive game is a huge selling point. Topic is a fantastic playmaker, getting the ball to his teammates no matter where they are on the court. He can drive and score at the rim, but he doesn't force anything and always makes the right play. Not a threat outside the arc, but he is shooting nearly 86% percent from the line, which is promising.
Pick 5 - San Antonio Spurs
Rob Dillingham - PG
19 - 6'2" - 175lb - Kentucky
Rob Dillingham shot up draft boards this month due to the elite shot-creating and scoring abilities he's shown. This season, he averaged 15ppg and shot 44% from three. San Antonio has struggled offensively this season, but especially with perimeter shooting, as they have shot 34.7% (second-worst) despite being in the top half of the league in attempts. Dillingham solves both of those problems and would give the Spurs their PG of the future to go along with Wemby and Vassell as the main building blocks of this rebuild.
Pick 6 - Portland Trail Blazers
Donovan Clingan - C
20 - 7'2" - 265lb - UConn
Although the Tral Blazers recently acquired both Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams, neither look to be a part of Portland's future and will likely be traded for more assets. So, the Blazers could take their center of the future here in Clingan. He was one of the best players in the NCAA Tournament and massively increased his draft stock. Clingan is an elite interior defender, averaging 2.5bpg this season with an 11% block percentage. He also grabbed over 7 rebounds and scored 13 points this season in 22 minutes a game.
Pick 7 - San Antonio Spurs
Stephon Castle - PG/SG/SF
19 - 6'7" - 215lb - UConn
With two picks in the top seven, San Antonio can go in a lot of different directions. If they take Dillingham at five to boost their offense, they should take a player here who improves another weak spot. The Spurs are bottom-six in the league this season in terms of opponent points allowed, and Stephon Castle would be a huge help. Though listed as a PG, he is less of a ballhandler and more of a wing (so he wouldn't interfere with Dillingham). Castle is one of the best defenders in the class; his length and the energy he plays with make him tough to get around and switchable on the perimeter. He's very inconsistent as a shooter, but can score at the rim and be a playmaker for his teammates.
Pick 8 - Memphis Grizzlies
Dalton Knecht - SG/SF
23 - 6'6" - 203lb - Tennessee
Knecht is another big riser due to his strong play in the tournament, including a 37-point game in the loss against Purdue. As one of the oldest prospects in the class, Knecht has one of the most well-rounded offensive games in the class. The three-level scorer averaged 22ppg on 40% from three this season. He's always moving, and can score off the catch of off the dribble. Knecht is also a strong finisher at the rim. He's not a great defender by any means, but could provide Memphis with some scoring punch in their bounce-back season next year.
Pick 9 - Utah Jazz
Matas Buzelis - PF/SF
19 - 6'11" - 195lb - G-League Ignite
The Jazz are another team that will likely be selling vets this offseason and seeking more foundational pieces for their rebuild. Buzelis is arguably the best prospect available (Williams, Holland) and has one of the highest ceilings in the class. Similar to Risacher, he is a raw prospect but has the frame that NBA scouts love. Although he was a bad perimeter shooter this season, his smooth jumper and shot-creation skills give reason to believe he can improve. Playing in the G-League also comes with tougher competition than college, so the benefit of the doubt should come into play.
Pick 10 - Houston Rockets
Cody Williams - SG/SF
19 - 6'8" - 180lb - Colorado
Williams is coming off an efficient season for Colorado, scoring 12ppg on 55% from the field, including 42% from three (albeit on low volume). The Rockets were one of the least efficient teams this season and could use a consistent scorer like him, although Williams might have a tougher time getting his way without bulking up a bit. He has solid length and potential to defend at a high level in the league. Overall, 3&D wings are in high demand in today's NBA, and Williams could fill that role.
Pick 11 - Chicago Bulls
Ron Holland - PF/SF
18 - 6'8" - 195lb - G-League Ignite
Entering the season, Holland was viewed as a top-two prospect in the class, but due to poor play in the G-League (similar to Buzelis), he slid down the rankings. That being said, he still has one of the highest ceilings out of any prospect left on the board. Chicago is in an interesting situation right now; they have a lot of assets but haven't committed to a rebuild. If they decide to go that route, it would give Holland (one of the youngest prospects in the whole class) a lot of time to develop offensively. He's already a great defender that's laterally quick and switchable, so his potential on that end on the floor is immense.
Pick 12 - Oklahoma City Thunder
Kyle Filipowski - C/PF
20 - 7'0" - 230lb - Duke
The Thunder have their core of the future, so they're really just drafting for a backup here. If the Thunder don't end up signing a backup center with all their cap space this offseason, Filipowski would be serviceable. He's a true team player; he doesn't need to ball and does all the small things to help out. He's a solid passer, rebounder, screener, and even ballhandler. Filipowski also plays physically on defense. There is also potential for him to become a floor spacer as he shot 35% from three this season.
Pick 13 - Portland Trail Blazers
Tidjane Salaun - PF/SF
18 - 6'9" - 212lb - France
With their second lottery pick of the draft, Portland can afford to take a risk here. Salaun is one of the youngest prospects in the draft, and probably the rawest, too. Despite defending with a lot of physicality, he isn't great on the perimeter and will need time to develop his skills. This season, Salaun has shot 35% from three and 76% from the line, which once again isn't great but does show promise that he can improve. Overall, he's sloppy and needs to improve his fundamentals, but a solid NBA development staff could do wonders with him.
Pick 14 - Los Angeles Lakers
Isaiah Collier - PG/SG
19 - 6'5" - 210lb - USC
The Pelicans are expected to give this pick back to the Lakers and take their '25 pick instead. In that case, the Lakers should take Collier. He was a consensus top-two pick entering this season that started slow but really picked it up towards the end of the year. Playing with superstar veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis would jumpstart his growth and help him reach his true potential. The bulky, physical PG plays good defense and creates solid looks for his teammates. And yes, it is just a coincidence that he plays basketball in LA already and is Bronny's teammate.
Pick 15 - Miami Heat
Ja'Kobe Walter - SG/PG
19 - 6'5" - 195lb - Baylor
Walter is the best prospect available at this point, so Miami should scoop him up if he actually falls this far. The Heat were one of the lowest-scoring teams this season, so a three-level scorer like Walter could make an impact right away. The freshman can drive into the lane and finish strong, and he also has a smooth jumper. The efficiency wasn't there this season, but that could be partly due to being the first scoring option on his team. Lower volume on the Heat and better playmakers could change things. Walter is also a physical defender that can guard multiple positions with his 6'10" wingspan.
Pick 16 - Philadelphia 76ers
Jared McCain - PG/SG
20 - 6'3" - 197lb - Duke
McCain was one of the stars of the tournament, showing off his sharpshooting abilities before Duke was ousted in the Elite Eight. He finished the season averaged 14ppg and 41% from deep, while also shooting almost 89% (!!) from the line. So the jumper is there, although the inside scoring isn't just yet. On defense, he plays physically on-ball, but being undersized might hurt him at the next level. Philly needs ballhandler depth, and McCain can provide that.
Pick 17 - Atlanta Hawks
Devin Carter - PG/SG
22 - 6'3" - 195lb - Providence
At least one of Trae Young or Dejounte Murray could be on the move this offseason, which will increase Atlanta's need for another guard. Plus, after taking a raw prospect in Risacher at three, the Hawks could opt for a more NBA-ready prospect here. Devin Carter is the best guard (and arguably, prospect) available, and would satisfy both of those needs. The junior averaged almost 20ppg this season and shot 38% from three, while also grabbing almost 9 (!!) rebounds a contest, all as a 6'3" guard. He's a pest on defense as well, playing bigger than his frame.
Pick 18 - Toronto Raptors
Tyler Smith - PF/SF
19 - 6'11" - 224lb - G-League Ignite
Toronto blew it up at the deadline this season, but unfortunately project to miss out on their top-six protected first-rounder. They do have this pick from the Pacers, though, and can afford to take a risk on a project player like Tyler Smith. He's a tall forward that can use his size to shoot over the top of defenders with his nice looking jumpshot. For a team like Toronto that has one of the worst 3P% in the league, he could be a helpful pickup. His 7'1" wingpsan should be appealing to the Raptors and their solid development staff as well, as it gives him the ability to become a good defender in the future.
Pick 19 - Cleveland Cavaliers
Yves Missi - C
19 - 7'0" - 235lb - Baylor
Missi is probably the best prospect available here, and the Cavs need a backup big for next season, so this works out perfectly. He's a great defender on the interior, averaging 1.5bpg in just 23 minutes. Despite being a seven-footer, Missi is quick and switchable on the perimeter. With great defenders like Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen on the roster, Missi can receive elite mentorship and jumpstart his development. Offensively, he's good for lobs and inside scoring, but that's about it.
Pick 20 - Phoenix Suns
Ryan Dunn - SF/SG
21 - 6'8" - 208lb - Virginia
The Suns already have their scorers in KD, Booker, and Beal, so what they really need is someone who can play lockdown defense next to them. Ryan Dunn, although a complete nonfactor on offense, is one of the best defenders in the class and would be a smart pick for Phoenix. He's a tall wing with a 7'1" wingspan, allowing him to stay in front of his man and switch when needed, even into the paint (he averaged 2bpg this season). Dunn is quick and possesses high basketball IQ, but as mentioned before, he doesn't show any potential as a shooter whatsoever.
Pick 21 - Orlando Magic
Kyshawn George - SF/SG
20 - 6'8" - 205lb - Miami
Kyshawn George is one of the best shooters in the class and would be a great fit with this team that attempts the second-fewest three-pointers in the league (and is bottom-10 in 3P%). He shot 41% from deep and 78% from the line this year, and he has a pretty jumper. George doesn't shoot within the arc very often, though, and his efficiency isn't great there. On defense, he plays hard, but will need to bulk up and use his length better to become serviceable in the NBA.
Pick 22 - New Orleans Pelicans
Kevin McCullar Jr - SG/SF
23 - 6'6" - 200lb - Kansas
New Orleans could use some extra depth as they try to contend next season, and McCullar is one of the most NBA-ready players in the class. The fifth-year senior had a great season at Kansas, making a big scoring leap to 18ppg from 11ppg the previous year. He can score efficiently on all three levels and play smart. His defensive prowess is intriguing too, as he plays with great effort and physicality on that end of the floor. Every team wants another 3&D role player to help them contend.
Pick 23 - New York Knicks
Johnny Furphy - SG/SF
19 - 6'9" - 202lb - Kansas
Although he ended in quite a slump, Furphy showed flashes of being a great outside shooter this season, while scoring efficiently inside the arc and at the rom, too. He moves without the ball and sets himself up for open catch-and-shoot looks. Furphy is also a good rebounder; he averaged 5rpg in just 24 minutes. Defensively, he needs to improve his fundamentals, but he does have the size and effort necessary to become successful on that end of the floor.
Pick 24 - Milwaukee Bucks
Jaylon Tyson - SG/SF
21 - 6'7" - 215lb - California
The Bucks were bottom-10 in points allowed this season and could use an NBA-ready defender for depth. Tyson is a good on-ball defender and is switchable. He has solid awareness, and also rebounds well for a wing at 7rpg. He also brings a solid offensive game, as he averaged nearly 20ppg at Cal this season after an 11ppg season the previous year at Texas Tech. He can create his own shot, hits shots off the catch, and even score in the post. He needs to take better care of the ball, though (averaged 3 turnovers a game).
Pick 25 - New York Knicks
Zach Edey - C
22 - 7'4" - 300lb - Purdue
Zach Edey is one of the most dominant college basketball players of all time. The 7'4" giant is a menace in the paint, averaging 25ppg on 62% from the field. Players have to foul him to stop him, so he ends up shooting 11 FTs a game, making 71% of them. He's also tough to score on in the paint on the other end, swatting 2 shots a game and altering shots with his 7'11" wingspan. But the NBA is a different game. Players are taller, faster, and stronger than they are in college. Scouts aren't sure if Edey will be able to hold up against them, especially if he finds himself outside of the paint on defense.
Pick 26 - Washington Wizards
Bobi Klintman - PF/SF
21 - 6'10" - 235lb - Australia
Washington isn't going to be good anytime soon, so with their second pick of the first round, they can take a chance on a project player like Klintman. He's tall and has a 7'0" wingspan, but he's slender. Gaining some weight would help him become a much better defender, although he is already serviceable and switchable on the perimeter. He's shooting 36% from deep this season and 79% from the line, so there is definitely 3&D potential with Klintman.
Pick 27 - Utah Jazz
DaRon Holmes II - PF/C
21 - 6'10" - 220lb - Dayton
With Kessler taking a step back and Collins clearly not a part of their future plans, the Jazz need another big. Holmes is tall and bulky with a whole lot of athleticism. He is capable of defending on the perimeter and blocking shots inside. On offense, he averaged 20ppg this year on solid efficiency both inside and outside of the arc (59% on twos, 39% on threes). Holmes can set strong screens and finish with power at the rim.
Pick 28 - Denver Nuggets
Kel'el Ware - C/PF
20 - 7'0" - 210lb - Indiana
One of the biggest concerns around Ware is his work ethic, but starting out in a winning environment with a mentor like Jokic could be exactly what he needs. Ware is a freak athlete and lob-threat on offense, but he can also step outside and knock down a three when needed. He shows a lot of potential on offense that an NBA development staff would love. Defensively, Ware is a great shot-blocker (2bpg this season), and he also chases boards (10rpg). He needs to put on weight to hold up on the interior, though.
Pick 29 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Tyler Kolek - PG
23 - 6'3" - 195lb - Marquette
The Timberwolves are one of the best teams in the league this season and will likely target an NBA-ready prospect for depth as they contend next season. Kolek is a senior with high basketball IQ and leadership. He can run an offense in the halfcourt and dish the ball out to his teammates (8apg this season). Kolek can get to the rim and convert with a slithery finish, but he can also space the floor and knockdown threes at a 39% clip. He's an undersized defender but possesses good fundamentals.
Pick 30 - Boston Celtics
Tristan da Silva - PF/SF
23 - 6'9" - 220lb - Colorado
Tristan da Silva is another NBA-ready senior that can provide depth to a contender, and he's arguably the best prospect available here anyway, so Boston should take him with the final pick of the first round. He's a great playmaker for his size and can also convert good looks for himself. He shot almost 40% from three this season and 84% from the line. On defense, he's quick enough to keep up and switch on the perimeter. Overall, da Silva has potential to be a good 3&D role player.
Conclusion
There's my post-March Madness mock draft. In a draft this weak, teams will be drafting based off of fit more often than off of best available talent, so I tried my best to incorporate team needs into each of the picks. Carlton Carrington, Terrence Shannon Jr, Dillon Jones, and Hunter Sallis were some honorable mentions that I feel would go early in the second round in a mock like this.
Until next time...
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