Sixers take one of draft's best shooters in our 1st-round mock

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The Sixers take a shooter and crafty scorer in our first-round mock draft. By Brian Brennan

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1/31
<p>The Sixers have a league-high five picks in Wednesday night's NBA draft, including No. 21.</p>

<p>How will things play out in Daryl Morey's first draft with the team? Here's our final first-round mock draft. </p>

The Sixers have a league-high five picks in Wednesday night's NBA draft, including No. 21.

How will things play out in Daryl Morey's first draft with the team? Here's our final first-round mock draft. 

2/31
<p>I’m not sure if Minnesota will make this pick or trade it, but 6-foot-7 point guards who are elite passers and ball handlers don’t grow on trees. Ball is all those things. He can make threes, but like his brother Lonzo, has a funky release. He also doesn’t have much of a mid-range game right now and often settled for long floaters this season in Australia when he couldn’t get to the rim. There will be growing pains and he may not be much of a scorer right away.</p>

<p>But there's some Penny Hardaway and Ben Simmons potential in being a tall point guard with elite passing ability. He's going to make a ton of highlight passes, especially in the open floor. I’m curious how much he’s going to impact winning.</p>

I’m not sure if Minnesota will make this pick or trade it, but 6-foot-7 point guards who are elite passers and ball handlers don’t grow on trees. Ball is all those things. He can make threes, but like his brother Lonzo, has a funky release. He also doesn’t have much of a mid-range game right now and often settled for long floaters this season in Australia when he couldn’t get to the rim. There will be growing pains and he may not be much of a scorer right away.

But there's some Penny Hardaway and Ben Simmons potential in being a tall point guard with elite passing ability. He's going to make a ton of highlight passes, especially in the open floor. I’m curious how much he’s going to impact winning.

3/31
<p>Golden State is in a great spot with the second pick. The Warriors will choose between adding an elite rookie to their collection of All-Star veterans or using the pick as a trade chip to land a proven commodity. Look for Golden State to hold on to this pick and select Wiseman, who arrived at Memphis a year ago as the top-rated freshman in the country.</p>

<p>He averaged just under 20 points and 11 rebounds in three games before eligibility issues cut his season short. Wiseman's skill set is very enticing. He's 7-foot-1 with a 7-6 wingspan and runs the floor very well. He has the potential to become an elite rim protector at the NBA level.</p>

Golden State is in a great spot with the second pick. The Warriors will choose between adding an elite rookie to their collection of All-Star veterans or using the pick as a trade chip to land a proven commodity. Look for Golden State to hold on to this pick and select Wiseman, who arrived at Memphis a year ago as the top-rated freshman in the country.

He averaged just under 20 points and 11 rebounds in three games before eligibility issues cut his season short. Wiseman's skill set is very enticing. He's 7-foot-1 with a 7-6 wingspan and runs the floor very well. He has the potential to become an elite rim protector at the NBA level.

4/31
<p>Edwards is a flat-out scorer, but it took him a ton of volume to get his 19.1 points per game as a freshman at Georgia. He can get wherever he wants on the floor and has an explosive first step. His shooting percentages weren't very good (40.2 field goal percentage, 29.4 percent from three), but he was asked to carry the team offensively. He’s a streaky shooter but does have three-point range. Edwards made some flashy passes but only averaged 2.8 assists despite having the ball a ton. There's some bust potential here. But if there’s even a small chance of stardom, Charlotte should jump on it because that franchise needs a jolt.</p>

Edwards is a flat-out scorer, but it took him a ton of volume to get his 19.1 points per game as a freshman at Georgia. He can get wherever he wants on the floor and has an explosive first step. His shooting percentages weren't very good (40.2 field goal percentage, 29.4 percent from three), but he was asked to carry the team offensively. He’s a streaky shooter but does have three-point range. Edwards made some flashy passes but only averaged 2.8 assists despite having the ball a ton. There's some bust potential here. But if there’s even a small chance of stardom, Charlotte should jump on it because that franchise needs a jolt.

5/31
<p>The Bulls don’t have enough good players to worry about fit with their current roster. They can take Haliburton and either move Zach LaVine or figure out how to make LaVine, Haliburton and Coby White work together. Haliburton has good height for a point guard at 6-foot-5, with a skinny frame and long strides that make him a blur in the open court. He also has an advanced feel for the game for someone who played just two seasons in college.</p>

<p>He’s not on LaMelo Ball’s level as a passer, but he’s not that far off. Defensively, if you throw a lazy pass anywhere near him, he will get a hand on it, averaging 2.5 steals per game this season. He kind of pushes his jump shot, but he's made 42.6 percent of 237 three-point attempts in two seasons at Iowa State and will shoot them from crazy-deep range. Still, can't think of many NBA guys whose jump shot looks like Haliburton's. We’ll see how it translates at the next level.</p>

The Bulls don’t have enough good players to worry about fit with their current roster. They can take Haliburton and either move Zach LaVine or figure out how to make LaVine, Haliburton and Coby White work together. Haliburton has good height for a point guard at 6-foot-5, with a skinny frame and long strides that make him a blur in the open court. He also has an advanced feel for the game for someone who played just two seasons in college.

He’s not on LaMelo Ball’s level as a passer, but he’s not that far off. Defensively, if you throw a lazy pass anywhere near him, he will get a hand on it, averaging 2.5 steals per game this season. He kind of pushes his jump shot, but he's made 42.6 percent of 237 three-point attempts in two seasons at Iowa State and will shoot them from crazy-deep range. Still, can't think of many NBA guys whose jump shot looks like Haliburton's. We’ll see how it translates at the next level.

6/31
<p>Cleveland is another team that can’t worry about fit right now. Toppin plays the same position as Kevin Love, but Love is not the Cavaliers’ future. The National College Player of the Year, Toppin is an outstanding pick-and-roll big man who is an explosive leaper finishing lob passes. He’s a good finisher with either hand and will be able to post smaller defenders and score. He’s also an excellent cutter with a quick first step and a good passer from the high post.</p>

<p>Toppin had very strong shooting numbers the season — 63.3 percent from the field and 39 percent from three. He played mostly center at Dayton and, judging by his college clips, he may struggle to move laterally when switched onto quick guards and forwards in the NBA. He made the corner three in college and should be able to do the same at the next level. Reminds me of Atlanta's John Collins. He's also the same age as Collins (22), which may limit his upside in some teams' eyes.</p>

Cleveland is another team that can’t worry about fit right now. Toppin plays the same position as Kevin Love, but Love is not the Cavaliers’ future. The National College Player of the Year, Toppin is an outstanding pick-and-roll big man who is an explosive leaper finishing lob passes. He’s a good finisher with either hand and will be able to post smaller defenders and score. He’s also an excellent cutter with a quick first step and a good passer from the high post.

Toppin had very strong shooting numbers the season — 63.3 percent from the field and 39 percent from three. He played mostly center at Dayton and, judging by his college clips, he may struggle to move laterally when switched onto quick guards and forwards in the NBA. He made the corner three in college and should be able to do the same at the next level. Reminds me of Atlanta's John Collins. He's also the same age as Collins (22), which may limit his upside in some teams' eyes.

7/31
<p>Assuming the Hawks don’t trade this pick to try to get a veteran to speed up their timeline, Okoro would give them the perimeter defender they need. A bullishly strong 6-foot-6 forward, Okoro is an elite on-ball defender with outstanding lateral quickness and the ability to contest shots. He’s an explosive athlete that will dunk on defenders in traffic. He’s an excellent driver and finisher and really knows how to attack the basket.</p>

<p>Okoro reminds me a ton of Jimmy Butler in finding ways to score in the half court without a consistent three-point shot (28.9 percent from three as a freshman at Auburn). Okoro is the kind of guy who makes winning plays all over the floor, getting putbacks and keeping balls alive on the offensive glass. If he can make threes in the NBA, he has star potential.</p>

Assuming the Hawks don’t trade this pick to try to get a veteran to speed up their timeline, Okoro would give them the perimeter defender they need. A bullishly strong 6-foot-6 forward, Okoro is an elite on-ball defender with outstanding lateral quickness and the ability to contest shots. He’s an explosive athlete that will dunk on defenders in traffic. He’s an excellent driver and finisher and really knows how to attack the basket.

Okoro reminds me a ton of Jimmy Butler in finding ways to score in the half court without a consistent three-point shot (28.9 percent from three as a freshman at Auburn). Okoro is the kind of guy who makes winning plays all over the floor, getting putbacks and keeping balls alive on the offensive glass. If he can make threes in the NBA, he has star potential.

8/31
<p>The son of former Penn State forward De’Ron Hayes, Killian grew up in France and has been playing professionally in Germany. He’s a lefty, 6-foot-5 point guard with excellent court vision and passing instincts. Hayes is not an explosive athlete but plays in control and is a good decision-maker in pick-and-roll situations. He’s also got a nice bag of tricks, with step-back threes and off-the-dribble pull-ups already in his game.</p>

<p>In 10 EuroCup games this season, Hayes shot 45.5 percent from the floor, 39 percent from three-point range and 90.9 percent from the free throw line. However, he only shot 21.8 percent from three in 20 games in the German BBL.</p>

<p>A player who went against Hayes in the EuroCup this season gave me this scouting report: “He really has talent and has a lot of upside. Confident, fearless and from the outside looking in, seems like he really wants to learn the game.”</p>

The son of former Penn State forward De’Ron Hayes, Killian grew up in France and has been playing professionally in Germany. He’s a lefty, 6-foot-5 point guard with excellent court vision and passing instincts. Hayes is not an explosive athlete but plays in control and is a good decision-maker in pick-and-roll situations. He’s also got a nice bag of tricks, with step-back threes and off-the-dribble pull-ups already in his game.

In 10 EuroCup games this season, Hayes shot 45.5 percent from the floor, 39 percent from three-point range and 90.9 percent from the free throw line. However, he only shot 21.8 percent from three in 20 games in the German BBL.

A player who went against Hayes in the EuroCup this season gave me this scouting report: “He really has talent and has a lot of upside. Confident, fearless and from the outside looking in, seems like he really wants to learn the game.”

9/31
<p>A skilled 6-foot-8 forward, Avdija was MVP of the European U20 Championship last season, averaging 18.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.1 steals and 2.4 blocks per game. And leading Israel to the title. He’s an excellent passer for a player his size, both in the open court and in the half court. Avdija is most often compared to Danilo Gallinari, which makes a lot of sense as a big, skilled wing who has been dominant in his age group internationally.</p>

<p>He only averaged 4.0 points this season in the EuroLeague, which is the second-best league in the world. In the Israeli Super League, where the competition is not as great, Avdija scored 13.5 points per game and shot 38.7 percent from the three-point line this season. One big red flag: he's been a bad free throw shooter, making just 58 percent this season. Avdija plays with a passion reminiscent of Dario Saric, and he’ll be a huge fan favorite in New York if he hits his ceiling.</p>

A skilled 6-foot-8 forward, Avdija was MVP of the European U20 Championship last season, averaging 18.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.1 steals and 2.4 blocks per game. And leading Israel to the title. He’s an excellent passer for a player his size, both in the open court and in the half court. Avdija is most often compared to Danilo Gallinari, which makes a lot of sense as a big, skilled wing who has been dominant in his age group internationally.

He only averaged 4.0 points this season in the EuroLeague, which is the second-best league in the world. In the Israeli Super League, where the competition is not as great, Avdija scored 13.5 points per game and shot 38.7 percent from the three-point line this season. One big red flag: he's been a bad free throw shooter, making just 58 percent this season. Avdija plays with a passion reminiscent of Dario Saric, and he’ll be a huge fan favorite in New York if he hits his ceiling.

10/31
<p>The Wizards will be dancing in their draft room if this scenario plays out. Okongwu has the potential to be an elite pick-and-roll defender with the quick feet and athleticism to recover and contest the roll man in the lane. At 6-foot-9 with a strong frame, there are shades of Bam Adebayo defensively.</p>

<p>Okongwu also has the potential to be an excellent roll man. He averaged 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in his one season at USC. He’ll occasionally show off a Joel Embiid-style face up and swing-through move, though it's nowhere near as polished as Embiid’s. Okongwu would upgrade Washington’s defense immediately, even with the usual rookie learning curve.</p>

The Wizards will be dancing in their draft room if this scenario plays out. Okongwu has the potential to be an elite pick-and-roll defender with the quick feet and athleticism to recover and contest the roll man in the lane. At 6-foot-9 with a strong frame, there are shades of Bam Adebayo defensively.

Okongwu also has the potential to be an excellent roll man. He averaged 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in his one season at USC. He’ll occasionally show off a Joel Embiid-style face up and swing-through move, though it's nowhere near as polished as Embiid’s. Okongwu would upgrade Washington’s defense immediately, even with the usual rookie learning curve.

11/31
<p>The 6-foot-8 Williams makes a lot of sense for the Suns, who retained their first-round pick this year in the Chris Paul trade. His situation reminds me of Jaylen Brown’s a few years ago: mega-recruit whose pedestrian college statistics didn’t hurt his draft stock. Williams came off the bench for the ACC champion Seminoles, averaging 9.2 points in 22.5 minutes per game. A one-and-done freshman who showed outstanding defensive skills in the paint, Williams is a quick, explosive leaper. He is an excellent weak-side shot blocker and will contest shots at the rim.</p>

<p>Offensively, he’s a work in progress. He only shot 32 percent from three-point range but was an 83.8 percent free throw shooter. Williams has a little bit of a pull-up jumper, but I’m not sure how much of a half-court scorer he’ll be right away. He’s one of the youngest players in the draft and the athletic tools are all there.</p>

The 6-foot-8 Williams makes a lot of sense for the Suns, who retained their first-round pick this year in the Chris Paul trade. His situation reminds me of Jaylen Brown’s a few years ago: mega-recruit whose pedestrian college statistics didn’t hurt his draft stock. Williams came off the bench for the ACC champion Seminoles, averaging 9.2 points in 22.5 minutes per game. A one-and-done freshman who showed outstanding defensive skills in the paint, Williams is a quick, explosive leaper. He is an excellent weak-side shot blocker and will contest shots at the rim.

Offensively, he’s a work in progress. He only shot 32 percent from three-point range but was an 83.8 percent free throw shooter. Williams has a little bit of a pull-up jumper, but I’m not sure how much of a half-court scorer he’ll be right away. He’s one of the youngest players in the draft and the athletic tools are all there.

12/31
<p>Bey just <em>feels </em>like a Spurs pick. At 6-foot-8, 215 pounds, he should be able to handle the power forward position in the NBA. Bey exploded as a sophomore at Villanova, scoring 16.1 points per game and shooting 45.1 percent from three-point range. Bey is also strong enough to take advantage of smaller defenders if he gets a mismatch. I was most impressed by his ability to hit tough shots late in the shot clock and with defenders draped over him.</p>

Bey just feels like a Spurs pick. At 6-foot-8, 215 pounds, he should be able to handle the power forward position in the NBA. Bey exploded as a sophomore at Villanova, scoring 16.1 points per game and shooting 45.1 percent from three-point range. Bey is also strong enough to take advantage of smaller defenders if he gets a mismatch. I was most impressed by his ability to hit tough shots late in the shot clock and with defenders draped over him.

13/31
<p>Vassell reminds me of Robert Covington with a mid-range game, a fluid 6-foot-7 athlete who can get deflections and finish with authority in transition. One of the best shooters in the draft, Vassell shot over 41 percent from three-point range in both seasons at Florida State. Very smooth offensive player who can dribble into jumpers or catch and shoot. I’ve seen him described as a “3-and-D” guy, but I think he could be a pure two-guard if a team wanted to use him that way. Sacramento could use more two-way players and Vassell has that potential.</p>

Vassell reminds me of Robert Covington with a mid-range game, a fluid 6-foot-7 athlete who can get deflections and finish with authority in transition. One of the best shooters in the draft, Vassell shot over 41 percent from three-point range in both seasons at Florida State. Very smooth offensive player who can dribble into jumpers or catch and shoot. I’ve seen him described as a “3-and-D” guy, but I think he could be a pure two-guard if a team wanted to use him that way. Sacramento could use more two-way players and Vassell has that potential.

14/31
<p>The best pure shooter in the draft, period. Nesmith averaged 23 points and made an incredible 52.2 percent of his three-pointers as a sophomore at Vanderbilt on over eight attempts per game. That’s Buddy Hield-type stuff, and that’s who Nesmith resembles when you watch his highlights.</p>

<p>There are a couple red flags, though: Nesmith only had 13 assists in 14 games before his season was cut short with a foot injury. Because that injury came after just one SEC game, he put up his gaudy scoring numbers against mid-to-low major competition. Still, every team in the NBA could use an athletic 6-foot-6 wing who can shoot like Nesmith.</p>

The best pure shooter in the draft, period. Nesmith averaged 23 points and made an incredible 52.2 percent of his three-pointers as a sophomore at Vanderbilt on over eight attempts per game. That’s Buddy Hield-type stuff, and that’s who Nesmith resembles when you watch his highlights.

There are a couple red flags, though: Nesmith only had 13 assists in 14 games before his season was cut short with a foot injury. Because that injury came after just one SEC game, he put up his gaudy scoring numbers against mid-to-low major competition. Still, every team in the NBA could use an athletic 6-foot-6 wing who can shoot like Nesmith.

15/31
<p>Danny Ainge has a thing for guys who were top high school recruits and Maxey fits the bill. At 6-foot-3, he’s most likely to be a point or combo guard in the NBA. He has a nice Tony Parker-style floater game, which he can get to with a quick first step. Maxey shot only 29.2 percent from three-point range but the mechanics looks good. The fact that he shot 83.3 percent from the free throw line bodes well for his ability to become a decent long-range shooter.</p>

<p>He had some of his best games against the top opponents on Kentucky’s schedule, scoring 27 points against Louisville and 26 against Michigan State. Maxey is one of those guys who makes a lot of winning plays.</p>

Danny Ainge has a thing for guys who were top high school recruits and Maxey fits the bill. At 6-foot-3, he’s most likely to be a point or combo guard in the NBA. He has a nice Tony Parker-style floater game, which he can get to with a quick first step. Maxey shot only 29.2 percent from three-point range but the mechanics looks good. The fact that he shot 83.3 percent from the free throw line bodes well for his ability to become a decent long-range shooter.

He had some of his best games against the top opponents on Kentucky’s schedule, scoring 27 points against Louisville and 26 against Michigan State. Maxey is one of those guys who makes a lot of winning plays.

16/31
<p>Lewis is a 6-foot-3, 170-pound scoring point guard who filled up the box score as a sophomore at Alabama, averaging 18.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists. He has elite speed in transition and is a natural scorer. He made 36.6 percent of his three-pointers on nearly five attempts per game. He’s a bit on the skinny side, which could be a problem defensively and finishing in traffic against NBA defenders. Alabama often gave him the ball and let him take his man off the dribble while the other four players spread the floor. He’ll have to adjust to NBA systems where he isn’t always the focal point. But he’s a nice piece to pair with Markelle Fultz, Chuma Okeke and Jonathan Isaac among Orlando’s young core.</p>

Lewis is a 6-foot-3, 170-pound scoring point guard who filled up the box score as a sophomore at Alabama, averaging 18.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists. He has elite speed in transition and is a natural scorer. He made 36.6 percent of his three-pointers on nearly five attempts per game. He’s a bit on the skinny side, which could be a problem defensively and finishing in traffic against NBA defenders. Alabama often gave him the ball and let him take his man off the dribble while the other four players spread the floor. He’ll have to adjust to NBA systems where he isn’t always the focal point. But he’s a nice piece to pair with Markelle Fultz, Chuma Okeke and Jonathan Isaac among Orlando’s young core.

17/31
<p>This pick is reportedly heading to the Rockets in the deal to send Robert Covington to Portland. With a new coach and GM in charge in Houston, Mike D’Antoni’s extreme version of small ball is out and the franchise needs a young big man. Achiuwa was extremely productive in his lone season at Memphis, averaging 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, winning the AAC Player of the Year award. He has good hands catching post feeds and goes up with the ball quickly, but his biggest value will come defensively and on the glass.</p>

This pick is reportedly heading to the Rockets in the deal to send Robert Covington to Portland. With a new coach and GM in charge in Houston, Mike D’Antoni’s extreme version of small ball is out and the franchise needs a young big man. Achiuwa was extremely productive in his lone season at Memphis, averaging 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, winning the AAC Player of the Year award. He has good hands catching post feeds and goes up with the ball quickly, but his biggest value will come defensively and on the glass.

18/31
<p>One of the top U.S. high school players in his class, Hampton decided to play professionally in the Australian NBL and his season was a bit of a mixed bag. Unlike LaMelo Ball, who played with a ton of freedom on by far the worst team in that league, Hampton had to fit into a role on one of the better teams in the NBL. Hampton’s modest numbers — 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 22 minutes per game — need to be taken in that context.</p>

<p>There’s a lot to like with Hampton. He’s unbelievably fast in the open floor, both with the ball and running as a wing on the fast break. The Tmberwolves could use an adult, but the talent here is too great to pass up.</p>

One of the top U.S. high school players in his class, Hampton decided to play professionally in the Australian NBL and his season was a bit of a mixed bag. Unlike LaMelo Ball, who played with a ton of freedom on by far the worst team in that league, Hampton had to fit into a role on one of the better teams in the NBL. Hampton’s modest numbers — 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 22 minutes per game — need to be taken in that context.

There’s a lot to like with Hampton. He’s unbelievably fast in the open floor, both with the ball and running as a wing on the fast break. The Tmberwolves could use an adult, but the talent here is too great to pass up.

19/31
<p>This will break some Sixers fans' hearts, but the fit here is just too good. Bane is one of the best shooters in the draft and it’s easy to see him working around screens and knocking down threes created by Luka Doncic. Bane is an extremely strong 6-foot-6 shooting guard who shot 44.2 percent from three-point range in his senior season. The fact that he’s 22 years old could be a plus for a Dallas team that is a contender right now.</p>

This will break some Sixers fans' hearts, but the fit here is just too good. Bane is one of the best shooters in the draft and it’s easy to see him working around screens and knocking down threes created by Luka Doncic. Bane is an extremely strong 6-foot-6 shooting guard who shot 44.2 percent from three-point range in his senior season. The fact that he’s 22 years old could be a plus for a Dallas team that is a contender right now.

20/31
<p>NBA teams will have to determine how to judge Anthony’s role in a nightmare season for UNC. He averaged 4.0 assists and 3.5 turnovers per game, though perhaps better talent around him would’ve helped on both counts. Still, he made a ton of questionable decisions, even in the open floor. Anthony shot just 38 percent from the field, though opponents were always keying on him because UNC had no other perimeter threat.</p>

<p>On the positive side, Anthony can get his own shot against just about anyone. The form on his three-point shot looks solid (34.8 percent at UNC) and he projects to be able to make defenders pay when they go under on pick-and-rolls. He’ll have time to develop with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving running the show in Brooklyn.</p>

NBA teams will have to determine how to judge Anthony’s role in a nightmare season for UNC. He averaged 4.0 assists and 3.5 turnovers per game, though perhaps better talent around him would’ve helped on both counts. Still, he made a ton of questionable decisions, even in the open floor. Anthony shot just 38 percent from the field, though opponents were always keying on him because UNC had no other perimeter threat.

On the positive side, Anthony can get his own shot against just about anyone. The form on his three-point shot looks solid (34.8 percent at UNC) and he projects to be able to make defenders pay when they go under on pick-and-rolls. He’ll have time to develop with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving running the show in Brooklyn.

21/31
<p>Smith projects as a stretch four/small-ball five in the NBA at 6-foot-10. As a sophomore at Maryland this season, Smith shot 36.8 percent from three-point range on nearly three attempts per game and is a consistent mid-range jump shooter. Smith averaged 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks this season, so he brings value on the backboards and protecting the rim.</p>

<p>Like a lot of guys his size, he’ll have to prove he can consistently hit that jumper to become a mainstay in an NBA rotation. It’s a Serge Ibaka kind of skill set if everything works out.</p>

Smith projects as a stretch four/small-ball five in the NBA at 6-foot-10. As a sophomore at Maryland this season, Smith shot 36.8 percent from three-point range on nearly three attempts per game and is a consistent mid-range jump shooter. Smith averaged 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks this season, so he brings value on the backboards and protecting the rim.

Like a lot of guys his size, he’ll have to prove he can consistently hit that jumper to become a mainstay in an NBA rotation. It’s a Serge Ibaka kind of skill set if everything works out.

22/31
<p>A bit of a surprise one-and-done at Stanford, Terry is one of the best shooters in the draft and we all know the Sixers need shooting. The 6-foot-2 Terry shot 40.8 percent from three-point range and 89.1 percent from the free throw line. He’s not just a shooter and is shifty getting into the lane and can finish in traffic. There’s some CJ McCollum-like potential as a crafty scorer if he can add some more muscle.</p>

<p>This is a nice fit for both team and player. Terry has the chance to be the backup point guard and replace the shooting lost when Landry Shamet was traded to the Clippers.</p>

A bit of a surprise one-and-done at Stanford, Terry is one of the best shooters in the draft and we all know the Sixers need shooting. The 6-foot-2 Terry shot 40.8 percent from three-point range and 89.1 percent from the free throw line. He’s not just a shooter and is shifty getting into the lane and can finish in traffic. There’s some CJ McCollum-like potential as a crafty scorer if he can add some more muscle.

This is a nice fit for both team and player. Terry has the chance to be the backup point guard and replace the shooting lost when Landry Shamet was traded to the Clippers.

23/31
<p>Green is a bouncy 6-foot-6 wing from Australia who showed solid two-way potential as a freshman for Arizona. He’s excellent in transition and can really fill the lane on the fast break and finish. He shows a decent mid-range game and is a capable three-point shooter (36.1 percent) and good free throw shooter (78 percent). Green reminds me of OKC’s Terrance Ferguson with a 3-and-D skill set but not much off-the-dribble scoring at this point.</p>

Green is a bouncy 6-foot-6 wing from Australia who showed solid two-way potential as a freshman for Arizona. He’s excellent in transition and can really fill the lane on the fast break and finish. He shows a decent mid-range game and is a capable three-point shooter (36.1 percent) and good free throw shooter (78 percent). Green reminds me of OKC’s Terrance Ferguson with a 3-and-D skill set but not much off-the-dribble scoring at this point.

24/31
<p>The Jazz need a young point guard to eventually replace Mike Conley and Maledon is an excellent prospect at this point in the draft. The 6-foot-5 Frenchman can go left or right on the drive and has a knack for finishing in traffic against bigger defenders. He keeps his head up when he has the ball, allowing him to find open teammates, and is a jet in the open floor. His shot looks smooth, both off the dribble and on the catch.</p>

<p>Maledon is excellent at driving and dishing and making the right decision in those situations. Maledon averaged 7.4 points and 3.1 assists per game, shooting 36.7 percent from three-point range as an 18-year-old in the EuroLeague this season, which is impressive production for his age.</p>

The Jazz need a young point guard to eventually replace Mike Conley and Maledon is an excellent prospect at this point in the draft. The 6-foot-5 Frenchman can go left or right on the drive and has a knack for finishing in traffic against bigger defenders. He keeps his head up when he has the ball, allowing him to find open teammates, and is a jet in the open floor. His shot looks smooth, both off the dribble and on the catch.

Maledon is excellent at driving and dishing and making the right decision in those situations. Maledon averaged 7.4 points and 3.1 assists per game, shooting 36.7 percent from three-point range as an 18-year-old in the EuroLeague this season, which is impressive production for his age.

25/31
<p>The Bucks <a data-timestamp="1605621660" href="https://twitter.com/davidaldridgedc/status/1328565109069926400">reportedly are sending this pick to New Orleans</a> in the deal to acquire Jrue Holiday. The Pelicans get a developmental shooting guard in Ramsey, who looks like a young Russell Westbrook but is a very different player.</p>

<p>While Westbrook has always done most of his damage on ferocious drives to the rim, Ramsey likes to play on the perimeter, shooting 42.6 percent from three-point range as a freshman for the Red Raiders. Ramsey doesn’t show off much of a mid-range game, but you could argue that those aren’t the best shots for him anyway with the way he can shoot the three.</p>

The Bucks reportedly are sending this pick to New Orleans in the deal to acquire Jrue Holiday. The Pelicans get a developmental shooting guard in Ramsey, who looks like a young Russell Westbrook but is a very different player.

While Westbrook has always done most of his damage on ferocious drives to the rim, Ramsey likes to play on the perimeter, shooting 42.6 percent from three-point range as a freshman for the Red Raiders. Ramsey doesn’t show off much of a mid-range game, but you could argue that those aren’t the best shots for him anyway with the way he can shoot the three.

26/31
<p>A 7-footer oozing with potential playing in the Greek second division. Where have we seen something like that before? There’s no doubt that the success of Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to make teams take a hard look at Pokusevski, who is a better ball handler than Antetokounmpo was at the same stage. When you watch his clips, you’ll see Pokusevski lead the break, make deft passes, dribble into jumpers and take defenders off the dribble with ease.</p>

<p>He is incredibly skilled for a 7-footer and is the youngest player in the draft (he won’t turn 19 years old until Dec. 26). But at 7-feet tall and only 195 pounds, he may need a couple years to get stronger before he’s ready for the NBA. The Thunder have time to wait.</p>

A 7-footer oozing with potential playing in the Greek second division. Where have we seen something like that before? There’s no doubt that the success of Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to make teams take a hard look at Pokusevski, who is a better ball handler than Antetokounmpo was at the same stage. When you watch his clips, you’ll see Pokusevski lead the break, make deft passes, dribble into jumpers and take defenders off the dribble with ease.

He is incredibly skilled for a 7-footer and is the youngest player in the draft (he won’t turn 19 years old until Dec. 26). But at 7-feet tall and only 195 pounds, he may need a couple years to get stronger before he’s ready for the NBA. The Thunder have time to wait.

27/31
<p>Assuming the Celtics take three first-round picks, they’re going to have to take at least one draft-and-stash player. A crafty 6-foot-7 playmaker from Argentina, Bolmaro makes a ton of sense for Boston down the road. Let him develop in Europe and eventually pair him with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in Boston. </p>

Assuming the Celtics take three first-round picks, they’re going to have to take at least one draft-and-stash player. A crafty 6-foot-7 playmaker from Argentina, Bolmaro makes a ton of sense for Boston down the road. Let him develop in Europe and eventually pair him with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in Boston. 

28/31
<p>Flynn would be a great pick for the Knicks this late in the draft, a potential starting point guard of the future. He’d be great running the pick-and-roll with Mitchell Robinson and could also make life easier for RJ Barrett on the offensive end. It’s been a long time since the Knicks had competent point guard play and Flynn is rock-solid.</p>

Flynn would be a great pick for the Knicks this late in the draft, a potential starting point guard of the future. He’d be great running the pick-and-roll with Mitchell Robinson and could also make life easier for RJ Barrett on the offensive end. It’s been a long time since the Knicks had competent point guard play and Flynn is rock-solid.

29/31
<p>McDaniels is a long, 6-foot-9 wing with rare ball handling skills for a player his size. When you watch his highlights, he looks like a young Paul George. His pull-up jumper is almost unguardable with his height. So, with all that talent, why is McDaniels outside the lottery? Well, he was benched late in Pac-12 conference play, at a time when he led the league in turnovers and personal fouls, showing poor decision-making on both ends of the floor. He also was prone to outbursts and technical fouls. McDaniels may be the most boom-or-bust player in the draft. </p>

<p>As part of the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30321409/sources-los-angeles-lakers-talks-acquire-dennis-schroder-oklahoma-city-thunder">reported Dennis Schroder trade</a>, the Lakers will be making this pick for the Thunder.</p>

McDaniels is a long, 6-foot-9 wing with rare ball handling skills for a player his size. When you watch his highlights, he looks like a young Paul George. His pull-up jumper is almost unguardable with his height. So, with all that talent, why is McDaniels outside the lottery? Well, he was benched late in Pac-12 conference play, at a time when he led the league in turnovers and personal fouls, showing poor decision-making on both ends of the floor. He also was prone to outbursts and technical fouls. McDaniels may be the most boom-or-bust player in the draft. 

As part of the reported Dennis Schroder trade, the Lakers will be making this pick for the Thunder.

30/31
<p>The Raptors love tenacious defenders. Enter Jones, the ACC Player of the Year, whose calling card is on-ball defense. At 6-foot-3, he has great anticipation and can make game-changing plays on the defensive end of the floor. Jones made huge strides offensively this season at Duke, scoring 16.2 points per game and shooting 36.1 percent from three-point range. If he keeps improving on that end, he has a shot to be a starting point guard down the road.</p>

The Raptors love tenacious defenders. Enter Jones, the ACC Player of the Year, whose calling card is on-ball defense. At 6-foot-3, he has great anticipation and can make game-changing plays on the defensive end of the floor. Jones made huge strides offensively this season at Duke, scoring 16.2 points per game and shooting 36.1 percent from three-point range. If he keeps improving on that end, he has a shot to be a starting point guard down the road.

31/31
<p>An athletic 6-foot-9 power forward, Reed became an analytics darling as a sophomore at DePaul, stuffing stat sheets with 15.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.9 steals per game. Defensively, Reed reminds me of a slightly thicker Nerlens Noel, with the ability to blow up pick-and-rolls and act as a help-side shot blocker.</p>

<p>He’s particularly adept as closing out to three-point shooters. He projects as one of those forwards who can switch at the top of the key and still get back to the basket to disrupt plays at the rim. That’s a skill set that’s important in today’s NBA.</p>

An athletic 6-foot-9 power forward, Reed became an analytics darling as a sophomore at DePaul, stuffing stat sheets with 15.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.9 steals per game. Defensively, Reed reminds me of a slightly thicker Nerlens Noel, with the ability to blow up pick-and-rolls and act as a help-side shot blocker.

He’s particularly adept as closing out to three-point shooters. He projects as one of those forwards who can switch at the top of the key and still get back to the basket to disrupt plays at the rim. That’s a skill set that’s important in today’s NBA.

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