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Rick Scuteri/Associated Press
As we inch closer to the playoffs, the lottery projections and draft order are becoming easier to picture. The race for the No. 1 overall odds is unbelievably tight, with six teams tied for a league-worst 18 wins.
NBA teams enter the draft targeting who they believe is both the best prospect and fit for their franchise. We picked out every team’s ideal fit based on where they are projected to select (using the current standings) and who we project could be available in that range. For the five teams with the lowest winning percentages, we made every prospect available.
For teams projected to pick at Nos. 6 and 7, we took away our top two prospects as options. And as we progressed deeper down the board, we eliminated even more prospects as options (based on who’s projected to be available).
Projected order based on standings heading into February 14
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Rick Scuteri/Associated Press
Current lottery projection: No. 1 (tied)
Dream fit: Deandre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
Ayton’s draft range: Top two
Luka Doncic will draw heavy consideration from the Mavericks, but the ball belongs to Dennis Smith Jr. in Dallas. Deandre Ayton, who’s in the conversation for the draft’s top prospect, would give their lineup more balance, particularly with Dirk Nowitzki on his last legs and Nerlens Noel’s future in Dallas uncertain.
At 7’1″ and 250 pounds with a 7’5 ½ wingspan, Ayton’s mix of size, strength, length and athleticism is tough to match among NBA centers. The same holds true for his skill set once it’s fully developed.
Ayton has already evolved into both an advanced post scorer and threatening shooter from every level. He’s averaging 19.7 points and has hit 10 three-pointers, 44.4 percent of his medium jumpers and 52.4 percent of his short jumpers.
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Duane Burleson/Associated Press
Current lottery projection: No. 1 (tied)
Dream fit: Jaren Jackson Jr. (Michigan State, PF/C, Freshman)
Jackson’s draft range: Top five
The NBA’s worst defensive team should have the draft’s top defensive prospect highlighted on their board. Jaren Jackson Jr. is blocking 5.9 shots per 40 minutes, a better rate than Mohamed Bamba, who’ll turn 20 years old roughly four months before Jackson turns 19.
Jackson, who’s leading the country in box plus-minus and ranks second in defensive box plus-minus, per Sports Reference, can eventually be a difference-maker for a Phoenix roster that lacks stability up front.
The Suns also rank last in the NBA in three-point percentage, and the 6’11”, 242-pounder with 7’4″ length, is making 44.3 percent of his threes and 79.5 percent of his free throws to boot. As a result, he’s rising higher by the month.
Jackson just went for 27 points with five made threes and three blocks Tuesday against Minnesota. He’s become a dark-horse top-three pick, and even if the Suns win the lottery, they may want to consider moving down a few spots for an obvious talent and dream fit like Jackson.
Second first-round pick projection: No. 15 (via Heat)
Dream fit: Collin Sexton (Alabama, PG/SG, Freshman)
Sexton’s draft range: Nos. 8-14
Erratic shooting and questionable facilitating instincts could cause Sexton to slip outside of the top 10. Phoenix should hope that’s the case.
Sexton would give the Suns an attacking point guard and a quick, physical defender next to Devin Booker.
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Young Kwak/Associated Press
Current lottery projection: No. 1 (tied)
Dream fit: Deandre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
Ayton’s draft range: Top two
The Atlanta Hawks could build around Ayton, who’d finally give them a high-percentage option on offense.
Atlanta ranks last in the league in points out of the post, per NBA.com, and Ayton averages 1.08 points per possession on post-ups, ranking in the 92nd percentile, per Synergy Sports.
Ayton is an athletic, physical presence inside, one who’s capable of creating his own shot from the elbows and short corners and also stepping out and knocking down jumpers (42.9 percent on jump shots, 10 made threes). He has the chance to be a dominant offensive player for a team that doesn’t have any.
Second first-round pick projection (via Timberwolves): No. 24
Dream fit: Troy Brown (Oregon, SG/SF, Freshman)
Brown’s draft range: No. 13-25
Brown continues to improve his game and stock by filling up box scores with rebounds (6.6), assists (3.0), steals (1.5) and threes (1.0). A 6’7″ point-wing and versatile defender, he’d be able to play anywhere from the 1 to the 4 for Atlanta. Depending on how he closes out the season and progresses as a shooter, Brown may not even be available in the 20s.
Third first-round pick projection (via Rockets): No. 29
Dream fit: Landry Shamet (Wichita State, PG, Sophomore)
Shamet’s draft range: Nos. 20-35
One of the top shooters in the draft, Shamet could be a solid find late in the first round. Beyond making 45.6 percent of his threes, he also averages 5.2 assists to 2.0 turnovers, playing the role of high-IQ game manager and shot-maker for Wichita State. He’d compete for minutes as Dennis Schroder’s backup or perhaps his sidekick at the 2.
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Lefteris Pitarakis/Associated Press
Current lottery projection: No. 4 (tied)
Games back of No. 1: 1.0
Dream fit: Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG, 1999)
Doncic’s draft range: Top three
The Sacramento Kings need more than just talent. They need someone to change their identity and culture. That’s why they’ll value Luka Doncic over Arizona’s Deandre Ayton, Duke’s Marvin Bagley III and Texas’ Mohamed Bamba.
Tough and competitive with a sensational basketball IQ, Doncic brings a winning track record and experience against pros that no college prospect can match. At 18 years old, he’s been one of the top players in Euroleague, a more competitive setting compared to the NCAA. And we’ve already seen him produce against NBA names like Kristaps Porzingis, the Gasol Brothers, the Hernangomez brothers, Ricky Rubio and Bogdan Bogdanovic during Eurobasket.
Doncic offers enough versatility to run the show and make the decisions or play alongside De’Aaron Fox, who may be better suited working with a strong passer and shooter in the backcourt.
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Sonia Canada/Getty Images
Current lottery projection: No. 4 (tied)
Games back of No. 1: 1.0
Dream fit: Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG, 1999)
Doncic’s draft range: Top three
Without a starting-caliber floor general on the roster after trading Elfrid Payton, the Orlando Magic should be dreaming about 2018 guards. The front office should favor Doncic, whose physical tools, versatility and production against grown men and pros are more convincing than Trae Young’s under the NBA scouting lens.
With the league moving toward small-ball lineups, adding another big to pair with Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac could be risky.
Doncic would give Orlando a commanding backcourt presence. He’d also be easier to build around compared to Young, who dominates the ball and can’t play any position other than point guard.
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Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Current lottery projection: No. 6
Games back of No. 1: 1.5
Dream fit: Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
Porter’s draft range: Nos. 3-7
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic
Teams drafting in the No. 3-7 range may have a chance to buy low on Michael Porter Jr., who was originally a No. 1 overall candidate before he needed back surgery.
He’s talked about the possibility of returning before the season, per ESPN.com’s Jeff Goodman. The Grizzlies should still be interested in him even if he doesn’t, assuming he checks out medically.
Memphis has needed a scoring wing or forward for years, and Chandler Parsons isn’t fitting the bill. Given the 6’10” Porter’s three-point range and ability to face up and create from behind the arc, he’d fill a hole on the Grizzlies.
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Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press
Current lottery projection: No. 7
Games back of No. 1: 1.0
Dream fit: Jaren Jackson Jr. (Michigan State, PF/C, Freshman)
Jackson’s draft range: Top 5
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic
Trade-deadline moves gave new life to the once-moribund Cleveland Cavaliers. But they could still use a top-tier rim protector, as well as a high-upside teenager to develop once their veterans start to lose steam.
Long, strong and just 18 years old, Jackson has a ridiculous 14.9 percent block rate and shoots 44.3 percent from three. Though he’s limited as a one-on-one scorer, he’s starting to show his ability to shake free with his back to the basket or attack a closeout and make a play off the dribble.
He could go as high as No. 3, but the Nets only have one more win (19) than the six teams tied with the fewest (18). Jackson could be in reach for Cleveland if Brooklyn falls apart down the stretch.
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Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Current lottery projection: No. 8
Dream fit: Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
Porter’s draft range: No. 3-7
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic
A healthy Michael Porter Jr. would be a fit in Chicago. The Bulls rank No. 28 in offensive efficiency and need more than just Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen to carry their offense.
Porter’s 6’10” size, ball skills and perimeter shot-making give him the potential to emerge as a No. 1 option on offense. He’d also give the Bulls lineup flexibility, as they could play small with Markkanen at the 5 and Porter at the 4, or big with Porter on the wing.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Mohamed Bamba could also be targets due to their respective defensive acumen, but Chicago can’t pass on the chance to add a mismatch scorer like Porter, who looked like a potential No. 1 overall pick before he injured his back.
Second first-round pick projection: No. 17 (via Pelicans)
Dream fit: Troy Brown (Oregon, SG/SF, Freshman)
Brown’s draft range: Nos. 13-25
Regardless of who Chicago takes in the lottery, Troy Brown should be a target with the Pelicans’ pick. Their wing trio of Paul Zipser, Denzel Valentine and David Nwaba is one of the weakest in the league, and Zach LaVine is coming off ACL surgery.
Brown, who won’t turn 19 years old until July, checks boxes with his unique mix of 6’7″ size, playmaking, complementary scoring and defensive versatility. The Bulls can play him at the 2 or 3 and even move him to the point or small-ball 4 if they’re looking to mix things up and get creative.
Through four games in February, he’s averaging 17.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 steals and 2.5 assists.
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Laurence Kesterson/Associated Press
Current lottery projection: No. 9
Games back of No. 1: 5.0
Dream fit: Mikal Bridges (Villanova, SF, Junior)
Bridges’ draft range: No. 8-14
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young
Kristaps Porzingis’ ACL tear makes this draft an important one for the New York Knicks. Landing the No. 9 pick would be disappointing, but they can still use it to address a major hole.
Mikal Bridges would add athleticism and defense that the roster sorely lacks, particularly at the wing. He’s the anti-Tim Hardaway—a consistent three-point shooter and efficient scorer with the potential to be a team’s No. 1 defender.
Converting 55.8 percent inside the arc and 40.6 percent behind it, he takes quality shots within the offense and rarely turns the ball over (9.3 percent).
Improvement to his shot-creating and shot-making has pushed Bridges into the top-10 mix.
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Al Goldis/Associated Press
Current lottery projection: No. 10
Games back of No. 1: 6.0
Dream fit: Miles Bridges (Michigan State, SF/PF, Sophomore)
Bridges’ draft range: No. 8-14
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young
The Charlotte Hornets lack weapons at the forward spots. Miles Bridges plays both in college. And he’d give Charlotte’s lineup a jolt of explosiveness, particularly from the 4 over Marvin Williams and Frank Kaminsky.
One of the draft’s bounciest athletes, Bridges is also starting to show signs of development in shot-creating and scoring. Scouts who caught his game-winning, pull-up three-pointer against Purdue on Saturday were treated to an efficient 20 points that showed his growth working off the dribble.
He’s making two threes per game for the second straight year, and after red flags were thrown at his 68.5 percent free-throw mark last year, he’s torn them up by shooting 89.0 percent as a sophomore.
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Brynn Anderson/Associated Press
Current lottery projection: No. 11
Games back of No. 1: 6.5
Dream fit: Collin Sexton (Alabama, PG/SG, Freshman)
Sexton’s draft range: Nos. 8-14
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young
Collin Sexton would benefit from landing in Philadelphia, and the 76ers would be tougher with him.
He could play to his strengths as a scorer alongside Ben Simmons, the team’s ball-dominant facilitator. Sexton wouldn’t have to worry about setting the table. The Sixers would value his secondary ball-handling skills and ability to put pressure on opponents with his attacking, shot-making and defense.
No available 3s, 4s or 5s would be able to overtake Robert Covington, Dario Saric or Joel Embiid any time soon. The Markelle Fultz mystery and JJ Redick’s impending free agency should make Sexton even more attractive to Philadelphia.
Second first-round pick projection: No. 18
Dream fit: Daniel Gafford (Arkansas, C, Freshman)
Gafford’s draft range: Nos. 12-24
Gafford could be a target for the Sixers’ second first-round pick. Trevor Booker and Amir Johnson will be free agents and Philadelphia lacks convincing frontcourt depth.
Gafford is a project, playing just 21.9 minutes a game. But per 40, he’s averaging 21.0 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.6 blocks, shooting 61.3 percent from the floor.
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Sam Craft/Associated Press
Current lottery projection: No. 12
Dream fit: Collin Sexton (Alabama, PG, Freshman)
Games back of No. 1: 10.0
Sexton’s draft range: Nos. 8-14
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young
The Los Angeles Clippers need a point guard. With a chance at having two lottery picks, they should already be heavily scouting Collin Sexton.
Sexton provides some of Patrick Beverley’s toughness, but a lot more firepower in terms of creating and scoring.
Current lottery projection: No. 14 (via Pistons)
Games back of No. 1: 12.5
Dream fit: Robert Williams (Texas A&M, C, Sophomore)
Williams’ draft range: Nos. 10-15
DeAndre Jordan is still a Clipper, but, with no contract extension in sight and the franchise looking to retool, Robert Williams jumps out as a draft target.
Los Angeles won’t downgrade athletically at center. Shooting 67.5 percent inside the arc and blocking 3.7 shots per 40 minutes, Williams is an explosive leaper with big hands, a mix that translates to easy baskets and rim protection.
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Gerry Broome/Associated Press
Current lottery projection: No. 12
Games back of No. 1: 11.5
Dream fit: Wendell Carter Jr. (Utah Jazz, PF/C, Freshman)
Carter’s draft range: Nos. 8-14
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young
Late in the lottery, the Utah Jazz could view Wendell Carter Jr. as the best player available and insurance for Derrick Favors, who’ll be entering free agency over the summer.
Shooting 48.6 percent on jump shots, including 15 of 32 from behind the arc, Carter should be able stretch the floor wider than Favors. But he’ll also provide that inside presence at the 4 or 5, either next to Rudy Gobert or behind him with the second unit.
At 6’10”, 259 pounds, Carter averages 14.0 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per 40 minutes, and he converts at a 69.6 percent rate at the rim. The Jazz may ultimately need to start losing again for a shot to draft Duke’s skilled, physical freshman.
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Sam Craft/Associated Press
First-round pick projection: No. 18 (tied)
Dream fit: Kevin Knox (Kentucky, SF/PF, Freshman)
Knox’s draft range: Nos. 11-18
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young, Mikal Bridges, Miles Bridges, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton
For a chance to draft Kevin Knox, the Portland Trail Blazers may need to lose more games or trade up into the late lottery like they did last year. But they are also only one game better than the Los Angeles Clippers, the last team currently in the lottery projections.
Knox should be a target for a Blazers team that doesn’t generate much offense from the 3 or 4 spots.
The 6’9″ 18-year-old leads Kentucky in scoring (15.0 points per game) and three-pointers made (39). But he also has a pull-up (38.9 percent), post game (7 of 12) and soft runner (17 of 34) in his bag.
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James Crisp/Associated Press
First-round pick projection: No. 18 (tied)
Dream fit: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Kentucky, PG, Freshman)
Gilgeous-Alexander’s draft range: Nos. 11-30
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young, Mikal Bridges, Miles Bridges, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton
After trading Emmanuel Mudiay, the Denver Nuggets will have a hole to fill for next year once Devin Harris’ contract expires.
With Jamal Murray in scoring mode, Denver could value Shai Gilgeous-Alexlander’s defense and playmaking. Using his 6’6″ frame and length, he defends both backcourt positions and averages 1.7 steals. And though not a breakdown, blow-by penetrator, he taps into his shiftiness, hesitation moves and IQ to shake free and set the table for teammates.
Kentucky’s most consistent player, Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a potential top-20 pick for his versatility and efficiency in a draft that lacks exciting guard options outside the lottery.
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Michael Dwyer/Associated Press
First-round pick projection: No. 20 (via Thunder)
Dream fit: Lonnie Walker IV (Florida, SG, Freshman)
Walker’s draft range: Nos. 11-25
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young, Mikal Bridges, Miles Bridges, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton, Robert Williams
The Minnesota Timberwolves lack depth on the wing, and they could use additional perimeter scoring (No. 29 in three-pointers per game).
A flashy athlete with strong size and length, Lonnie Walker IV aces the NBA eye test, even if the early numbers show inconsistency. He has a projectable shooting stroke (1.6 3PTM, 78.3 percent FT) and the athleticism to slash his way to baskets off line drives and open-floor chances.
Walker won’t be a regular rotation player for Minnesota right away, but his off-ball shot-making could come in handy once he’s ready.
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Gregory Payan/Associated Press
First-round pick projection: No. 21
Dream fit: Anfernee Simons (IMG, PG/SG, 1999)
Simons’ draft range: Nos. 15-30
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young, Mikal Bridges, Miles Bridges, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton, Robert Williams
The Indiana Pacers could use forwards, but none expected to be available stand out as can’t-miss options. This would be a good time to reach on a high-upside project in Anfernee Simons, a post-graduate high school star who’ll be testing the NBA waters.
He could also attend college and put the NBA on hold, but the Pacers may want to convince him to stay in the draft.
Even if he needs an entire rookie year in the G League, at No. 21 overall, the long-term potential reward is worth the risk with Simons, who mixes exciting athleticism, ball-handling and perimeter scoring.
The Pacers could attempt to develop him as Darren Collison’s eventual replacement at the point, though sixth man would be a fitting role for him as well, given his shoot-first approach.
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Michael Woods/Associated Press
First-round pick projection: No. 23
Dream fit: Daniel Gafford (Arkansas, C, Freshman)
Gafford’s draft range: Nos. 12-24
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young, Mikal Bridges, Miles Bridges, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton, Robert Williams
The Milwaukee Bucks are loaded with interchangeable players from 1-4, but they don’t have that surefire anchor in the middle.
Gafford could give them another punch of athleticism up front. He ranks in the 99th percentile in transition points per possession (1.625), the 93rd percentile in finishing at the rim (1.455 PPP) and the 87th percentile as a roll man.
The Bucks will value Gafford’s ability to pick up easy baskets and protect the rim (3.6 blocks per 40 minutes), but he’s also flashed enough of a post game (26 of 57) for Milwaukee to feel optimistic about his potential to develop offensively.
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Michael Woods/Associated Press
First-round pick projection: No. 23
Dream fit: Daniel Gafford (Arkansas, C, Freshman)
Gafford’s draft range: Nos. 12-24
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young, Mikal Bridges, Miles Bridges, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton, Robert Williams
Daniel Gafford could be a popular target once the lottery locks are off the board. He’s not a shooter or face-up player, which could cause him to slip, with most teams looking for floor-spacers rather than interior specialists.
But the Washington Wizards lack youth and athleticism at center. The 2018-19 season will be Marcin Gortat’s last under contract. Washington could throw Gafford into the G League next year to build up his reps, skill level and confidence.
Or, they could use him right away for the easy baskets and rim protection his bounce and activity have consistently led to at Arkansas.
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First-round pick projection: No. 25
Dream fit: Dzanan Musa (Bosnia & Herzegovina, SG/SF, 1999)
Draft range: Nos. 15-30
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young, Mikal Bridges, Miles Bridges, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton, Daniel Gafford
At No. 25, the San Antonio Spurs aren’t likely to see anyone who stands out as a surefire sleeper. They could use another big, but the Spurs aren’t the type to draft one because of a lack of depth at a certain position.
If Dzanan Musa is still around, he’d be an ideal draft-and-stash option this late in a shallow first round.
He’s one of the top young scorers overseas, averaging 12.0 points in 22.2 minutes between the Adriatic League, Eurocup and Croatian League.
Depending on how Derrick White pans out, the Spurs may ultimately need another 2-guard or wing. They could let Musa earn big minutes next year in Europe before bringing him over once he’s more physically prepared.
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Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press
First-round pick projection: No. 26 (via Cavaliers)
Dream fit: Mitchell Robinson (USA, C, 1998)
Robinson’s draft range: Nos. 15-30
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young, Mikal Bridges, Miles Bridges, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton, Daniel Gafford
A raw, explosive, 7’1″ blank canvas, Mitchell Robinson is a high-upside play in the 20s, where he could fall after choosing not to play college basketball.
The Los Angeles Lakers can take a risk here, knowing they’ll be looking to fill out their roster with big-name free agents.
They traded Larry Nance Jr. and now lack athleticism up front. Robinson isn’t highly skilled, but he cashes in on easy scoring chances by diving to the basket, rim running and crashing the glass. The Lakers get a steal if they can help him develop a post game and jump shot.
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Abbie Parr/Getty Images
First-round pick projection: No. 27
Dream fit: Keita Bates-Diop (Ohio State, SF/PF, Junior)
Bates-Diop’s draft range: Nos. 15-30
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young, Mikal Bridges, Miles Bridges, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton, Daniel Gafford
Keita Bates-Diop’s breakout season is drawing NBA attention and should earn him first-round looks.
He fits the mold of a typical Boston Celtics target: a forward who can play and guard multiple positions thanks to his size, length and shooting.
Long and 6’7″, 235 pounds, he can score in a number of ways, averaging .933 points per possession on post-ups, 1.094 PPP out of spot-ups, .907 PPP in isolation and 1.167 PPP as a roll man.
His tools and versatility suggest he’s a fit for a positionless system. The Celtics may need a center more, but none available this late look ready to offer anything any time soon.
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Otto Kitsinger/Associated Press
First-round pick projection: No. 28 (via Raptors)
Dream fit: Chandler Hutchison (Boise State, SF, Senior)
Hutchison’s draft range: No. 12-30
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young, Mikal Bridges, Miles Bridges, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton, Daniel Gafford
Arguably the biggest riser of 2018, Chandler Hutchison could start to draw attention much earlier than No. 28. Questions over his shooting may give the Brooklyn Nets a chance, though.
This late, the jumper would be worth gambling on for any team, particularly the Nets, who lack scoring weapons on the wing.
An athletic 6’7″ wing who can be moved around the lineup, Hutchison is averaging 20.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and a career-high 1.4 threes per game. Even if he never develops into a marksman from outside, he should still be able to generate offense as a driver and secondary playmaker.
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Rick Bowmer/Associated Press
First-round pick projection: No. 30
Dream fit: Jontay Porter (Missouri, C, Freshman)
Porter’s draft range: Nos. 15-30
Off-limits: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young, Mikal Bridges, Miles Bridges, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton, Daniel Gafford
It’s unclear if Jontay Porter will make himself eligible for the draft, but the Golden State Warriors would likely show interest if he did.
Though they’ll likely retool with more veterans in the offseason, they could use some depth at the 5. And Porter, 6’11”, 240 pounds, would fit, given his combination of shooting range, shot-blocking and passing instincts.
The pedestrian 8.9 points per game are irrelevant. The Warriors would value his ability to stretch the floor (27 threes) and protect the rim (3.2 blocks per 40 minutes), plus his basketball IQ, which points to role-player potential.
Stats courtesy of Synergy Sports unless otherwise noted.
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