We have been prepping every single day since the start of the college basketball season for this day. It’s NBA Draft Day!! Because of that, we wanted to provide you with our final version of our NBA Mock Draft.
If you’ve noticed, we’ve been providing monthly mock drafts here at Basketball Society. Today, we bring you our latest one.
Here it is, enjoy Draft Day!
[Please click on a player’s name to read their full scouting report]
1. New Orleans Pelicans – Zion Williamson
We’ve had this down for every mock draft we’ve conducted. It’s a no brainer at this point.
2. Memphis Grizzlies – Ja Morant
With the Grizzlies sending Mike Conley to Utah, this pick has become a given. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. will be such a fun and promising young tandem in Memphis.
3. New York Knicks – RJ Barrett
New York seems to be zeroing in on RJ Barrett with this pick. They did bring Darius Garland in for a workout, but we believe that made it even clearer that they want Barrett to be their guy.
4. New Orleans Pelicans – Jarrett Culver
There is much speculation that this pick could be traded and when it’s all said and done, someone else could be picking here. Along with that, there is some debate that Darius Garland should go here, but we believe that Jarrett Culver is the right pick. Culver is a high IQ wing whose combination of offensive playmaking and defensive versatility could make him a great two way player for this new-look Pelicans squad.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers – DeAndre Hunter
Cleveland still has a lot of rebuilding to do. The best two players available here are Garland and White arguably, but the Cavs still have Collin Sexton. Aside from those guys, Hunter is arguably the best player available. That seems like the way they have to go with this pick.
6. Phoenix Suns – Darius Garland
Darius Garland and Devin Booker wouldn’t be the best defensive backcourt, but the Suns have shown some interest in even trading up to the 4th pick for Garland. If he happens to fall this far? There’s no doubt that they’d grab him.
7. Chicago Bulls – Coby White
The Bulls have Zach LaVine, Otto Porter, Lauri Markkanen, and Wendell Carter Jr. While Kris Dunn is there still, his offensive limitations have hampered the team too greatly. It’s time for them to move on to a new starting point, and Coby White brings the toughness and skill that would fit in perfectly in Chicago.
8. Atlanta Hawks – Cam Reddish
We haven’t flipped much from this particular pick for the Hawks. Things would get very interesting if Cam Reddish is selected before this pick, but if he’s still there, he really fits well into that Hawks young core.
9. Washington Wizards – Jaxson Hayes
In a bit of twist, the Wizards should add Jaxson Hayes. At first glance, the Wizards center position doesn’t look like a need but the truth is that even though Thomas Bryant may get resigned, Dwight Howard and Ian Mahinmi won’t be on the roster after next year. Grabbing Hayes will give Washington a solid rim running 5 who can protect the rim and has the capability of switching out on the perimeter. The bottom line is the Wizards are facing a rebuild and they should look at the best talent available and at 9 it could be Hayes.
10. Atlanta Hawks – Sekou Doumbouya
Jaxson Hayes would undoubtedly be the Hawks’ top target at this pick and if he is gone, this might be a trade scenario. Goga Bitadze makes the most sense fit wise, but if the Hawks decide to go with best available and don’t decide to deal from this spot with Hayes gone, Doumbouya would be a promising young talent they could add.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves – Brandon Clarke
We know, we know. The rumor out there is that Rui Hachimura has received a draft promise from the Timberwolves. But, they can’t be that blind can they? There just isn’t a reasonable explanation for him being the selection given that him and KAT could really not work together. Brandon Clarke is the PERFECT compliment to Towns. Please, Minnesota. Do yourselves a favor and take Clarke here if he’s available.
12. Charlotte Hornets – Bol Bol
We know that the rumor out there is that Bol Bol is slipping in the draft, but we are still on the side that it is mostly smoke screen. The Charlotte Hornets keep striking out with their draft picks (Malik Monk and Bacon aren’t strikeouts quite yet) and while this isn’t a sure thing of a pick, Bol Bol has the unreal potential that they need. If Kemba leaves, this team is going to be lost and having someone with the ceiling that Bol has could make the loss of their star a little easier.
13. Miami Heat – Romeo Langford
Romeo Langford didn’t have quite the year he would of liked at Indiana, but he did show us some terrific skill and potential during his time there. He’s elusive and a crafty finisher around the rim. His inefficiencies from deep and inability to create for others were the concerning parts of his game. If he gets into a good organization like that of Miami, he could flourish.
14. Boston Celtics – Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Uncertainty around the PG position leaves Boston in a weird spot. In this mock, we think it’s smart for them to get a combo guard who can play the 1 as well as the 2 (Kyrie and Terry could both be gone). NAW has solid passing ability out of the pick-n-roll and his deep shot shows that it will translate well into the NBA. His length makes him a solid defensive option as well. Next season, the Celtics core will be Tatum, Smart, Brown and Hayward (could be moved) and they need a guard who can get them the ball and be ready for C&S opportunities and Alexander-Walker can be that man.
15. Detroit Pistons – Kevin Porter Jr.
KPJ is so skilled. He has one of the best crossovers that we’ve ever seen from someone at the college level and has all of the tools to find success in the NBA. His off the court concerns are still there, but so is the high ceiling. Detroit could use someone who could create for themselves and score the ball on the perimeter. KPJ would be a steal for them at 15, we truly believe.
16. Orlando Magic – Tyler Herro
Jeff Weltham stated they are looking for a player whose ideals are the same of the organization. That means a good character and a winner. It’s no secret that outside Terrence Ross the Magic as a team were poor outside shooters and adding Tyler Herro could provide a spark in that department especially if Ross leaves in free agency. Herro is more than just a shooter though as he can pass out of the pick-n-roll and grew to be a solid defender as the year went on and even got tasked with guarding better players over teammate Keldon Johnson. His negative wingspan could be seen as a concern but his quick release should allow him plenty of opportunities to get shots off.
17. Atlanta Hawks – Goga Bitadze
We talked about the possibility of the Hawks selecting Goga with the 10th pick. So, if there’s a chance that he falls to 17 then we don’t see a situation in that he gets passed by them. Bitadze has shown major improvements since last year and looks really good out there on the court as he is starting to fill out.
18. Indiana Pacers – Rui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura may not fall this far in the draft, but we have had concerns for a while with how his game will translate. It’s hard to find a good fit for a 21 year old who isn’t particularly good on defense and doesn’t have an outside game on offense. With that being said, Myles Turner is indeed a player that Rui could work well alongside of.
19. San Antonio Spurs – Nassir Little
We are projecting that Nassir Little is going to fall pretty far down in this draft. He’s a young player with is solid defensively, but doesn’t have any discernible skills offensively to truly help an offense. The Spurs are an organization that truly believe in their development team. Nassir Little can grow and learn within this team.
20. Boston Celtics – PJ Washington
PJ Washington is a high IQ player that will contribute right away in the NBA. The Celtics have 3 first round picks and hope to either package them together to move up or select players that will truly complement their preexisting talent. PJ Washington will be able to do that for them.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder – Matisse Thybulle
Matisse Thybulle is arguably the best defender in this draft. While Washington ran with a 2-3 zone defense, Thyublle’s quick hands, length, and instincts make us think that he’ll be more than fine playing man defense at the next level. The Thunder have reportedly given Matisse a draft promise and it just makes sense for them to gamble on a proven defender who can stretch the floor with his shot.
22. Boston Celtics – Nicolas Claxton
Nic Claxton has flown up draft boards since the end of the season and because of his production at the draft combine. He’s versatile defensively and has true small ball 5 potential. If he falls to the Celtics at 22 and they can snag him, this would be a ridiculously successful draft for them.
23. Memphis Grizzlies – Keldon Johnson
This is a pretty far drop for Keldon Johnson who is still young and had a very solid season at Kentucky. The concern from many of our scouting writers is that he is just good at many facets of the game, but not very good at anything in particular. The Memphis Grizzlies just traded away their last remaining player in the Grit N Grind era and will be looking for some more young talent at this pick. Keldon, why not having a huge ceiling, is talented and would be a steal for Memphis this late in the 1st.
24. Philadelphia 76ers – Cam Johnson
Cam Johnson is a mature player who can shoot the rock. With the 76ers looking to make an even deeper push into the playoffs next year, that’s the type of player they desperately need.
25. Portland Trail Blazers – Grant Williams
There isn’t much to say here because this would be one of the most perfect fits we can think of in this draft. Many had say Portland could’ve used a player like Draymond Green in their series. Grant Williams is a similar archetype. Get him Portland!
26. Cleveland Cavaliers – Mfiondu Kabengele
DeAndre Hunter was a best player available pick and we would think at this spot, the Cavs would look towards grabbing the player with the highest ceiling. Kabengele is in that category as he didn’t start one game in his career at Florida State, but should us a ton of promise.
27. Brooklyn Nets – Chuma Okeke
The injury was really one of sadness for all of us watching Chuma Okeke. He was going to continue to climb up draft boards and we predict he would be an early 1st round pick. Now, he isn’t as talked about as much. That shouldn’t be the case. He is a talented young player and one of our writers actually thinks he’ll be even better than DeAndre Hunter within a couple of years.
28. Golden State Warriors – Dylan Windler
Dylan Windler is such a phenomenal all around player. The Warriors are a confusing team heading into free agency as we don’t know who will be staying next year or who will even be healthy. Windler is a player that could help right now and I’m sure those players aren’t interesting in more projects coming to Golden State.
29. San Antonio Spurs – Bruno Fernando
The Spurs could use someone to pair with LaMarcus Aldridge in the front-court. Jakob Poeltl was pretty good for them last year, but they could use someone with more of an all around game for the future. Don’t be surprised if Bruno starts consistently hitting shots from deep in the NBA.
30. Detroit Pistons – Ty Jerome
The Pistons have some good depth in the backcourt, but could use a backup if Ish Smith isn’t signed back to Detroit. Ty Jerome could play a pivotal role in getting this team some outside shooting and playmaking.
31. Brooklyn Nets – Deividas Sirvydis
Sirvydis is a straight shooter. Brooklyn will have it in their mind that they will be going all in on KD and Kyrie, so drafting a player that will take a few years to be ready makes a lot of sense.
32. Phoenix Suns – Luka Samanic
The Phoenix Suns will losing Dragan Bender to free agency this year. It was a disappointing career in Phoenix for him. Luka Samanic could potentially be the stretch big that Bender was supposed to be for the team.
33. Philadelphia 76ers – Carsen Edwards
If Carsen Edwards does happen to fall to the 2nd Round in this draft, the 76ers should absolutely take a shot on him. He showed how good of a spark plug he is time and time again at Purdue. The 76ers lacked bench depth last year and Carsen would be just the perfect fit.
34. Philadelphia 76ers – Darius Bazley
There have been more and more rumors floating out there that Darius Bazley won’t make it to the 2nd Round. We still think that come draft time, teams will worry about taking him because they couldn’t see him play this past year. Philadelphia has shown some interest in him and won’t let him slip past them.
35. Atlanta Hawks – Talen Horton-Tucker
Everything about THT’s game will be appealing for Atlanta. They have the scoring and creators they need and want well rounded players with promise. That’s exactly what Talen Horton-Tucker is.
36. Charlotte Hornets – KZ Okpala
Okpala showed significant improvements in his shooting percentages from his freshman to sophomore season. Charlotte has Marvin Williams for one more year and having KZ learn from someone like him could be extremely beneficial for their future.
37. Dallas Mavericks – Daniel Gafford
Offensively, Gafford is mostly a rim runner (which will be fun with Doncic). But, defensively is where he stands out. He can move his feet well and defend at the rim as good as anyone in this draft. Dallas needs that and Daniel Gafford would be a nice fit this late in the draft.
38. Chicago Bulls – Isaiah Roby
Defensive versatility is the phrase we constantly use for Isaiah Roby. That’s what he brings to a team. Pairing him on the bench with Kris Dunn and Chandler Hutchison would be a defensive unit to be feared.
39. New Orleans Pelicans – Jontay Porter
The Pelicans got a haul for Anthony Davis and now they have picks 1, 4, and 39. The Pelicans have potential to win this draft by taking Porter here. They have plenty of pieces to be willing to take a chance on Porter. It’s no debate that when healthy, Porter is a lottery talent and for the Pelicans to be able to come out of the draft with 3 lottery talents is unreal. The key here is that with all the pieces that NOLA has they can afford to rest him and let him work himself back into shape and full health. Porter is a high IQ big who is built for the modern NBA. Jontay has the ability to hit the pick-n-pop and is one of the best passing bigs in recent memory. Injuries could plague him, but for the Pelicans it is a risk worth taking.
40. Sacramento Kings – Admiral Schofield
Admiral shouldn’t fall this far in the draft, but if he does, he is the perfect compliment to that young core. He would be around the same age as most of the young guys while also bringing the right mentality. He’s going to help an NBA locker room right away.
41. Golden State Warriors – Jordan Poole
Scoring, scoring, scoring. That’s what the Warriors need more of. They would start getting that with Windler in the 1st Round, but they need more of a creator off the bench. Jordan Poole has got some of the best moves in this draft and has a chance to be a star in this league.
42. Philadelphia 76ers – Eric Paschall
We’ve been hard on Eric Paschall in the past, but he does provide something that the 76ers still need. A high IQ 4 who can provide more punch off the bench. Yes, we’ve said that for most players we’ve had them taking, but they still need more depth. Paschall is that depth and a local guy we’re sure they’ve seen plenty of.
43. Minnesota Timberwolves – Ky Bowman
Ky Bowman is a dog who is unstoppable when he gets it going. The Timberwolves may be losing Tyus Jones to free agency and if they do, Ky Bowman would be an electric scorer and creator off the bench that they need.
44. Miami Heat – Iggy Brazdeikis
Iggy Brazdeikis is a name that we haven’t heard much of lately. His ability to slash and finish creatively around the basket as well as stretch the floor with his shot has us projecting him as a very solid forward in the NBA. It’s just more bench depth and shooting that Miami could use.
45. Detroit Pistons – Naz Reid
Naz Reid is a bully and while there are concerns about how is smallish stature for a 5 and overall game will translate, getting someone like Reid at 45 is definitely worth it. Put him behind Blake and Drummond and let him learn and go to work off the bench.
46. Orlando Magic – Shamorie Ponds
The Magic made waves when trading for Markelle Fultz at the deadline. Magic fans should be leery of Fultz’s newfound progress and if they draft a PG come draft night, it might be a sign he is not ready yet. Getting Shamorie Ponds in the second could be a steal for a team that needs to find playmakers. No he doesn’t fit the length movement the Magic are leaning toward, but at some point they need to look to score and Ponds can do just that.
47. Sacramento Kings – Alen Smailagic
Smailagic is coming from the Santa Cruz Warriors and while he didn’t play all that much, he is just 18 and has shown us some nice flashes. He averaged almost 1 steal and 1 block per game in limited time. The Kings might be looking for a big who can stretch the floor more and that’s where Alen Smailagic would come in.
48. Los Angeles Clippers – Luguentz Dort
Many of our writers here at Basketball Society are big Lu Dort fans and think he should be selected a lot higher than 48. If he does fall this far, the Clippers might be looking at him as someone who could replace Pat Beverley if he does happen to leave. Dort is tough, quick, and a menace on defense. We bet you’ll hear his name a lot come playoff time for a contender.
49. San Antonio Spurs – Fletcher Magee
Please, please try to forget about his performance against Kentucky. Fletcher Magee is still one of the best shooters we’ve ever seen at the college level. He’s a true tough shot maker and will bring that with him to the NBA. The Spurs have shown an interest in him and would find a way to fit him into their rotation without a doubt.
50. Indiana Pacers – Charles Matthews
The Pacers haven’t been shy about taking players with injury history and it has shown that it can workout if given time. Indiana has money to spend this offseason and appear to be in on Rubio and possibly D’Angelo Russell. I look for them to take a chance on Matthews as his defensive upside has been shown all throughout workouts. A devastating ACL injury took his soaring stock back down to Earth. The Pacers look to be contenders in the East for the future and having a defensive stud in Charles Matthews will be a solid asset to have going forward.
51. Boston Celtics – Louis King
Inconsistency has been the problem for Louis King. The Celtics, while they most likely won’t keep all 4 picks, might look at someone like Louis King if the rumors are true and players like Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward get moved. King has the athleticism and shooting prowess to be successful in the NBA.
52. Charlotte Hornets – Zylan Cheatham
Our lead NBA Draft writer, Aram Cannuscio, calls Zylan Cheatham his ‘super sleeper’ in this draft. He can handle the ball, guard all 5 positions, has impressive athleticism, and has a shooting stroke that suggests future success shooting the ball from deep. Zylan will have a great NBA career if put in the right situation.
53. Utah Jazz – Zach Norvell Jr.
Zach Norvell Jr. was very good at Gonzaga. He showed that he could create for himself and shoot the deep ball with success. Utah will be looking for shooters with Crowder, Korver, and Grayson Allen heading out in return for Mike Conley. Norvell could be a name to remember if he ends up in Salt Lake City.
54. Philadelphia 76ers – Yovel Zoosman
If the 76ers do happen to keep this pick, it would be a draft and stash one. Zoosman is older at 21, but is also one of the more consistent international prospects. He averaged just under 6 points per game while playing more than 20 minutes per game. Zoosman is a 6’7 shooting guard that still needs time to develop.
55. New York Knicks – Jalen Lecque
Jalen Lecque is a promising young guard that was supposed to go to NC State, but instead declared for the draft. The athleticism that he possesses surely will translate and even if that’s all he brings for now, he can be groomed into being a consistent guard for a team in the future.
56. Los Angeles Clippers – Jaylen Hoard
We thought a lot higher of Jaylen Hoard’s game early in the season than we did at the end of it with Wake Forest. He is athletic (although not exceptionally) and very good on the boards. He has shown at times to be able to take opponents off the dribble and go to a nice fade. We would love to see Hoard alongside Montrezl Harrell in practice for the Clippers.
57. New Orleans Pelicans – Tre Waters
Tre Waters is arguably the best passer in this draft and extremely smart. He worked well with Naz Reid, so just imagine how well he’d work with Zion…
58. Golden State Warriors – Aric Holman
Aric Holman is a stretch big who can protect the rim. That’s what he did at Mississippi State and that’s what he can do in the NBA. It’ll take him much time to translate to the strength of the NBA, but he will be given time in Golden State.
59. Toronto Raptors – DaQuan Jeffries
The Toronto Raptors, after just winning the championship, are going to need to sign back some of the bigger names that have expiring contracts. They might be looking for some more bench depth in the draft and DaQuan Jeffries might be their guy. He isn’t a big name to the public, but his physical frame and long arms paired with his skillset makes many of our writers think he’s the steal of the 2nd round.
60. Sacramento Kings – Jalen McDaniels
Another name that we haven’t heard in a while is Jalen McDaniels. At San Diego State, he showed the versatility that so many teams would fall in love with. He can handle the ball, shoot the rock, and defend multiple positions. Let’s see if the Kings get another final pick in the draft right.
