NBA Draft Reaction: Grades for all 60 picks
A wild NBA Draft has finally come to a close. After a record-challenging amount of trades, and an unprecedented level of uncertainty, we finally know which rookies will be going where. So, of course, it’s time to hand out some grades. (I won’t be grading any trades, simply the pick made by the team which ultimately made the decision behind the pick).
1. New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson… A+
Zion was the no-brainer #1 pick in this draft, and the Pelicans shouldn’t get anything other than an A+ for making the choice. While fans are excited to see Williamson’s highlight dunks and blocks, his value lies in his basketball IQ, playmaking potential, and defensive versatility which give him a high floor as well as a high cieling.
2. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant… A-
Most scouts agree on Morant as the #2 prospect in this draft. His athleticism, handle, and playmaking make him a promising young point guard, despite his thin frame and inconsistent jump shot. I LOVE what Memphis is doing, with Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr, and Brandon Clarke. Can’t wait to watch them.
3. New York Knicks: RJ Barrett… B+
Oddly enough, I think RJ Barrett is one of the most unknown prospects at the top of this draft, because he was in such an odd position at Duke. The Blue Devils’ team shooting was so awful, Barrett never got to play in space. He should thrive in an opened up NBA offense. RJ has been a winner at every level and his work ethic makes him a good bet. Although I had Darius Garland ahead of Barrett on my personal draft board, this is a solid pick, and I can’t wait to see RJ.
4. Atlanta Hawks: DeAndre Hunter… B+
The biggest trade of the draft, Atlanta moved up to #4, sending the Pelicans 8, 10, and 35, while also taking on Solomon Hill’s contract. I absolutely LOVE Hunter as the 3-and-D wing to go with Trae, Huerter, and Collins. When grading picks, you have to weigh different factors. In this case, I am in love with the fit, but I can’t give them an A because Hunter is not the 4th best player in this draft… he’s probably somewhere from 5th to 8th. Still, considering the position the Hawks were in, I love the move. They’ve got a top-tier young core.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland… A
On the contrary, this is a pick where I don’t love the fit, but I love the player. I had Darius Garland 3rd on my board. A point guard with his handle, finishing, and (most importantly) three-point shooting ability, especially off the dribble, is the type of player that’s taking over the NBA. I’m a huge Garland guy, and even though I’m not in love with a Garland/Sexton pairing, Cleveland made the right choice. At the top of a draft, you don’t draft for fit. The Cavs should be ecstatic about this pick.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jarrett Culver… D+
When Minnesota traded up to #6, many assumed they’d go for one of the two point guards that may be available… Darius Garland and Coby White. Instead, the Wolves went for Culver, a versatile wing with no real elite skill. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the trade — I don’t think Dario Saric should be enough to move from 11 to 6 — but Coby White has far higher upside than Culver. White + Towns would’ve been so much fun to watch. I’m lower on Culver than many, but I’m not a fan of this pick.
7. Chicago Bulls: Coby White… A-
As a fan of the Bulls, I’ve been talking myself into White for a few days now. When Minnesota traded up and Cleveland took Garland, I was pretty devastated, assuming the Wolves would take White, leaving the Bulls with Jarrett Culver. White has significant upside, as a lightning-fast guard with a tight handle and an above-average jumper, especially from three. White is also the biggest (by far) of the three point guards. At 6'5", he has real defensive upside as a guy who can defend both guard positions with his size and quickness. I’m all in on Coby White, who was 5th on my board.
8. New Orleans Pelicans: Jaxson Hayes… C
Once New Orleans made the Davis trade, the only hole on their roster was center. Coming into the draft, I had no idea what NOLA was going to do with pick #4. Many speculated they’d try and trade it for an established veteran. Next to Zion, it’d be nice to have a tall rim protector, so Williamson can get out and defend on the perimeter, but even more important is a center who can hit threes. When the Pels traded down and took Hayes, they checked one of those two boxes. Hayes is an elite athlete and rim protector. I can’t wait to see Alvin Gentry’s transition offense with Lonzo, Zion, and Hayes. But Jaxson isn’t a jumpshooter, which really hurts next to Williamson, especially with a near non-shooter on the perimeter in Ball.
9. Washington Wizards: Rui Hachimura… F
Rui Hachimura went 9th??? Rui Hachimura went 9th?!?!?! What a classic Wizards move. I am not a Rui fan, I’ll admit, but ESPN had him 20th, and CBS 18th. Hachimura shot 76 three-pointers in 102 career college games. He’s theoretically a switchable defender, but hasn’t shown the instincts to make the right play… on either end of the floor, actually. His main strength is… bullying his way to the rim against players who play in the West Coast Conference. Weaknesses? Shooting, passing, instincts. Rui has an NBA-ready body, and he’s theoretically a solid player, but I don’t see it. The Ringer compares Hachimura to “The Morris twins, Jabari Parker, and washed Carmelo Anthony”… another spectacular job, Wizards.
10. Atlanta Hawks: Cam Reddish… A
Rui Hachimura going ahead of Cam Reddish is an absolute travesty. I totally get the knocks on Reddish. In his one season at Duke, he looked weak on his drives to the rim, showed effort concerns, and seemed passive. Everyone Reddish has a real high ceiling — he’s 6'9", and BUILT. He’s quick, strong, explosive, a smooth slasher, and has a pretty jumpshot. Personally, I think Cam has a higher floor than many think. He shot 33% from the three-point line at Duke… not great, but fine enough (better than Zion, RJ, and Culver). Meanwhile, he’s a solid defender… AND has that ceiling that is clearly possible. At #10, Cam is a STEAL. I had him 6th on my board… I can see him being 8th on others’ rankings… but Reddish going after Hayes is silly, and going after HACHIMURA is just… well… it’s Wizards. What a night for the Hawks. They got their starting small forward in Hunter, and their second choice in Reddish.
11. Phoenix Suns: Cam Johnson… C-
This is a tough one, because I really like Johnson. I had him 15th on my board… I thought that was high. ESPN had him 19th. Then the Suns (oh, the Suns) go ahead and take Cam at #11. I don’t hate it, because the top-tier wings had already been selected. Still, Johnson is simply a very good shooter who will never become a great creator, playmaker, or defender. His hip injuries are also a little concerning.
12. Charlotte Hornets: PJ Washington… B
I ranked Washington 13th on my board, just a little higher than many (16th on ESPN and CBS). Washington is a classic smart, all-around role player at the power forward position. His improved three-point jumpshot really helped his draft stock, hitting 42% from deep on 78 attempts last season. Meanwhile, Washington is a good passer and a switchable defender. I don’t love the fit in Charlotte… but honestly, I’m not sure what position the Hornets should target. I mean, Monk is fine? Bridges does dunks? Fine enough, but I don’t love any fit with Charlotte, I guess.
13. Miami Heat: Tyler Herro… C+
This one surprised me. I figured Miami would take a swing at a high-upside guy like a Romeo, Sekou, or Kevin Porter, but instead they take one of the draft’s best shooters in Tyler Herro. I’m not exactly sure of Miami’s direction, but they’ve got some pieces in Winslow, Richardson, Adebayo, and now Herro. I also believe 13 is a little high for Herro — I ranked him 21st — but you can’t go wrong taking a proven shooter in this range.
14. Boston Celtics: Romeo Langford… B-
Langford is one of the most difficult prospects to evaluate in this draft. He’s a smooth slasher, one of the best finishers in the draft, and has shown some flashes from midrange. The problems are his three-pointer (27%) and defensive motor and effort. Still, at 14, I don’t mind taking a swing at guy like Langford, and I believe Boston has the coaching staff and organizational infrastructure to develop him. Kind of weird with Brown, Hayward, Smart, and Tatum already under contract, but with a rebuild impending, I don’t mind this pick at all.
15. Detroit Pistons: Sekou Doumbouya… A
This is a pick where I love the value but hate the fit. Sekou was a consensus top-10 player in this draft. ESPN had him 8th, CBS 9th. A raw, athletic forward, Sekou has an NBA-ready body with great athleticism, slashing, and finishing, but he needs to improve his jumper and ballhandling. Doumbouya isn’t a small forward, he can’t play with Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, but when the 9th or 10th best prospect is on the board at 15, you take him.
16. Orlando Magic: Chuma Okeke… C
This is a tough one for me. Coming off an ACL tear, ESPN ranked Okeke 33rd, and CBS 36th. Personally, I was really high on Chuma, I had him 23rd… then the Magic go ahead and take him at sixteen! First of all, I think that’s objectively too high for Okeke, even though I really like him as a prospect… a versatile, switchable forward who can hit threes. Then there’s the issue of fit. I like the idea of lots of switchable wings, but Okeke, Aaron Gordon, and Jon Isaac are all best at the four. Playing any two of them next to a center may be a little too big, and having all three is just confusing. Love the player, but it’s too high, and there’s not really a spot for him there.
17. New Orleans Pelicans: Nickeil Alexander-Walker… A+
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is one of my favorite players in this draft. A good three-point shooter and passer who can defend, “NAW” isn’t super athletic, and isn’t going to be a superstar, but he’ll do pretty much everything else you need an off-guard to do in the NBA. Alexander-Walker will provide much needed shooting out of the backcourt next to Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday, and I really like how all three of the Pelicans’ guards are not ball-dominant… it should give Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson the opportunity to handle the ball and playmake, too. Can’t wait to watch them.
18. Indiana Pacers: Goga Bitadze… B
Another case of “Love the pick, hate the fit”. I had Goga Bitadze ranked 12th on my board. He’s a Jusuf Nurkic-like center who can shoot threes, handle the ball, screen, rebound, protect the rim, and passes really well for a center. Only problem? Indiana has six players under contract for next season, and three of them are starter-level players. Two of those three are centers, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. The two really can’t play together, as Indiana has been realizing. Now they’ve drafted another slow-footed center, and I can’t help but infer there could be a trade coming. Still, grabbing the asset at 18 here may still be the right move, but you have to move at least one of those three, I would think.
19. San Antonio Spurs: Luka Samanic… D+
This is a reach. ESPN has Samanic 29th, CBS 27th. I’m even lower on him, personally, a 6'11" forward who isn’t big or physical enough to be a center, but can’t shoot quite well enough to be a wing. Still, the Spurs might be the best landing spot for Samanic. They’ve got a track record of developing raw European players, and their famous “shot doctor” Chip Engelland has shown the ability to develop players’ jumpshots.
20. Philadelphia 76ers: Matisse Thybulle… B
Last season at Washington, Thybulle averaged 3.5 steals and 2.3 blocks (!) Playing in a 2–3 zone, he was able to jump passing lanes and feast off opponents. He’s one of the best defenders in the draft, and the Sixers promised him at 24, and ended up loving him enough to move up to 20 to get him. Thybulle was an average three-point shooter in college, 35% in his career. Philly really needs spacers around Simmons and Embiid, so that jumper will likely make or break Thybulle’s season and career, but I do love him as a prospect and I like the fit with the Sixers.
21. Memphis Grizzlies: Brandon Clarke… A+
Wowwwwww. I cannot believe Brandon Clarke fell this far. ESPN and CBS ranked Clarke 12th and 13th respectively. I’m high on him, I had him 9th. Clarke is one of the most athletic big men in recent draft history, he’s already a lob threat and a very switchable defender. He’s got some very intriguing ball handling and playmaking skills, too. Clarke’s weaknesses? His limited height and length stunt his stretch-five potential, and he’s also not a three-point shooter yet. So what type of center should he play with? A good rim protector who can also step out and space the floor. Literally Jaren Jackson. I’m so excited to watch Ja, Jaren, and Clarke, it’s unreal. All three of them are now in the perfect role. Morant has two great screeners that will let him playmake in the pick and roll. Jackson can be a pick and pop guy on offense and protect the rim on D, while Clarke can screen, playmake out of the short roll, and switch on the perimeter defensively. I can’t wait.
22. Boston Celtics: Grant Williams… C
Williams is a pretty safe pick. He’s a smart player who can pass and rebound, score out of the post, and defend a few positions. I’m not super high on Williams, personally, and 22 is a little high for me. Still, he’s a very Boston type of player, and can replace some of what Al Horford did for them. Don’t love it, but I get it.
23. Oklahoma City Thunder: Darius Bazley… C-
After forgoing college and taking an internship with New Balance, Bazley is a unique prospect. He’s a blank slate of sorts, with impressive athleticism and scoring upside but inconsistent effort and decision-making. I would’ve preferred OKC take a more established shooter, like Ty Jerome or Dylan Windler, but I see the appeal of Bazley as a project.
24. Phoenix Suns: Ty Jerome… A
I’m a big Ty Jerome guy. This pick was traded from Philly to Boston to Phoenix, who selected the established combo guard out of Virginia. Jerome is one of my favorite players in this draft. He’s a very good shooter and passer who isn’t gonna be a superstar but could easily be an NBA starter for a decade or more. He kind of fits the Landry Shamet / Fred VanVleet model, which is all you can ask for in twenties.
25. Portland Trail Blazers: Nassir Little… A
Little was one of the biggest fallers of the draft. Ranked 10th by ESPN and 12th by CBS, Little is an athletic freak with real upside on both ends of the floor. His jumper is almost nonexistent and he doesn’t have great defensive instincts, but at 25, it was about time someone jumped on him. I’m not sure how big of a role Little will have as a rookie in Portland, but he sure has upside, and he plays a position of need for them.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers: Dylan Windler… B+
I’m higher on Windler than some, and I like the fit in Cleveland. A year ago, the Cavs had lots of mid-20’s aged players who had been tossed around but still had some potential: Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance, Marquese Chriss, etc. Since, they’ve added some really encouraging prospects: Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, Dylan Windler, and Kevin Porter Jr. It’s been an impressive rebuild, and Windler is a great modern role player, one of the best shooters in the draft.
27. Los Angeles Clippers: Mfiondu Kabengele… A-
The nephew of Dikembe Mutombo, Kabengele is one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft. He’s 6'11", athletic, blocks shots, and a legitimate three-point shooter. Kabengele still has plenty of flaws… he’s an awful passer, disappointing rebounder, and doesn’t have great instincts. While he may be more of a Serge Ibaka than a Kristaps Porzingis, I still really like Kabengele going to a team like the Clippers, who I trust to develop him.
28. Golden State Warriors: Jordan Poole… D-
Oof. I get it, Jordan Poole plays like a Splash Brother, has the swag, has the style, and has the jumpshot. But 28 is really, really a reach. ESPN and CBS ranked Poole 51st and 58th. Meanwhile, Poole isn’t much of a defender, struggles with shot selection, and tends to be more of an iso scorer than an off-ball mover. We’ll see how much he plays in Klay Thompson’s absence but this just feels like too much of a reach to me.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Keldon Johnson… C
Johnson is a relatively safe bet. He’s a solid shooter and a high-effort defender. Not athletic enough to be a go-to scorer, Keldon projects as a 3-and-D wing who doesn’t really excel at either the 3 or the D. Still, he should be a good enough role player, and should fit well enough in San Antonio.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kevin Porter Jr… A-
Kevin Porter is a classic high-risk, high-reward prospect. His highlights are some of the best in this class, but his poor decisions and off-court issues are some of the most concerning. Still, there comes a point in every draft where it’s worth taking a swing at a guy like that. Porter was ranked 22nd by ESPN and 15th by CBS. Once we get to pick #30, and you’ve already drafted Garland and Windler, I love the idea of going to get a pick and taking a swing on a guy like KPJ.
31. Brooklyn Nets: Nic Claxton… A
I’m a really big Nic Claxton fan. A 7-footer played point at times in college? I’m all in. Despite his still-developing jumper and thin frame, Claxton is a very intriguing prospect whose floor is higher than you might think. He’s already a smart, quick, switchable defender and a willing screener and passer. Brooklyn is an awesome landing spot for Claxton and I can’t wait to see how he develops.
32. Miami Heat: KZ Okpala… C+
Miami traded multiple future picks to get this pick from Indiana. A lanky wing, Okpala has shown some flashes of real scoring potential, but his jumpshot, passing, and shot selection have hurt his stock. Worst-case scenario, KZ can turn into an average 3-and-D bench player, but there’s still a chance his perimeter skills tighten up and he can be an on-ball playmaker. Worth taking a chance in the second round, although 32 seems a little early.
33. Boston Celtics: Carsen Edwards… A-
I have a soft spot for Carsen as a Purdue student, but his ability to create his own shot and knock down tough threes is very hard to find, even in NBA veterans. His defensive instincts concern me, and his passing is below average, but Edwards can knock down triples off stepbacks, pullups, off-ball screens, handoffs, and pretty much every other possible action. He has a quick release, and isn’t afraid to shoot off-balance. At the very least, he’s Quinn Cook. He could be Lou Williams or better.
34. Atlanta Hawks: Bruno Fernando… A-
Fernando is one of the most impressive physical specimens in the draft, big, strong, and very athletic for a 7-footer. He’s still pretty raw, and needs to improve defensively, but when you’ve already got Young, Huerter, Hunter, Collins, AND Reddish, I love the pick.
35. New Orleans Pelicans: Marcos Louzada Silva… D
Louzada Silva is a fine enough role player, with some bounce and athleticism to go along with his good defense and average jumpshot. I don’t see him becoming a starter at any point, and was pretty shocked to see him taken at 35. ESPN and CBS ranked him 59th and 62nd.
36. Charlotte Hornets: Cody Martin… D-
I’m admittedly not super high on Martin, but 36 is still quite the reach. ESPN and CBS both had Cody ranked 66th. His limited athleticism and unproven three-pointer are likely the cause. A fine enough ballhandler and plus defender, I don’t see the appeal at 36 with so many good players still available.
37. Dallas Mavericks: Deividas Sirvydis… B+
This is sneakily one of my favorite picks in the draft. Sirvydis is a 6'8" wing from Lithuania who shot 46% from three last season and passes very well for his size. Sirvydis is thin, and not super quick, but he’s a solid positional defender, and if that three-pointer can translate, he could be playing some real minutes for Dallas, keep an eye on him.
38. Chicago Bulls: Daniel Gafford… B
A relatively safe bet, Gafford is an athletic, rim-running center who scored most of his college points at the rim. He’s a relentless rebounder, a high-energy defender, and a great rim protector. Although Gafford has no real skill when it comes to ball handling, passing, or hitting jumpers, he fits the modern center prototype of a pick and roll lob threat.
39. Golden State Warriors: Alen Smailagic… B-
To me, Alen Smailagic is the most interesting story in this draft. The Warriors’ G-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, traded for Smailagic last season, even though that wouldn’t give them his NBA rights. He signed with the G-League at hardly 18 years old, and Golden State developed him in Santa Cruz. The Warriors were very intrigued by Smailagic, and tried to almost keep him a secret from the other 29 teams, knowing he’d be in this year’s draft. The secret got out, but the Warriors bought the 39th pick from New Orleans and were able to get their guy. An athletic, switchable defender at center, he’s still got room to grow offensively, but we’ll see if Smailagic makes his way onto Golden State’s roster, or heads back to Santa Cruz.
40. Sacramento Kings: Justin James… D-
Ranked 76th by ESPN and 96th by CBS, James was hardly expected to get drafted, far less in the top 40. He averaged 22 points last season, playing in a smaller conference. It’s hard for me to judge, he’s one of the few players drafted that I wasn’t too familiar with, but this sure seems like a reach based off experts’ rankings.
41. Golden State Warriors: Eric Paschall… A
Eric Paschall is your classic Jay Wright forward. Strong, smart, and switchable, Paschall is a plus-defender who should be able to switch for Golden State. He’s a great screener, athletic for a 6'7" 250-lb power forward, and shows impressive vision. Only a 35% three-point shooter in college, that’ll be an important part of his development, but Paschall is a great fit with the Warriors, dare I say he’s got a little Draymond in his game, and he’s better than the 41st player in the draft anyway (31 ESPN, 32 CBS). I bet he plays some real valuable minutes for the Dubs with the loss of KD and their limited cap situation.
42. Washington Wizards: Admiral Schofield… A-
I’m a big Schofield fan. He’s been a winner at every level, a good team player, a very good three-point shooter, and a plus-defender. I had Schofield 32nd on my board, and I see him as a solid 3-and-D role player.
43. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaylen Nowell… B
The Pac-12 player of the year, Nowell is a very good three-point shooter who also shows the potential to create his own shot from midrange and can finish a little at the rim. His defense is concerning, but a 44% three-point shooter in college, it’s perfectly reasonable to grab him in this range.
44. Denver Nuggets: Bol Bol… A-
Probably the dominant story throughout draft night was how long it took to hear Bol Bol’s name called. It was shocking that he didn’t go first round, and astounding that it took 44 picks to see Bol taken. When you’re 7'2" and can handle and shoot like him, you’d expect to go further. Yes, there are concerns about his athleticism (can hardly run) and his thin frame (7'2", 208 lbs), but Bol’s descent is likely due to motor issues… some scouts question how much he even loves basketball …and injury concerns. A foot injury sidlined him for most of 2018–19, and with that frame, he’ll almost undoubtedly be injury-prone. And remember, NBA teams have access to more medical information than fans, and there were probably plenty of medical red flags that popped up for Bol Bol. Still, 44 seems excessively late, when guys like Justin James are going ahead of him. At some point, it’s worth a swing in the middle of the second round, even if he may not see much playing time in Denver.
45. Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Roby… B
A long, athletic forward, Roby needs to refine his handle and jumper, but he’s an impressive switchable defender who can also slash and finish. 45 seems low for Roby, who was ranked in the 30’s by ESPN and CBS both, but I reall don’t like the idea of Blake, Drummond, Sekou, and Roby in the same frontcourt. Roby might start in the G-League, since he’s also gotta be behind Thon Maker and Jon Leuer.
46. Los Angeles Lakers: Talen Horton-Tucker… B-
Horton-Tucker is one of the most interesting and unique players in this draft. At 6'4", 235, Talen is built like a middle linebacker, but he’s got the ballhandling skills of a combo guard, and often took the ball up at Iowa State. With a 7'1" wingspan and impressive quickness, he looks like a switchable guy who should be able to defend 2–4 with his size. However, in a problematic environment at Iowa State, his shot selection was poor, his effort was awful, and his decision-making was concerning, too. Still, Horton-Tucker just turned 18 in November, and with his physical tools, there are lots of ways his game could go. Not exactly the type of guy the Lakers should be looking at… but he’s a Klutch client. Of course.
47. New York Knicks: Ignas Brazdeikis… B+
A solid spot-up shooter and a high-effort defender, Brazdeikis slots in as a solid 3-and-D role player who needs to continue to hit a high percentage of his threes to make an NBA rotation. 47 is a good spot for him, and he’s the kind of guy the Knicks need around RJ Barrett. (And Kevin Knox ?) (And Kevin Durant? Who knows anymore).
48. Los Angeles Clippers: Terance Mann… A-
I love this pick for the Clips. Mann is one of the smartest players in the draft, to go with his plus athleticism. While not a creator by any means, he can be a really good role player if his three-pointer shows to be consistent. A great Clipper.
49. San Antonio Spurs: Quinndary Weatherspoon… B-
An improved three-point shooter, Weatherspoon is a four-year college player with good size for a guard. He’s got some 3-and-D plus potential with his high IQ in the pick and roll. If his jumper is consistent, I love the player… but I don’t love him for a team that already has three young guards on the roster.
50. Utah Jazz: Jarrell Brantley… D-
Brantley didn’t make ESPN’s top 100, and wasn’t on the radar of many draft analysts. He wasn’t invited to the combine or even the G-League combine, but Utah likes his shot creation potential as a big. It’s hard for me to give them a good grade for a player no one really had this high.
51. Boston Celtics: Tremont Waters… B-
At only 5'11", the odds were stacked against Waters from the start. He was only a 34% three-point shooter at LSU, but he’s very quick, and very high-IQ. Although it’ll be tough to see him thrive in the NBA without an improved jumper, Waters is a proven college player who’s been tough and quick enough to overcome his stature at every level so far.
52. Charlotte Hornets: Jalen McDaniels… A-
McDaniels is the exact type of high-upside prospect that’s worth a shot in the late second round. He’s got unusal handles and moves very well for 6'10". Only a 32% shooter last season, McDaniels has real upside if he can improve the jumper, take smarter shots, and show more consistent defensive effort.
53. Utah Jazz: Justin Wright-Forman… A
Wright-Forman is the best shooter you probably haven’t heard about. He shot nearly six pull-up jumpers per game at Hofstra, and hit 48% of them. Even at 6'1", his quickness and footwork allow him to get off tough shots. Defense is a big question, as is his size and finishing ability, but he could score enough in the G-League to get a call-up to Utah.
54. Philadelphia 76ers: Marial Shayok… D+
Not in ESPN’s Top 100, Shayok is a five-year college player from Iowa State who has potential to be a switchable defender on the wing, but needs to improve his skills and his jumper
55. Sacramento Kings: Kyle Guy… C+
Guy was a great college player, as we saw in the National Championship, and he’s got one elite skill: shooting. 45% from three last season was enough to get him drafted, but it’s hard to see Guy in the NBA with his lack of quickness, strength, slashing ability, and defensive upside.
56. Brooklyn Nets: Jaylen Hands… A-
Hands is an athletic guard who shot 37% from three in college. After only two years at UCLA he’ll have to try and earn a roster spot through the G-League after falling to 56. I like this pick, considering Hands’ upside which is hard to find this late in the draft. He’s undisciplined, and a poor decision-maker, but he was in a rough situation at UCLA and still has plenty of potential.
57. Detroit Pistons: Jordan Bone… B+
Bone is one of the best athletes in this draft, with impressive explosiveness and bounce for a point guard. An average shooter, Bone struggles with playmaking and defensive consistency considering his smaller frame. Still, his athleticism is typically impossible to find at the end of round two.
58. Utah Jazz: Miye Oni… B-
A rare Ivy Leaguer, Oni has impressive physical tools. He’s super explosive, can change speeds, and has strength for a wing. However, Oni is still very raw, he struggles handling the ball, doesn’t know what decisions to make, and was only an average shooter at Yale. There’s still hope for his development, but he’s got a ways to go.
59. Toronto Raptors: Dewan Hernandez… C-
The victim of a puzzling NCAA ruling, Hernandez lost his eligibility at Miami this season. He’s a high-energy center who could earn his way onto an NBA roster with refined skills.
60. Sacramento Kings: Vanja Marinkovic… D+
Marinkovic is a score-first wing who will likely be stashed for “a few years” according to Jonathan Givony, and his limited athleticism and defensive upside hurt his chances. If Marinkovic can tighten his handle and become a more consistent scorer, he could find his way over to the US. I don’t expect to see him in the NBA, personally.
Best Undrafted
Luguentz Dort: Signed two-way with Oklahoma City
DaQuan Jeffries: Singed with Orlando
Shamorie Ponds: Signed with Houston
Naz Reid: Signed two-way with Minnesota
Jontay Porter
Louis King
Jalen Lecque: Signed with Phoenix
Terence Davis
Joshua Obiesie
Justin Robinson: Signed with Washington
Charles Matthews
Sagaba Konate
Josh Reaves: Signed with Dallas
Zylan Cheatham: Signed with New Orleans
Dedric Lawson: Playing summer league for Golden State
Brian Bowen: Signed two-way with Indiana
Ky Bowman
Aubrey Dawkins: Signed two-way with New Orleans
Tacko Fall
Tyus Battle
Adam Mokoka
Dean Wade: Signed two-way with Cleveland
Amir Coffey
Kris Wilkes: Signed two-way with New York
Moses BrownBrian Bowen: Signed two-way with Indiana
Kerwin Roach
Oshae Brissett
Phil Booth: Playing summer league for Cleveland
Amir Hinton: Signed with New York
James Palmer Jr
Charlie Brown
Devonte Cacok: Signed two-way with Los Angeles Lakers
