14: Denver Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr., PF, Missouri
6 feet 10 inches, 210 pounds
He played just 53 minutes of his freshman season as a result of back surgery, and a hip issue in the leadup to the draft added more concern about his body. That he is still considered a top prospect is a testament to how well regarded Porter was coming out of high school. When healthy he is a great leaper, can move almost like a giant guard and can reliably score both inside and out. The optimist would point out that Kyrie Irving only played 303 minutes of his freshman year of college and blossomed into a star. The pessimist would say that a foot problem for a guard is not the equivalent of a back problem for a big and that Porter’s brief return in the postseason is hardly proof that his troubles are behind him.
How he fits: If his health is O.K., the Nuggets just got the best pick in the draft. If it isn’t, they wasted an opportunity to add another major piece to go with their three-man core of Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris and Jamal Murray. Assuming he can keep himself on the court, Porter is a perfect complement to those players.
Sacramento Wanted Porter at No. 2 but Backed Off
Marc Stein: Rival teams had been whispering — as recently as Monday — that the Missouri forward Michael Porter Jr. was under consideration by Sacramento with the No. 2 overall pick. But the back issues that limited Porter to three games in college have dropped him all the way to No. 14 and the Denver Nuggets. At the very least, Porter still manages to go in the lottery — but only with the final pick among lottery teams.
Early Winners: Dallas and Atlanta
Marc Stein: On a night like draft night, when all teams can dare to dream, both Dallas and Atlanta feel like they’ve already won tonight’s big trade. The Mavericks acquired the draft rights to the prized Slovenian teen-age Luka Doncic without having to take back any unwanted salary from the Hawks. Atlanta, meanwhile, acquires the draft rights to general manager Travis Schlenk’s top target — Oklahoma sharpshooter Trae Young — and picks up a 2019 first-round pick in the process from the Mavericks that will convey to the Hawks next June as long as the pick falls outside of the top five.
15. Washington Wizards: Troy Brown, SF, Oregon
6 feet 7 inches, 215 pounds
A member of the heralded 2016 FIBA U-17 World Championship team, Brown is a do-everything wing who has the potential to be a two-way standout. His numbers don’t leap off the page, but his success in any role Oregon put him in makes him a versatile option in the mold of Andre Iguodala. He would benefit from landing on a team that is willing to use his versatility to its advantage.
How he fits: Could he be the glue guy that fixes what has been missing in Washington? He doesn’t have to be a go-to scorer with John Wall and Bradley Beal in town, so the Wizards may be a team that lets Brown do all of the other little things he excels at, which is probably ideal at least in the early portion of his career.
16. Phoenix Suns: Zhaire Smith, SF, Texas Tech
6 feet 4 inches, 199 pounds
If Smith were a bit taller, or had a tad more offensive polish, he’d be far higher on most draft boards, but the elite athlete and top-notch defender has enough question marks about where he fits on the court to scare some teams off. He is a quick, active and smart defender who can step right into the league. His long arms let him play larger than his 6-foot-4 frame, but he was rarely asked to do much offensively in college, and there is no proof that he can step up to that challenge if given the opportunity.
C Deandre Ayton, Arizona freshman Ayton is the obvious pick. He's big and strong and has the tools to become a dominant offensive big man. He has the athleticism to become a better defender than he showed in college. He will fit well next to Devin Booker. But he probably doesn't have the most upside, and he's not the safest bet, either. And he presents the question of whether you want to build around a big man in today's NBA. Grade: B+
PF Marvin Bagley III, Duke freshman Bagley is an explosive athlete with an incredible motor. He was a hyper-productive college player, too. He's got the same potential of 2014 No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins with more size and hustle. But the question is whether he can be a winning player, given his flaws on defense and unclear positional fit on that end. Grade: B-
TRADE: Dallas Mavericks made this pick after sending the No. 5 pick and a 2019 protected first-rounder to the Hawks SG Luka Doncic, Slovenia With a reported trade, the Mavericks get their man here. The decision to pony up a future first-rounder was big just to move up two spots, but Doncic has the combination of NBA readiness and upside to be a star. Grade: A-
PF Jaren Jackson Jr., Michigan State freshman Jackson has huge upside, particularly on the defensive end. He also was not particularly productive in college, often disappearing because of foul trouble and not taking an engaged role in Michigan State's offense. He could be the futuristic big man that NBA teams are looking for, and he can fit next to Marc Gasol or replace him long term. But will he be a star or an unrealized prospect? Grade: B-
TRADE: Atlanta Hawks made this pick after sending the No. 3 pick to the Mavericks for No. 5 and a 2019 protected first-rounder PG Trae Young, Oklahoma freshman This Hawks grade is for a player with a huge upside -- arguably the best shooter and passer in this class -- but also for a second pick with huge upside. Young gives Atlanta a potential star, but so does a pick that is protected only Nos. 1-5 in next year's draft. That could be a top-10 pick easily and helps Atlanta's rebuild under former Warriors executive Travis Schlenk. Grade: A
C Mohamed Bamba, Texas freshman Bamba's record-setting 7-foot-10 wingspan equals his obvious defensive potential. But it's on the offensive end where he could make an impact that few are discussing. The brilliant, mature New York City native has perhaps the highest ceiling in this draft, and he showed it by retooling his shot in the three months after the season ended. Grade: A+
C Wendell Carter Jr., Duke freshman Carter is as solid and easy to fit into an NBA lineup as anyone still available at this point. His upside is low, compared to some home-run options, but he should be a stable NBA center for a long time. He's very smart and fits well with Lauri Markkanen. Grade: B
PG Collin Sexton, Alabama freshman Sexton is the middle ground for the Cavaliers. He could play with LeBron James, should the King return. He could be the playmaker for a post-LeBron future, too. Michael Porter Jr. would have been the higher upside pick, but this one shouldn't offend anyone. Grade: B+
SF Kevin Knox, Kentucky freshman Knox is a fine prospect, but the big move was right there begging for the Knicks to take it. Michael Porter Jr. has so much more upside, and while Knox looks like a solid starter, this move definitely did not win over Knicks fans. Still, Knox can shoot and score and could play next to Kristaps Porzingis. Grade: C+
TRADE: Phoenix Suns received this pick after it was made, sending No. 16 and a 2021 first-rounder via the Heat to the 76ers SF Mikal Bridges, Villanova junior Bridges to the 76ers was perfect. So of course it got traded. The Suns traded away Zhaire Smith -- a high-upside wing who could grow with the team -- and a 2021 first-rounder (via the Heat) for one of the older players in the class. Bridges could help their defense, though. Grade: C-
TRADE: Los Angeles Clippers made this pick after trading No. 12 and two second-rounders to Hornets for No. 11 PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky freshman The trade changes the take on this pick: The Clippers gave the Hornets two second-rounders to move up one spot, giving the Hornets No. 12. The Clippers need a point guard, but Gilgeous-Alexander isn't the highest-upside player available considering Michael Porter Jr. remains available. Grade: B-
TRADE: Charlotte Hornets made this pick after trading No. 11 to Clippers for No. 12 and two second-rounders SF Miles Bridges, Michigan State sophomore With a reported trade, the Mavericks get their man here. The decision to pony up a future first-rounder was big just to move up two spots, but Doncic has the combination of NBA readiness and upside to be a star. Grade: B-
SG Jerome Robinson, Boston College sophomore This might be the first true surprise pick. Robinson has talent and could be a good scorer to pair with Gilgeous-Alexander. But he's definitely lower upside than multiple players still available, and his less-than-elite athleticism brings up a defensive question mark. Also: How is Michael Porter Jr. still available?! Grade: D+
SF Michael Porter Jr., Missouri freshman The health questions were real. A back injury is serious. But Porter had the talent to be a top-three pick, and the value here -- to a team that needs help at forward -- is too good to pass up. The worry? The Nuggets are offensively stacked already. How will they defend? Grade: A
SG Troy Brown Jr., Oregon freshman The fit is weird. Can Brown, who can play both guard spots, ever join John Wall on the court? He's not a good shooter yet, and he'll be a longer-term project than some other players available, such as Khyri Thomas. But he's also not as high-upside as Lonnie Walker IV. He's a good player at the right value, but how will it work? Grade: C+
TRADE: Philadelphia 76ers made this pick, sending No. 10 to the Suns for No. 16 and a 2021 first-rounder via the Heat SF Zhaire Smith, Texas Tech freshman The Sixers had a perfect pick at No. 10 with Mikal Bridges, an NBA-ready 3-and-D player. Then they traded down to get one of the most raw players. Will Smith be a contributor any time soon, the way Bridges could have been? He's got the potential to be an excellent player because of his absurd athleticism. But the Sixers should be thinking about next year, not 2021 (which is when they get the Suns' pick). Grade: C+
SG Donte DiVincenzo, Villanova redshirt sophomore "The Michael Jordan of Delaware" is ready to step in and be a shooter. And next to playmaking forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, he could play point guard or shooting guard. He'll join Malcolm Brogdon in that role and has more offensive upside. He's a playmaker with confidence who also can take a lot of roles. Grade: A-
SG Lonnie Walker IV, Miami freshman Walker -- whose hair is amazing -- isn't ready to be a contributor, but the Spurs are a patient -- and very smart -- organization. There may have been health concerns, but he has as much upside as anyone available. He's a playmaking off-guard who could be good in a lot of roles because he can handle and shoot well. Grade: B+
SG Kevin Huerter, Maryland sophomore The Hawks may have exited this draft class with the two best shooters: Huerter and Trae Young. That alone merits a good grade. Will Huerter ever be more than a solid role player? Probably not. But he could add a lot to a team that has needed help on the wings for years. Grade: B+
SG Josh Okogie, Georgia Tech sophomore Okogie was kind of hidden on a mediocre college team, but he wowed at the NBA Draft Combine. He has all the tools to be a standout role player or even more, and he probably is among the best upside picks left. We're now wondering when Robert Williams will get picked, though. Grade: B+
SG Grayson Allen, Duke senior Offense for a team that needs offense. Allen is a great athlete with a varied skill set. He's a known commodity. He's not an upside pick, but he might have some left even after four years at Duke. He could play with Donovan Mitchell -- potentially a lot, if Mitchell slides to point guard long term. Grade: B+
SF Chandler Hutchison, Boise State senior This is a very Bulls pick. Hutchison isn't a high-upside player, but the Bulls like the guys who can translate quickly. He joins Wendell Carter Jr. on a team that is going with the polished products. Grade: B
PG Aaron Holiday, UCLA junior He's a scorer who can play on or off the ball. He's a point guard who doesn't make many mistakes. He's lightning fast. He's got two brothers who are solid NBA players. And the Pacers could use a point guard of the future. There's no losing with this pick. Grade: A-
SG Anfernee Simons, IMG Academy Athletic offensive player who has a whole lot of unknowns. How does this fit with the Blazers? Their immediate needs definitely aren't for an offensive-minded guard. But this isn't an immediate-needs pick. Simons has upside, at least. Grade: C
C Moe Wagner, Michigan junior Wagner has a lot of strengths. He's a good offensive player who plays hard and can shoot as a stretch-center. He's a creative scorer. But can he overcome his defensive disadvantages? Robert Williams has the defensive side covered, and he was the better pick here. He's becoming a real steal now. Grade: C+
PG Landry Shamet, Wichita State junior They need a shooter because almost everyone on their roster who can shoot is a free agent. They get one of the draft's best. Shamet is a classic on-or-off-ball point guard with size. He could be a backup plan if Markelle Fultz doesn't ever find his fit, too. Grade: B
C Robert Williams, Texas A&M sophomore The Celtics get the defensive-minded, elite-rebounding big man they needed. He's a great athlete who can defend in a lot of styles. Could he be the American Clint Capela? The "steal of the draft" label could be his. Grade: A+
SG Jacob Evans, Cincinnati The Warriors are getting a 3-and-D guy with a massive physique. He'll end up outperforming this spot by osmosis. Evans has been an overachiever at every level. Grade: B+
SF Dzanan Musa, Bosnia The Nets get a European shooter with some upside as a scorer. He's rail-thin but could develop because he's one of the younger players in this class. Grade: B
The NBA Draft is finally here. Festivities will kick off Thursday at 7 p.m. ET, where fortunes of a few lucky franchises could potentially be changed forever. On top of that, there's sure to be some interesting trades involving some established players.
This year's draft class is loaded, and not just at the top. Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley III are premium one-and-done players sure to hear their name called early, but international star Luka Doncic has franchise-changing talent, too. From top to bottom, the first round is loaded with quality talent in an unusually deep draft.
How to watch the 2018 NBA Draft
When: Thursday, June 21 at 7 p.m. ET
Thursday, June 21 at 7 p.m. ET Where: Barclays Center -- Brooklyn, N.Y.
Barclays Center -- Brooklyn, N.Y. TV: ESPN
ESPN Free stream: CBS Sports HQ will bring you live coverage throughout the NBA Draft with up-to-the-minute pick-by-pick analysis, on-site reporting and draftee interviews. Tune in at CBSSportsHQ.com!
2018 NBA Draft order
The order for the second round is:
Draft Position Team 31 Phoenix Suns 32 Memphis Grizzlies 33 Atlanta Hawks 34 Dallas Mavericks 35 Orlando Magic 36 Sacramento Kings 37 New York Knicks (via Bulls) 38 Philadelphia 76ers (via Nets) 39 Philadelphia 76ers (via Knicks) 40 Brooklyn Nets (via Lakers) 41 Orlando Magic (via Hornets) 42 Detroit Pistons 43 Denver Nuggets (via Clippers) 44 Washington Wizards 45 Brooklyn Nets (via Bucks) 46 Houston Rockets (via Heat) 47 Los Angeles Lakers (via Nuggets) 48 Minnesota Timberwolves 49 San Antonio Spurs 50 Indiana Pacers 51 New Orleans Pelicans 52 Utah Jazz 53 Oklahoma City Thunder 54 Dallas Mavericks (via Trail Blazers) 55 Charlotte Hornets (via Cavaliers) 56 Philadelphia 76ers 57 Oklahoma City Thunder (via Celtics) 58 Denver Nuggets (via Warriors) 59 Phoenix Suns (via Raptors) 60 Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets)
Notes:
The NBA draft is finally here. While the first few picks have reportedly been set in stone, Thursday promises to be a wild night the rest of the way. The Ringer will be with you to make sense of the chaos. We’ll be assessing all the first-round picks with round grades (no pluses or minuses!). Let’s dive in.
1. Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton, C, Arizona
The Suns went with the conventional wisdom, drafting the gargantuan big man who had been pegged as the front-runner for the no. 1 overall pick for most of the season. Ayton is a local product who will instantly step into a role as Phoenix’s starting center and one of its primary options on offense. It won’t take long for him to put up numbers. The question is how long it will take for his defense to catch up.
Grade: A
2. Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley III, PF/C, Duke
The Ringer’s 2018 NBA Draft Guide Check out The Ringer’s analysis of the 2018 NBA draft’s best prospects
The Kings went with the only top prospect willing to work out for them. Bagley has as much potential as anyone in the draft, but fitting him into an NBA lineup will not be easy. Sacramento already has so many young big men (Willie Cauley-Stein, Skal Labissiere, and Harry Giles) that Bagley will likely start his career as an oversized 4. He either has to develop his perimeter game to fit with the way the position is played these days, or zig when everyone else is zagging and try to dominate in the paint as part of a supersized frontcourt.
Grade: B
3. Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic, G/F, Real Madrid/Slovenia (trade from Atlanta Hawks)
The Mavs have found their man. Every team in the top five had a chance at the polarizing European prodigy, and Dallas wound up making the move, giving up a future first-round pick to move up from no. 5 to no. 3. The Mavs have been wandering in the wilderness ever since they blew up their championship team in 2011. Now they have an exciting young core with Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr. that is a perfect fit Rick Carlisle’s multiple-ball-handler offense.
Grade: A
4. Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C, Michigan State
After being involved in trade rumors for weeks, the Grizzlies let the board come to them, staying put and taking Jackson. He has the most intriguing combination of athleticism and shooting ability among all the top big men in this year’s draft, and he should fit in right away next to Marc Gasol in a two-in-one frontcourt that combines the past and future.
Grade: A
5. Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma (trade from Dallas Mavericks)
The Hawks clearly valued Young more than almost any other team. They picked up an extra draft pick to move down two spots and get their guy, in a deal similar to the one the Celtics made last season for Jayson Tatum. Hawks GM Travis Schlenk came to Atlanta from Golden State, and he’s clearly hoping that Young can be his version of Steph Curry. This is now Young’s team. Dennis Schröder can start packing his bags.
Grade: B
6. Orlando Magic: Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
The Magic stuck to the brand they’ve built over the past half-decade, drafting another long and athletic player with a questionable jumper. Bamba has been the hottest name in the draft over the past few weeks, with his remade 3-point shot tantalizing executives and media types alike. A possible frontcourt of Bamba, Jonathan Isaac, and Aaron Gordon could be absolutely dominant defensively. The question is whether they will have enough shooting and playmaking, which has been the issue in Orlando for years.
Grade: B
7. Chicago Bulls: Wendell Carter Jr., C, Duke
The Bulls went with a steady and reliable inside presence in Carter, an extremely skilled big man who was hidden in Bagley’s shadow at Duke. Carter and Lauri Markkanen will be a handful for opposing frontcourts on offense. They can both make plays out of the post and step out and knock down 3s. The concern is that neither big man is particularly fleet of foot, which is a serious concern given the way the NBA is trending.
Grade: B
8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
The Cavs seems to have accepted the inevitable with this pick by drafting a ball-dominant point guard who would not fit well next to LeBron James. Cleveland is the perfect situation for Sexton, who should be able to thrive in pick-and-rolls with Kevin Love. He’s going to have a huge role in the offense right away, which should put him right at the front of the Rookie of the Year race. The key for Cleveland is to not let him develop too many bad habits on a team without many other ball handlers.
Grade: B
9. New York Knicks: Kevin Knox, F, Kentucky
Knox has been one of the big risers since the end of the college basketball season. The Kentucky product had a disappointing freshman season in Lexington, but he wouldn’t be the first prospect to look better outside of John Calipari’s shooting-deficient lineups. At 6-foot-9 and 213 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan and a consistent 3-point stroke, he has all the tools to be an effective small-ball power forward next to Kristaps Porzingis. For the first time in recent memory, New York is building a young team.
Grade: B
10. Phoenix Suns: Mikal Bridges, G/F, Villanova (from Philadelphia 76ers)
The Suns are going all in now, trading away an unprotected first-round pick in 2021 (which may be one of the best trade assets in the league right now) to move up six picks to grab Bridges. His ability to defend either backcourt position should make him an excellent complement to Devin Booker, who is now flanked by defense-first players Bridges and Josh Jackson on the perimeter. Phoenix clearly wants to end its rebuilding effort, and Bridges should help them shore up the biggest holes in their roster.
Grade: B
11. Los Angeles Clippers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Kentucky (from Charlotte Hornets)
The Clippers have their point guard of the future. SGA doesn’t have the flashy offensive game of Sexton or Young, but he’s the most well rounded of the top point guards in this year’s draft. While he doesn’t have an elite first step, he’s a smart player who knows how to use his size (6-foot-6 with a 7-foot wingspan) to get where he wants to go on the court. Gilgeous-Alexander was a reluctant 3-point shooter at Kentucky, so the Clippers may need to clear out some of the logjam in the backcourt to get the most out of this pick.
Grade: A
12. Charlotte Hornets: Miles Bridges, F, Michigan State (from Los Angeles Clippers)
Bridges is a great pick for a franchise that looks headed for a long rebuilding effort. With Dwight Howard gone and Kemba Walker on the trade block, the Hornets don’t have many pieces to build around. The Michigan State sophomore is an elite athlete with a sweet 3-point stroke who will fit next to almost any player the Hornets draft over the next few years. He won’t turn the team around by himself, but he could end up being one of the real steals of the draft.
Grade: A
13. Los Angeles Clippers: Jerome Robinson, G, Boston College
Robinson’s meteoric rise to the lottery is a bit of a head-scratcher. The positive is he’s a great 3-point shooter who proved he could run the pick-and-roll at Boston College. The negative is he’s an average athlete at best who may not be able to defend either backcourt position and won’t offer much value without the ball in his hands. Still, it’s hard to bet against Jerry West.
Grade: C
14. Denver Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr., F, Missouri
The slide ends for Porter, who was linked to Sacramento at no. 2 overall only a few days ago. While Porter’s surgically repaired back may keep him from ever living up to his considerable potential, the 14th pick is way past the point in the draft where he’s worth a roll of the dice. Porter, like Jamal Murray, could thrive playing off of Nikola Jokic. There were concerns about both prospects’ playmaking skills coming out of college, but it doesn’t matter next to the best passing big man of his generation.
Grade: A
15. Washington Wizards: Troy Brown Jr., G/F, Oregon
Brown slipped under the radar while playing for a disappointing Oregon team, but it’s not surprising that a player with his combination of size (6-foot-7 and 208 pounds, with a 6-foot-10 wingspan), ball handling, and passing ability wound up right outside the lottery. There is a lot of Evan Turner in his game, both good and bad. This will be a great pick if he can figure out his wonky 3-point shot (29.1 percent from 3 on 3.1 attempts per game). If he can’t, though, he doesn’t have the athleticism to be an impact player without it.
Grade: C
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Zhaire Smith, G/F, Texas Tech (from Phoenix Suns)
Brett Brown surprised all of the cynics (like myself) who figured he would take an instant impact upperclassman like Mikal Bridges. Instead, he traded down to get a high-upside flier in Smith, and the Sixers got an unprotected first-round pick in 2021 for their trouble. It’s not clear exactly how Smith fits next to Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, but he’s a smart player who may already be the best athlete in the NBA. His defensive ability will get him playing time right away on a contender, and he has more offensive upside than people realize.
Grade: A
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Donte DiVincenzo, G, Villanova
The Michael Jordan of Delaware is taking his talents to Milwaukee. DiVincenzo shot up draft boards after his breakout performance in the national title game, but the talent was always there. This is a great situation for him: He’s a microwave scorer who will be a perfect complement to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The worry with DiVincenzo is that he’s a gunner with the size of a point guard, but that’s not as big a concern when he’s knocking down 3s off kick-out passes from a 7-foot point center.
Grade: A
18. San Antonio Spurs: Lonnie Walker IV, SG, Miami
Related Lonnie Walker IV Is Out of This World
The quirkiest personality in this year’s draft will be an interesting culture fit in San Antonio. However, with Kawhi Leonard reportedly trying to force his way out of town, the Spurs desperately need an infusion of talent. Walker has the athleticism and shooting stroke to be a long-term answer at shooting guard next to Dejounte Murray. The only reason he slipped this far is because of his history of knee injuries.
Grade: A
19. Atlanta Hawks: Kevin Huerter, SG, Maryland
Travis Schlenk is officially building a bootleg version of the Warriors. It’s not just a narrative. Trae Young is a poor man’s Steph Curry and Huerter is a poor man’s Klay Thompson. Huerter was a fast riser during the pre-draft process, and he may end up being much better in the NBA than in college, where he was handcuffed by Mark Turgeon’s conservative half-court offense. He doesn’t play enough defense to be the next Klay, but Schlenk has seen first-hand how two elite shooters can make each other better.
Grade: B
20. Minnesota Timberwolves: Josh Okogie, SG, Georgia Tech
Okogie is exactly the type of player the Wolves need. Tom Thibodeau didn’t overthink this pick. The Georgia Tech sophomore is a big-bodied wing (6-foot-5 and 211 pounds, with a 7-foot wingspan) who should be able to defend three positions right away, and he can make enough 3s to keep himself on the floor on offense. The only reason Okogie won’t be playing 25-plus minutes a night next season will be that Thibs has decided to bury yet another young player behind more familiar veterans.
Grade: B
21. Utah Jazz: Grayson Allen, SG, Duke
The spotlight will be off Allen, who seemed to wilt under scrutiny in four seasons at Duke. His life will be a lot easier in Utah, where he can play off Donovan Mitchell on offense and funnel players to Rudy Gobert on defense. Allen was forced to stretch his game playing next to a parade of freshman PGs in college, and now he will slide into a role as a secondary playmaker with an up-and-coming young team.
Grade: B
22. Chicago Bulls: Chandler Hutchison, G/F, Boise State
Hutchison to Chicago was the worst-kept secret in the draft. The Boise State senior shut down his workouts early, and everyone assumed that Chicago was the team that promised him. The draft models don’t like Hutchison because he’s a late bloomer in a mid-major conference, but he has the tools to be an impact player at the wing positions. Denzel Valentine and Justin Holiday certainly aren’t blocking him on the depth chart.
Grade: B
23. Indiana Pacers: Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA
The Pacers tend to pick conservatively in the first round, and Holiday certainly fits that line of thinking. The younger brother of two NBA players (Jrue and Justin), Aaron is a well-rounded upperclassman who carried UCLA to the NCAA tournament following the departures of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and T.J. Leaf. At the same time, though, Holiday is an undersized point guard with average athleticism, and it’s hard to see him topping out as more than a good backup. Players with his skill set would have been available deep into the second round.
Grade: C
24. Portland Trail Blazers: Anfernee Simons, SG, IMG Academy
Forget the international players. Simons is the real mystery man in this year’s draft. He declared for the draft after his fifth year of high school, and he didn’t compete in any of the all-star games against the top players in next year’s freshman class. Simons, an athletic combo guard with a projectable outside shot, certainly has talent, but he seems all but certain to spend the next few seasons in the G League.
Grade: B
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Moritz Wagner, C, Michigan
Wagner made himself a lot of money in the NCAA tournament, when he powered Michigan to the national championship game. He’s a sweet-shooting big man who might be an interesting complement to some of the perimeter star power that has been rumored to be headed to the Lakers this summer. Unfortunately, though, it’s hard to see how Wagner will be able to stay on the floor on defense in the playoffs, which is a pressing concern for a team in its position. And the playoffs is absolutely the floor should the Lakers’ offseason plan work out.
Grade: C
26. Philadelphia 76ers: Landry Shamet, PG, Wichita State
Shamet made his name with a strong performance against De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk in a classic NCAA tournament game two seasons ago. He didn’t take a big step forward as a sophomore at Wichita State, but his combination of size, shooting, and secondary playmaking should make him a solid rotation player. Shamet could slide into the role of folk hero backup point guard currently occupied by T.J. McConnell.
Grade: B
27. Boston Celtics: Robert Williams, PF/C, Texas A&M
It will be interesting to see whether off-court or medical concerns contributed to Williams’s slide, because there’s no reason for a player this talented to be available near the end of the first round. Williams is as physically gifted as any of the big men who went in the top 10. He’s an über-athletic 6-foot-9 big who could stay in front of even the fastest point guards. He’s not particularly skilled on offense, but he shouldn’t have to do much beyond set screens and catch lobs in Boston.
Grade: A
28. Golden State Warriors: Jacob Evans, SF, Cincinnati
Evans is a perfectly vanilla pick. He turned himself into a solid two-way wing in three seasons at Cincinnati, and he’ll be able to at least hold his own on both ends of the floor in Golden State, which is exactly what they need. Evans won’t win any games for the Warriors over the span of his rookie contract, but he won’t lose any, either. He’ll be able to soak up minutes in the regular season, and he won’t be targeted too much in spot minutes in the playoffs.
Grade: B
29. Brooklyn Nets: Dzanan Musa, SF, Cedevita/Bosnia and Herzegovina
There’s a big drop-off after Doncic in this year’s international class, with Musa, the second European player to come off the board, going at no. 29. While there are concerns about his attitude and his shoot-first, -second, and -third mentality, his talent is too hard to pass up at this spot in the draft. The Nets have done a great job of being opportunistic over the past few years, as they got this pick for taking on DeMarre Carroll’s contract from the Raptors.
Grade: B
30. Atlanta Hawks: Omari Spellman, PF, Villanova
Spellman is yet another product of the player development machine that Jay Wright has built at Villanova; there were four Wildcats drafted in the first 33 picks of this year’s draft. Spellman was a highly touted high school recruit, but his pro future seemed in doubt when he showed up to campus overweight. The Villanova coaching staff reshaped his body, and helped him to polish his 3-point shot into a deadly weapon. Spellman probably doesn’t have the defensive chops to be a starter, but he should be an interesting frontcourt weapon off the bench for the shooting-heavy Hawks.
Grade: B
