The NBA Lottery has finally been completed. Some teams rose, while others fell short. So the only question to answer is where will each prospect be going?
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, SG, Georgia
Minnesota gaining the number one overall pick pick is huge for a franchise, who has failed to meet expectations over the past couple seasons. This team needed a third scorer next to Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell. Anthony Edwards uses his body as a great advantage and has shown flashes of being a great shooter. Not only is presence shown at the offensive end but on defense, he is a monster. Edwards may be the best perimeter defender in the draft.
2. Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman, C, Memphis
Golden State only moved down one pick in the NBA draft and who they would’ve drafted at one will be there at two. The Warriors always have had an good rim running center who is an inside threat. James Wiseman can be that. Wiseman’s athleticism is top notch and superior. Wiseman is one of the more NBA ready prospect and should be ready to be competitive. This draft pick could be in play for a trade.
3. Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball, PG, Illawara Hawks (Australia)
Charlotte is the big winners in the draft as they jumped from eight to three. With this pick, LaMelo Ball will be playing under Michael Jordan. LaMelo may be the most talented player in this class with his play making and shot creating abilities. Defensively, Charlotte may struggle but their offense may become their greatest strength next season.
4. Chicago Bulls: Deni Avdija, SF, Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)
Chicago finally doesn’t have the seventh pick after three consecutive years. With this, Chicago will now have a starting caliber wing. Deni Avdija‘s basketball IQ is great for a young player. On defense, Deni plays very physical which is something Chicago needs with a back court of Zach Lavine and Coby White.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Onyeka Okongwu, PF, USC
Despite falling, Cleveland gains an amazing big man to replace the aging Kevin Love. Onyeka Okongwu‘s real talent comes from the defensive end as he can switch onto all positions. Okongwu isn’t a great shooter but his athleticism can make up for it in the post.
6. Atlanta Hawks: Killian Hayes, G, ratiopharm Ulm (France)
Atlanta is hopeful to make the playoffs next year after breakout years from Trae Young and John Collins. With the addition of Killian Hayes, Atlanta adds another young player to their core who is NBA ready. Hayes is a huge threat off ball and would be a bigger one next to Trae Young.
7. Detroit Pistons: Isaac Okoro, SF, Auburn
Detroit is a big loser this draft after recently deciding to rebuild. Isaac Okoro won’t be a future superstar, but he will be an amazing two way player. Okoro on defense is a beast and his three point shooting is top notch.
8. New York Knicks: Cole Anthony, PG, UNC
The Knicks get unlucky-again. But, Cole Anthony is still a great pick. Anthony has shown he can succeed on the big stage which is perfect for the Knicks. Despite past questions, Anthony’s potential is still very high.
9. Washington Wizards: Obi Toppin, F/C, Dayton
The Wizards may be a playoff team in the East next year as they get most of their injured players back. Obi Toppin can be a consistent interior machine for a team who needs help inside. The Player of the Year in college last year can be a sleeper in this draft and my move up.
10. Phoenix Suns: Tyrese Haliburton, PG, Iowa State
Phoenix gets a steal as they add a two way guard next to Devin Booker. Tyrese Haliburton was the best player in college basketball before his injury.
11. San Antonio Spurs: Aleksej Pokusevski, SF/PF, Greece
This pick may seem cliche, but the Spurs have one of the best development staff in the league. They will not have trouble developing this lanky 7-foot shooter.
12. Sacramento Kings: Devin Vassell, SG, Florida State
Devin Vassell is one of the best 3&D players in the draft. With Buddy Hield‘s future in Sacramento in question, Vassell can be a great replacement. Vassell may be the one player in the draft that might start moving up draft boards due to his skill set.
13. New Orleans Pelicans: RJ Hampton, SG, New Zealand Breakers (New Zealand):
R.J Hampton adds great play making and defense to a borderline playoff team. In this NBA, guard play is essential.
14. Boston Celtics: Aaron Nesmith, SF, Vanderbilt
Aaron Nesmith is best pure shooter in the draft. The Celtics are a championship contender and Nesmith will add valuable bench scoring to an already loaded team.
Photo: Medium
