2025 NBA Draft Thread

[Arthur Shelby]

USC

 

[VARNELL HILL]

 

[pmatic]

Spoiler

NBA Mock Draft: Wembanyama, Henderson are 1-2, but behind them are lottery questions

This 2023 NBA Draft cycle started in earnest earlier than normal due to where the concentration of draft prospects is this season. The top-three prospects in this class are not in the NCAA this season, and all three of them have played in significant showcase events early. Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson faced off against each other in an event in Las Vegas, then Amen Thompson and Overtime Elite went overseas for a trip, including a game against KK Mega Basket and potential first-round pick Nikola Đurišić.

Because of that strength at the top, NBA evaluators are generally excited about the 2023 draft. Wembanyama is considered an elite prospect, possibly the best since LeBron James entered the league in 2003. Henderson is considered one of the best guard prospects we’ve seen in the last 15 years. Thompson has his fans due to his immense athleticism, size and passing ability intersection. But there is some real question for scouts about the rest of the lottery, and some of the freshmen in what is considered a relatively underwhelming recruiting class will need to emerge.

I hate being the mock draft guy who has a bunch of first-year eligible players listed high, but that’s what intel from scouts who have been around to collegiate practices has indicated. There is not a lot of excitement right now regarding returning college prospects. Most of the best players across college basketball this season will be centers in an NBA increasingly less interested in spending significant assets on the position. Guys will emerge eventually, but for now, it’s really hard to project those players. Based on recent history, around 11 to 15 players who are not first-year draft eligible end up going in the first round. Most of those guys will be college players. Right now, I have seven such players, and I feel relatively gross about that.

Less than two weeks away from the college basketball season, think of this mock draft as a watchlist. I’ve tried to include some of the intel I’ve gathered throughout the preseason, but if you don’t see a player here, it doesn’t mean I don’t value them. It might mean evaluators see him more as a potential two-year guy as opposed to a one-year player. For instance, I actually like Houston’s Terrance Arceneaux a bit more than Jarace Walker as a long-term prospect, but scouts seem to think Arceneaux is more on the two-year timeline, though that could change. Tennessee’s Julian Phillips, on whom coach Rick Barnes has been very high throughout the preseason, is another player who could very much end up as a one-and-done.

Here is where we sit heading into the collegiate season. All ages listed are current, and the draft order is based on a projection of how the NBA standings will finish as opposed to teams’ current win-loss records.

1. San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama | 7-4 center | 18 years old | Metropolitans 92
We haven’t had a prospect like Wembanyama in a while, a 7-foot-4 potential superstar who can create his own shot off the bounce in transition, out of isolation, out of mid-post sets and as a dynamic pick-and-roll threat. He’s also an elite shot blocker who led EuroLeague in blocked shots last year as an 18-year-old, a ridiculous accomplishment. Barring some sort of injury-concern-based question in the pre-draft process, this will be the No. 1 pick.

Wembanyama is the best prospect to enter the draft since LeBron James. He was utterly dominant in front of over 200 NBA front office personnel in Las Vegas earlier this month in a head-to-head showing with the No. 2 prospect here, Scoot Henderson. I broke down the first of those games in detail, explaining what makes Wembanyama so special from a size and coordination perspective while intermixing elite level skill. His upside is becoming the best player in the NBA, and it’s hard to realistically say that about any draft prospect.

2. Indiana Pacers
Scoot Henderson | 6-2 lead guard | 18 years old | G League Ignite
Henderson is not just a consolation prize, as he showed in the first game of the Metropolitans-Ignite showcase. He led the Ignite to a victory by scoring 28 points and dishing out nine assists, completely dictating the game. He’s the most complete guard prospect to enter the draft process in a a few years. He’s an unbelievable athlete with all sorts of explosiveness, but he seems to have added to his pull-up game this summer as well as continued to develop as a passer and playmaker, skills of his that went underrated. In conversations, scouts consistently compare him to Derrick Rose and Ja Morant, with his powerful athleticism and grace standing out to me as being comparable to Rose’s prior to his injury issues. Any team that ends up with Henderson will be getting a player who likely develops down the road into an All-NBA-caliber point guard and leads his offense to terrific heights.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Amen Thompson | 6-7 lead guard | 19 years old | Overtime Elite
Thompson has emerged over the first couple of months of his season as who would seem to be the clear No. 3 prospect in this class. He is the best athlete in the class and will immediately enter the NBA as one of the five or so best in the entire league. His ability to cover ground with his explosive long strides but also slither through different angles and driving lanes with grace and balance is special. He’s twitchy in a way that few athletes are across the league but combines that power with fluid coordination. Because of that, he’s capable of putting immense pressure on defenders by living in the paint. He also is one of the best passers in the class, constantly hunting and probing for wrap-arounds and cross-corner kickouts. He has potential to be an All-Star level guard who scores 20-plus points and averages eight-plus assists per game while playing terrific defense at the point of attack. The only real issue here is that his jumper still has a long way to go. Given the importance of that skill set in the modern NBA, that clearly places him behind the top-two players at this point.

4. Utah Jazz
Nick Smith Jr. | 6-4 combo guard | 18 years old | Arkansas
The final choice among recruiting services for the No. 1 player in his class, Nick Smith Jr. is a very high-level playmaker with the ball in his hands. He’s crafty and creative and able to change direction and shift gears with ease. He’s a three-level scorer whose athleticism allows him to finish above the rim while also being a creative finisher who can change angles. He can knock down shots from distance as well, but he particularly excels at getting into the midrange area and finding clean looks or going up for a tough contested shot and making it. There might not be a better tough, contested shot maker in this class. Smith is going to have a monster year at Arkansas and seems like the surest bet in college to end up in the top 10.

5. Houston Rockets
Cam Whitmore | 6-6 wing | 18 years old | Villanova
Cam Whitmore is one of my favorites in this class due to his skill level and athleticism. He’s a tough 6-foot-6 wing with power, athleticism and grace who can create his own shot and knock them down off the catch, as he showed this past summer when he won MVP of the U18 Americas Championship while averaging 19 points per game and shooting 63 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3. Villanova had a tendency to not play freshmen under Jay Wright, but I don’t see how new coach Kyle Neptune is going to be able to keep Whitmore off the floor due to his explosiveness and skill. Whitmore is a stout defender who is switchable in the way that Villanova tends to play, and he physically has the kind of frame that will translate to playing against older players immediately. Whitmore recently had thumb surgery and is a bit of a question mark when it comes to the start of the season. Thumb injuries can linger in regard to shooting for longer stretches, so it could take some time for Whitmore to get his touch back. If everything gets cleared there, though, expect an enormous season from the Maryland product.

6. Charlotte Hornets
Keyonte George | 6-4 guard | 18 years old | Baylor
Scouts who have been through to Baylor have been really excited about the talent level for the Bears as a whole, pointing to Keyonte George and Jalen Bridges as the two guys to watch (albeit at different levels). George is a terrific scorer who looks ready to take college basketball by storm this year, a 6-foot-4 scoring guard who was incredible for the Bears during their preseason play in Canada — including a dominant 37-point showing against the U23 Canadian national team that showcased all of his natural tools as a gifted scorer and playmaker. He’s a monster pull-up shooter who really excels out of ball screens both as a three-level scorer and as a passer who can hit cross-corner kickouts. He plays more aggressively and downhill than D’Angelo Russell does, but his skill level and polish in terms of footwork have drawn comparisons there from scouts. Similarly to Russell, he’s not a nuclear athlete but has great feel for how to get away from defenders and separate from his man.

7. Orlando Magic
Dariq Whitehead | 6-6 wing | 18 years old | Duke
Dariq Whitehead is the first of three Duke players featured highly on this mock, an aggressive, downhill attacking wing who will try to put one down on your head every time he enters the paint if it’s available. He’s also a pretty reliable shooter off the catch, and at 6-foot-6 with solid length, he has the tools and measurements to be a starting NBA wing. However, like Whitmore above him, Whitehead’s status for the start of the upcoming season is in question after he had surgery on his right foot in late August. Given how foot injuries can fester and knock off someone’s explosion by just a little bit here or there, or knock off the balance and rhythm of their jumper, it’ll be interesting to see how quickly Whitehead can recover and get back to 100 percent. If he gets there, he’s seen as a good chance to be a lottery pick.

8. Detroit Pistons
Brandon Miller | 6-9 wing | 19 years old | Alabama
I was not particularly a huge fan of Brandon Miller when I saw him on the AAU circuit, as I thought he was something of a midrange gunner. But it seems pretty clear that either I saw the wrong games or it was just an incorrect evaluation. Scouts who saw Miller at McDonald’s All-American practices noted how competitive he was on defense and how his 3-point jumper looked to have improved. And throughout the preseason, there is not a single freshman on whom I’ve gotten more positive, exceeds-expectations-style feedback from NBA evaluators. He’s one of the few players who scouts consistently bring up when I ask who has stood out as they’ve traveled around the country. His mix of athleticism, balance and shot-creation potential has shone through during Alabama’s preseason trip throughout Europe, and he’s thought to be a very complete player who doesn’t really have a weakness as a hybrid forward. Under coach Nate Oats and his well-spaced offensive system, Alabama will know how to get the best out of Miller and put him in positive positions to succeed.

9. Washington Wizards
Cason Wallace | 6-4 guard | 18 years old| Kentucky
Cason Wallace is just one of those players you desperately want to buy into due to his toughness. He’s all sorts of physical as a defender at the point of attack and projects to be a high-end player on that end in his first collegiate season as well as over the course of his NBA career. He’s also sharp as a rotational defender and constantly makes his presence felt with action plays such as blocks, passing-lane steals and deflections. He’s a high-end three-level scorer with a good first step, a nice little in-between floater package and legitimate catch-and-shoot 3 chops. You’d love for him to be able to play a little bit more as a distributor and playmaker for others, and Kentucky likely would enjoy that as well for the moments when Sahvir Wheeler gets a bit too turnover or shot-happy as teams collapse the lane. Wallace is seen as a likely one-and-done first-rounder, and I’m betting he performs well for a terrific Kentucky team.

10. New Orleans Pelicans (via LAL)
Ausar Thompson | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | Overtime Elite
The Pelicans have pick-swap rights with the Lakers via the Anthony Davis trade, and that is something that could turn out to be pretty beneficial if something doesn’t turn around in L.A. For years, the Thompson twins have been attached at the hip, both personally and on mock drafts. But over the last few months, Amen has established himself as the player NBA scouts are a bit more excited about due to his twitchy athleticism and ability to make plays as a passer. Whereas Amen will enter the NBA as likely one of the five best overall athletes in the league, Ausar is merely a top-five percent of the league athlete — still an incredible testament to his explosiveness and power and why he’s ranked in the top 10 here. But it’s also a statement on him not quite having the twitchiness with the ball that his brother does. Because of that, scouts have begun to question how big of an issue it is that Ausar is struggling to shoot. Does he translate as well on the wing if he doesn’t make enough catch-and-shoot shots? That’s something Ausar will need to work toward answering pre-draft. The twins are both considered extremely high character and high-level workers, so scouts will want to buy into Ausar getting there.

11. Sacramento Kings
Dillon Mitchell | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | Texas
The only person who can rival the Thompson twins in this class athletically is Dillon Mitchell, a 6-foot-7 point forward type who excels in transition and has a chance to be a terrific chess piece defensively who is switchable and active in help. He’s a smart passer and playmaker, making tough reads both out on the break and as a general slasher and driver. His upside is immense if he can figure out the skill side. His jumper is a bit funky mechanically, and he has some things to work through, but it’s not completely broken. He also could stand to work on the tightness of his handle and ability to play at pace to get into the paint. Still, Mitchell is the kind of athletic wing teams covet across the NBA. Scouts want to get eyes on him in game time early this season.

12. Portland Trail Blazers
Gregory “GG” Jackson | 6-9 forward | 17 years old | South Carolina
The Blazers draft pick in 2023 is lottery protected and heads to Chicago if it makes the playoffs as part of the deal that brought them Larry Nance Jr. a couple of years ago. GG Jackson is going to be one of the toughest evaluations of the season and has a real shot to create headaches for front offices on draft night. He was the top prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, and he reclassified into the 2022 class and is eligible for the 2023 draft by virtue of having a December 2004 birthdate. But that December 2004 birthdate means he will play the first half of his freshman season as a 17-year-old, and he’s been pretty open about how the speed of the game has been an adjustment for him. Don’t be surprised if it takes him some time to become effective. Scouts may have to dig deep and make some real inferences about what Jackson can be down the road as an athletic 6-foot-9 forward with a terrific frame and potential to shoot and score from multiple levels while also being an impact defender due to his combination of mobility and length.

13. New York Knicks
Tyrese Proctor | 6-4 guard | 18 years old | Duke
Tyrese Proctor is consistently one of the players I’ve heard the best things about from scouts who have been out on the college practice circuit. He’s an extremely well-rounded player who has plus size for the lead guard position while being terrific in ball-screen scenarios. He’s one of the better passers in the class, capable of throwing live-dribble looks from all over the place to spray the ball out to the corners and wings or to hit lob passes to rim runners. He’s also a really sharp defensive player who is tough at the point of attack. Scouts want to see Proctor more consistently hit shots from distance and pressure the rim with his scoring ability, but once he improves his final product as a scorer, he’s going to be very effective.

14. Chicago Bulls
Dereck Lively II | 7-1 center | 18 years old | Duke
Dereck Lively is one of those guys with whom scouts just feel very comfortable. He’s a 7-foot-1 center who is the best rim protector in the class due to his 7-foot-7 wingspan. That length also allows him to be one of the best rim runners in the class, as he has good hands and can catch the ball on the move. He moves his feet well enough to not be a liability in space even if you’re always going to run drop coverage with him, and he has long-term upside to shoot the ball. The only issue is that Lively is not a shot creator for himself at all, and teams have shown real reluctance in the last two years to spend significant draft capital on bigs who don’t really create their own shot. But Lively is a terrific, high-motor player who teams feel confident is a starting-caliber center in the NBA at some point.

15. Philadelphia 76ers (via BKN)
Kel’el Ware | 7-0 center | 18 years old | Oregon
This pick ends up with Philadelphia following a complicated set of pick swaps involving Brooklyn and Houston. Scouts are a bit split on the Kel’el Ware vs. Lively debate when you ask them which big they like better. With Lively, they feel very confident he will be a starting-quality center in the NBA, but they’re not sure what to make of Ware yet. His tools in terms of length and athleticism as well as his natural talent have always outpaced the actual production compared to someone like Lively. But those tools are remarkable. Ware is a terrific athlete who flies through the sky with real explosiveness and body control as a lob threat. He also has great touch and projects well as a shooter at some point. It’ll all come down to how his defense looks this season. Scouts are mixed on that end in terms of his discipline (he can chase for steals and blocks).

16. Atlanta Hawks
Anthony Black | 6-7 guard/wing | 18 years old | Arkansas
Anthony Black is the kind of do-it-all guard/wing teams look for. He’s 6-foot-7 and will likely play a lot of point guard for the Razorbacks this season next to Nick Smith Jr. Scouts who have visited have been impressed with how every part of his game outside of one has translated to the college level. Black is a killer defender and impactful against a variety of different player types. He’s also a very unselfish playmaker who is terrific in ball screens for someone with this kind of size. The big question here is the jumper, and there is real worry about him being able to consistently knock down shots long term with a fairly funky-looking jumper. But it’s hard to find talented, high-level processors who are this size.

17. New York Knicks (via DAL)
Terquavion Smith | 6-4 guard | 19 years old | N.C. State
This goes to the Knicks from Dallas following the Kristaps Porziņģis trade. Terquavion Smith is as dynamic a pull-up scorer as you’ll find in the country. As a freshman last season in ACC play, he averaged 18.3 points and shot over 40 percent from 3 on nine attempts per game, many of which were of the pull-up variety. He’s a lethal shot creator from behind the arc and would have been a first-round pick in 2022 if he had stayed in the draft class. He needs to improve as a finisher at the rim, as he was one of the worst in the country statistically last season. He also could stand to improve a bit defensively. But Smith has real tools as a lightning athlete with real explosiveness in and out of his moves and is a weirdly impressive off-hand dunker who showcases some real finishing upside long term.

18. Toronto Raptors
Jarace Walker | 6-8 forward | 19 years old | Houston
Jarace Walker just looks like the kind of four man NBA teams love due to his frame, physicality and the strength that he’s able to play with on the court. He has terrific length with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, and he can move guys around with his power because his shoulders are enormous. He plays with a very high motor and will be tailor-made for the Houston Cougars’ defensive scheme due to his switchability and toughness. On offense, he can handle a bit for his size and fills the stat sheet with some quick read passes, offensive rebounds, putbacks and scores inside. He’s going to need the jumper to come around at some point, but he’s one of those players who is productive every time he steps on the court.

19. Miami Heat
Nikola Đurišić | 6-8 wing | 18 years old | KK Mega Basket
Đurišić is fairly polarizing among scouts for reasons that aren’t all that surprising. He’s a terrific playmaker with ball-in-hand who can attack off the bounce at a really high level for his size. He makes high-level passing reads on the fly and has the craft as a ballhandler to make up for his lack of incredible burst. I really like his touch, and I think in time he’s really going to be able to knock down shots and space the floor for his teammates. The idea here is a dribble-pass-shoot offensive weapon with real size who every team is looking for. Scouts will be looking to see how he separates and how he defends throughout the course of the season.

20. Utah Jazz (via PHI)
Kris Murray | 6-8 wing | 22 years old | Iowa
This would end up with Utah via a complicated series of pick swaps and would be the final result of the Royce O’Neale trade. Kris Murray is a pretty simple translation to the NBA. He’s nearly 6-foot-8 with solid length and a terrific frame and showcases real 3-and-D skills. He hit nearly 40 percent from 3 last season at Iowa and defended well on a variety of different player types on the wing. He’ll move into a more primary role this season with the departure of his brother, Keegan, to the Sacramento Kings. I’m not as high on Kris’ ability to create shots as I was going into last season with Keegan, but I think we’ll see him play well as the guy at the top of scouting reports this season.

21. Memphis Grizzlies
Rayan Rupert | 6-7 wing | 18 years old | New Zealand Breakers
Rayan Rupert has gotten scouts enthused with his early play in Australia. He’s 6-foot-7 with enormous length that includes a ridiculous 7-foot-3 wingspan that he uses to great effect on the defensive end when contesting shots and shooting passing lanes. He was terrific in the NBL’s preseason Blitz competition but has been a bit less effective in the six regular-season games he’s played thus far. In the nine games total he’s played, he’s averaging about 9.5 points while shooting 40 percent from 3 in 24 minutes per game. He needs to find a way to score inside and be a bit more effective with the ball in his hands throughout the course of the NBL season. But the typical trajectory for Next Stars in the NBL tends to be pretty positive in terms of upward growth over the course of the season.

22. Utah Jazz (via MIN)
DaRon Holmes II | 6-10 big | 20 years old | Dayton
This heads to Utah following the Rudy Gobert trade. DaRon Holmes projects well as a breakout big this season, largely because he’s a 6-foot-10 athlete who has a relatively complete skill set. He’s a terrific rim runner who finished in the top 10 nationally in dunks last season. He can really pass and make reads on the fly, and he can block shots at a high level, as seen by his two blocks per game as a freshman last season. He can also defend a bit in space and is the best shot blocker of jump shots that I’ve evaluated since Robert Williams III. Holmes even has a real chance to shoot at some point, as his mechanics on his jumper don’t look all that bad. Realistically, the only issue is that he’s about 6-foot-10 without an enormous frame and not 7-foot. If he has the kind of season that he showed the upside to have last year, he could be a first-round pick on a Dayton team that might end up in the top 25 this season.

23. Los Angeles Lakers (via NOP)
Julian Strawther | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Gonzaga
This pick goes to the Lakers as a result of the previously mentioned pick swap with the Pelicans. Julian Strawther declared for last season’s draft and decided to return after getting feedback that he was a likely second-round pick. However, Gonzaga has a track record of pushing wings into the first round over the last few years through development, as we’ve seen with players such as Corey Kispert and Rui Hachimura. Strawther is a 6-foot-7, floor-spacing wing who can knock down shots at a high level and attack closeouts off the bounce. He needs to read defenses a bit better and be more dangerous as a passer, and he could stand to improve his defense. But floor spacing with size is always a premium skill in the NBA, and Strawther can bring that.

24. Indiana Pacers (via CLE)
Marcus Sasser | 6-2 guard | 22 years old | Houston
This pick heads to the Pacers as a result of the Cavs’ Caris LeVert deadline acquisition last season. For my money, Marcus Sasser is the best guard returning to college basketball this season. He turned heads when he declared for the 2022 draft and impressed evaluators with his competitiveness. Ultimately, Sasser was held back by the lack of sophomore year tape he was able to put out after he missed a majority of the season due to injury. Beyond being just 6-foot-2, there isn’t much Sasser can’t do. He’s a terrific defender at the point of attack who fights through screens at an elite level. He has range out to 30 feet as a shooter and can get to his shot at any time due to his handle and pull-up balance. He’s an improving passer and distributor. If he were 6-foot-5, he’d probably be a lottery pick. But he has enough size to where he doesn’t fall into the dead zone of guards who are too small.

25. Phoenix Suns
Adem Bona | 6-10 big | 19 years old | UCLA
Adem Bona has been a big-time standout for scouts who have been around to practices throughout the preseason. His motor and athleticism have stood out to everyone as skills that will be immediately translatable, especially within a Mick Cronin-run team where those attributes on the defensive end are extremely valued. The Turkish big man will be a bit older on draft night, but evaluators have brought up the name Clint Capela as a comparison point in seeing his potential as a shot blocker who can move a bit away from the rim. He’s also a ferocious rim runner who tries to finish everything and anything above the rim. Look for he and Tyger Campbell to combine for a number of highlight reel plays out of ball screens and in transition this season.

26. LA Clippers
Jordan Hawkins | 6-5 wing | 20 years old | Connecticut
Jordan Hawkins is a killer potential floor spacer with real athleticism at 6-foot-5, and those players are in shorter supply than you’d think. He is terrific at flying off screens and getting his feet set to fire on-balance, something that scouts expect to see plenty of this season after visiting Connecticut practices. Hawkins has looked like arguably the best player there, apparently, and seems to have taken a leap. The big questions for him revolve around what happens when he puts the ball on the deck. Can he consistently process the game and make passes without losing the ball? Can he attack closeouts and not get run off the line every single time?

27. Charlotte Hornets (via DEN)
Matthew Cleveland | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Florida State
This picks ends up in Charlotte as a result of a few different trades, including last year’s draft-night swaps involving the Knicks. Matthew Cleveland had a solid freshman season for Florida State, averaging 11.5 points and excelling as a long slasher who gets out in transition and creates early offense opportunities and slashes well in a straight line. The issue for Cleveland was that he really struggled to shoot it last season, making under 20 percent from 3. The good news? Cleveland is said to be looking better with the jumper in the preseason. Is it enough to double his 3-point percentage into a reasonable rate? That remains to be seen. I’m expecting a good season from the Seminoles, with Cleveland, Jalen Warley and the rest of their younger class receiving solid reviews.

28. Houston Rockets (via MIL)
Chris Livingston | 6-6 wing | 19 years old | Kentucky
This pick goes to Houston as part of the P.J. Tucker trade during the Bucks’ championship season. Livingston was seen throughout the first half of his high school career as a potential lottery pick but slid down the rankings as others in his class caught up to him a bit physically after he developed early in his teenage years. I’m still a fan, though, and think he ends up having a terrific season at Kentucky. He’s the kind of physical, 6-foot-6, 220-pound wing who can shoot that NBA teams like to have around. It also helps that he is active and aggressive as a defender and rebounder and should be a really nice fit at the three and four this season.

29. Golden State Warriors
Amari Bailey | 6-5 guard | 18 years old | UCLA
Scouts who have seen UCLA have been a bit more impressed with Bona than Amari Bailey in the preseason, but the overarching takeaway has been that fans shouldn’t expect Bailey to suffer the same fate as last season’s five-star perimeter player, Peyton Watson. Bailey’s aggression and motor definitely vibe with the things Cronin values in players, as Bailey is seen as a terrific slasher and transition player who should be able to create offense for himself a bit more easily due to his handle and footwork when driving. The big questions for Bailey revolve around his shot distribution, his ability to shoot from the outside and his willingness to make plays for others.

30. Indiana Pacers (via BOS)
Jalen Hood-Schifino | 6-5 wing | 19 years old | Indiana
This pick ends up with Indiana following the Malcolm Brogdon trade last summer. Maybe this is a bit of a surprise, but Jalen Hood-Schifino has really impressed scouts who have been through Bloomington so far. He looks strong physically and ready to play from the jump due to his overall polish level. He is a great driver and a terrific midrange shooter who should at some point be able to stretch it out beyond the 3-point line. He’s also a very good defender and can make passing reads. All around, Hood-Schifino looks like he could be one of the yearly players who rise from outside of the top 20 of the recruiting rankings into the one-and-done ranks as Indiana competes at the top of the Big Ten.

SECOND ROUND
31. San Antonio Spurs: Colby Jones | 6-6 wing | Xavier

32. Sacramento Kings (via IND): Jaime Jaquez Jr. | 6-7 guard | UCLA

33. Oklahoma City Thunder: Harrison Ingram | 6-8 forward | Stanford

34. Charlotte Hornets (via UTA): Jalen Bridges | 6-7 wing | Baylor

35. Boston Celtics (via HOU): Caleb Love | 6-4 guard | North Carolina

36. Philadelphia 76ers (via CHA): Sidy Cissoko | 6-7 wing | G League Ignite

37. Orlando Magic: Andre Jackson Jr. | 6-6 wing | Connecticut

38. Detroit Pistons: Tyrese Hunter | 6-0 guard | Texas

39. Denver Nuggets (via WAS): Oscar Tshiebwe | 6-9 big | Kentucky

40. Los Angeles Lakers: Max Lewis | 6-7 wing | Pepperdine

41. Sacramento Kings: Leonard Miller | 6-10 wing | G League Ignite

42. Boston Celtics (via POR): Trevon Brazile | 6-10 big | Arkansas

43. Minnesota Timberwolves (via NYK): Trey Alexander | 6-4 guard | Creighton

44. Los Angeles Lakers (via CHI): Jayden Nunn | 6-4 guard | VCU

45. Atlanta Hawks (via BKN): Drew Timme | 6-10 big | Gonzaga

46. Brooklyn Nets (via ATL): James Nnaji | 6-10 center | Barcelona

47. Boston Celtics (via DAL): Armando Bacot | 6-10 big | North Carolina

48. Toronto Raptors: Adam Flagler | 6-3 guard | Baylor

49. Indiana Pacers (via MIA): Mike Miles | 6-1 guard | TCU

50. Philadelphia 76ers: Matthew Murrell | 6-4 wing | Mississippi

51. Memphis Grizzlies: Trayce Jackson-Davis | 6-9 big | Indiana

52. Memphis Grizzlies (via MIN): Ryan Kalkbrenner | 7-1 center | Creighton

53. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP): Colin Castleton | 6-11 big | Florida

54. Cleveland Cavaliers: Baylor Scheierman | 6-6 wing | Creighton

55. Phoenix Suns: Jacob Toppin | 6-9 forward | Kentucky

56. LA Clippers: Kevin McCullar | 6-6 wing | Kansas

57. Chicago Bulls (via DEN): No pick — Bulls forfeit pick due to tampering penalties

58. Milwaukee Bucks: Zach Edey | 7-4 center | Purdue

59. Milwaukee Bucks (via GSW): Reece Beekman | 6-3 guard | Virginia

60. Boston Celtics: Mouhamed Gueye | 6-11 center | Washington State

 

[pmatic]

 

[lawdog1]

Damn. NBA star before being in the NBA.

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

This season just got even better

 

[datznasty]

Once I figure out how to work my free league watch out

 

[pmatic]

 

[dacomeup]

Did not realize the twins will be 20 in January… yikes.

 

[VARNELL HILL]

Did not realize the twins will be 20 in January… yikes.

The problem w/ this for me (and OTE in general) is the majority of their competition are other teenagers. It's by far the weakest/youngest comp of all of the pre-draft stops kids have at their disposal.

It's basically still coming out of HS to me.

 

[dacomeup]

The problem w/ this for me (and OTE in general) is the majority of their competition are other teenagers. It's by far the weakest/youngest comp of all of the pre-draft stops kids have at their disposal.

It's basically still coming out of HS to me.

Yea, I feel like that has to significantly change how you look at them. They’re older than some guys will be during their rookie years already. Basically young adults beating up on HS kids.

 

[datznasty]

The Thunder have 5 20 yr old or less and 3 21 year olds

 

[earldagoat]

 

[Arthur Shelby]

 

[VARNELL HILL]

 

[pmatic]

 

[ballinsam23]

OTE must have serious money to ink that deal.

 

[BIG LEEMELONE]

OTE must have serious money to ink that deal.

Huh? Amazon is paying them

 

[ballinsam23]

Huh? Amazon is paying them

Read the NYT article. Yea I thought OTE was paying Amazon AMZN got some recent funding an invested in them. Theyre going all in on sports streaming. Good look for OTE.

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

Another football player

 

[VARNELL HILL]

Looks awfully familiar

 

[DCAllAfrican]

 

[pmatic]

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

Where’s aj Johnson going

 

[Vincent Van Goat]