The 2018 NBA Draft saw a few sparks fly early with trade action, but Thursday night's event stuck to the players inside Barclays Center with no deals involving current NBA players.
The Mavericks and Hawks swapped Luka Doncic (No. 3 overall) and Trae Young (No. 5) early in the evening, and the 76ers surprisingly sent Mikal Bridges to the Suns after taking the Villanova star at No. 10. But it was a smooth draft for the most part, especially in the second round with teams firing off picks at a rapid pace.
Here are the NBA Draft picks, complete with grades and analysis for each selection...
NBA Draft picks, grades: Round 1
| Pick/Team/Player |
| 1. Suns — Deandre Ayton, C Selecting Ayton at No. 1 is understandable for a Phoenix franchise making its first-ever top pick. However, that doesn’t mean it was the best decision. Ayton figures to be a productive NBA player, the kind of big man who can generate 20 points and 10 rebounds with regularity, but the concerns about how he fits the modern game are tough to sweep under the rug. The 19-year-old likely needs to be one of the five best offensive centers in the league to provide positive value in terms of his contributions to winning. That’s a tough benchmark. With both Luka Doncic and Jaren Jackson Jr., the top two prospects on our Big Board, available, it’s hard to give this selection an A. GRADE: B+ |
| 2. Kings — Marvin Bagley III, PF/C It wouldn’t be an NBA Draft without the Kings using their top-10 pick to select a center. Sacramento lands the No. 3-ranked prospect on our board, hoping to pair him with Harry Giles for the frontcourt of the future. The presence of Luka Doncic and Jaren Jackson Jr. still on the board means the Kings are likely missing out on some value, but Bagley should be a productive player in the NBA. His elite athleticism and rim running will translate quickly. He still needs to develop defensively if he’s going to provide positive value overall. GRADE: B+ |
| 3. Hawks — Luka Doncic, G TRADE: Reports indicate Atlanta is making this pick for the Mavericks, who will trade up from No. 5. Doncic is the top-rated prospect on our board. The 6-8 wing is an outstanding pick-and-roll ball-handler, the best passer in the draft and a projectable shooter. The big question is how he fits alongside 2017 first-round pick Dennis Smith Jr. Doncic’s success for the Slovenian national team during the EuroBasket tournament when he played next to Goran Dragic can provide a blueprint. Doncic should have gone No. 1 in this draft. He’s terrific value here. GRADE: A+ |
| 4. Grizzlies — Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C Jackson is the top big man prospect on our Big Board. His high number of fouls and lack of points per game production has underrated his long-term potential. The 6-11 center is the best defensive prospect in the class. He can protect the rim and switch onto just about anybody. His offensive game already includes a 3-point shot that’s functional out of pick-and-pops, and he has flashed impressive potential off the bounce attacking closeouts. Jackson will spend a few seasons playing alongside Marc Gasol before taking over the starting spot himself. GRADE: A+ |
| 5. Mavericks — Trae Young, PG TRADE: This is the return selection for Atlanta as part of their trade down from No. 3. Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk is familiar with the value that an elite jump shooter can bring at the point guard spot from his time with the Warriors. Young is no Stephen Curry — that’s an unfair comparison both for the prospect and the future Hall of Famer — but he has the potential to be a dangerous pull-up threat with deep 3-point range and the court vision to punish rotating defenders. Young faces significant defensive concerns, but his potential to make a team’s offense better is too much to pass up given the importance of primary initiators in the modern game. GRADE: A |
| 6. Magic — Mohamed Bamba, C With Trae Young coming off the board at No. 5, the door opened for Orlando to select Bamba here. The 7-footer fits the profile of what the Magic’s front office is looking for in terms of positional size. Bamba still has quite a ways to go in terms of his offensive ability. Yes, he’s shown off a new jump shot in workouts, but we’ll need to see it translate against actual competition to be sure. In the meantime, Bamba’s should provide Orlando with a defensive anchor on the backline. GRADE: B+ |
| 7. Bulls — Wendell Carter Jr., C With word that Michael Porter Jr.’s medical reports generated concern around the league, this was a difficult position for Chicago. Carter is a terrific prospect because of the versatility of his offensive game, but his defensive pairing with Lauri Markkanen will be worth keeping an eye on. The former Blue Devil’s average mobility on the perimeter could limit some of the Bulls’ options defending ball screens. That said, this frontcourt is optimized for basketball’s future on the offensive end. GRADE: A- |
| 8. Cavs (via Nets) — Collin Sexton, PG Sexton rated out as the No. 20 player on our final Big Board, and he goes to Cleveland here. The Alabama point guard fits a position of need for the Cavaliers, but he struggled to create for teammates in college and didn’t flash high-level basketball IQ. Sexton’s competitiveness, toughness and work ethic could push him to reach his ceiling. It’s just not clear that ceiling is particularly high. GRADE: C+ |
| 9. Knicks — Kevin Knox, SF/PF The Knicks reportedly fell in love with Knox following a workout he had in front of the team against Miles Bridges. The 6-9 forward combines youth, positional size and projectable shooting. However, his lack of production in many of the other stats raises valid questions about his ceiling. Ultimately, Knox feels like he’ll end up as a complementary piece next to Kristaps Porzingis — and hopefully at least one other star in New York over the long-term. GRADE: B- |
| 10. 76ers (via Lakers) — Mikal Bridges, SG/SF TRADE: The 76ers will send Briges to the Suns in exchange for Zhaire Smith and a future first-rounder. This is the perfect fit of talent and positional need. The Sixers already have their offensive focal points of the future in Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and potentially Markelle Fultz, so adding a complementary talent like Bridges who can knock down 3-pointers off movement will be incredibly valuable. Defensively, the 6-7 wing shows impressive potential to be disruptive both in passing lanes and as a weak-side rim protector. The trio of Bridges, Simmons and Robert Covington should be easily switchable on the perimeter. Not a ton of upside here, but just what Philadelphia needs. GRADE: A |
| 11. Hornets — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG/SG TRADE: Gilgeous-Alexander was reportedly an option for Cleveland at No. 8, but the Kentucky product was upfront about not wanting to play for the franchise. Instead, he finds his way to the Clippers in a trade with Charlotte. Gilgeous-Alexander will fill a point guard need for LA. His change of pace ball-handling is deceptive and some of the best in the draft. Offensively, he’ll need to prove he can be a consistent jump shooter after taking a minimal number of 3s while at Kentucky. GRADE: B+ |
| 12. Clippers (via Pistons) — Miles Bridges, SF/PF TRADE: Bridges is headed to Charlotte as a result of the aforementioned deal for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Michigan State sophomore fits the profile for what the Hornets have looked for in recent years in terms of productive college players. Bridges has the potential to be one of the best wing prospects in this class. He’s an effective shooter off movement with a touch of creative juice on the offensive end. Defensively, he should translate right away due to a strong frame. Bridges was the No. 7-ranked prospect on our final Big Board. Nice value here. GRADE: A |
| 13. Clippers — Jerome Robinson, SG Jerry West reportedly fell in love with Robinson during the pre-draft process, but this feels like a reach. Robinson was rated as our No. 28 prospect. Yes, the Boston College shooting guard was an efficient scorer during his three seasons in college, but he lacks some of the defensive tools that would make him an effective two-way player. It feels like the Clippers could have either moved back here or found value in some other way. GRADE: C |
| 14. Nuggets — Michael Porter Jr., SF/PF Once thought of as the top prospect in this class, Porter has taken a precipitous tumble down the board thanks to a variety of issues, including a back surgery and concerns about his time at Missouri. At some point, though, the talent becomes too much to pass up. Porter has the potential to be an intriguing player for Denver by operating as an off-ball threat, shooting off movement around the passing of Nikola Jokic. From a talent and upside perspective, this is excellent value for the Nuggets, but without knowing the nature of Porter’s medical results, it’s impossible to give the selection a real grade with any sort of confidence. GRADE: Incomplete |
| 15. Wizards — Troy Brown, SG/SF Brown is one of the many available wings still left on the board, and a surprise selection here given previous reports linked Washington with players like Zhaire Smith and Robert Williams III. The Oregon product is an interesting offensive prospect who can create some offense with the ball in his hands. His jumper remains a significant work in progress. With a number of higher-rated wings still available, it’s difficult to give this pick an A. GRADE: B- |
| 16. Suns (via Heat) — Zhaire Smith, SG TRADE: Smith is headed to Philadelphia for Mikal Bridges and a future first-round pick. He’s the No. 8-ranked prospect on our Big Board because of his combination of elite athleticism, a high basketball IQ and youth. Those elements suggest he may be a prospect in line for a quick rise up his development curve. At worst, Smith should be a lockdown perimeter defender who can fit in in unique ways offensively. At best, he could follow a Victor Oladipo-esque development track. Whether that brings value to Philadelphia remains to be seen. GRADE: B+ |
| 17. Bucks — Donte DiVincenzo, SG Milwaukee appears determined to inject a bit of offense into its roster. DiVincenzo impressed during Villanova’s run to the national title in March, but his season-long production didn’t necessarily suggest he was worthy of a first-round pick. Factor in some of his defensive struggles, and this feels like a reach. The 6-5 shooting guard rates out as the No. 34 prospect on our Big Board in large part because he projects to be at his best in a bench scoring role. Not the best value at 17. GRADE: C |
| 18. Spurs — Lonnie Walker IV, SG As the No. 16 prospect on our board, Walker is perfectly fine value here for the Spurs. There are reportedly some concerns about his medical records, but his potential as a creator from the shooting guard spot is high. Walker is an impressive athlete with positional size and a jump shot that’s better than his 3-point percentage showed this season. It’s tough to bet against him improving as a prospect in San Antonio’s notoriously good development system. GRADE: B |
| 19. Hawks (via Timberwolves) — Kevin Huerter, SG/SF Between angling for Trae Young at the top of the draft and selecting Huerter here, it’s clear that Atlanta’s new front office puts a premium on shooting. The Maryland wing connected on nearly 40.0 percent of his college 3-point attempts. He’s comfortable shooting off movement, providing an off-ball threat who can space the floor in an offense that should feature plenty of high ball screens for Young. GRADE: B+ |
| 20. Timberwolves (via Thunder) — Josh Okogie, SG The frequent subject of consternation, Tom Thibodeau got this one right! At 6-4 with a lengthy wingspan and strong frame, Okogie is just what the Timberwolves needed to add to their roster. The Georgia Tech product projects most immediately as a 3-and-D wing. He shot 38.2 percent from deep while averaging 1.8 steals and 1.0 blocks per 40 minutes as a college player. Slotting in Okogie at the shooting guard spot while playing Andrew Wiggins and Jimmy Butler at the forward positions will be a very interesting option for Minnesota. GRADE: A |
| 21. Jazz — Grayson Allen, SG Utah’s lack of offensive firepower was noticeable during the playoffs, so Allen makes a bit of sense here. The Duke senior is comfortable creating offense both on the ball and off it. He’s a diverse shooter who made 38.0 percent of his college 3-point attempts. Allen has plenty of defensive concerns, but with Rudy Gobert on the backline, those can be erased at the rim. Allen will fit in well here. GRADE: B- |
| 22. Bulls (via Pelicans) — Chandler Hutchison, SG/SF Rumors persisted about a first-round promise made to the Boise State wing at some point during the pre-draft process, and it appears we have found the culprit. Hutchison made strides as a shooter this season, putting himself in position to be a first-round selection. The 6-7 wing is at his best generating offense off the catch and beating closeouts. There’s not a ton of upside here for Chicago, but Hutchison is a solid piece. GRADE: B |
| 23. Pacers — Aaron Holiday, PG Although the Pacers need a point guard, it’s hard for me to get excited about this pick for Indiana. Holiday will obviously have a good idea of what it takes to succeed in the league, but his on-court skill set and lack of size is concerning. Perhaps the most valuable attribute Holiday will bring to Indiana is his ability to play off another creator. The 6-1 guard is a comfortable shooter off movement, something he showed while playing alongside Lonzo Ball as a sophomore. Still, the upside here is limited. Holiday was the No. 35 prospect on our final Big Board. GRADE: C |
| 24. Trail Blazers — Anfernee Simons, PG/SG Portland brought Simons in for a second workout late in the pre-draft process, signaling the Blazers' affinity for the high school prospect. Our No. 36-ranked player, Simons is a long-term development prospect having played for IMG Academy in a post-graduate year this season. The 19-year-old intrigues NBA front offices because of his ability to create his own shot at all three levels offensively. It’s easy to be skeptical of his potential to ever develop into a meaningful rotation player. GRADE: C |
| 25. Lakers (via Cavs) — Moritz Wagner, C The Lakers’ frontcourt gets a modern upgrade here at No. 25. Wagner is a 6-11 center who shot 38.5 percent from behind the arc during his time at Michigan. The big man is comfortable shooting out of pick-and-pops and off movement from down screens. This is probably a bit high for him in terms of absolute talent level, but the fit is quite good from an offensive perspective. Defensively, that’s another question. Wagner doesn’t provide much resistance on that end outside of hitting the defensive boards. He’ll struggle to battle stronger post players and keep up with quick guards on the perimeter. GRADE: B |
| 26. 76ers — Landry Shamet, PG/SG Shamet is the No. 33 prospect on our Big Board, but an excellent fit for what Philadelphia should be looking for in filling out its roster. The 6-4 point guard doesn’t need the ball in his hands to contribute value offensively, as he’s a comfortable shooter away from it in both spot-up situations and off movement. Coming from a defense-first culture at Wichita State, Shamet should also be a willing defender at the NBA level. He’ll fill a role incredibly well for the Sixers. GRADE: B+ |
| 27. Celtics — Robert Williams III, C At No. 27, Boston is able to fill a positional need with a talented prospect. Williams finished the season as the No. 15 prospect on our Big Board. He projects to play a Clint Capela-esque role at the next level as a rim runner and shot blocker. Reports from ESPN’s Jonathan Givony suggest concerns about Williams’ off-court habits dropped him down boards. The key for Williams will be playing with a high motor. If he does that, he could legitimately be the best big man in the class. GRADE: A |
| 28. Warriors — Jacob Evans, SG Golden State once again gets great value out of the draft. Evans is a prospect who is ready to contribute right away, a must for a team looking to compete for titles now while retooling its roster to get younger. The Cincinnati wing isn’t a high-upside play, but he connected on 37.7 percent of his college 3-point attempts and is a physical defender who averaged 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per 40 minutes as a junior. He ended the season as the No. 24 prospect on our board. GRADE: A |
| 29. Nets (via Raptors) — Dzanan Musa, SF Musa, the No. 23 prospect on our board, is a nice pickup for Brooklyn here. The 6-9 forward from Cedevita is an effective bucket getter whether knocking it down from outside or getting to the basket. He can pull up off the bounce from 3-point range, which is a plus for a player who can elevate over most defenders. Musa’s desire is to come over to the NBA next season rather than be stashed overseas. GRADE: B+ |
| 30. Hawks (via Rockets) — Omari Spellman, C Atlanta’s emphasis on positional shooting continues with Villanova’s Spellman. The 6-9 center connected on 43.3 percent of his 150 3-point attempts as a redshirt freshman. His performance against Kansas in the Final Four showed how effective he can be as a mismatch on the offensive end. Whether Spellman possesses the necessary mobility and defensive chops to make it in the NBA will be the big question for his future. Based on our ranking — he was No. 47 on our Big Board — this is quite a reach for Atlanta. GRADE: C |
NBA Draft picks, grades: Round 2
| Pick/Team/Player |
| 31. Suns — Elie Okobo, PG Excellent value here for a Phoenix front office in need of finding a long-term solution at the point guard position. Okobo is a high-upside prospect who clocked in at No. 19 in our final top 60. Next to Trae Young, the 20-year-old has the second-best pull up 3-pointer at point guard in the draft. He’s also an excellent pick-and-roll playmaker. Okobo needs to round out his game, but the shot-making is worth a bet here. GRADE: A |
| 32. Grizzlies — Jevon Carter, PG Carter is a throwback to the grit-and-grind era for the Grizzlies. The 6-2 senior is the best point guard defender in the class thanks to his strength, instincts and quick hands. Carter has worked hard to turn himself into a productive 3-point shooter over these last two seasons. He projects to primarily feature as a backup point guard, but has some starter equity next to a wing primary initiator. GRADE: B+ |
| 33. Mavericks — Jalen Brunson, PG A solid selection for Dallas here. Brunson isn’t a high-upside prospect, but he could be a backup in the league for a decade. The 6-2 point guard is effective knocking down shots off the dribble, can post up weaker defenders in the post and is a smart decision-maker. He was the No. 32 prospect on our board. GRADE: B+ |
| 34. Hawks — Devonte’ Graham, PG TRADE: It was later announced Graham is heading to the Hornets in a trade. More shooting for the Hawks. Graham is a 23-year-old point guard with limited upside, but he’s a shot maker through and through. The Kansas senior is comfortable shooting both off the catch and off the bounce. He’s not a high-level slasher, but he’ll be a quality decision-maker. Graham gives Atlanta a nice backup option. GRADE: B |
| 35. Magic — Melvin Frazier, SF Frazier finished the season ranked as the No. 22 prospect in our top 60, so this projects to be excellent value. The 6-6 wing with a 7-2 wingspan fits the mold of athletic and rangy defender Orlando’s front office is known for looking for. The key for Frazier will be proving his 38.5 3-point percentage from his junior season was no fluke. GRADE: A |
| 36. Knicks (via Bulls) — Mitchell Robinson, C Robinson is a first-round talent with plenty of question marks. His decision to not attend Western Kentucky remains shrouded in mystery, for example. The 7-footer is one of the elite rim protectors in the class and should be an excellent rim runner. Whether he can put it all together is uncertain. It’s not clear New York will be the right franchise dynamic for him. GRADE: B |
| 37. Kings — Gary Trent Jr., SG TRADE: Sacramento picks up Marvin Bagley’s teammate here in the second round, but he’s headed to Portland in a trade. Trent will bring some much-needed shooting to the franchise. He converted 40.2 percent of his attempts as a freshman. Defensively, there are concerns about Trent’s foot speed and technique. There are worse propositions than betting on prospects who can shoot in this range. GRADE: B |
| 38. 76ers (via Nets) — Khryi Thomas, SG TRADE: Thomas is set to be traded to the Pistons from Philadelphia. The 6-3 shooting guard has physical dimensions that resemble Avery Bradley. He’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft and an efficient 3-point shooter. Not much upside in terms of offensive creation here, but a nice 3-and-D bet. GRADE: B+ |
| 39. Lakers (via Knicks) — Isaac Bonga, SF A toolsy prospect with a plus feel for the game, Bonga has a long way to go before being ready to contribute in the NBA. It’s likely he’ll be stashed overseas for at least a year. The 6-9 forward shows nice play-making instincts, though, which could be worth something if his jumper and/or athleticism ever develop. GRADE: C+ |
| 40. Nets (via Lakers) — Rodions Kurucs, SF Another international prospect for Brooklyn. Kurucs is a 6-10 forward who has struggled to find consistent playing time at the highest levels in Europe for Barcelona. The 20-year-old is a shotmaker who can create his own looks off the bounce. We’ll see if he can hold up defensively against NBA athletes or contribute in enough other ways that it won’t matter. GRADE: B |
| 41. Magic (via Hornets) — Jarred Vanderbilt, SF/PF TRADE: Orlando is sending this pick to the Nuggets because that franchise didn’t have enough power forwards on its roster. Vanderbilt is an intriguing prospect. He’s a former 5-star recruit with a young career ravaged by injuries. At 6-9, he was one of the best rebounders in college basketball last season and he flashes nice playmaking instincts with the ball in his hands. His ability to contribute offensively is rather limited outside of that, though. Given the injury concerns, this is a risky selection. GRADE: B- |
| 42. Pistons — Bruce Brown, SG Brown was once pegged as a potential lottery prospect, but a wrist injury interrupted his sophomore season. The 6-5 guard is a strong defender and capable playmaker who needs to improve his jump shot from range. Brown is a positive upside play here for Detroit if the jumper can ever come around. GRADE: B+ |
| 43. Nuggets (via Clippers) — Justin Jackson, SF/PF TRADE: Jackson is headed to Orlando as part of the previously mentioned pick swap. The 6-9 forward was initially projected to be a first-rounder this year, but a shoulder injury cut his sophomore season short. He’s got positive length for his position and is hopefully going to be a capable shooter. Jackson doesn’t always get the most out of his physical tools defensively, but he’s exactly the type of player Orlando’s front office would bet on. GRADE: B |
| 44. Wizards — Issuf Sanon, PG Sanon isn’t a prospect ranked in our top 60. He’s a combo guard with positive scoring instincts, but it remains to be seen whether he can develop consistency and the other areas of his game. This seems likely to be a stash play for the Wizards. GRADE: C- |
| 45. Hornets (via Bucks) — Hamidou Diallo, SG TRADE: It was announced after the draft Diallo is off to Oklahoma City. The Nets were rumored to like Diallo when he was considering coming out of Kentucky last season. The 6-5 guard is an elite athlete who doesn’t always translate it functionally to the floor. He doesn’t shoot, doesn’t create offense for others and is a questionable defender. Right now, he’s more of a theoretical player than an actual one. GRADE: C |
| 46. Rockets (via Heat) — De’Anthony Melton, PG/SG Melton was the No. 13-ranked prospect on our Big Board. He has an elite floor game, incredible IQ indicators and functional athleticism. The 6-3 guard graded out positively in draft models. He didn’t shoot it during his one season of college ball, but his freshman numbers resemble Jrue Holiday’s. This pick has a real chance to be an absolute steal for Houston. GRADE: A+ |
| 47. Lakers (via Nuggets) — Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, SG/SF Mykhailiuk is an elite jump shooter who is still only 20 years old despite graduating from Kansas in the spring. He is capable of shooting accurately off movement and occasionally off the bounce. With a negative wingspan, Mykhailiuk likely won’t ever contribute positive value defensively, and his lack of a floor game on offense is a worry. But there’s equity in his shooting here. GRADE: B |
| 48. Timberwolves — Keita Bates-Diop, SF/PF This is a positive pickup for Minnesota. Bates-Diop has an opportunity to help modernize the Timberwolves frontcourt by providing length and shooting at the power forward position. His lengthy wingspan allows him to shoot over the top of opponents. His defensive acumen remains a concern. Nice value here. GRADE: B+ |
| 49. Spurs — Chimezie Metu, PF/C Metu is an athletic big who can theoretically block a few shots and space the floor out into the midrange. His ability to function as a lob threat is likely his best single skill. Despite being a junior, Metu still needs significant development. GRADE: C+ |
| 50. Pacers — Alize Johnson, SF/PF Johnson was an impressively productive player at Missouri State where he averaged 19.3 points and 14.9 rebounds per 40 minutes. Johnson was also an active 3-point shooter. His ability to consistently connect on those shots could help him stick in the NBA. He was the No. 59 ranked prospect in our top 60. GRADE: C+ |
| 51. Pelicans — Tony Carr, PG New Orleans is betting on Carr’s volume scoring here. The 6-5 guard is comfortable creating his own offense off the bounce, but he doesn’t always do so efficiently. He finished with a 52.7 true shooting percentage. It’s hard to see how Carr sticks in the NBA, but the Pelicans could do worse than betting on shot creation here. GRADE: C+ |
| 52. Jazz — Vince Edwards, PF TRADE: Utah is sending this pick to the Rockets. Edwards is a 6-8 forward out of Purdue who can fill it up from beyond the arc. He’s not really a shot creator, but he can pass it a bit and functions well as a team defender. He’ll be an interesting development piece for Houston. GRADE: B- |
| 53. Thunder — Devon Hall, SG Oklahoma City is in need of two-way wings who can space the floor offensively and provide some level of defensive value. As such, this is a home run in terms of fit. Hall isn’t an upside play, but he converted 38.9 percent of his 3-point attempts while consistently playing for a top-five defense at Virginia. GRADE: B+ |
| 54. Mavericks (via Trail Blazers) — Shake Milton, SG TRADE: Milton is headed to Philadelphia as part of a deal for the Sixers two remaining second-rounders. The 6-6 guard is a nice fit for a roster looking to solidify itself with shooters. He connected on 44.5 percent of his 445 3-point attempts in college. Milton’s length also offers some potential defensive value. GRADE: B |
| 55. Hornets (via Cavs) — Arnoldas Kulboka, PF Presumably this will be a stash pick for Charlotte. The 6-10 forward combines a mix of athleticism, positional size and shotmaking. He’s still a raw prospect who needs to develop physically to handle the rigors of the NBA. Kulboka wasn’t ranked in our top 60. GRADE: C |
| 56. 76ers — Ray Spalding, PF/C TRADE: This pick is going to Dallas as part of the deal for Shake Milton. Spalding is an athletic big man who delivered impressive defensive numbers during his junior season at Louisville, averaging 2.2 steals and 2.5 blocks per 40 minutes. Figuring out what his offensive role can be at the NBA level will be crucial. The 21-year-old is positive value for the Mavericks here. GRADE: B |
| 57. Thunder (via Celtics) — Kevin Hervey, SF Another positive selection for Oklahoma City here late in the second round. Hervey’s a 6-7 wing with positional length and interesting offensive versatility. The 22-year-old likely slid down the board due to prior knee injuries. Given the Thunder’s needs, they’ve done well with their late second-rounders. GRADE: B |
| 58. Nuggets (via Warriors) — Thomas Welsh, C Welsh isn’t a prospect rated in our top 60. The 7-footer has been known as a midrange floor spacer for much of his college career, but he expanded his range out to the 3-point line as a senior. Welsh’s biggest concern is his ability to stay on the floor defensively. UCLA regularly struggled to defend ball-screen actions when he was involved. GRADE: C |
| 59. Suns (via Raptors) — George King, SF King is a 6-6 senior who rose up draft boards during the pre-draft process. He was a career 40.1 percent 3-point shooter over 451 attempts during his time at Colorado. His positional size is useful. GRADE: C |
| 60. 76ers (via Rockets) — Kostas Antetokounmpo, SF TRADE: This is the second pick Philadelphia will send to the Mavericks for Shake Milton. Beyond the name and the 6-10 frame, it’s not clear what Antetokounmpo actually offers as an NBA prospect at this stage. He played just 15 minutes per game for Dayton as a freshman. This is a purely developmental pick that likely won’t return much value. GRADE: D |