By Nick Prevenas

#	TEAM	PLAYER SELECTED	PICK GRADE	INSTANT ANALYSIS
1	Dallas	Cooper Flagg	A+	In sports (and in life), it is often better to be lucky than to be good. The Dallas Mavericks bumbled their way toward a disastrous Luka Doncic trade less than a year after making the NBA Finals and were rewarded for their ineptitude with a listless play-in tournament defeat, a lottery appearance – and one of the most talented, most NBA-ready prospects in years. What's done is done. How does Cooper Flagg fit in alongside Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, the Lively/Gafford center combo, and a slew of high-level role players? My guess? He'll do just fine. Flagg enters the league as a competitive maniac with a mean streak and unfathomable two-way upside. It's rare – nearly impossible – for one of the draft's youngest prospects to also be one of the most capable day one contributors, but that's what Flagg brings to the table. He'll help the Mavericks contend now and into the future. The hype is real.
2	San Antonio	Dylan Harper	A	If you're a Spurs fan worried about how Dylan Harper meshes with De'Aaron Fox, don't. That's how the Kings got into trouble with the Tyrese Haliburton saga. Take Harper, pair him with Victor Wembanyama, and figure out the rest later. It's early, but the Spurs are building a potential championship foundation for the future. Harper is a wizard with the ball and projects as exactly the kind of lead offensive initiator that could unlock Wemby's once-in-a-generation gifts. Much like his father, Ron, Dylan Harper is blessed with size, strength, speed, and poise beyond his years. If he can consistently knock down 3s and harness his competitive streak on defense, Harper could develop into one of the top two-way playmaking guards in the league by the end of his rookie contract.
3	Philadelphia	VJ Edgecombe	A	Ka-blammo! VJ Edgecombe is an elite athlete, even among the world's top 0.001% of athletes. He hits top sprinting speed in less than two steps. He touches the sky jumping off one foot or two. He already possesses the strength and physical maturity of players much older than him, and he still has many years of growth/development left in front of him. Edgecombe's blend of physical gifts and maniacal drive are hard to find, but his skillset – particularly shooting off the dribble – are still a work in progress. With time, patience, coaching, and a little bit of luck, Edgecombe could come close to replicating (healthy) Victor Oladipo's prime. Even if his offensive game plateaus, Edgecombe's floor remains high because of everything else he can bring a team as a role player. The 76ers are now operating on Tyrese Maxey's timeline (anything Joel Embiid provides has to be viewed as a bonus), and Edgecombe is exactly the sort of player who can keep up with Maxey's relentless fast-breaking nature.
4	Charlotte	Kon Knueppel	A-	Kon Knueppel doesn't have time for the lazy comparisons or the preconceptions based on what he looks like. He's aware. He just gets buckets anyway. Knueppel found ways to shine on a loaded Duke squad – ways that may further endear him to NBA roster-builders who now have first-hand footage of what he would look like as a complementary player to a franchise centerpiece. Between his efficient/consistent knockdown shooting (nearly 50/40/90 at Duke), strong secondary playmaking, high basketball IQ, and competitive streak, Knueppel reminds me of Desmond Bane, who just fetched a king's ransom in that Orlando/Memphis trade. If Knueppel proves he can hang in on defense, he is a high-floor, purely additive player with the upside to become even more. The Hornets are in desperate need for steady playmaking alongside the LaMelo Ball circus, and Knueppel slides seamlessly into this starting lineup alongside Ball and Brandon Miller.
5	Utah	Ace Bailey	B	He won't work out for anybody. He won't talk to anybody. But you sure hope Ace Bailey decides to put his prodigious skillset to use for you on opening night. Bailey has charted an, um, unorthodox path toward draft day, and only time will tell if this "strategy" will work in his benefit. Bailey projects as an incredible floor-stretching shooter with terrific size/length (depending on which tape measure you consult), elite open-floor athleticism, and incredible chase-down block ability. Much like Rashard Lewis or Michael Porter Jr., Bailey can fire his jumper over almost any defender and he doesn't need much time to let it fly. Questions surround his ball-handling skills and passing ability (both vision and willingness), but Bailey's upside is as high as anyone's. Danny Ainge is consistent: He drafts for talent, and nothing else. Will Ace Bailey enjoy living in Salt Lake City? Will he ever introduce himself to Will Hardy or Lauri Markkanen? Will it matter? The Utah Jazz needs talent, and Ace Bailey has that. I'm just not positive he will lock in and compete.
6	Washington	Tre Johnson	B+	I don't think Tre Johnson wins Rookie of the Year, but I do think it's exceedingly possible that he leads all rookies in scoring. There isn't a spot on the floor where Johnson can't get a bucket (except for right at the rim, where he is an unexpectedly subpar finisher). He is a flame-thrower from 3-point range – off the dribble, spotting up, running off screens, it doesn't matter. He can make the impossible seem possible in that tricky midrange, and he needs only a sliver of daylight to get past a defender. Johnson is a better passer than most score-first wings, as well – particularly the lob pass. However, when Johnson's high-degree-of-difficulty shots aren't falling, he has yet to show whether he can impact games in other facets to contribute to a winning effort. He has a great frame for a wing (6-6, 6-10 wingspan), but he's awfully thin right now and plays with a high center of gravity. Finishing through contact and defending thicker wings can be a struggle. Is Johnson a go-to No. 1 scoring option, or does his lack of defensive commitment eventually lead him to become a Jamal Crawford/Terrance Ross bucket-getter off the bench? The Wizards have committed to bringing adults into the locker room (CJ McCollum, Kris Middleton, etc), so Johnson will have terrific mentors. If the rest of his game progresses, Johnson's special shotmaking could shine in Washington.
7	New Orleans	Jeremiah Fears	B+	Jeremiah Fears is the rare guard who prefers to live in the paint than spend his time on the perimeter. Fears puts relentless pressure on the rim and loves getting by/through/around defenders with his nimble feet, otherworldly quickness, and tight ball handling. Fears makes a lot of things happen when he gets into the lane. As one of the draft's youngest guards (turns 19 in October), Fears has loads of untapped upside as a point guard. If he is going to realize it, however, he needs to turn his 3-point shot into something at least somewhat reliable (28% as a freshman at Oklahoma) and figure out a way to cut down on his turnovers. The Pelicans need an organizing principle on offense in the worst way, but this directionless franchise is not the ideal spot for a young point guard with shooting issues to learn his craft.
8	Brooklyn	Egor Demin	B	Egor Demin might be the best passer in the draft, regardless of position. Players with his size (6-9, 200) don't often flash this sort of high-level passing/basketball IQ at age 19. Demin is an extremely unselfish player, consistently finding teammates before they even realize they're open. Demin's issue? He can't shoot – not yet anyway. The 3-ball is practically nonexistent, giving any smart defender the option to play off him and cut off his passing angles. If Demin becomes even a passable shooter, his overall game unlocks a ton of options for a creative coach. He's not a lockdown defender by any means, but he plays with high intensity and loves to crash the boards. If Demin can fix his shot, he could carve out a similar niche to Deni Avdija (best-case scenario) or Kyle Anderson (a bit more realistic). The Nets need someone other than D'Angelo Russell to organize their offense, and Demin could create easier looks for Cam Johnson and Cam Thomas (not that Cam Thomas ever needed anyone to pass to him).
9	Toronto	Collin Murray-Boyles	B-	Every year, at least one unorthodox big man with surprising ball skills and switchable defensive ability earns Draymond Green comparisons. Collin Murray-Boyles is this year's candidate. While those comparisons are often flattering, they can be a bit of a curse, as well. There has never been anyone like Draymond Green – any Draymond-like player attempting to model his game after Green ends up falling short either on the passing/playmaking/vision side or in small-ball lineups where they simply can't hang with the NBA's biggest/strongest centers. Murray-Boyles brings a lot of desirable skills to the table – he rebounds like crazy, scores efficiently, and makes plays at the elbows. Defensively, he competes like a maniac and never backs down (and at 245 pounds, few can actually back him down). CMB turns the ball over a ton, however, and his 3-ball is still very much a work in progress (and the mediocre foul shooting leads me to believe it may never get there). Still, CMB has plenty of upside remaining and will undoubtedly work himself into being the best version of CMB he can be. It's a bit of a reach at No. 9, but Masai Ujiri doesn't care about anyone's big board except his. The Raptors love weird, unorthodox, versatile wings, and CMB will be given plenty of opportunity to spread his wings with the Raptors.
10	Phoenix	Khaman Maluach	C	It's not rocket science. Just watch Khaman Maluach reach as high as he can. His fingertips are only a couple inches below the rim. If he just does that, he's a decent NBA defender. Of course, Maluach can also move, slide his feet, cut off angles, and contort his massive limbs in ways that make it nearly impossible for would-be drives to materialize. The best version of Maluach is the type of player who typically contends for Defensive Player of the Year. He is a shot-erasing behemoth with strong lob-catching instincts on the other end. His size, motor, personality (everyone loves him) and work ethic give him one of the highest ceilings in this draft. But it's still unclear whether Maluach has enough of the requisite skills to make him more than just a lob threat on offense. He can't dribble or shoot it from much farther than the lane, and he gets winded too quickly (played only 21 minutes per game as a freshman). The Suns clearly targeted Maluach as their guy as part of the Kevin Durant trade. This franchise is pinning a huge chunk of its future on his development. No pressure. Wait...the Suns traded for Mark Williams too? I have no idea what to make of that and how that impacts Maluach's development. Clearly the Suns want to bring Maluach along slowly, but with Williams' health issues resulting in a failed Laker trade, will the Suns overextend Maluach before he's ready for starter-level minutes? This franchise in disarray is likely not the ideal landing spot for a long-term project like Maluach.
11	Memphis	Cedric Coward	B	There are some draft obsessives who believe Cedric Coward will be the steal of this draft. It's easy to see why, given his absurd length, athleticism, and consistently strong perimeter shooting. At 6-6 with a 7-foot wingspan and 40% 3-point shooting, Coward's role at the next level is clearly defined. Coward also brings a bit more playmaking skill and offensive versatility than most prototypical 3-and-D wings. So why isn't he a top five pick? Coward bounced around a bit against lower-level competition before blossoming into the player he is today at Washington State. Is Coward's increased production simply a case of an almost 22-year-old dominating lesser competition? Or is he a late bloomer who is putting it all together at exactly the right time? Coward has a lot of the classic Memphis grind-and-grind attitude to his game and should have plenty of opportunities to get on the court for the Grizzlies. No. 11 might be a reach, but the fit makes sense.
12	Chicago	Noa Essengue	B-	Noa Essengue is this year's diamond in the rough. The best version of him shines so bright. The worst-case scenario remains hidden from view forever. Much like fellow French wing and last year's No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, Essengue has a power forward's height/length with a guard's speed and an Olympian's athleticism. He's so active on both ends of the court and has a promising knack for jumping passing lanes and running the floor in transition. His defensive upside is extremely encouraging. His offensive game, however, is a major work in progress. Shooting, ball handling, and strength isn't quite up to NBA standards yet, and his eagerness to make the flashy play can often find him spun out of position. Are we concerned that he split on German League squad currently competing for a championship to walk across the stage tonight? Not really. Are we concerned that Essengue is an odd fit between Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis? A little bit.
13	New Orleans	Derik Queen	B- (for the pick), F (for the trade)	Derik Queen plays his game, his way. Very few players at his size (6-10, 250) can claim to have his touch, his passing skills, his knack around the rim, and his incredible hands. Queen is supremely confident and uniquely skilled. When he's rolling, Queen seems completely unstoppable – too skilled for big men, too big/strong for smaller defenders. The other end of the floor, however, is a much larger concern. He is a bit of a defensive tweener – not long/athletic enough to defend the rim, not laterally quick enough to switch along the perimeter. While the effort is always there, Queen's consistency can be all over the map. We've seen games where Queen's lapses on defense can filter over into frustration on offense. Queen needs very specific teammates/circumstances to maximize his talents. He is not as plug-and-play as other prospects in this range. But if he finds the right fit, Queen brings a skillset few others possess. It will be extremely difficult to build a functional defense around Queen and Zion Williamson, so this pick signals to me that the Pelicans might be moving into a new phase of their franchise. On the bright side, the Pelicans currently have many talented wing defenders to mask Queen's defensive deficiencies. Unfortunately for Queen, the Pelicans are routinely one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the league. Is he Boogie Cousins (dominant version) or Boogie Cousins (bad version)? The Pelicans clearly see a dominant player here, given what they sent to Atlanta for this pick. It wasn't enough to gift Dyson Daniels to the Hawks last year? Queen is a major talent, but the asset allocation is subpar. Giving up next year's unprotected first-round pick in a loaded draft is franchise malfeasance.
14	San Antonio	Carter Bryant	B+	Few prospects look the part quite as well as Carter Bryant. He seems created in a laboratory to function as the ideal athletic 3-and-D big wing stopper. At 6-8, 220 with terrific athleticism and exceptional shotblocking instincts, Bryant has many admirers around the league who believe his skillset is much more suited to NBA basketball than to college. Aside from a few eye-popping defensive highlights and occasional athletic finishes at the rim, Bryant struggled to find his footing for much of his freshman season at Arizona. Some possessions, Bryant would look like prime Tracy McGrady, but those would often be drowned out by many more possessions where Bryant would look lost and aimless. His motor runs a bit hot and cold, but perhaps a more defined role in the NBA would be to his benefit. Don't look for Bryant to be much of a playmaker/shot creator at the next level, but if he buys into being the best version of a 3-and-D wing, Bryant could enjoy a lengthy NBA career. The Spurs are the ideal landing spot for Bryant. He joins a squad with high-character, high-intensity studs who will hold Bryant accountable and not let him drift. He will likely be a better NBA role player than he was a college player. Bryant would have struggled to hit his ceiling on a dysfunctional team, but he will have every opportunity to excel in San Antonio.
15	Oklahoma City	Thomas Sorber	A-	Had Thomas Sorber not suffered a season-ending foot injury near the end of February, he might have heard his name called much earlier in this draft. As it stands, Sorber is one of the most polished and productive big men in this draft – a true throwback to some of the household names Georgetown produced through the 80s and 90s. Sorber is a deadly back-to-the-basket scorer, using his wide frame, crazy long wingspan, and excellent feet to carve out his space. Sorber can also facilitate offense from the elbows and hit cutters and spot-up shooters. Sorber, however, doesn't provide any spacing whatsoever beyond those elbows-in areas (just a 16% 3-point shooter), and he lacks the explosive athleticism of many of his big-man contemporaries. He excels on defense thanks to his high IQ, that aforementioned wingspan, and excellent timing. There is a lot to admire about his game, but for him to reach his ceiling (older Al Horford, prime Greg Monroe), Sorber needs to add the floor-spacing element to his game. He will have plenty of opportunity to reach his ceiling on the defending NBA champs in Oklahoma City. He brings an entirely new dimension in the pivot and could conceivably play alongside Chet Holmgren as a stout, defensive-minded backup to Isaiah Hartenstein. Great pick.
16	Portland	Hansen Yang	C-	Hansen Yang possesses the outline of a fascinating NBA player – a true floor-spacing big with nifty back-to-the-basket moves and a clean-the-glass mentality on both ends. Yang can also pass/playmake from the elbows a bit. Issues surrounding his defense – whether or not he'll ever play it – persist, as does his relative lack of experience against NBA-caliber athletes. He's enormous (7-2, 250) and a bit more mobile than one would expect at that size, so this is a reasonable second-round upside play. But this is a crazy reach at No. 16. He is years away from being able to contribute. The Blazers have a bit of a logjam at center, but by the time he's NBA ready, Portland should sort that out. Clearly Portland loves what he brings to the table, but it's unclear whether he will ever fulfill his potential. Wild pick.
17	Minnesota	Joan Beringer	B-	Joan Beringer, much like many of the recent first-round French prospects, is long, shockingly athletic, highly instinctive, and really, REALLY raw. Beringer can't really shoot or pass yet, and it's unclear whether either of those skills become even mediocre by NBA standards. It's his jaw-dropping speed and athleticism, however, that is far from mediocre. Even though he's lanky, Beringer absorbs contact well and he never tries to do anything he can't. His mobility on defense is the real shocker – if he can protect the rim and switch along the perimeter the way some of his (very grainy) game tape suggests, Beringer could find a productive role in this league, even if the other skills take time to develop. He will have fellow countryman Rudy Gobert in place to mentor him as he learns the ropes of NBA basketball. Beringer is likely not ready to contribute huge minutes to a Minnesota playoff push right away, but under Gobert's tutelage, Beringer could become a devastating shotblocker one day. But do the Timberwolves (Anthony Edwards especially) care about developmental projects when there were other play-now talents available here?
18	Utah	Walter Clayton	A	Sure, Walter Clayton is a little older than most first-round prospects. Sure, he'll struggle staying in front of the league's quicker guards. But you'll have a very hard time convincing me Clayton won't stick in the NBA. For starters, he is an elite shooter. Not a good shooter, not a great shooter, but a truly elite long-range assassin with a quick release and repeatable mechanics regardless of the situation (off the bounce, catch and shoot, off curls, you name it). Second, Clayton thrives when the pressure mounts. He delivers again and again in big moments. Even if the shot isn't falling, Clayton finds many other ways to contribute. He can get a little loose with the ball when he is tasked with making every play, but Clayton should thrive alongside a high-usage offensive initiator. He can even run the offense in short stretches, with the possibility of expanding his game even further as he gains experience. Every knock on Clayton sounds awfully familiar to Jalen Brunson's scouting report coming out of Villanova. How's he doing lately? Danny Ainge sees the same thing I see – a winner. Clayton is exactly what this Jazz backcourt is missing. If Ace Bailey actually shows up to camp, Utah could have the best non-Texas draft of the night.
19	Brooklyn	Nolan Traore	A-	Had Nolan Traore been eligible for last year's draft, he likely cracks the top 5. He was one of the hottest names heading into this year's draft, but the scoring efficiency and attention to detail on defense unfortunately took a bit of a nosedive. Trarore is still one of the fastest prospects with the ball in his hands. He possesses terrific size and one of the best first steps in this draft class. He can make pinpoint passes with either hand and excels both in transition and in breaking down defenses in the half court. The shooting just isn't there quite yet and it's hard to imagine he makes significant improvement as a defender going against players just as quick (and much stronger) than he is. The upside is there – you can't teach Traroe's speed – but the risks are scary. Brooklyn is going all-in on passing in this draft with Demin and Traore. They must be sick of watching Cam Thomas go one-on-five every night. Traore represents good value at No. 19.
20	Miami	Kasparas Jakucionis	B+	Kasparas Jakucionis is a wizard in the pick and roll. Give Jakucionis the ball at the top of the key with a couple of adept screen setters and watch him work. He isn't blessed with innate top-end speed, but he always finds an angle and always his teammates in the shooting pocket with picture-perfect passes – often at rhythms that flummox opposing defenses. Jakucionis loves to try stuff in games that few other point guards won't. This habit might drive a coach crazy, but when it works, Jakucionis can create buckets out of thin air. He is also an adept finisher at the rim and a foul magnet. For these skills to translate to the NBA, he needs to get his 3-point percentage into the high 30s (currently just 32.7% from the college line) and figure out ways to hold up on defense. He isn't particularly explosive, but he's bigger/stronger than most other point guards. It's the creativity that makes Jakucionis too tantalizing to pass up at this point in the draft. This is strong value for the Miami Heat, who need a table-setter and pass-first floor general alongside Tyler Herro (but that backcourt might give up 300 points per game).
21	Washington	Will Riley	B+	Will Riley is an encouragingly versatile wing with confidence and length to spare. Standing 6-9, Riley can scan over the top of defenses and find open space for him to fire his jumper from any distance at any angle. Riley has never turned down a pull-up jumper opportunity – he loves to go for the throat with dagger long-ball attempts (occasionally to the detriment of his team). If he can dial in his shot selection, he has more than enough passing skill and playmaking sense to function in a smooth team-oriented offense. Riley's big hurdle is still in the strength department. He has bulked up since his string-bean high school days, but at 185, Riley is still at a significant bulk disadvantage against NBA wings. Any semi-effective screen stops him in his tracks. The right strength and conditioning program can possibly turn Riley into a starting-level wing with highly intriguing skills.
22	Brooklyn	Drake Powell	A-	There is a lot to love about Drake Powell's fit in the NBA – much more so than his disappointing season in North Carolina would lead you to believe. The Tar Heels were one of college basketball's strangest teams, and Powell rarely had the opportunity to showcase his skills alongside so many high-usage guards. He is not a "give me the ball and get out of my way" type of scorer – more of an opportunistic lane-filler and spot-up shooter. He already plays like a glue guy, which will suit him much better with the pace and space of the NBA. He has the physical profile of an athletic switchable wing stopper (6-6 with a 7-foot wingspan), and he always plays with high intensity on that end of the floor. If Powell proves to be a reliable, confident shooter (and not someone who passes his way out of open shots), he could thrive as a prototypical 3-and-D wing that every team needs. Brooklyn is remaking the entire identity of its team tonight. Between the team-first, gap-filling game Powell brings with the passing skills of Demin and Traore, Sean Marks has identified a new personality for his Nets.
23	Atlanta	Asa Newell	A	Boing…slam! Asa Newell is among this draft's very best putback dunkers. This 6-10 pogo stick is relentless on the offensive glass and dunks everything in sight. After cleaning up the glass the rare times any of his Montverde teammates missed a shot, Newell took his talents to Georgia and was among the SEC's most productive big men as a freshman. Unlike other run-jump-slam athletes, Newell's production is real and not just theoretical. His 3-pointer is a work in progress (just 29% on low volume), but it's clear he's working on it, and his solid 75% showing at the line leads many to believe Newell can eventually will himself into a steady shooter. He needs to add bulk to hang with other NBA centers – physical strength/maturity can help him protect the rim and the defensive glass much in the same way he gets after it on offense. This is terrific value for the Hawks at this point in the draft, and he will have plenty of chances to throw down huge dunks alongside one of the best lob throwers in Trae Young. Great value, great fit. Good for Newell. Even better for the Hawks, who hijacked the Pelicans (yet again).
24	Sacramento	Nique Clifford	A-	It is not difficult to see what Nique Clifford brings to an NBA team. He is the ideal-on-paper 3-and-D wing, with the added benefit of some off-the-dribble juice, some secondary shot creation, and a well-rounded offensive repertoire. Clifford was one of college basketball's most productive players last year, and one of the best rebounders – full stop, regardless of position. Clifford averaged nearly 10 boards a game from the wing, while also generating almost every shot opportunity for Colorado State. With a reduced offensive workload, Clifford could serve as a slightly taller Josh Hart. He needs to prove that his 3-point shooting (particularly catch-and-shoot 3s) is real/repeatable, as it will be the skill that guarantees him playing time. And at age 23, he comes in as an almost finished product – what you see is what you get. Thankfully, what you get is a pretty darn good basketball player. What a letdown for Clifford, though. One minute he thinks he's heading to the defending champs in Oklahoma City where he would be an ideal fit, and the next he realizes he's going to the go-nowhere Sacramento Kings on their eternal quest to remake their franchise into the 2021 Chicago Bulls. Regardless, Clifford is a heck of a player and he will contribute to next year's edge-of-the-playoffs effort in Sacramento.
25	Orlando	Jase Richardson	B+	Don't look for Jase Richardson to win any dunk contests like his ultra-athletic pops, but the younger Richardson is perhaps a more efficient all-around offensive player. Generously listed at 6-2, Richardson's incredible first step and his jaw-dropping deceleration ability allow him access to the lane in ways few others can generate. Richardson combines that elite skill with knockdown shooting ability (41.2% 3-point shooting, 83.6% foul shooting, exceptional at-rim finisher for his size), making him the Sloan Conference's ideal point guard. Richardson is still a bit slight (only 180) for NBA standards and will struggle with physicality on both ends while his body fills out. But it is easy to see a world in which Richardson develops into a fun third guard who can contribute alongside any type of backcourt mate. He isn't quite the prospect Darius Garland was coming out of Vanderbilt, but that's the model Richardson would be wise to follow. This is a terrific fit for Richardson – Orlando needs everything Richardson brings to the table, and he could make an immediate impact for a squad that expects to contend for the Eastern Conference crown next year.
26	Brooklyn	Ben Saraf	B	Ben Saraf is a wizard with the basketball. Saraf can fling passes with either hand at any angle to any teammate a split second before they even realize they're open. Saraf has excellent size for a point guard (6-6, 200), and the lefty can navigate screens with the best of them. He has a nifty midrange game and can finish at/near the rim with either hand with an assortment of runners, spinners, and layups. Alas, Saraf cannot shoot it much farther than 15 feet. He has never cracked 30% at any level, instead hovering in the low-mid 20s from deep. He also struggles athletically compared to the other lead ballhandlers in this draft. Could Saraf be a 6-6 TJ McConnell? It's possible, but even McConnell improved his perimeter shooting to the point where defenders had to take him seriously. That will be the make-or-break skill for Saraf. Brooklyn continues to go all-in on pass-first, high-IQ guys as an all-out rejection of the product this team has put on the floor the past few years.
27	Brooklyn	Danny Wolf	B	We hear about a lot of centers with emerging face-up games and surprising ball skills, but Danny Wolf might be the real deal. He is phenomenally skilled for a true 7-footer, with a terrific handle and an eye for playmaking. Wolf was one of college basketball's most devastating coast-to-coast players – he could grab a rebound (averaged a hair under 10 boards a game each of the last two years) and start his own fast break without delay. He is comfortable shooting it from well beyond the arc, even if efficiency at this stage is a bit all over the place. He doesn't always show the greatest shot selection sense, and he will often try to thread passes that simply aren’t there. He'll struggle athletically to hold his own defensively, and the mistakes will be extra costly against top-shelf NBA athletes. But if Wolf learns to play within himself, there is a dynamic player here ready to make a significant contribution. After an agonizing wait in the green room, the Nets end the slide because – guess what – Wolf is a very good passer. Sean Marks is remaking the entire identity of his franchise tonight.
28	Boston	Hugo Gonzalez	B+	Hugo Gonzalez is a strong, super physical wing from Spain who is at his best when he is playing downhill and initiating contact. He constantly pressures the rim and finds ways to finish in traffic. He plays with high intensity on both ends and contributes in a variety of ways alongside high-usage teammates. If the 3-ball becomes a more consistent weapon and he can cut down on his sloppy turnovers, Gonzalez could have a Bogdanovic-level impact (either Bogdan or Bojan, you pick) at the next level. Joe Mazzula will love the intensity that Gonzalez brings to the court – look for him to crack the rotation right away for the gap-year Celtics.
29	Charlotte	Liam McNeeley	B	Liam McNeeley could possibly develop into one of the draft's best movement shooters – a prized skill in today's NBA. But as a freshman at UConn, McNeeley's percentages fell well below what one would expect from a player with his shooting form, converting just 31.7% of his 3s and an even lower mark on shots on the move. He is a savvy, high-IQ player with much better passing skills than you'd expect from a long-range bomber, but his other athletic/defensive limitations mean there is very little margin for error when it comes to shooting. If McNeeley hopes to stick in the NBA, he needs to shoot it consistently well – not just in fits and spurts. He dropped further than he expected, but he will have plenty of opportunities to get up shots alongside Kon Knueppel in Charlotte, who targeted McNeeley as part of the Mark Williams trade with Phoenix. McNeeley is a better prospect than Dalton Knecht – the original target in the ill-fated Williams deal.
30	Los Angeles Clippers	Yanic Konan Niederhauser	B	Yanic Koran Niderhauser is a stout, springy big man who projects promisingly as a devastating dive man on the pick and roll and a game-changing shotblocking presence on the other end. Players like Niderhauser – Clint Capela, Jaxson Hayes, Nic Claxton, Daniel Gafford – are often able to carve out 20-25 minutes per game on teams with brilliant offensive initiators and lob throwers. Niderhauser is not going to create his own offense or provide much floor spacing or playmaking, and he needs to figure out how to stay out of foul trouble (he bites on nearly every pump fake). But Niderhauser's junior year at Penn State was awfully encouraging – his efficiency went up alongside his usage and he seemed to figure out his basketball personality. Niderhauser brings an interesting dimension behind Ivica Zubac for the Clippers.
31	Phoenix	Rasheer Fleming	A	Rasheer Fleming is a burly big man with arms that never seem to end. The 6-9 big man has a nearly 7-4 wingspan, which gives him the ability to play bigger than his height, and at 240 pounds, he is a tank who is somehow light on his feet. Fleming never takes a play off and finds ways to contribute in all columns of the stat sheet. He can shoot, defend, rebound, protect the rim, deflect passes, and even make the occasional clever kickout pass to an open shooter. He significantly improved his 3-point shooting (consistently in the low 30s in his first two years at Saint Joseph's to just under 40% as a junior), and if that proves to be repeatable at the NBA level, Fleming will be a nice find as the first pick in round two. Fleming's issue is his ball handling – he struggles to create space for himself with his dribble, even against mediocre competition. At age 21, it's not likely that Fleming will suddenly become an NBA-level shot creator. But he brings more than enough athleticism and ancillary skills that all teams need to warrant a selection at this point in the draft. He easily could have gone 10 picks higher. Fleming is a nice addition to what has suddenly become an overcrowded front court of young bigs in Phoenix. Fleming is by far the best value on the board, so kudos to the chaotic Suns for making an aggressive play to get him.
32	Orlando	Noah Penda	A-	Noah Penda is a tough, switchable, and wise-beyond-his years defensive menace who makes up for his relative lack of height with top-end spatial awareness, IQ, and all-out effort. Penda's gifts for court mapping extend to the offensive side, as well, where he threads passes into tight spaces and makes all the little plays that add up to winning basketball. He can't quite shoot it consistently enough for these skills to fully flourish, but he has shown significant improvement in that facet of the game. Overeager scouts want to compare him to Draymond Green (just…no), but Penda possesses an undeniably intriguing combination of toughness and savvy. Penda is a round one talent who will fit beautifully with the defensive-minded Orlando Magic, who traded a great deal of draft capital to snag Penda.
33	Charlotte	Sion James	A-	Even though three of his Duke teammates got drafted ahead of him, Sion James might physical specimen out of all of them. He doesn't quite have Lu Dort's barrel-chested football player build (who does?) but James does have a head start on developing that kind of body. He is a ferocious wing stopper with phenomenal shooting splits for a player of his ilk (the rare 50/40/80 mark for someone this thick and athletic). James has also progressed some as a playmaker during his long college career, even though he will never be anyone's idea of a lead shot creator. He's closing in on 23, so he likely won't make some major offensive leap, but given his impressive physical tools and the head start he got this year as a fill-the-gaps glue guy, James projects nicely as a tough two-way wing. Just don't watch the last 5 minutes of the Houston game.
34	Charlotte	Ryan Kalkbrenner	B+	Ryan Kalkbrenner is so big and so efficient. Remember those first two games of the season when Kalkbrenner went 29-32 for 73 points? Creighton's massive man in the middle has been one of college basketball's most reliably productive players, filling up the stat sheet in every category with high shooting percentages (even if the FT line can be a bit of a roller coaster). He erases any shot near him at the rim, and at 270 pounds, he can muscle up against the NBA's other brutish big men. But Kalkbrenner's lack of lateral speed and overall quickness will likely mean his contributions will come as a backup in matchup-specific situations. He will struggle big time to guard on the perimeter and on high screen-and-roll coverage. Offensively, his playmaking can best be described as "I'll just shoot it." He'll draw inevitable comparisons to Zach Edey, but Edey is a bit of a maniac (in a good way). Kalkbrenner has a niche in this league; he'll just need to improve his foot speed in order to find it.
35	Philadelphia	Johni Broome	A-	What's the opposite of a man of mystery? A man of certainty? Johni Broome might be the most certain prospect in this year's draft. We've all been watching Broome for ages now, and all he has ever done across nearly 170 collegiate basketball games is get buckets, get boards, and win. But highly productive big men like Broome often have an uphill battle translating to the NBA. He won't ever be a primary offensive option or a wrecking ball on defense, but Broome's game seems unusually suited to translate to effective NBA role player work, unlike many of his double-double collegiate contemporaries. Broome will have to overcome athletic and floor-spacing limitations (he's much improved in this regard, but he still doesn't shoot it from 3 nearly well enough for a defense to care) if he hopes to carve out an NBA niche, but he has the ideal attitude, maturity, and work ethic to do so. The 76ers add a day-one contributor at pick 35 to go along with VJ Edgecombe and their lightning-quick backcourt.
36	LA Lakers	Adou Thiero	B+	Adou Thiero is this year's Rick Ross prospect – everyday he's hustlin'. Thiero is a thick, strong, ultra-long wing who never, ever, ever stops moving. If he doesn't have the ball, he's cutting. If he's on defense, he's disrupting. He is a pure run-and-jump athlete and a potential social media superstar. He isn't much of a perimeter shooter and his ball handling needs another 2-3 coats of polish before it's NBA worthy, but he is a smart, willing passer and a team-first guy who will endear himself to any coaching staff thanks to his tireless work ethic. If he can cut back on the fouls and get his shot in order, Thiero has all the tools to become a high-end 3-and-D wing for a Lakers team in need of high-end role players. The Lakers spent a lot of draft capital to acquire Thiero, so they will expect him to overperform this draft slot.
37	Detroit	Chaz Lanier	A-	Chaz Lanier is a tough, experienced bully-ball guard who can fill it up from beyond the arc. Since joining the Tennessee Volunteers, Lanier has been one of college basketball's most accurate and prolific long-range shooters (even with his funky low release point). He is one of the rare players whose efficiency improved with higher volume. He is also a terrific foul shooter and rebounds above his size/position. He is one of the older players in this draft (closer to 24 than 23) and it's unclear whether Lanier can provide NBA-level playmaking ability from the guard spot – he's much more of a score-first type of player. But in Detroit alongside Cade Cunningham, he could be ready to contribute in a bench role right away.
38	Indiana	Kam Jones	B+	Kam Jones is a do-everything combo guard who can fill up the stat sheet in multiple columns. He feels like the kind of player who would be unstoppable in pickup basketball – whatever you need, Jones can do it. He prefers to have the ball in his hands, but I'm interested in seeing what he can do on a team where he's not asked to create every shot. Part of the reason why his 3-point percentage plummeted to the low 30s was because he had to take harder/contested/off-the-bounce 3s for Marquette. If Jones does have a major weakness, it's the foul shooting. Nobody who gets to the rim as often as he does should shoot sub-70s from the line (67% in a four-year college career). At age 23, he'll need to put in double shifts in the gym to get the shooting where he needs it to be. He also isn't the most spectacular athlete and will get challenged on defense any time he's in the game. I like how Jones fits with this rag-tag overachieving Pacers squad.
39	Toronto	Alijah Martin	B	Alijah Martin brings a football player's toughness to the Toronto backcourt. He is a bit of a tweener, but he projects as a defensive stopper and the kind of player who prides himself on outworking the opponent. His 3-point shooting is a little up-and-down, but he hits shots that matter – just watch his performances during the biggest moments of the Florida Gators' title run. He doesn't bring a ton of passing/playmaking skill,s but he brings a much-needed dimension of grit and toughness to the Raptors backcourt. Look for Martin to carve out a Patrick Beverly-style niche in the NBA.
40	New Orleans	Micah Peavy	B	Micah Peavy burst onto draft boards after a remarkable fifth-year senior season at Georgetown showcased a whole new skillset compared to what we saw at TCU and Texas Tech. At 6-8, 220, Peavy possesses ideal size, athleticism, and defensive versatility in the front court. He even knocked down 40% of his 3s on a solid number of attempts. So why didn't he go higher? He turns 24 in a couple weeks and this is the first season Peavy has shown the ability to consistently hit 3s. His foul shooting has always been a semi-disaster for a wing player, and he doesn't project as the kind of player who can get his own offense going. If the shooting is real, Peavy has a chance to stick in the league for a long time. We hope the Pelicans didn't give up their 2027 unprotected pick to move into this slot.
41	Phoenix	Koby Brea	B+	What a shooter. If Koby Brea can get the rest of his game together, he could contend for the annual 3-Point Contest title. In five collegiate seasons (four at Dayton, one at Kentucky) Brea connected on 43.4% of his 730 3-point attempts, including nearly 50% in his last Dayton campaign and 43.5% for the Wildcats. If he is open and his feet are set, the defense might as well start walking the other direction. If he's moving, it's still probably going in. Brea has every 3-pointer in his arsenal – except for ones he creates for himself. Brea doesn't really drive, handle, pass, defend, rebound, or do anything other than shoot. He's closer to 22 than 23, so this might just be how Brea plays. But teams will always take a long, hard look at you if you shoot it the way Brea does.
42	Sacramento	Maxime Raynaud	B	Maxime Raynaud is a gargantuan center with excellent feel and an emerging 3-point-shot that (if real) can open all kinds of possibilities. He worked himself into an exceptionally productive big man by the time his senior year rolled around, posting 20/10s nearly every night. He isn't a stiff by any means, but Raynaud is not going to be flying around to block shots or blow up screens. If he can figure out how to shoot his 3-ball with added quickness (the release is awfully slow) without sacrificing accuracy (he's gotten better every year), then Raynaud is a worthwhile project at this point in the draft, despite being 22 years old already.
43	Utah	Jamir Watkins	B+	Jamir Watkins is one of the most athletic players in the draft – not just in the second round, but in the entire draft. At 6-7 with a nearly 7-foot wingspan, Watkins brings incredible effort and versatility. He was one of the nation's most productive two-way wings, but his efficiency took a bit of a dip with higher usage. If his 3-point accuracy levels back out when he assumes role player responsibilities, he could be a steal at this point in the draft. He just needs to cut down on his reckless turnovers and play a bit more within himself. At 23, one would hope that Watkins was a bit more polished, but his overall physical makeup is extremely intriguing at this pick.
44	Oklahoma City	Brooks Barnhizer	B-	Brooks Barnhizer is one of the draft's toughest, thickest, most productive wings who rebounds well above his position and plays with an edge/tenacity that fits in perfectly with what Sam Presti wants in Oklahoma City. Barnhizer's upside is limited, as is his run/jump athleticism, but he really gets after it at both ends. If he can fix his 3-point shooting (just 26.6% last year), he could be a quick contributor to the defending champs. Honestly, I would crush this pick if any other team made it, but Presti knows way more about this than I do. So…good pick, Sam!
45	Minnesota	Rocco Zikarsky	C+	Rocco Zikarsky is so big. Like…bigger than anyone else in this draft big. The only players he has to look up to are Victor Wembanyama and Zach Edey. He displays nimble feet, terrific hands, and the ability to finish anything near the rim. Obviously he projects as a rim protector as well. At only 18, the upside is ridiculous, and the potential is incredible. He won't contribute right away (or maybe ever), but at pick 45, Zikarsky is worth a shot. Imagine the idealized version of Zikarsky as the dive man in an Anthony Edwards offense. Wow. The floor is "never plays an NBA game" however. Joan Beringer was taken yesterday. Do they need another high-upside, low-floor prospect behind Rudy Gobert?
46	Boston	Amari Williams	B-	Amari Williams is an enormous Hulk of a center who can bang bodies with the NBA's other gargantuan center. He possesses much better mobility than one would expect at this size, and he can even handle the ball a bit and initiate an offensive set – not something you see form players this size at this point in the draft. His shooting form, however, is awfully rickety and he isn't the most explosive athlete. There isn't anyone quite like him in this draft – a nimble giant with limited upside, but with skills that can't be taught. Boston will bring him along slowly. He might be ready to contribute when Jayson Tatum is healthy again.
47	Milwaukee	Bogoljub Markovic	B	Bogoljub Markovic is a tough-as-nails Serbian who plays with more ferocity than his wire-thin frame would typically allow. He can hit shots from a variety of angles at all three levels and he gets after it on the glass. Markovic's aggressiveness can occasionally get the best of him, as he'll over-rotate out of position and pick up cheap fouls. He will struggle to adjust to NBA physicality as his body develops, but his skill level, length (6-11 and still growing?), sneaky passing ability, and hard-nosed mentality should keep him in playing rotations.
48	Memphis	Javon Small	B+	Javon Small is a productive, experienced combo guard with great length and vertical athleticism. Small made major strides as a playmaker for West Virginia, tallying just under six assists per game and improving his reads on the pick and roll. He isn't the most efficient scorer (FG% often in the low 40s), but he shoots well from the line and plays with a confidence/toughness that can't be taught. He is slightly undersized if he is playing alongside another point guard and he can get a little loose with the ball if he's your lead playmaker, but Small brings an NBA-ready approach and mentality to a Grizzlies team in need of added backcourt depth.
49	Cleveland	Tyrese Proctor	B+	Tyrese Proctor is a funky prospect. He is a prime case of a player who has been picked apart. After three years on a high-profile Duke squad, people seem to obsess over his faults instead of praising his improvements – turned himself into to 40.5% as a 3-point shooter, always posts a positive assist/turnover ratio, excellent height/length for a lead ball handler. He took a bit of a back seat this year to Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, but Proctor found ways to contribute as a secondary playmaker and opportunistic cutter. Last season's loaded Duke squad may have helped Proctor see what his ideal role at the next level would be. He is still a bit too thin to battle other professional wings, and relentless ball pressure can disrupt his dribble (check the Houston game tape for further proof), but Proctor could find a home as a Caris LeVert/Spencer Dinwiddie type of secondary facilitator, which fits what Cleveland needs.
50	LA Clippers	Kobe Sanders	B-	There is a lot to like about Kobe Sanders. At 6-9, Sanders is a long, lanky playmaking wing who can hit shots from a variety of spots on the floor. After four years at Cal Poly, Sanders took on added playmaking/ball-handling responsibilities with Nevada and thrived with the ball in his hands, posting an impressive 4.5/1.8 assist/turnover ratio and chipping in nearly 16 points per game. He isn't an elite run-and-jump athlete and it's unclear whether he will ever be able to hold up defensive or on the glass, but Sanders' feel and all-around ball skills could earn him spot minutes with this Clippers squad.
51	New York	Mohamed Diawara	B	Mohamed Diawara is a physical specimen with incredible athleticism/measurables and the ability to slide between all three frontcourt positions. He can handle the ball better than one would expect and run the break in transition. He has even shown a little bit of pick-and-roll promise. He can't shoot – not even a little bit – and can get blown off his spot if he rotates late. There is a high-level role player here, with potential to provide a little more on-ball juice than most 3-and-D prospects, but his lack of a jumper will hold him back if he can't get it fixed.
52	Golden State	Alex Toohey	C+	The Golden State Warriors find yet another high-IQ, versatile wing in Alex Toohey. At 6-9, 230, Tooehy is a long, stout combo forward who fits in well with Steve Kerr's read-and-react system. Players need to be able to map the floor quickly in Golden State, and Toohey should have no problem in that regard. His issue comes with athleticism and lateral quickness. Teams will go out of their way to attack Toohey on defense. He also doesn’t provide consistent spacing on the other end of the floor. There is an outline of an ideal GSW player here, but he will need to get after it in the gym in order to be able to contribute.
53	Utah	John Tonje	B	John Tonje is a rock-solid, tough-as-nails shooting guard who lives at the line, rebounds above his position, and knocks down his 3s. If Tonje gets an angle, he can't wait to get to the hoop and score three the old-fashioned way. He knows how to get his shot when he wants it, where he wants it. He will struggle against the NBA's quicker guards, and he has yet to show the ability to make plays for others. In addition, this past season was the first time Tonje looked like a possible NBA player. He's 24 years old – little upside left. What you see is what you get.
54	Indiana	Taelon Peter	D+	Taelon Peter is a hard-nosed, bouncy, efficient guard who posted a ridiculous 58% shooting percentage on decent usage for the Liberty Flames. However, he only played 22 mintues per game and has never faced anyone who could be considered an NBA athlete. It's pick 54, but it is a reach. He is not on our top 100 – for good reason. I'm rooting for him. Anything can happen. But a 6-4 guard who couldn’t crack Liberty's starting rotation likely won't make a dent in the NBA.
55	Chicago	Lachlan Olbrich	B-	Lachlan Olbrich is a brute with excellent rebounding instincts, soft hands, and terrific size. Olbrich is a high-energy big who isn't quite big/long enough to play the center spot full time, but his energy, effort, and high IQ could allow him to stick in an NBA big man rotation. He doesn't stretch the floor much and he doesn't have a ton of vertical pop, but Olbrich's effort level and coachability makes him an interesting pick this late in the draft.
56	Golden State	Will Richard	B+	Will Richard is a steady, consistent shooting guard with well-rounded skills, defensive upside, and plug-and-play physical maturity. Richard proved to be a tough, big-game contributor during Florida's national title run, and his shooting stroke looks like it could translate to 3-and-D consistency at the next level. He projects as a low-usage player with limited playmaking ability, but he plays within himself and will likey carve out a spot for himself at this level. Good pick.
57	Boston	Max Shulga	B+	It might take a year or two for Max Shulga to get to where he can contribute on an NBA level, but the highly productive VCU guard is a strong, well-rounded combo guard with high-level playmaking skills and NBA-ready shooting ability. Shulga led VCU to the NCAA Tournament and was the catalyst for his squad's terrific, team-oriented style. He cannot defend at and NBA level yet, and at age 23, it's unclear whether he ever will, but he possesses clear-cut NBA skills. This is a worthwhile gamble this late in the second round.
58	Cleveland	Saliou Niang	B-	Saliou Niang is an intriguing wing who can credibly defend several positions. He is improving rapidly and shows high upside with his lateral footspeed and his hard-nosed, slashing mentality. He likely won't come to the NBA right away. If his jumper improves as quickly as the rest of his game has, Niang could be a contributor in a year or two. There is a lot to like here – it will be an uphill climb for him to crack a roster, but the trajectory is encouraging.
59	Memphis	Jahmai Mashack	C+	Jahmai Mashack is a stout defender who plays with incredible effort. If there was a "dirty work" column in the stat sheet, Mashack would be among the nation's leaders. But in the stats that we do count, Mashack's numbers are, well, uninspiring. He doesn't shoot, doesn't pass, doesn't really dribble, either. But he rates high on the physical attributes scale, as well as the "dive on the floor" scale.
60	New York (Pick Forfeited)	Jalen Brunson	A+	The New York Knicks had to forfeit the No. 56 pick this year due to what the NBA called "tampering" with Jalen Brunson during their efforts to sign him in 2022. They would likely do it again.