Phoenix Suns
Picks 1, 16
Needs:
Dynamic High Ceiling Center, Playmaking Point Guard
PROSPECTS
1. DEANDRE AYTON, LUKA DONCIC
16. COLLIN SEXTON, SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER, ELIE OKOBO
31. RAWLE ATKINS, DONTE DIVINCENZO, BRUCE BROWN
59. TREVON DUVAL, BRANDON MCCOY
ANALYSIS
The Suns have the first overall pick, and we all know how they are gonna use it, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream. Deandre Ayton is a necessary piece for the Suns, but what’s essential for them is a point guard, Elfrid Payton is a serviceable guard but he averaged 6.2 assists per game. Phoenix had the fourth least amount of assists per game at 21.3. They ranked in the bottom 10 in passes per game as well. Since the first pick is essentially spent already on Ayton the key at 16 is Point Guard.
Phoenix needs a better big man than Alex Len or Dragan Bender, that’s for sure, but they rank 10th in points in the paint and 5th in rebounding. The Suns do rank 20th in blocks per game, so going after a big man who can contest shot seems more essential than scoring in the paint or rebounding. Not to slight there predetermined pick by any means.
Sacramento Kings
Picks: 2, 37
Needs:
High Floor Prospects, Shooting, Scoring
PROSPECTS
2. LUKA DONCIC, JAREN JACKSON JR, MARVIN BAGLEY III, MICHAEL PORTER JR
37. LANDRY SHAMET, GRAYSON ALLEN, ANFERNEE SIMONS
ANALYSIS
The Kings despite their lackluster draft history the past few years are positioned to make moves in the right direction, with the second pick they can get whoever they want besides Ayton, who lets be honest, would be eerily reminiscent of DeMarcus Cousins. Great stat stuffer but is not a proven leader and questionable whether he could anchor a winning culture in Sacramento.
The Kings were actually top 5 in 3PT% but this could be because they took so few(27th). They need scoring as well. De’Aaron Fox will come into his own this year but pairing him with a high IQ guard who can drill shots would be a dream scenario for them. If they decide to in another direction and draft a big guy at 2 then with 37 it is that much more imperative to find a guard or a wing of some sort.
Atlanta Hawks
Picks: 3, 19, 30, 33
Needs:
Do it All Big Man, Glue Guy, Versatile Point Guard
PROSPECTS
3. LUKA DONCIC, JAREN JACKSON, MO BAMBA
19. ELIE OKOBO, COLLIN SEXTON, KEITA BATES-DIOP, TROY BROWN JR
30. DONTE DIVINCENZO, OMARI SPELLMAN, JALEN BRUNSON
34. JEROME ROBINSON, LANDRY SHAMET
ANALYSIS
The Hawks have a bunch of directions they could go with these picks. There is only one point guard desirable in the top five, so if they have to opt to take a big man that’s fine, they can get one at 19, sure he won’t be as dynamic or have as high of a ceiling but the point guard position is relatively deep in this draft.
They need a Big with range and rim protection ability. The glue guy phrase seems to have been beaten to death in all the Mock Drafts I’ve read but it’s very applicable to this team, they need a lead dog . With 4 picks in the top 34 it’s feasible that Atlanta looks like a much different team next year.
Memphis Grizzlies
Picks: 4,32
Needs:
A Day 1 Ready Prospect, Scorer, Shooters
PROSPECTS
4.LUKA DONCIC, MARVIN BAGLEY III, MICHAEL PORTER JR, WENDELL CARTER
32. GRAYSON ALLEN, DONTE DIVINCENZO, SHAKE MILTON
ANALYSIS
The Grizzlies are too proud to give up on a team that were once perennial playoff teams. They need a day 1 starter, they could run a 2 center lineup if they picked up a versatile center. Gasol has a penchant for the arc now and needs his new ZBO.
This team isn’t half bad if Conley comes back 100%. I know Grizzlies fans aren’t too excited about this idea but if the organization really wants to find their way into the playoffs again trading out and getting a piece like Tobias Harris, and 12, 13 for 4 and the Parsons contract is not half bad. Think about what the team needs, wings, and there are four great wings sitting around 12,13. Not only that, they could also have their point guard of the future, out of the crop of scoring point guards around that range too. They could have 3 players who will be difference makers for years to come. If they don’t like what they see at 4 look for them to trade out.
Dallas Mavericks
Picks: 5, 33, 54
Needs:
A High Ceiling Center, 3 and D
PROSPECTS
5. MO BAMBA, JAREN JACKSON, MICHAEL PORTER, WENDELL CARTER JR
33. DEVON HALL, JACOB EVANS, MORITZ WAGNER, ANFERNEE SIMONS
54. JUSTIN JACKSON, ALIZE JOHNSON, BRANDON MCCOY
ANALYSIS
The Mavericks need a big man, Noel is just not cutting it, he has very little offensive ability and a bad motor. Dirk is very close to retirement so they also need shooting, they could take a chance on a risky wing and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least. This team wants to win now and with a good young point guard in Dennis Smith, he needs someone athletic and high energy to play off of.
A Center would be interesting, there are athleticbig men at the top of this draft who can run like gazelles and protect the rim. A wing could also come in handy given Dirks age, they need someone to take the pressure off of Barnes and Smith.
LavaTakes 