21. Dallas Mavericks – Tyus Jones, PG, Duke
After the postseason debacle with Rajon Rondo, the Mavericks need an upgrade and stability at point guard. If Jones were bigger he’d be a lottery pick, and the Duke product was arguably the most valuable player for the Blue Devils in the national championship game in April.
Jones is a throwback PG who creates great scoring opportunities for his teammates, but he also has the ability to hit the big shot or convert when he’s open, sort of like Chris Paul. Jones is not big, but he has tons of heart and is a true leader. In a point guard-driven league, he could make a solid impact immediately. While he is a smallish guy, he plays with tremendous heart and has a high basketball IQ.
Dallas has set its sights on LaMarcus Aldridge and if he and Dirk pair up this summer, having a talented PG like Jones to get them good looks will be invaluable.
22. Chicago Bulls – Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA
The Bulls are shopping Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah and while the chances are slim that both are dealt, the Bulls would be wise to consider adding depth. From one source I’ve spoken with, the feeling around the NBA is Noah has more trade value.
With Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic, new coach Fred Hoiberg has two offensive oriented bigs. If either Noah or Gibson return, the Bulls will be three deep and can afford to develop Looney, who was a highly productive but raw freshman at UCLA. While the Bulls’ trend has been to take polished players in the NBA Draft such as Jimmy Butler, Tony Snell and Doug McDermott, selecting Looney would be a steal from a value standpoint, as some around the league believe he has top-5 ability. However, whoever drafts him must exercise patience.
As Looney develops physically, he should have the ability to mix it up down low against NBA bigs. Looney reminds me somewhat of Tristan Thompson in his motor, work ethic, and rebounding ability.
23. Portland Trail Blazers – Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville
Privately, there is growing concern that LaMarcus Aldridge could leave the Blazers this summer. If that’s the case, Portland could opt to retool or rebuild around Damian Lillard.
A player like Harrell makes sense, as he can play multiple positions and should be a defensive nightmare with his freakish 7’5″ wingspan. Harrell is an imposing physical specimen— and physical ability often improves your draft stock— but it does not necessarily translate into having or developing a full NBA skill set.
Since Draymond Green has become the new standard for undersized, versatile forwards, Harrell should be next in line. He definitely has teams playing close attention as teams look for the next Green. With any prospect from Louisville you know they will be ready to play defense, the biggest questions with Harrell will be his offense.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers – Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia
In my previous mocks, I’ve slated Louisville PG Terry Rozier to Cleveland as an upgrade to the backup PG position is needed in Cleveland despite a certain Australian’s heroics.
While Matthew Dellavedova has had a breakout playoffs, he is a restricted free agent and it’s unlikely the Cavs will match the sizable raise he’s in line to get. The other reason I am switching this pick is that I am hearing the Cavs are more likely to target an veteran upgrade at PG. With Kyrie Irving likely out until around Christmas, the Cavs will want a PG capable of starting on a nightly basis. One name to keep an eye on is Norris Cole, who the Cavs attempted to acquire at the trade deadline.
With that said, Cleveland will be bringing Anderson in the week of the draft and are impressed with his size, athleticism and skill set. Anderson reminds me a little of Jeff Green, and with a Cavs organization that is focused on winning titles, there should be plenty of regular season minutes for Anderson as a rookie.
Due to the Cavs’ current lack of depth, Anderson could be an upgrade over Mike Miller or the soon-to-retire Shawn Marion. I’ve heard Cleveland also has some interest in R.J. Hunter, and there may be too much value here to go international with the pick.
25. Memphis Grizzlies – Delon Wright, PG, Utah
The Grizzlies were vulnerable when Mike Conley went down with injury in the playoffs, and I think they will need to address their backup PG position. Wright is a solid choice here, as he has the versatility to play alongside Conley at times and can be a change of pace from the speedy starter.
Wright is one of the more polished PGs in the draft after completing an impressive collegiate career. NBA coaches love long point guards who can cover opponents, and Wright sure can do that. Offensively, Wright is a very capable scorer who can attack the rim or stroke it from beyond the arc.
The Grizzlies are on the cusp of winning the Western Conference and as their core gets older, injecting some youth into it would help extend their window of contention. Memphis could go big with Marc Gasol and Kosta Koufas set to be free agents, but there won’t be a player here capable of helping right away. Memphis could also target a wing to eventually replace the aging Tony Allen.
26. San Antonio Spurs – Rashad Vaughn, SG, UNLV
The Spurs may see Manu Ginobili retire, and if that’s the case the Spurs may opt to take a wing. With Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard manning the wing spots, Pop and R.C. Buford could pull the trigger on Vaughn, whose stock soared a few weeks ago. According to my sources, several teams have examined his knee and there are some legitimate concerns. But if he is cleared medically, Vaughn could be the steal of the draft.
Watching Vaughn, he strikes me as a balanced scorer who’s more smooth than explosive. Vaughn is capable of scoring off the dribble or catching and shooting. As the Spurs have grown accustomed to with Manu, having a bench player that can carry you offensively for spurts is something any championship contender must have.
The Spurs will be a possible suitor for LaMarcus Aldridge and so the Spurs, as is their way oftentimes, could opt to draft an international prospect and stash him for a few seasons.
27. Los Angeles Lakers (From Houston) – Rakeem Christmas, PF, Syracuse
With the increasing possibility that the Lakers could opt to take D’Angelo Russell, this pick will almost certainly be a big.
The Lakers need to pair Julius Randle with a rim protector, and with the chances of Lakers targeting wing help in free agency, drafting Christmas makes sense even with Robert Sacre returning next season. Christmas had one of the most promising performances at the combine and has been impressive in workouts, showcasing a diverse offensive repertoire that scouts had not seen on a consistent basis during his collegiate career.
Christmas has always been known for his ability to protect the rim and hit the glass, but the flashes of offense make him an intriguing prospect to watch.
28. Boston Celtics (From Los Angeles Clippers) – Aleksander Vezenkov, PF, Aris
Before Celtics fans freak out over the pick, this will likely be moved on draft night either to a team wanting to add a late first or as part of a package to move up or acquire a veteran.
Projecting who acquires this pick is premature. If the Celtics do hold the pick though, drafting an international stash prospect like Vezenkov would make sense. Vezenkov is a combo forward with a diverse offensive repertoire and an efficient shooter who has 3-point range as well.
Again, expect the Celtics to go international here if they keep it.
29. Brooklyn Nets (From Atlanta) – Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville
Rozier is NBA-ready. His production at Louisville was impressive this past season and he can do it all defensively, facilitating the offense, getting his teammates open looks and score.
Blessed with great length, speed and skills, Rozier is a true lead guard and could spell Deron Williams right away. With an aging roster, the Nets could go in another direction— with Brook Lopez possibly on the move this summer— or go international.
In a league dominated by great PG play, Rozier had a great season for the Cardinals and appears ready to make the jump to the NBA and landing in Brooklyn. Playing alongside Joe Johnson and Williams could do wonders for his development. This also could be a landing spot for Rashad Vaughn if he slips.
30. Golden State Warriors – Christian Wood, PF, UNLV
Wood is a hot prospect for many teams right now because of his upside. Looking at Wood physically, he needs to develop more as he is still too slender for the NBA, but his game and length are very intriguing. Golden State has an important decision with respect to Draymond Green, and David Lee could be elsewhere next season. Wood is the type of player Golden State could afford to bring along slowly.
A legit 6’10”, Wood should add another 30 pounds and can be a versatile frontcourt option for whichever team pulls the trigger on him. Offensively, Wood can score facing up or blow by his defender and sink a floater. As he gets stronger, he might be a post scoring option. Defensively, Wood’s length and athleticism make him a natural shot blocker, but he is not physically ready to defend rugged, stronger opponents.
The bottom line is that not many freshman average a double-double. As draft night approaches, Wood may continue to move up the board.
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Joe Kotoch is the Editor-in-chief of Pro Basketball Draft, a leading scouting service in the world of professional basketball. Before Joe created PBD, he served as an NBPA & FIBA certified agent and scouted players all across the world. Born and raised in Cleveland, Joe also contributes to Fox Sports Ohio and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Follow him on Twitter.
Vezenkov has pulled out of the draft