The NBA has become a league increasingly built around a team’s best player going head to head with his best opponent, but professional basketball teams can’t ignore value and team needs in the team-building process.
ESPN analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo released an in-depth mock draft on Tuesday morning, breaking down the best fit and best value pick for each of the 30 first-round selections.
The two agreed on [autotag]Jared McCain[/autotag], considering him the best fit and the best value for the Sacramento Kings at 13th overall. McCain, a Sacramento native, offers a 41% perimeter shooter to pair with All-NBA Third Teamer Domantas Sabonis.
“McCain has an easy niche he can fill in the NBA with his scoring versatility, basketball instincts, competitiveness and smarts,” Givony wrote.
The two were more divided about [autotag]Kyle Filipowski[/autotag], however. Givony said he fit best for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who hold the 20th pick in the draft, despite Cleveland already having multiple starting power forwards on the roster. The Duke product’s 2.8 assists per game make him an alluring prospect as a forward or center.
“Filipowski’s ability to handle, pass and shoot is difficult to come by at 7-foot,” Givony wrote.
Woo said the best value for the All-American came with the New York Knicks at 24th overall, again praising Filipowski’s ability with the ball in his hands.
The NBA draft gets underway on June 26.