Tag: NBA Mock Draft

NBA Draft: Warriors land LaMelo Ball with the first pick in CBS Sports Mock

Is LaMelo Ball be destined to don blue and gold?

With no hoops on the schedule, NBA mock draft season is heating up.

For the first time in years, the Golden State Warriors will have the opportunity to land a blue-chip prospect in the draft. Golden State’s league-worst 15-50 record has already eliminated their chances for the playoffs with 17 games remaining on the schedule.

With the draft lottery and combine getting postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Steve Kerr and Bob Myers will have plenty of time to decide how to attack their top selection. The Warriors could use the pick as an asset to acquire a veteran, move back in the draft or add a top-rated prospect to their championship core.

If the Warriors decide to stick at the top of the draft, Georgia’s Anthony Edwards and Dayton’s Obi Toppin have been popular names projected to Golden State in mock drafts.

In CBS Sports’ mock draft 1.0, a pair of analysts penciled in LaMelo Ball to the Golden State Warriors with the first overall pick. Both Gary Parrish and Kyle Boone have Ball landing in the Bay Area with their round one mock drafts.

According to Parrish, the former Illawarra Hawks point guard has “the best chance to be a future All-Star” out of any player in the 2020 field.

Via CBS Sports:

I’m a big believer that the first pick in any NBA Draft should be the player the franchise selecting thinks has the best chance to be a future All-Star. Period. And, in this draft, I believe Ball is that player. The 6-6 point guard, who is still only 18 years old, has developed into an incredible playmaker and passer who faired well playing professionally in Australia this past season. Some will choose to focus on his perceived negatives and low shooting percentages. But when you focus on what he can do, and how rare it is for somebody his age to do the things he can do, Ball becomes the most sensible option to be picked first.

Early in the season, it was reported Myers and the Warriors were planning a trip to Australia for a chance to scout Ball live. In 12 games for the Illawarra Hawks in Austalia’s NBL, the 18-year-old averaged 17.0 points on 37.5 shooting from the field with 7.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists and in 31.3 minutes per game.

The Warriors desperately need a playmaking option behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in their backcourt. Ball’s addition to the Golden State Warriors’ rotation would immediately provide firepower to their thin bench unit with Eric Paschall and Jordan Poole.

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Cassius Winston taken in first round of latest ESPN NBA mock draft

Winston is selected 29th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.

At least one Michigan State basketball player is worthy of a first round pick according to the NBA Draft brain trust at ESPN.

Cassius Winston is slated to be picked by the Los Angeles Lakers 29th overall in ESPN’s latest NBA mock draft.

Of Winston ESPN draft analyst Mike Schmitz writes, “One of the most polished pick-and-roll point guards in the draft, Winston would give the Lakers a much-needed boost at the backup PG spot with his handle, craft, touch and feel. I’m also fascinated by LSU’s Skylar Mays and his potential fit alongside LeBron James or, in the second unit, Alex Caruso. The 6-4 senior is a combo guard who can run the show in a pinch, knock down open spot 3s, play pick-and-roll and defend point guards thanks to his toughness and instincts.”

Winston was also recently featured as a first-round pick in NBC Sports’ latest mock draft and can usually be found somewhere between the end of the first round and middle of the second round in prospect rankings.

Winston’s MSU teammate Xavier Tillman Sr. also gets selected in the ESPN draft, although he’s further down the list, going 50th overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The NBA Draft is currently scheduled for June 25, but that is subject to change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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Georgia basketball star Anthony Edwards goes No. 1 in latest NBA mock draft

Georgia forward Anthony Edwards goes No. 1 in NBC’s latest NBA mock draft

Georgia’s Anthony Edwards was selected at No. 1 in NBC Sports‘ latest NBA mock draft.

On June 25, Edwards could be UGA’s first ever No. 1 selection in the NBA Draft.

The 6-foot-4 guard was a one-and-done at Georgia, displaying an incredible scoring ability and freakish athleticism.

The SEC Freshman of the Year scored a team-leading 19.1 points per game while adding 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

On Edwards, NBC Sports wrote:

Edwards is the best scorer in this 2020 NBA Mock Draft. At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan and explosive athleticism, he’s proven himself to be a dangerous three-level bucket-getter that can get hot and do things like score 33 points in a half. Ask Michigan State. He also has the physical profile of a guard that can defend two or three different positions in the NBA. It’s all there.

Although Edwards is perhaps the most proficient scorer in this year’s draft class, there are still some questions regarding his jump-shot.

At UGA, Edwards shot 29% from the 3-pt line, however, the numbers may not reflect that the guard was forced to be a one-man show for the Bulldogs.

Whether Edwards goes first or not, Bulldog fans hope he lands with a certain team from Atlanta…..

The Hawks do currently hold one of 14 projected lottery picks, so there is a possibility Edwards may be back in the red and black this fall.

Cassius Winston, Xavier Tillman Sr. first round picks in latest NBC Sports NBA mock draft

NBS Sports’ Rob Dauster has both Tillman and Winston in the first round of his latest NBA mock draft.

The date and procedures surrounding it are currently a mystery, but eventually the 2020 NBA Draft will happen and two Spartans could hear their names called in the first round.

That’s according to NBC Sports’ Rob Dauster’s latest NBA mock draft that has both Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman Sr. as first round picks. Dauster has Winston being taken 23rd overall and Tillman at 26th.

Of Winston Dauster writes, “Winston did not have the season many of us expected him to have as a senior — understandably, given the death of his brother in November — but he still put up All-American numbers for a team that won a share of the Big Ten regular season title. He was playing his best basketball down the stretch, and he still have the highest basketball IQ of anyone in this 2020 NBA mock draft. He’s an elite passer and shooter that thrives in ball-screens. Yes, the defense and athleticism are concerns, but we said the same thing about numerous point guards that have made careers out of being backup point guards. Winston is the next in that pipeline.”

He says of Tillman Sr., “I may be out on a limb here, but I truly believe that Tillman is worth a first round pick, especially in this year’s draft class. There’s really two reasons for this: For starters, he is a terrific passer. No one in college basketball is better than making the right play in a 4-on-3 scenario when the defense traps a pick-and-roll ball-handler than Tillman. But he is also an excellent defender that can really read the game. Talk to people around the Michigan State program and they’ll tell you he ran everything defensively. It was his voice that teammates heard. Now, the major question mark is his size. At just 6-foot-8, can he defend fives? Is he quick enough to play the four? If we knew for a fact that the answer to both of those questions would be ‘yes, and he can do it very well,’ I would have him slotted as a top 20 pick.”

The NBA Draft is currently scheduled for June 25, but that could be changing due to the season being on hold amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Tillman, a junior, has entered his name in the draft, but is keeping his options open so that he would be able to return to school if he so chooses.

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Tom Crean on how he’s helping Rayshuan Hammonds prepare for draft

“This is something he’s wanted to do for some time and it’s his dream,” Crean said shortly after Hammonds announced his decision.

Georgia men’s head basketball coach Tom Crean may not be too keen on the prospect of starting next season without two of his most productive players. He is, however, going help all of his players make the best decisions they can for themselves.

For Anthony Edwards, long considered a top overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, playing a single season in Athens was a forgone conclusion.

For Rayshaun Hammonds, who entered the draft on Friday, declaring early shocked some Georgia hoops fans.

“This is something he’s wanted to do for some time and it’s his dream,” Crean said shortly after Hammonds announced his decision.

Hammonds hasn’t hired an agent and is therefore eligible to return to Crean’s squad for his senior year should he receive less than desirable feedback from NBA teams.

Regardless of how that transpires for Hammonds, Crean wants to help him out however he can.

“My thoughts are to support him every way possible and to help him get the most quality information from the decision-makers so he can sort through what’s real versus what people may tell him that don’t have any decision-making power as far as where he stands. That’s the most important thing. Get the right information and evaluations so that he has the tools to make the best decision.”

Crean elaborated on the “most important thing” for Hammonds:

“The most important thing is to help get quality and thorough information from the NBA underclassmen committee to see where Rayshaun stands, of which we’ve already requested through the paperwork.”

He continued:

“Also, we’ll help get it from the individual NBA teams during a time that is so unique and unknown as far as how this entire draft process will work out for everyone.”

The deadline for underclassmen like Hammonds to make the decision of maintaining their college eligibility or having their name entered for selection is June 15 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

The NBA draft is currently scheduled to take place ten days later, but regarding recent events and global health concerns, the Dawgs’ head coach himself feels in the dark when it comes to potential postponement.

“The process now still seems completely unclear as to how it will play out timing-wise for everyone involved.”

Crean does have some demands from Hammonds in the mean time:

“My expectations for [Hammonds] are to keep working diligently and stay focused on the school work coming and to stay in great shape. Also, to build your skills where you can.”

 

Georgia basketball: Rayshaun Hammonds declares for NBA Draft, maintains eligibility

On Friday, Tom Crean’s Georgia Bulldogs saw its second player declare for the 2020 NBA Draft.

On Friday, Tom Crean’s Georgia Bulldogs saw its second player declare for the 2020 NBA Draft. Star freshman Anthony Edwards declared earlier this month, and junior Rayshaun Hammonds has now joined him.

There is a necessary distinction to be made between the two:

Edwards has hired an agent and thus has no remaining NCAA eligibility (not that he needs it).

Hammonds hasn’t enlisted representation and is free to receive draft feedback from NBA scouts and coaches while leaving open the possibility of returning for what would be his senior season at Georgia.

Should Hammonds receive feedback that he deems less than ideal, he’s free to return to Athens this summer as if he never declared for the draft to begin with.

The 6’9″ forward out of Norcross has been a major contributor for the Dawgs even since his freshman season; he’s averaged north of 24 minutes of play per game since arriving at the University of Georgia.

In his shortened junior season, he posted career highs in points per game (12.9) and rebounds per game (7.4) and finished the year with a 22-point 11-rebound performance in the only game played in the SEC tournament prior to its cancellation.

The current deadline for a final decision is June 15th at 5:00, ten days before the 2020 NBA Draft is scheduled to begin in Brooklyn, New York.

Bleacher Report releases NBA mock draft: Where does Anthony Edwards go?

Bleacher Report released its latest NBA mock draft….where does Georgia basketball star Anthony Edwards go.

Georgia basketball sensation Anthony Edwards has a chance to become the university’s first No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick.

Whenever the draft may be, it’s a lock that Edwards will go within the first three picks, but most expect him to be taken at that No. 1 position, which could very well be held by the Golden State Warriors.

On Tuesday, Bleacher Report released its NBA mock draft and had Edwards taken No. 1 by the Warriors, followed by Memphis center James Wiseman to Cleveland and LaMelo Ball to Minnesota.

On Edwards, BR wrote:

Although the Bulldogs struggled this season, the 18-year-old had an impressive showing. He started all 32 of their games, averaging 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest. He shot 40.2 percent from the field and was strong from the free-throw line, where he shot 77.2 percent.

Last year, it was clear that Duke forward Zion Williamson was the consensus top player in the draft class. Edwards’ case isn’t quite as strong, but he’s an exciting prospect who could continue to get better with time and likely has a high ceiling.

And if it’s Golden State that selects Edwards, he will be learning from veteran guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, two of the best in the game.

If a star player like Edwards can come into Georgia’s historically average basketball program and maintain his projected draft position while packing Stegeman Coliseum to the brim, it shows young local talent that they can do the same and receive that fanfare and adoration similar to Edwards’.

Edwards going No. 1 overall could prove huge for the future of Georgia of basketball.

Michigan State forward Xavier Tillman Sr. a first-rounder in latest SB Nation NBA mock draft

Tillman is projected to go 28th overall to the Toronto Raptors.

It’s offseason time in college basketball and that means–despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic–its mock draft season.

Michigan State junior Xavier Tillman Sr. has an NBA decision to make this offseason, and–by the looks of one mock draft–he might not really have much of a decision. Tillman is projected to get drafted 28th overall to the Toronto Raptors in SB Nation’s latest mock draft.

Of Tillman, author Ricky O’Donnell writes, “Tillman might have been the most impactful player in college basketball over the last season and a half. Michigan State took off when he replaced Nick Ward in the Spartan lineup as a sophomore. In a full-time role as a junior, all Tillman did was lead college basketball in box score plus-minus by anchoring Tom Izzo’s defense and acting as an indispensable part of its offense. A 6’8, 245-pound center, Tillman is neither the biggest or the fastest frontcourt prospect in this draft, but he might be the smartest. He always seems to know where to be and never wastes his movement. Known for his shot-blocking and rebounding, Tillman also finished in the 88th percentile of points per possession on offense.”

As a borderline first-round prospect, getting picked in the top 30 would be huge for Tillman–who is married and has two children. The financial implications between a first round and second round pick in the NBA are quite large.

In the NBA first round picks get two-year deals guaranteed with team options for an additional two years. Last year’s 28th pick, Michigan’s Jordan Poole, will make $4 million over the next two years and two team options could bring his deal to more than $10 million. Usually teams will play out their team options and then determine whether or not to sign the player to an extension or risk losing them to free agency. For example, Pascal Siakam, the 27th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, played his first three years on his rookie deal. Toronto, to avoid him entering restricted free agency, signed Siakam to a four-year $130 million extension. Being a first round pick gives a player that leverage to get a deal done with the team that drafted him. Those guarantees and longer deals don’t exist for all second round picks. Some of the top second-round players will get guaranteed money, but they are not required to like first rounders.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBA is still seeking applications for their Undergraduate Advisory Committee. This is the group that provides NBA feedback on an undergraduate college player’s professional potential. Tillman will almost certainly submit his name for advisory and I’d expect Aaron Henry and perhaps Joey Hauser to as well, just to get a feel for where their stock is. Cassius Winston did so last season, but opted to return to Michigan State for his senior season.

There is no word on what the NBA Draft process and timeline will be due to the coronavirus.

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Georgia basketball: Anthony Edwards wins SEC Freshman of the Year

Georgia basketball star Anthony Edwards wins SEC Freshman of the Year.

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Georgia basketball superstar Anthony Edwards has won the SEC Freshman of the Year Award, the conference announced on Tuesday.

He becomes Georgia’s first player ever to win the award since its creation in 2001.

Edwards came to Georgia as a five-star out of Atlanta with the highest expectations since Dominique Wilkins. And though the team may have had a disappointing season, going 15-16, Edwards put on a show all season.

During his freshman year, Edwards averaged 19.5 points per game. He also averaged 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals a game. Edwards posted three 30-point games and had 13 games with 20 points or more.

Additionally, Edwards was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and was named second team All-SEC.

Edwards is expected to No. 1 in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Georgia kicks off SEC Tournament play on Wednesday vs Ole Miss. If the Bulldogs want to make the NCAA Tournament, they’ll need to win five SEC games in five days. The conference tournament takes place in Nashville.,

Georgia men’s basketball announces new season attendance record

For the second consecutive year, Georgia’s men’s basketball has surpassed Stegeman Coliseum’s annual attendance record.

For the second consecutive year, Georgia’s men’s basketball has surpassed Stegeman Coliseum’s annual attendance record.

Attendance spiked following Tom Crean’s 2018 appointment as the Bulldogs’ head coach. When Crean managed to secure the commitment of 2019’s top high school prospect Anthony Edwards, excitement built further for Georgia basketball fans.

So, an average season with an above-average NBA prospect ended on a sour note against rival Florida. Georgia fans have every right to feel dejected.

Win or lose, however, Georgia faithful kept buying tickets to hoot and holler for the Dawgs. The Steg was packed and, oh my, was it loud.

A sure sign of an impassioned fanbase, the majority of the home crowd stayed until each game’s final whistle all year.

Mind you, that’s not just because of the fans’ recognition of the inevitably horrific post-game traffic splitting from Carlton Street toward either Lumpkin Street or East Campus Road.

The 2019-2020 Bulldogs’ hopes aren’t dead. There’s still an entire conference tourney left to be played.

Crean’s squad, which entered the campaign with high hopes, needs to win next week’s SEC Tournament to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Unless conference tournament results prove otherwise, the Dawgs are considered a bubble team for the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).

In that case, a conference quarterfinal or semifinal would ostensibly improve Crean and company’s chances, but after such an up-and-down season, nothing can be guaranteed (always the case in the sports) or even predicted (always the case in Georgia sports).

Should the Bulldogs receive an NIT invite, they have the opportunity of hosting another game in Athens, potentially adding to the season’s attendance record.