Tag: NBA Mock Draft

Warriors select LaMelo Ball with first pick in new CBS Sports Mock Draft

In the latest CBS Sports Mock Draft from Gary Parrish, the Golden State Warriors added guard LaMelo Ball with the first overall selection.

As players from 22 teams are preparing for their journey to Orlando for the return of the NBA, the Golden State Warriors are getting ready for a different season. After inking the league’s worst record at 15-50, the Warriors are set to make a selection in the top-five picks of the NBA Draft for the first time since 2002.

With draft season picking up steam, mock draft predictions are beginning to be filed before October. After the NBA Lottery on August 25, draft season will hit the stretch run. With months to go before the Warriors are on the clock, a group of top prospects have been listed alongside Golden State.

Georgia’s Anthony Edwards, USC’s Onyeka Okongwu, Florida State’s Devin Vassell and Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Deni Avdija have all recently been mocked to the Warriors.

[lawrence-related id=29204,29173,28876,28437]

In the latest mock from CBS Sports‘ Gary Parrish, the Golden State Warriors landed LaMelo Ball with the first overall selection. According to Parrish, Ball has the best chance to become an All-Star out of the 2020 draft class.

Via CBS Sports:

The first pick in any NBA Draft should be the player the franchise selecting believes has the best chance to be a future All-Star. And, in this draft, I think, Ball is that player.

View Parrish’s complete mock draft via CBS Sports here.

In the Warriors Wire July Draft Big Board, the Chino Hills product ranked at No. 2 behind only Edwards.

In 12 games for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s NBL, Ball averaged 17 points while shooting 37.5% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. The young point guard added 7.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.6 steals per contest.

[lawrence-related id=24331]

If the Warriors land the 6-foot-7 guard, Steve Kerr’s second unit would immediately get a boost with a dynamic playmaker. At only 18-years-old, Ball still has plenty of time to develop under Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in Golden State’s backcourt.

[lawrence-related id=27791,26576,25658,25446,25400,25137]

Warriors trade down to land Deni Avdija in latest CBS Sports NBA Mock Draft

In the latest NBA Mock Draft from CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone, the Golden State Warriors land Deni Avdija after a trade with the Timberwolves.

As NBA draft season starts to heat up, mock draft predictions are beginning to pour in. With the Golden State Warriors set to make their pick in the top-five, a group of high caliber prospects have been commonly linked to the Warriors across mock drafts.

Georgia’s Anthony Edwards, USC’s Onyeka Okongwu, Florida State’s Devin Vassell and Iowa State’s Tyrese Haliburton have all had their name listed alongside Golden State in mock predictions.

[lawrence-related id=29173,28876,28437,28349,28102]

However, in the latest CBS Sports Mock Draft, Kyle Boone has the Warriors moving out of the first overall selection to take Israeli prospect Deni Avdija. Golden State traded the first picks to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the No. 3 overall selection.

According to Boone, the Maccabi Tel Aviv product could thrive alongside Golden State’s Splash Brother duo.

Via CBS Sports:

The Israeli star would be a perfect fit in Golden State’s selfless system where he could thrive as a secondary playmaker along Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson who can keep the ball moving, and it’d be a win for Golden State to get a talent like him while trading out of the No. 1 spot.

Via the rest of Boone’s mock draft via CBS Sports here.

Over 26 games for Maccabi Tel Aviv, Avdija is averaging 13.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and one block per contest. In Maccabi Tel Aviv’s latest game, Avdija led the team with 24 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field with four triples. Avdija added seven boards, two assists and a block.

With his ability to control the pace with his refined ball handling and eyes for a crafty pass, Avdija could immediately play a role in Steve Kerr’s second unit. The 6-foot-9 forward would give the Warriors a pair of fierce playmakers off the bench alongside Eric Paschall.

Avdija has the chance to contribute as a rookie, but the 19-year-old still has plenty of time to develop if he lands in Golden State’s system.

[lawrence-related id=27791,26576,25658,25400,25137]

CBS Sports’ NBA Mock Draft has Kira Lewis as 20th overall draft pick

CBS Sports released its latest mock draft and has Kira Lewis as the 20th pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft.

CBS Sports released its latest mock draft and has Kira Lewis as the 20th pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft, which has been postponed until October.

Analysts continue to applaud Lewis’ speed, ability to move the ball and his ability to make big plays. Most mock drafts have Lewis being drafted anywhere between 15th and 29th. According to this mock draft by CBS Sports, Lewis would be drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Jan 4, 2020; Gainesville, Florida, USA;Alabama Crimson Tide guard Kira Lewis Jr. (2) makes a three point basket against the Florida Gators during the second half at Exactech Arena. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish had this to say about Lewis:

“Kira Lewis will still only be 19 years-old on draft night even though he’s played two seasons of college basketball. So he’s young. And he’s light. But the 6-3 point guard was really productive this season — averaging 18.5 points, 5.2 assists and 4.8 rebounds for an Alabama team that finished 60th at KenPom. Lewis made an incredible 48.8% of his 3-point attempts in the Crimson Tide’s final seven games. So it appears he can be a reliable, and perhaps terrific, perimeter shooter as a professional, not to mention a real steal this deep in this draft.”

In his two years with the Crimson Tide, Lewis averaged 34.5 minutes and finished with a field goal percentage of 44.7 percent, 1,031 points, 260 assists and 183 turnovers.

Warriors select USC’s Onyeka Okongwu in Fox Sports NBA Mock Draft

In Fox Sports’ latest NBA mock draft, Jason McIntyre has the Golden State Warriors landing USC’s Onyeka Okongwu with the first overall pick.

[jwplayer PuelO2hb]

With the Golden State Warriors season officially over, it’s time to flip the page to draft season. For the first time since 2002, the Golden State Warriors will have the opportunity to make a selection in the top-five picks.

While October’s draft is still months away, mock predictions are beginning to pour in for Golden State’s top selection. Georgia’s Anthony Edwards, Memphis big man James Wiseman, Iowa State’s Tyrese Haliburton and Florida State’s Devin Vassell have all had their names listed alongside the Warriors in mock drafts.

In Fox Sports’ latest mock draft, Jason McIntyre had Golden State landing USC’s Onyeka Okongwu with the first overall selection. According to McIntyre, adding the USC big man would bulk up Golden State’s defensive front.

Via Fox Sports:

The Warriors have the potential to be the third-best team in the West next season, and they will need perimeter defenders. Draymond Green and Okongwu would be a ferocious defensive tandem inside.

View McIntyre’s full mock draft via Fox Sports here.

In his freshman season in Southern California, the 19-year-old averaged 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks per contest. After an impressive debut season, the young Trojan earned First-Team All-Pac-12 honors.

In the latest Warriors Wire big board, Okongwu ranked No. 3 overall behind only Edwards and LaMelo Ball.

Okongwu has the refined defensive approach to immediately provide Golden State a fierce presence in the frontcourt. Adding the 6-foot-9 rookie next to Draymond Green gives Steve Kerr the opportunity for a bevy of versatile defensive looks. On the offensive side of the floor, Okongwu’s 7-foot-1 wingspan matched with his springy athletic ability equips the Warriors with a dangerous lob threat roaming the center of the court.

After going through a band of veteran frontcourt pieces, Okongwu, alongside Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss, gives Golden State a new dynamic with three young, explosive options inside.

[lawrence-related id=26447,25400,26576,27791,23914]

Cassius Winston & Xavier Tillman first-round draft picks in Fox Sports NBA Mock Draft 4.0

Cassius Winston & Xavier Tillman are both first-round draft picks in the updated Fox Sports NBA Mock Draft 4.0. See where they land here.

[jwplayer mZulXqOp]

The 2020 NBA draft is set for October 16. Michigan State’s Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman are both popping up in a bevy of NBA Mock Drafts. This time, Jason McIntyre‘s Fox Sports 2020 NBA Mock Draft 4.0 has both players as first-round draft picks.

This updated version of the Fox Sports Mock Draft has the Boston Celtics taking Xavier Tillman with the 17th overall pick and the New York Knicks taking Cassius Winston with the 27th overall pick.

Here is what Jason McIntyre wrote of both Spartans:

Xavier Tillman

The most surprising name I’ve heard around the first round is Tillman, who spent three years in East Lansing.

He’s tenacious defensively, and possibly can defend all three front court positions. It remains to be seen if he can be a small-ball center (6-foot-8, 245 pounds).

Cassius Winston

A career 43 percent 3-point shooter in the Big Ten, Winston is just what the Knicks need: A three-year starter who can shoot and plays excellent defense.

New York should have a three-year plan to make the playoffs, and Winston could fill the role Fred Van Vleet has thrived in with Toronto.

Let’s break down these potential landing spots for both players. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Xavier Tillman on the Boston Celtics is a best-case scenario for the Michigan State Center. The Celtics are a very competent organization and will help Tillman improve on his strengths and weaknesses in the league.

I’m not really a fan of Cassius Winston landing on the New York Knicks. Simply put, there is far too much cause for concern within the Knicks organization both on and off the court. Plus, I think Winston would benefit well from being around a veteran PG in the NBA.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=516987172]

Kira Lewis is 18th best player in BR’s 2020 NBA Draft “Top 50 Players”

Bleacher Report released a list of the “Top 50 players” in the 2020 NBA Draft, and Kira Lewis is 18th.

Alabama’s Kira Lewis Jr. continues to climb up the rankings in many 2020 NBA mock drafts as well as rankings. Bleacher Report released a list of the “Top 50 players” in the 2020 NBA Draft, and Kira Lewis is 18th.

Feb 8, 2020; Athens, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Kira Lewis Jr. (2) controls the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Stegeman Coliseum. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

According to Bleacher Report:

“Speed and breakdown ability off the dribble are Lewis’ bankable strengths that will carry over. His thin frame and lack of explosion for separating and finishing, plus questionable decision-making, are holes that will create an uphill climb to reaching quality NBA starter status. At the least, he should carve out a change-of-pace playmaker role.”

Analysts continue to applaud Lewis’ speed, ability to move the ball and his ability to make big plays. Most mock drafts have Lewis being drafted anywhere between 15th and 29th.

In his two years with the Crimson Tide, Lewis averaged 34.5 minutes and finished with a field goal percentage of 44.7 percent, 1,031 points, 260 assists and 183 turnovers.

He averaged 18.5 points per game, 5.2 assists per game and made 37% percent of his 3-pointers.

Lewis announced his entry into the NBA draft at the end of March by a heartfelt twitter post.

The NBA draft is scheduled to be held on Friday, Oct. 16, but Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on if that changed due to the coronavirus.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Xavier Tillman & Cassius Winston both first-round picks in CBS Sports 2020 NBA Mock Draft

Xavier Tillman and Cassius Winston are both projected as first-round draft picks in another CBS Sports 2020 NBA Mock Draft.

[jwplayer rDH0bFZm]

Another day, another 2020 NBA Mock Draft featuring Michigan State’s Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman. CBS Sports college basketball writer Kyle Boone released his updated NBA Mock Draft which projects Winston and Tillman as first-round draft picks.

Boone’s mock draft has the Philadelphia 76ers taking Xavier Tillman with the No. 21 pick and the Los Angeles Lakers taking Cassius Winston with the No. 29 pick.

Here is what Boone had to say about each Spartan’s potential draft spot:

Xavier Tillman

Consider this to be Al Horford insurance. Xavier Tillman is a Horford mirror, too: a low-usage big who affects winning by setting screens, rebounding and being a defensive menace. He’s not the most flashy big but he plays bigger than his size and should be an upgrade to Philly’s frontcourt.

Cassius Winston

Time and again in college, Winston overcome his athletic limitations by shooting the leather off the ball and using his smarts to outwit opponents. That, combined with his experience at the college level, makes him an ideal fit in L.A. on a team that could use an experienced and reliable floor general to potentially soften Rajon Rondo’s twilight years and maximize the championship window still open with LeBron and A.D.

Boone does a great job of comparing Winston and Tillman to potential teammates in the NBA. Tillman has the same type of skill set as Al Horford. Xavier can improve his jump shot in the NBA and become a very reliable backup Center to Joel Embiid.

Cassius Winston is the same size as Rajon Rondo but is a better shooter from distance. He could provide playmaking for the Lakers along with some spacing. Best of all, we get to watch Cassius play for a winning team in the NBA. Sign me up!

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1363]

Warriors land Georgia’s Anthony Edwards in USA TODAY Sports NBA mock draft 2.0

In Jeff Zillgitt’s NBA mock draft 2.0 for USA TODAY Sports, the Golden State Warriors land Georgia’s Anthony Edwards with the first pick.

Although the Golden State Warriors won’t be attending the league’s restart in Orlando, Bob Myers and Steve Kerr will have additional time to focus on the NBA Draft. For the first time in years, the Warriors will have the opportunity to land a premier prospect in the top-five picks of the draft.

While there is still a significant chunk of time before October’s draft day, mock draft season is starting to heat up. Predictions are rolling in for what the Warriors should do with their top pick. Memphis’ James Wiseman, Dayton’s Obi Toppin and Florida State’s Devin Vassell have been some of the names listed alongside the Warriors in mock drafts.

In Jeff Zillgitt’s latest mock draft for USA TODAY Sports, the Golden State Warriors landed Georgia’s Anthony Edwards with the first overall pick. According to Zillgitt, the Georgia shooting guard has “immediate All-Star ability.”

Via USA TODAY Sports:

Edwards is an explosive scorer with immediate All-Star ability and two-way upside, making him the front-runner to hear his name called first.

During his freshman season in Athens, Edwards tallied 19.1 points per game on 40.2% shooting from the field. The SEC Rookie of the Year added 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest.

On his way to earning All-SEC honors, Edwards recorded a flurry of thrilling scoring performances. The 18-year-old tallied 30 or more points in three appearances during his freshman campaign for the Bulldogs.

Against Michigan State, Edwards recorded his career-night. The McDonalds All-American ripped off 37 points, six rebounds, four steals, three blocks and two assists. Edwards splashed seven long-distance shots from beyond the arc against the Spartans.

Along with a young piece to build on in the future, Edwards would give Kerr an explosive downhill option behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in Golden State’s backcourt.

[lawrence-related id=25400,27791,26576,28437]

Warriors land Florida State’s Devin Vassell in Rookie Wire’s mock draft 4.0

With the fourth overall pick in Bryan Kalbrosky’s Rookie Wire mock draft, the Golden State Warriors land Florida State’s Devin Vassell.

As 22 teams across the league gear up to return to the court, the Golden State Warriors are preparing for the start of draft season.

With each day that ticks by, another mock draft appears. Predictions for the Golden State Warriors’ first-round draft pick are pouring in as their season is officially over. James Wiseman, Anthony Edwards and Obi Toppin have often been listed alongside Golden State. However, in Bryan Kalbrosky‘s two round mock draft 4.0 for USA Today’s Rookie Wire, a new name is added to the file.

With the fourth overall selection, the Warriors landed Florida State’s Devin Vassell. According to Kalbrosky, the Seminole wing could be a trustworthy rotational piece.

Via Rookie Wire:

Vassell has been described as one of the draft’s safest options because he projects as a trustworthy rotation piece, much like Brandon Clarke did last season. Florida State had a top-15 defense in 2019 and an exceptional offensive rating when he was on the floor. Vassell almost never turned the ball over, he shot 41.5% from 3 and his offensive rating was third-best among high-major underclassmen.

In his sophomore season in Tallahassee, Vassell recorded 12.7 points on 49% shooting from the field with 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists. The Florida State guard is a steady letting it fly from deep, shooting 41.5% from beyond the arc.

On the other side of the court, Vassell is a fierce defender that uses his length to clog passing lines and closeout on shooters. Vassell swiped 1.4 steals and blocked one shot per contest during Florida State’s 2019-20 campaign. Wherever he is on the floor, the Second-Team All ACC wing provides a jolt of energy to the lineup.

Although he may be a surprise pick with Edwards and Toppin still on the board, Vassell’s ability to contribute up and down the court could be what Golden State needs. With a steady group of veteran stars in place, the Warriors need a young role player with a high motor to come off the bench.

With the draft not hitting the calendar until October, the Golden State Warriors will have plenty of time to find the prospect that fits.

[lawrence-related id=28337,27791,26576,25658,25191]

Latest NBA Mock Draft has Kira Lewis Jr. as 11th overall draft pick

NBADraft.net released its latest mock draft and has Kira Lewis as the 11th pick in the first round.

NBADraft.net released its latest mock draft and has Kira Lewis as the 11th pick in the first round.

Many analysts have raved about Lewis’ speed and his ability to make big plays, and according to this mock draft, Lewis would be drafted by the San Antonio Spurs as the 11th overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft.

According to the site, here are the many strength the see Lewis having:

“Long, quick, athletic point guard with good scoring ability … Speed kills. Lewis is extremely quick and makes it difficult for opposing guards to keep him in front of them … Has a smoothness to his game … Pushes the ball well, utilizing good ball handling and great speed and fluidity … Has a lightning quick first step and shows very good ability to drive the ball … Great body control allows him to finish plays at the rim, as well as weave through traffic … Shows good ability to shoot the ball from deep, particularly in spot up situations … Developing a nice mid-range game … Shows an adept ability to incorporate floaters when he can’t get all the way to the rim … Has great experience for his age and is very young having turned 19 in April, with two college seasons under his belt … A good outside shooter with a solid, efficient from … Has a quick release and really does a good job of catching, squaring up and releasing quickly, and has shown that he can get shots off effectively even without much space to work with … Has great quickness, length and anticipation allowing him to jump passing lanes and produce a lot of breakaways … A fairly explosive athlete … Shows a great deal of potential as a defender due to his length and quickness … Great length. Measured with a 6’5 wingspan two years ago (at the 2018 USA Select minicamp) and there’s a chance he’s gotten an inch or two longer since … A very good athlete who routinely finishes breakaways with dunks … While he increased his scoring from his freshman year, his big jump in productivity came as a playmaker as he upped his assists from 2.9 to 5.2 … Efficient shooter/scorer from all three levels. Hit 36% from three in both of his seasons, shoots 80% from the line and connects at a solid rate from inside the arch … Very solid rebounder considering his lack of strength at 4.8 per game, showing his tenacity and hustle, surely giving his analytics projections a lift … Does an excellent job of driving and dishing … Has the ability to force the defense to react and collapse and finds open teammates well on the move … Shows the ability to extend drives with the Eurostep … A steady performer. Scored in double digits in all but 2 games.”

Wherever Lewis ends up, there’s no doubt that he will make his mark.

In his two years with the Crimson Tide, Lewis averaged 34.5 minutes, a field goal percentage of 44.7 percent, 1,031 total points, 260 assists and 183 turnovers.

He also averaged 18.5 ppg., 5.2 assists per game, and made 37% percent of his 3-pointers.

Lewis announced his entry into the NBA draft at the end of March by a heartfelt twitter post.

The NBA draft is scheduled to be held on Thursday, June 25, but Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on if that changed due to the coronavirus.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]