Tag: NBA Mock Draft

Rookie Wire mock draft has Tyler Bey going to Thunder in 2nd round

Where will Tyler Bey be drafted? The Rookie Wire’s new mock draft has the Colorado defensive star going to the Oklahoma City Thunder with pick 53.

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer has Tyler Bey as a potential first round pick. The Colorado wing is No. 36 on the analyst’s big board and, in The Ringer’s most recent mock draft, went No. 27 to the New York Knicks.

Is there a way the Oklahoma City Thunder could get him — with their second-round pick?

The Rookie Wire, a USA Today partner of OKC Thunder Wire, thinks there’s definitely a chance. Its mock draft released Thursday has the Thunder selecting Bey with the No. 53 pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

Bey was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. The previous winner: Matisse Thybulle, who is emerging as a stud defender with the Philadelphia 76ers.

So yes, there’s a reason Thunder fans would be excited if this came to fruition.

Bey is 6-foot-7 and has a 7-foot-1 wingspan. O’Connor wrote that despite Bey’s lack of 3-point shooting, his size and athleticism could allow him to slide all the way up to center on offense.

Over the last two seasons, Bey has averaged 13.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals and blocks apiece while shooting 55.5% from 2. He only attempted 0.8 3-pointers per game.

Rookie Wire’s Bryan Kalbrosky wrote that there’s an argument that Bey’s defense and rebounding can translate to the next level:

His defensive rebound percentage (27.7%) ranked fourth-best among all players 6-foot-7 or shorter. The advanced stats paint a picture of Bey as arguably the best overall defensive player in college basketball last season.

In the first round of the Rookie Wire mock draft, the Thunder took guard Cassius Stanley. The second round points to Bey.

Bey, who played three years at Colorado and is 22 years old, would be an intriguing option if he is still around when the Thunder come up for the 53rd pick in the draft.

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The Athletic mock draft: Thunder take center Isaiah Stewart

After two mock drafts putting Jaden McDaniels on the Thunder, Sam Vecenie projected Isaiah Stewart to go to Oklahoma City.

The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie has a new choice for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In his most recent mock draft, the Thunder took Washington center Isaiah Stewart.

This is a change from Vecenie’s previous two mock drafts in which Oklahoma City went with Stewart’s college teammate, forward Jaden McDaniels.

This mock draft, released Oct. 13, changed gears. McDaniels went two spots early to the Utah Jazz, so the Thunder selected a player who they would look to as an option to become their future starting center.

Vecenie writes:

“For a team with a ton of draft picks forthcoming and a potential opening at center in the next couple of years with Steven Adams’ contract coming due, Stewart fits. He fits from a production standpoint. He fits from a youth standpoint for a team that tends to prefer drafting young guys. And he fits from a motor and work ethic standpoint for a team that has tended to put a high value on character in the draft.”

As a freshman for Washington, Stewart averaged 17 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.

He didn’t shoot from deep in college, but as a high school big, he made 42% of his looks from deep, giving hope that he still has that skills and his lack of shooting was a symptom of the Huskies’ system and doesn’t reflect his ability.

Vecenie said the same, writing that “evaluators are also big believers in his ability to shoot the basketball. Folks who went up to Washington’s practices this season said that he was knocking shots down from distance with ease.”

With that said, Vecenie thinks Stewart’s future is more of a traditional 5.

If drafted, he would be in line to take the ropes from Steven Adams once the longtime Thunder center’s contract expires following this season.

“Ultimately though, Stewart will be a rim running, rim protecting 5 who rebounds it well and provides a tough interior presence.”

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James Wiseman lands with the Warriors in latest Bleacher Report NBA mock draft

In the latest NBA mock draft from Bleacher Report’s lead draft writer Jonathan Wasserman, the Golden State Warriors land James Wiseman with the No. 2 pick.

After an extended wait, the 2020 NBA Draft is finally less than a month away. As draft night approaches, mock drafts continue to release predictions for the Golden State Warriors top pick.

In Jonathan Wasserman‘s latest mock draft for Bleacher Report, the Warriors landed big-man prospect James Wiseman with the No. 2 overall selection.

According to Wasserman, there is “more support” for the Memphis big man in Golden State’s front office over Georgia’s Anthony Edwards if the Warriors don’t move the No. 2 pick in the draft. 

Via Bleacher Report:

Odds are, the Warriors stay put despite all the trade chatter, and we’re hearing there is more support for James Wiseman than Anthony Edwards in Golden State’s front office. Deni Avdija, Obi Toppin and Tyrese Haliburton figure to remain in play, but it’s presumed they’re more trade-down targets.

If Bob Myers and Steve Kerr do select Wiseman with the No. 2 pick, the 19-year-old could serve as a “rim runner and finisher” as he adjusts to the NBA level, per Wasserman.

Though Wiseman isn’t considered as NBA-ready as others, the game would come easier to him in Golden State, where he could play off the team’s shooters and passers and work exclusively as a rim-runner and finisher. He’d give a rotation fueled by skill a useful jolt of athleticism in the middle.

Vie Wasserman’s full mock draft on Bleacher Report here.

Although Wiseman’s only college basketball season was cut short, his stint at Memphis resulted in three double-double performances in three games. During his run with Penny Hardaway and the Tigers, the highly touted prospect averaged 19.7 points on 76.9% shooting from the field with 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per contest.

Prior to his time at Memphis, Wiseman earned bids to the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. The Nashville product was named Gatorade National Player of the Year and Tennessee Mr. Basketball.

In the Warriors Wire Big Board 1.0, Wiseman was the No. 4 ranked prospect in the top-30.

While Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green advance to the next stage of their careers, Wiseman’s presence underneath could give the Warriors the flexibility to reimagine their rotation inside out for the future.

With his 7-foot size paired with elite athleticism, the Warriors would add a new dynamic underneath upon Wiseman’s arrival.

While Kevon Looney and Marquese Chriss have proven they can contribute to Golden State’s frontcourt, the Warriors haven’t had a center prospect of Wiseman’s caliber in the Kerr era.

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Warriors select athletic center prospect in latest NBA Mock Draft from NBC Sports

In the latest mock draft from Tyler Byrum of NBC Sports Washington, the Golden State Warriors land Memphis’ James Wiseman with the No. 2 selection.

From the moment the Golden State Warriors landed the No. 2 pick at the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery, one player has consistently landed in the Bay Area in mock predictions.

Despite only playing three games at the college level with the University of Memphis, James Wiseman has been a popular selection across NBA Mock Drafts. After being named Gatorade National Player of the Year and earning bids to the McDonald’s All American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic, Wiseman quickly rose to the top of draft big boards heading into the 2019-20 season.

The combination of Golden State’s high pick paired with question marks in the frontcourt, there’s a reason the big man prospect has been linked to the Warriors in mock drafts.

In the latest NBA mock draft from Tyler Byrum of NBC Sports, Bob Myers and Steve Kerr land Wiseman with the No. 2 pick. According to Byrum, Wiseman “makes perfect sense” for the Warriors.

Via NBC Sports Washington:

That report aside, Wiseman makes perfect sense for the Warriors. As one of the best athletes of this class, he can fit right into Golden State’s system as a small five that also showed he is able to stretch the floor. He would also improve their defensive presence in the post and learn from one of the best point-forwards in the game with Draymond Green.

View Byrum’s full mock draft with NBC Sports here.

During his stint with Memphis, Wiseman averaged 19.7 points on 76.9% shooting from the field with 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in three games. In each game of his short college career, the 7-foot-1 center recorded a double-double.

Wiseman’s arrival to the Bay Area would inject a needed dose of athleticism to Golden State’s roster. The 19-year-old could bring a new dynamic to the Warriors’ center rotation alongside Marquese Chriss and Kevon Looney. With the amount of attention Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson draw to the perimeter, Wiseman would have ample space to work underneath.

Although there’s little clarity on what Myers and Kerr will do when they’re on the clock with the No. 2 overall pick on Nov. 18, Wiseman’s potential should earn consideration from any team on the clock at the top of the draft.

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Warriors add versatile playmaking option with No. 2 pick in latest NBA Mock Draft from The Ringer

In the latest NBA Mock Draft from Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Golden State Warriors land Israel’s Deni Avdija with the No. 2 pick.

With the NBA Finals complete, the basketball world has turned its attention to draft night. At the center of it all is the Golden State Warriors.

After recording the league’s worst record at 15-50, Golden State will be on the clock with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2020 NBA Draft. Although they started their offseason early with no invite to the Orlando Bubble, there’s still little clarity on what the Warriors could do on Nov. 18.

Will Steve Kerr and Bob Myers trade the pick? If they keep the selection, do they add a prospect that can help in a win-now situation or opt for a player with long-term potential?

As the draft season heats up, mock drafts are rolling out predictions for Golden State’s highly-anticipated top pick. In Kevin O’Connor’s latest mock draft for The Ringer, the Warriors picked Israel’s Deni Avdija with the No. 2 selection. According to O’Connor, the Warriors would be getting a versatile playmaker with a high basketball IQ.

Via The Ringer:

The Warriors will likely target a wing in the draft, according to league sources. Avdija makes sense as a target due to his versatility, playmaking, and high basketball IQ, all qualities that helped Golden State reach five straight NBA Finals. Many league executives expect Avdija to enter the mainstream conversation as a top-three pick as the draft approaches; in a class full of uncertainties, Avdija really only needs to improve his jumper to make a longtime impact.

Read O’Connor’s full mock draft via The Ringer here.

In his last season with Maccabi Tel Aviv, the 19-year-old averaged 7.7 points on 52% shooting from the field with 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 19.7 minutes per contest.

In the Warriors Wire NBA Draft Big Board, the 6-foot-9 prospect landed at No. 9 on the list.

Via The Warriors Wire Big Board:

Avdija can slot as a wing and give the Warriors yet another playmaker on the floor. If he continues to improve his defense, he could fill a role similar to what Andre Iguodala did, though realistically at a lower level of play. With excellent passing and vision, he shows the traits of a dangerous player, especially if he can get down that 3-point shot.

The addition of Avdija could give Kerr another playmaking option alongside Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. With the Splash Brothers off the floor, Avdija’s ability to control the pace and handle the ball with comfort could prove valuable with Eric Paschall in Golden State’s second unit.

Before they’re on the clock on Nov. 18, the Warriors will have one more month of an extended draft season to narrow down their plan for the No. 2 pick.

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Warriors land Auburn’s Isaac Okoro after blockbuster trade with Pacers in latest Bleacher Report NBA Mock Draft

In the latest NBA Mock Draft from Bleacher Report, the Warriors pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Pacers for Myles Turner and the No. 6 pick.

The end of the NBA Finals has turned the page to the sweet spot of draft season. After an extended layoff, the Golden State Warriors are just a little over a month away from being on the clock with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2020 draft.

Although the draft is nearing, there’s still little clarity on Bob Myers and Steve Kerr’s plan for the Warriors’ first pick in the top five since 2002. Does Golden State use the choice on a prospect that can contribute right away? Do they eye a prospect with high potential for the future? If there isn’t a player that fits either of these descriptions, the Warriors could opt to move the pick on draft night.

In Bleacher Report’s latest NBA Mock Draft, Jonathan Wasserman explores the idea of Golden State trading the pick. In Wasserman’s mock, the Warriors link up with the Atlanta Hawks and the Indiana Pacers for a blockbuster deal.

In the mock trade, the Warriors land center Myles Turner from Indiana and the No. 6 overall pick from Atlanta for the No. 2 pick, the Minnesota Timberwolves 2021 first-round pick and Andrew Wiggins. Minnesota’s 2021 pick and Wiggins end up in Atlant as part of a three-team trade.

While both Marquese Chriss and Kevon Looney have served as intriguing options for Golden State’s frontcourt in the past, Turner’s arrival gives Golden State a dynamic presence on the inside.

At only 24-years-old, the Texas Longhorns product has already recorded five seasons in the NBA. Despite Turner’s resume, his production has steadily declined after a breakout season in 2015-17. Last season, the 6-foot-11 big man averaged 12.1 points on 45.7% shooting with 6.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.

There’s no doubt Turner has a skill set that can help Golden State, but if he does land in the Bay Area, it will be on Kerr and company to unlock his true potential.

After acquiring Turner, the Warriors picked up Auburn’s Isaac Okoro with the No. 6 overall pick in the Bleacher Report mock draft. According to Wasserman, the Auburn wing has a “convincing defensive profile.”

Via Bleacher Report:

He has a convincing defensive profile with a strong, 6’6″ frame, powerful legs, quick feet and discipline. And though not a creator or reliable shooter, Okoro shot 60.7 percent inside the arc, scoring by driving, cutting and capitalizing on his strength and footwork in the post.

View the rest of Bleacher Report’s NBA mock draft here.

During his freshman season with Bruce Pearl at Auburn, the 19-year-old averaged 12.9 points on 51.4% shooting from the field with 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per contest.

In the Rookie Wire’s pre-combine NBA Draft Big Board 4.0, the Second-Team All-SEC member came in at No. 8 in the top 100. According to Bryan Kalbrosky, Okoro is an athletic “defensive wunderkind” on the perimeter.

Via Rookie Wire:

Auburn’s Isaac Okoro is arguably the most athletic player in the 2020 NBA Draft and as a defensive wunderkind, he can guard the perimeter and the ball handler in pick-and-roll sets. He has excelled when driving to the basket as a finisher on offense, but an unproven ability to score otherwise will limit what he can be in the NBA until further developed.

With the Warriors’ lack of athleticism paired with inconsistent options in the frontcourt, Myers and Kerr could fill two areas of need with Bleacher Report’s proposed draft-night deal.

However, the loss of Wiggins erases a scoring option for Kerr’s offense. Without Wiggins, the pressure will fall on Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to take care of a majority of scoring on the wing. If they decide to move the 2014 first overall pick, the Warriors will need to make a play for a scoring threat in free agency.

Speculation aside, Kerr and Myers will only have the next month to put the finishing touches on their highly-anticipated draft-day plan.

Warriors land dynamic point guard in new consensus NBA Mock Draft

In a consensus Mock Draft compiled by NBA.com, the Golden State Warriors landed playmaking point guard LaMelo Ball with the No. 2 selection.

Instead of suiting up for their sixth consecutive trip to the NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors are circling a different event on the calendar. For the first time since 2002, the Warriors will have the opportunity to make a selection in the top-five picks of the NBA Draft.

In November, Steve Kerr and Bob Myers will be on the clock with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 edition of the draft. With a little over a month on the calendar until draft night, NBA Mock Drafts are taking a shot at calling what the Warriors will do on Nov. 18.

With Golden State’s championship core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green in place, mock drafts have been spread out on what the Warriors could do at No. 2. Will they eye an established prospect to help right away? Do they build for the future around a prospect laced with potential? Players from the frontcourt and wing have been listed alongside the Warriors in mock drafts.

To help narrow down mock draft season, NBA.com compiled a consensus mock based on the results of 10 predictions from different media outlets.

With the No. 2 pick in the consensus mock, the Warriors added playmaking point guard LaMelo Ball. According to Drew Packham of NBA.com, the 6-foot-7 wing is a “franchise-changing guard.”

Via NBA.com:

Dynamic ballhandler with innate passing ability who can step in immediately as a team’s point guard. Will need to work on his shot, but Ball is a franchise-changing guard.

The Chino Hills product landed in the Bay Area in four out of the 10 mock drafts used in NBA.com’s consensus.

View NBA.com’s full mock here.

In 12 games in Australia’s NBL, the 19-year-old guard averaged 17.0 points on 37.5% shooting from the field with 7.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.6 steals. Ball averaged 25.0% from beyond the arc on 6.7 attempts per contest.

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Thunder select Washington’s Jaden McDaniels in NBC Sports mock draft

In an NBA mock draft by NBC Sports, the Oklahoma City Thunder took Washington Huskies forward Jaden McDaniels with the No. 25 pick.

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NBC Sports slotted the Oklahoma City Thunder to take a high-ceiling forward with the No. 25 pick in the draft.

Jaden McDaniels, a forward out Washington, was the Thunder’s choice in NBC Sports’ mock draft.

McDaniels has been projected to Oklahoma City in quite a few mock drafts. A five-star recruit out of high school, he had some struggles in his sole college season but has tantalizing upside.

Analyst Rob Schaefer wrote:

“McDaniels has all the tools to be the type of high-upside, long and athletic two-way scoring wing NBA front offices dream about nabbing in the draft.”

McDaniels is listed at 6-foot-9 with a wingspan around 7 feet. As a freshman, he averaged 13 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 33.9% from 3.

However, he only made 40.5% of his field goals and had major issues with fouling and turnovers.

Oklahoma City’s development program has worked well with other players. If it can help McDaniels reach his upside, that would be a foundational stone for the next rendition of the Thunder.

Even if McDaniels couldn’t reach his potential in Oklahoma City, the Thunder are flush with future draft capital. Many, including Schaefer, think they can afford to take a risk with the No. 25 pick.

“His freshman year at Washington didn’t go according to plan, but here, Oklahoma City can afford to take a chance. If he hits, chalk it up as another win for Sam Presti, who’s laid the groundwork for an extremely promising rebuild.”

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Warriors land Deni Avdija at No. 2 in The Ringer’s NBA Mock Draft 1.0

In The Ringer’s NBA Mock Draft 1.0, Kevin O’Connor pens Israel’s Deni Avdija to the Golden State Warriors with the second overall pick.

While the league inches closer to the NBA Finals inside the Orlando Bubble, the Golden State Warriors are turning their attention to the draft. After landing the No. 2 overall selection in the NBA Draft Lottery, Bob Myers and Steve Kerr can officially map out their plan for draft day.

Before the Golden State Warriors hit the clock on Nov. 18, mock drafts are beginning to build predictions for what Myers and Kerr will do with the second overall pick. Along with wings Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, big men James Wiseman and Onyeka Okongwu have been popular selections for the Warriors in NBA mock drafts.

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In the first edition of The Ringer’s mock draft, Kevin O’Connor penned Israel’s Deni Avdija to the Warriors with the second pick. According to O’Connor, Avdija makes “logical sense” for the Warriors.

Via The Ringer:

Avdija makes logical sense as a highly experienced player who projects as a versatile 6-foot-9 forward with playmaking skills. Ideally, the Warriors would be able to trade down for him since two bigger-name prospects are still on the board.

View O’Connell’s complete mock draft here.

Despite only being 19-years-old, Avdija has built a resume filled with high caliber hoops experience. At age 16, Avdija signed a professional contract with international powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv.

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Over 26 games in the Israeli League, Avdija averaged 13.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and one block per contest. Prior to entering his name in the NBA Draft, Avdija earned the honor of Most Valuable Player in the Israeli League for 2020.

Avdija added four points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 26 appearances in the EuroLeague for Maccabi Tel Aviv.

As he develops his long-range jumper, Avdija could bring some stability to Kerr’s second unit. With his ability to handle the ball and create, the 6-foot-9 forward could serve as a lead playmaking option with Eric Paschall off the bench in his rookie season.

If he lands in the Bay Area, Avdij could slide next to Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green to potentially form a potent small-ball lineup with versatile options at every label.

Golden State will have the next two months to continue doing homework on the 2020 draft class.

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Cassius Winston a first-round draft pick in Bleacher Report writer’s 2020 NBA Mock Draft

Michigan State basketball Guard Cassius Winston is projected as a late first-round draft pick in a new Bleacher Report 2020 NBA Mock Draft.

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Bleacher Report writer Jonathan Wasserman released an updated version of his 2020 NBA Mock Draft. In this mock draft, he projects former Michigan State basketball guard Cassius Winston as a late first-round pick.

Wasserman predicts the Los Angeles Lakers pick Cassius Winston with the No. 28 pick. Check out what Wasserman had to say about Winston below, courtesy of Bleacher Report:

Looking for an immediate contributor, the Lakers should be eyeing Winston, who’s worth betting on to overcome athletic limitations based on his skill, production and intangibles.

Wasserman is presenting an ideal situation for Winston in my opinion. Winston will play on a winning team. He will contribute immediately off the bench, and he can learn from veteran point guard Rajon Rando.

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