With the NBA Draft Combine in the past, and the draft getting closer, NBA mock drafts have once again been updated based on the new data. CollegeSportsWire’s Andy Patton produced a new one on Monday, with some new destinations for Kentucky basketball’s entries.
Rob Dillingham – Pick 3 – Houston Rockets
As is usually the case, guard Rob Dillingham is the first former Wildcat off the board. He’s one of the most exciting players in the draft, and will be a fan favorite wherever he winds up. Patton says:
Houston has a ton of young talent at basically every position, but could use more outside shooting to compliment the driving ability of guards Amen Thompson and Jalen Green.
Enter Dillingham, an undersized guard that fits well with Houson’s established personnel and provides what this team needs as they assemble a core that is inching closer to becoming a force in the western conference.
Reed Sheppard – Pick 6 – Charlotte Hornets
Guard Reed Sheppard impressed everyone at the Combine with his shooting and his athleticism. He is also a terrific passer and seems to almost always make the right decision on offense. Patton says:
Charlotte could use a secondary ball-handler and outside shooter to compliment LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, and Sheppard proved he can be extremely productive without needing the ball in his hands constantly while at Kentucky.
Without a ton of proven depth in the guard room outside of Ball, Sheppard could step into a big role right away in Charlotte and help this team start to compete after years of mediocrity.
Justin Edwards – Pick 24 – New York Knicks
Although his Freshman season didn’t go as he would have liked, forward Justin Edwards did flash incredible talent. He also had a solid Combine that may be moving him up draft boards. Patton says:
Edwards was among the biggest disappointments in college basketball last season, but his extreme athleticism and ability to attack the basket make him an intriguing prospect regardless of the subpar performance at Kentucky.
The Knicks have a pretty complete roster right now and could be willing to gamble on the upside here, especially with back to back picks.
Antonio Reeves is the potential fourth former Kentucky player who could hear his name called this year. Patton doesn’t have him getting picked, but Big Blue Nation will be rooting for him.