The draft is approaching (Friday from 1 a.m. live on DAZN) and possible scenarios are slowly emerging. The users of the SPOX community have also thought about it and analyzed the complete first round on their own. Here are the collected results.
Here are the collected results.
Luka Doncic is a must for the Suns. Final Four-MVP, European champion with Slovenia and at the age of 19 already an “old hand” in the business, leading Real in the world’s second strongest league – the ACB. Ayton is another prospect for the first pick, but this year’s playoffs have once again shown that forwards can be much more valuable than big men. A backcourt with a booker will certainly be interesting, even if defensive problems are to be expected at the beginning. Nevertheless, the Suns see Doncic as a key player for the future, whose offensive impact will be greater than the negative impact his defense is likely to bring. Another reason not to be underestimated that speaks for Doncic is the appointment of Head Coach Igor Kokoskov. He has already worked with Doncic as head coach of the Slovenian national team that won the European Championship last summer. So he knows exactly how to use Luka to tap his enormous potential.
With Ayton the Kings pick their big man of the future. Ayton, 2.13m tall and 2.27m wide, is physically well equipped to dominate the NBA. Offensively, Ayton has all the facilities to operate in the modern NBA. He is an outstanding athlete with great jumping power, which makes him a very good rebounder and lets him finish well on the board. His throw also gives hope that he will develop into a good three-shooter. In Arizona, however, Ayton has not yet been able to show his defensive potential. He seemed to lack defensive understanding of the game and attitude. His block and steal odds are below average for a player with such equipment. Nevertheless, his lateral speed allows him to defend at the perimeter and hold smaller opponents in front of him. The Sacramento Kings go for potential here and pick the player who has question marks in his game but could become a superstar of this league if it develops positively.
The Hawks have a need on almost every position, and can therefore confidently pick the BPA (best player available). Apart from John Collins, there’s hardly a player who plays a role in the future of the Hawks, and that’s why the third pick in this year’s draft is for Michigan State’s 2.11m centre, Jaren Jackson Jr. With the balance of offense and defense, Jackson brings everything you’d want from a modern centre. His statistics of 10.9 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game (in just under 22 minutes of play) are less impressive for a potential top 3 pick, but his 3 blocks per game in the little time available. It hits a strong 39.6% of downtown, making it the prototype of a 3&D center. His weaknesses lie clearly in his susceptibility to turnover and foul. The Freshman has one of the biggest upsides of the whole draft class and would perfectly complement Collins in the front court with his skills set.
Measured by his skills, Michael Porter Jr. has the potential to be the first pick of this year’s drag. However, a complicated back injury cost him almost the whole season. In general, Porter seems to be an injury-prone player who has now had a hip injury cost him parts of the pre-draft cedar. Next year’s own draft pick is in the hands of Boston Celtics if it does not fall between position 1 to 8. And since the Grizzlies claim not to be back in the lottery next year, they take a certain risk with the Porter Pick. This one brings everything for a future superstar. In addition, the Philadelphia 76ers with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid have shown that even special medical cases can have an impact. If the susceptibility to injury is a thing of the past, the grizzlies have definitely landed an absolute steal here.
Mo Bamba actually fits too well to be true. The Center of the University of Texas is the “Combine King”: longest wingspan, ideal center size and unlikely bounce and speed. If he can maintain these characteristics and increase muscle mass, Bamba can ring in a new generation of Big Men with Ayton. Mo is already defensively convincing and stands out especially on the board and in shot blocking. Due to its speed and length, it is also able to defend itself at the perimeter after switches. He still has problems in the mail, especially because he still lacks the necessary strength. Offensively Bamba has the potential to become a Stretch 5, which also shows potential in the post. There is still room for improvement in decision making and passing, but he already has a good hookshot in his repertoire. All in all, Bamba’s systems are outstanding, but at the same time he must also have his own ego and above all his engine under control, so that it does not become a Noel 2.0. If it does, it can become a very large part of the Rebuild in Dallas.
Page 1: Picks 1 to 5
Page 2: Picks 6 to 10
Page 3: Picks 11 to 15
Page 4: Picks 16 to 20
Page 5: Picks 21 to 25
Page 6: Picks 26 to 30