- The Atlanta Hawks capitalize on a golden opportunity to select the power forward of the future at No. 31 overall. Ivan Rabb is a victim of circumstance in a draft that’s flush with big men, but All-Star potential exists. He can play from the post, work the pick and roll, crash the boards, and has improving shooting range. He could be the answer at the 4.
- The Phoenix Suns have an abundance of promising young forwards, including Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss, and T.J. Warren. A void remains at center, however, and Isaiah Hartenstein has Round 1 talent. Hartenstein may not fall to No. 32, but if he does, his size, shooting ability, and defensive potential could make him the answer at center.
- The Orlando Magic drafted a go-to scorer at No. 6 and a point guard who can consistently drive the lane at No. 25. At No. 33, the Magic select a player whom Frank Vogel would love: Wesley Iwundu. Defensive and facilitating are the name of this wing’s game.
- This is something of a reach, but the Sacramento Kings need depth at small forward and an overall improvement on defense. Dillon Brooks is an athletic player with a well-rounded offensive skill set and the tools for high level defense. There are other options, but Brooks is a unique player with upside.
- D.J. Wilson is a Top 30 prospect with the potential to play either power forward or center in the NBA. The Orlando Magic have an abundance of interior players, but they’ve also missed the playoffs in every season since Dwight Howard was traded. Clearly, those players haven’t established themselves as the answer. Wilson’s upside is worth exploring long-term.
- The Philadelphia 76ers have an overwhelming amount of star potential. What’s missing from Philadelphia is consistency in 3-point shooting. Oregon Ducks guard Tyler Dorsey is an elite shooter with a penchant for stepping up in the clutch. This would be an ideal match.
- Mathias Lessort could be drafted in the Top 30, but the Boston Celtics cash in here. Lessort is a physical power forward with plus athleticism, a revered motor, and an expanding offensive skill set. The Celtics can have Lessort join Guerschon Yabusele and Ante Zizic as the long-term replacements and complements to Al Horford.
- The Chicago Bulls now have Jimmy Butler and Justin Jackson to work the wings. What’s missing from the long-term development of the team is consistency at power forward and point guard. With Jonathan Motley, Chicago would add an elite athlete with physicality, defensive upside, and a well-rounded offensive game. Motley could start as soon as 2017-18.
- After adding a sharpshooter in Tyler Dorsey, the 76ers add forward Devin Robinson at No. 39. It’s a slight reach, but Robinson has size, athleticism, and shooting ability working in his favor. This is another upside ploy by Philly.
- With no first-round pick and minimal cap space, the New Orleans Pelicans need to make this count. Thankfully, Villanova Wildcats shooting guard Josh Hart is a safe selection. He has prototypical physical measurements for an NBA shooting guard, and is a well-rounded two-way player. Hart can help space the floor and defend the perimeter at high levels. Spacing and defense will be key.