NBA Mock Draft: Who do the Knicks take at 8th and 27th?

3. Charlotte Hornets, James Wiseman, C, Memphis

At one point considered a potential number one overall pick, it appears James Wiseman could fall to third where the Charlotte Hornets should be happy to select him. The athletic big man, who carries a 7-foot-5 wingspan, could pair nicely with last year’s lottery pick PJ Washington in creating a formidable frontcourt for years to come.

Wiseman was suspended last season over a booster dispute, limiting his action at Memphis, but it’s clear that he has the size and finishing ability to be a force running toward the rim.

4. Chicago Bulls, Deni Avdija, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)

The Chicago Bulls are in the middle of a major transition after replacing head coach Jim Boylen with Billy Donovan. Besides filling out their coaching staff, the front office has some key decisions to make about their roster, including whether to extend Zach LaVine. However, they also have a nice nucleus of young players, which will be bolstered by the fourth pick in this year’s draft.

In search of a playmaker, the Bulls could go in a lot of directions with this pick, with no clear favorite emerging from insiders trying to handicap their thinking. But I’m going to say they select Deni Avdija. The Israeli-Serbian forward offers a unique combination of size and playmaking that could turn him into a unique NBA player. There are some concerns about his shot, but if that develops over time, he could be a great pick.