This is another one of the few holdover picks from mock 1.0. With the Blazers mocked to take a power forward earlier in the evening, the pick of Kurucs makes even more sense. Worst case he is a draft and stash prospect while he works on his game. Best case he comes over and learns behind Mo Harkness and Evan Turner. He has tremendous upside and that’s what the Blazers should be looking for all night.
The Bucks need a point guard and a small forward more than they do a center. However, the best selection at their needs is probably Justin Jackson. While Jackson has value, he just doesn’t fit the Bucks high upside, low age draft philosophy. Allen does. He has an enormous 7’5″ wingspan, is already an elite defender, and should develop into a fluid compliment to the rest of the team. If he does, a lineup of Allen, Maker, Parker, Antetokounmpo, and Middleton would be a tough match-up for any team. Allen’s selection may also free them to trade Parker for help at the point guard position which could make this team even more dangerous.
The way this Hawks team is assembled is a kerfuffle. It seems to be working, but it’s really unclear what the future of this team is. Picking at 18 isn’t going to provide much clarity, but selecting Patton might. Dwight Howard is still a dominant center and will be for another year or two. Patton could become a dominant center, but he will need a few years to develop his body and his game. It just makes too much sense as a fit. Patton can stretch the floor in a way that Howard can’t and that should bring some immediate benefits to a team that will continue to be in the playoffs for a few years.
The Pacers should deal Paul George this summer. If they could talk the Lakers into forking over Russell that’d be a healthy start. Hartenstein makes a lot of sense as a post compliment to Turner. He’s a 7’0″ player who can shoot threes and open space for Turner down low. If they could add a few young pieces in return for George they could have the beginning of a rebuilding team with the opportunity to move back up the East standings rather quickly. To begin they need to pick for highest possible ceiling now. They’ll be upset that OG Anunoby isn’t here, but Isaiah is the next best option.
It’s time to bring back the baby Bulls mantra as Chicago goes full tank. I think the Bulls go into the offseason and wish the best to Rondo and Wade. They trade Butler for the Celtics/Nets 2018 pick and some assets and then they draft OG and sit him for the year Embiid-style. When healthy, Anunoby is a top-5 level prospect. The kid can really play. The Bulls sit him out, pull in a top pick of their own from tanking next year add in the Nets pick and they roll into 2019 stacked with elite young talent. It’s just the smart thing to do here.