For the Spurs, it looks like DeJounte Murray is going to be their next low pick star. With anchors at point, small forward, and power forward, how do they fill in the gaps? Enter the well-built sharp shooter Shamet. Like Murray, he’s not going to burst onto the scene in his first year, but he will be able to mirror Danny Green off the bench while he works on his ability to become more assertive on the offensive end. If he can do that, the Spurs will just keep doing what the Spurs do. If not, he becomes the next Green or Mills. At 25, that’s the kind of value you’re looking for.
Holiday isn’t a clean fit for the Hawks, but they’re in a position where they just need to pick the best player available. Holiday has really been an outstanding replacement for Lonzo Ball this year and his all-around game will make him a nice addition for a team who needs a backup point guard.
Washington is trapped in perpetual mediocrity. The only way out is to take a couple of risks. They’ve been burned by unproven European picks before, but that shouldn’t stop them from trying again. Otto Porter might be the best player no one talks about and Kurucs would struggle to find time coming in behind him, but he’s got enough size to spot Markieff Morris at the power forward spot and is skilled enough to play in both big and small lineups. He’s got potential to be a nice spot shooting big man on this team if he develops.
The Pacers are one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. They’re looking set at point guard, power forward, and center. They don’t need ball dominant players, they need elite defenders who can knock down open shots. Meet the perfect candidate for that description. Thomas can come in and do the dirty work, make open shots, and play either the 2 or the 3. He’s a nice fit in this upcoming squad.
They’re the Bucks, which means that they have to draft the craziest pick they can possibly think of. Someone people wouldn’t be able to predict. So, why not take Simons who is kind of in high school, but still qualifies for the draft; who is a complete unknown but has good size and skills? It doesn’t make sense, but when was the last time a pick by the Bucks did make sense?