We are now less than two weeks away from the start of the NBA Draft, taking place June 25 at 8 p.m. ET live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Prospects are working out, teams are deep into gathering info and everyone has an opinion about who should get drafted where.
Check out Hoops HQ’s latest mock draft.
While the first round order is set, plenty of trades and shuffling is expected between now and the draft. Here is the latest info I’m hearing from sources around the league.
Carter Bryant Sounds Lottery-Bound
The first batch of invites to the Green Room went out, and Bryant received one, historically a good sign for his chances of being one of the top-14 picks. Even before that news was announced, scouts seem to agree that someone is going to take him before the Oklahoma City Thunder are on the clock at No. 15.
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Bryant’s combination of size (measured at 6-foot-6.5), 7-foot wingspan, 215-pound frame, 39.5-inch vertical and projectable shooting stroke have teams picturing an easy fit and coveted 3-and-D archetype. One belief is that his spot-up role at Arizona masked some of his scoring ability, suggesting he still has more to show and grow as an on-ball weapon.
Generating strong reviews for his interviews and background checks, the freshman who didn’t put up big numbers in college suddenly looks like a candidate for the Raptors at 9, Blazers at 11, Bulls at 12, Hawks at 13 or Spurs at 14.
Growing Belief That Walter Clayton Will Go Earlier Than Expected
Scouts say they wouldn’t be surprised if Clayton wound up going in the top-20. Teams ultimately see a surefire pro with the right intangibles to compensate for limited size or a lack of playmaking that traditionally makes it tough for a 6-foot-2 scorer.
Unlike some of the other young guards who need time with their shot and decision-making, there is a sense of trust with Clayton’s experience, toughness and lethal shotmaking. The Magic at 16, Timberwolves at 17, Heat at 20 and Jazz at 21 could all be possible suitors for Clayton.
Liam McNeeley Falling?
While most of the buzz centers around prospects who may be generating strong reviews during workouts, McNeeley’s name has come up as a potential faller. Even if his shotmaking and intangibles give off role-player vibes, there isn’t a ton of excitement over the possible best-case outcomes for McNeeley, who isn’t a great athlete, creator or defender.
He could land with a contending team that just wants an additional floor-spacer, sound decision-maker and competitor. But those teams may also opt for more NBA-ready, older players. And rebuilding teams could look for other freshmen with more enticing pathways to upside.
Will Riley Gaining Steam, Jakucionis Floor the Spurs?
The star duo from Illinois have been serious names in the draft discussion all season. And now it’s starting to feel real with just two weeks left. Riley has been a hot name since the combine, where he measured over 6-feet, 8-inches barefoot. Scouts feel the interest has grown over the past month, and if teams are willing to believe in his shot, improving frame and late-season playmaking flashes, it’s easy to picture a team being enticed by a jumbo wing with Riley’s offensive skill set.
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We’ve also heard that Kasparas Jakučionis likely won’t get past the Spurs at No. 14. An invite to the Green Room is already a strong indicator of lottery interest.
Surprise second-round picks
Teams believe there are going to be surprising second-round picks who weren’t even invited to the NBA combine. Due to several younger players returning for NIL deals, teams have to dig deeper and look under stones they might not normally check.
That could result in Portsmouth Invitational and Elite Camp prospects getting picked, as well as lesser-known international prospects, who’ll presumably be stashed overseas.
Most Polarizing Names
Asking around, the most polarizing names with wider draft ranges include:
Collin Murray-Boyles: Some love his strength, scoring instincts and passing. Others question his size and lack of shooting for scoring.
Derik Queen: Some love his skill level, IQ, instincts. Others see a poor defensive fit who can’t shoot.
Cedric Coward: Some see underrated upside tied to his frame, 7-foot-2 wingspan, three-level scoring flashes and defensive highlights. Others aren’t willing to buy into a player who played six games and struggled against the only power-conference opponent in Iowa.
Egor Demin: Some are enticed by a 6-foot-9 playmaker with shotmaking potential. Others see a turnover prone, poor shooter who needs the ball.
Nolan Traore: Some see a mature point guard who ran offenses like a pro while playing in France. Others see a limited athlete who won’t be able to separate or shoot well enough.
