As we’ve come to know of late, a lot can change in the NBA over the course of a month. The Thunder can go from fighting for their life against the Nuggets to NBA Champions, Kevin Durant can go from Phoenix to Houston, and Tom Thibodeau can go from Madison Square Garden to Indeed.
With the NBA Draft finally going down on Wednesday night, we thought it best to give a little update to the consensus mock draft. Since checking in after the jaw-dropping Draft Lottery, there’s been a ton of movement, drama, reporting and projecting, so it’s worthwhile taking one more look at how draft night could shake out.
Players will be assigned to particular teams based on where mocks most commonly put them. Although rumours continue to swirl about moves in and out of the top 10 and beyond, we won’t include any presumptive trades and will be sticking to the draft order as it stands on Wednesday morning.
You can watch the NBA Draft on Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
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Watch the NBA Draft on Sportsnet
A new crop of rookies will enter the NBA during the first round of the draft on Wednesday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Watch all the drama unfold live at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
Broadcast Schedule
1. Dallas Mavericks — Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
Highest ranking: 1, Lowest ranking: 1
There’s not gonna be a trade, there’s not gonna be some mind-boggling decision, Cooper Flagg is on his way to Dallas. Not that he needed it, but reports from Dallas indicated that Flagg’s private workout and meeting with the Mavericks were “unreal” and that he was “even better” than expected.
2. San Antonio Spurs — Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
Highest ranking: 2, Lowest ranking: 2
Once again, there’s no reason for the Spurs to overthink this pick. There’s a world of possibility when it comes to dangling this pick in deals, and it’s understood that the Spurs seem to want to contend right away around Wembanyama after trading for De’Aaron Fox and taking part in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes. But cementing a core built around Wemby, Stephon Castle and a high-ceiling offensive guard like Harper is too good to pass up.
3. Philadelphia 76ers — V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor
Highest ranking: 3, Lowest ranking: 4
Here’s where things really start to differ. All signs point toward Ace Bailey not being the pick here at three after the Rutgers forward declined a workout, and maybe that’s for the best for Philly. In Edgecombe, the 76ers have the chance to run out an ultra-fast and twitchy backcourt with him and Tyrese Maxey, and they finally get the defensive stopper at the point-of-attack they’ve needed. The aging and uncertain core could use a jolt.
4. Charlotte Hornets — Kon Knueppel, G, Duke
Highest ranking: 4, Lowest ranking: 10
If there’s one thing the Hornets need, it’s stability. This franchise has been in disarray, and recent high picks on LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Tidjane Salaun, while they’ve shown upside, have been far too inconsistent. Knueppel balances things out in Buzz City, as the sweet-shooting wing from Duke provides a steady force from the perimeter and a poised decision-maker on and off the ball.
5. Utah Jazz — Tre Johnson, G, Texas
Highest ranking: 3, Lowest ranking: 7
Last season, the Jazz shot the sixth-most threes in the NBA at 39.8 per game, but only 35.0 per cent of their looks, good for the 22nd in the league. If that’s the style they want to play — pushing the pace (sixth-best pace league-wide) and moving the ball for threes — they’ll need better pieces on the perimeter. How about the best shooter in the class in Johnson, who knocked down 39.7 per cent of his looks at Texas and put on a clinic at the combine?
6. Washington Wizards — Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
Highest ranking: 3, Lowest ranking: 7
Once considered the consensus No. 3 guy in this class, Bailey’s stock has taken a huge hit due to questions about his questionable shot diet and bizarre pre-draft process. While the talent is apparent, as he netted 17.6 a night at Rutgers, his immaturity has seemingly become a point of concern for front offices selecting in the top five. But the Wizards don’t have the luxury of passing on talent, and after missing out on a top-two pick, getting a talent like Bailey here would be massive for a franchise in dire need of some luck.
7. New Orleans Pelicans — Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
Highest ranking: 5, Lowest ranking: 8
Though the Pelicans acquired Jordan Poole on Tuesday from the Wizards, Fears projects to be much more of a table-setter in the backcourt than the score-first Poole. His work in the pick-and-roll would be a big addition alongside Yves Missi and Zion Williamson, while his speed and ball-handling upside could give the Pelicans a more dynamic offensive driver.
8. Brooklyn Nets — Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Highest ranking: 6, Lowest ranking: 9
The current big-man tandem of Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe isn’t gonna cut it in Brooklyn, but they could be attractive trade pieces. More than anything, though, the Nets should take the best player available, and that’s Maluach. The South Sudanese big’s raw skills are obvious, standing at seven-foot-one with a seven-foot-seven wingspan, and he could work as the team’s defensive anchor for years to come.
9. Toronto Raptors — Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Highest ranking: 8, Lowest ranking: 19
The Raptors need some size in their frontcourt, as the depth chart falls off quickly after Scottie Barnes. Essengue provides some needed versatility on defence and some untapped potential as one of the youngest players in his class. Despite his youth, he’s been a solid contributor for Ulm this season, helping them reach the final of the BBL in Germany while averaging 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.0 stocks. He’s also been clearly watching plenty of Raptors tape:
10. Phoenix Suns — Collin Murray-Boyles, F/C, South Carolina
Highest ranking: 10, Lowest ranking: 15
The Suns’ depth chart is… unique. But so is Murray-Boyles, who played an incredibly versatile defensive style with the Gamecocks, switching 2-through-5 without much hassle because of his ‘tweener six-foot-seven, 231-pound frame. The 20-year-old would give the Suns a little bit of everything, and considering how flawed their roster is, that doesn’t sound like too bad a proposition. He’s a steady offensive small-ball big, never making mistakes but never taking over, and tends to make the right pass at the right time.
11. Portland Trail Blazers — Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
Highest ranking: 10, Lowest ranking: 15
The Trail Blazers seem to want to take a step on the defensive end after acquiring Jrue Holiday from the Celtics. Bryant would help take them to the next level alongside Deni Avdija, Matisse Thybulle and Toumani Camara on the wings and Donovan Clingan patrolling the paint. They also won’t have to give up much on offence because of the upside in his three-ball.
12. Chicago Bulls — Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
Highest ranking: 8, Lowest ranking: 22
It wouldn’t be too shocking to see the Bulls take someone like Derik Queen here to shore up the middle, but Josh Giddey is set to become an RFA next season, and while he had a strong back half of the year, it’s safe to wonder whether the Bulls will want to pony up. In Jakucionis, the Bulls acquire a more versatile scorer than Giddey and a lead guard who plays in a similarly big-bodied mould, capable of threading some wicked passes to set up the offence.
13. Atlanta Hawks (from Kings) — Joan Beringer, C/F, Cedevita (Slovenia)
Highest ranking: 13, Lowest ranking: 22
One of the late risers in the process, Beringer’s six-foot-11, 230-pound frame and seven-foot-four wingspan have caught the eye of scouts. He’s also only 18 years old, meaning that whoever drafts him can shape him into whoever they want him to be. The Hawks just acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Celtics, but the Latvian big is injury-prone, expensive and not nearly as agile as Beringer.
14. San Antonio Spurs (from Hawks) — Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Highest ranking: 14, Lowest ranking: 24
Considering who’s already patrolling the interior for the Spurs, it might seem a bit redundant to grab another big, but Sorber and his seven-foot-six wingspan are far too appealing to a team that could use some additional paint protection behind Wemby. On defence, he and Wembanyama could pair up as a ridiculously long tandem. On offence, Sorber looks to play inside a lot more than his French compatriot and loves to set a strong screen.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Heat) — Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Highest ranking: 8, Lowest ranking: 15
It’s a bit ridiculous that the reigning champs have a pick this high and have the opportunity to select a versatile offensive piece like Queen. While he doesn’t necessarily fit the gritty, jump-around defence that brought the Thunder the title, he would give OKC’s offence another layer. He’s an incredibly smart passer and possesses guard skills that could solve some of the interior offensive issues they had in the playoffs.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (from Magic) — Cedric Coward, F/G, Washington State
Highest ranking: 14, Lowest ranking: 16
Coward has shot up draft boards to the point where he opted to de-commit from Duke. The six-foot-six wing possesses a ridiculous seven-foot-two wingspan and makes incredible use of it, jumping passing lanes with ease and matching up well 1-through-4. While he won’t be expected to create looks for himself, he projects well as a plug-and-play wing capable of knocking down his triples and getting to the rim. The Grizzlies love to run, and Coward will be happy to join the race.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Pistons) — Egor Demin, G, BYU
Highest ranking: 11, Lowest ranking: 19
A six-foot-eight guard, Demin lined up primarily at the point for the Cougars. While positional size is something teams covet, his on-ball scoring struggles may not allow his big-guard skills to translate properly unless he develops a tighter handle and smoother shot. But it’s a project the Timberwolves should be willing to take on, as he fits the need for size at the spot as well as a secondary playmaker.
18. Washington Wizards (from Grizzlies) — Danny Wolf, C/F, Michigan
Highest ranking: 17, Lowest ranking: 26
Wolf excelled in his junior year at Michigan in two-big sets with Vlad Goldin and could be deployed similarly with Alex Sarr in Washington. The big man boasts one of the most intriguing skill sets at his position, playmaking like a guard and should be able to stretch the floor after performing well in three-point drills at the combine and in workouts.
19. Brooklyn Nets (from Bucks) — Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia
Highest ranking: 9, Lowest ranking: 26
Newell evaluations are all over the place because it’s still up for debate how well his 15.4 a game at Georgia will translate. He puts in the effort, but he’s something of a ‘tweener at six-foot-nine and doesn’t have the playmaking or spacing to solve that. But the Nets already have an insurance policy in this case if they draft Maluach at eight, so taking a shot on a player in Newell that shot a solid 74.8 per cent from the line could be worthwhile.
20. Miami Heat (from Warriors) — Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida
Highest ranking: 17, Lowest ranking: 25
Heat Culture talk has run its course, but if there’s one player who has the dog to bring it back, it’s Clayton, who Heat Cultured the Florida Gators to a national championship. Deploying Tyler Herro as the lead guard isn’t going to work, and while Clayton may not project to be one either, he can at least solve the team’s second unit. He’s a microwave scorer and gives them an off-the-dribble threat off the bench.
21. Utah Jazz (from Timberwolves) — Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
Highest ranking: 17, Lowest ranking: 23
After finishing last season with the worst defensive rating in the NBA and the lowest opponent turnover percentage, it’s apparent that the Jazz need more on that end. While Clifford isn’t a pure defensive stopper, he’s a great big-play defender, stuffing shots and grabbing steals with his six-foot-eight wingspan and solid positional size. The Jazz also need a more stable floor, which an older prospect like Clifford could bring.
22. Brooklyn Nets (from Lakers) — Will Riley, F, Illinois
Highest ranking: 18, Lowest ranking: 26
For transparency sake, Riley was originally slated to go to the Atlanta Hawks at this spot in the draft, but a three-team deal ruined that! Though truth be told, the Nets could use a guy like Riley as well. Cam Johnson remains one of the most valuable wings on the market, and cashing in on his value would be the right thing for the rebuilding Nets to do. Riley projects to become a player in a similar vein, with solid height on the wing and high shooting upside.
23. New Orleans Pelicans (from Pacers) — Liam McNeeley, F/G, UConn
Highest ranking: 16, Lowest Ranking: 27
After taking Fears earlier in this draft and trading for Poole, the Pelicans should look for some strong off-ball players at this range. McNeeley, although he shot only 31.7 per cent in his freshman year with the Huskies, has high upside as an off-the-catch shooter, combining a smooth form with a consistent release. On a Pelicans offence that will hopefully be more fluid next season, McNeeley should get the space on the perimeter for more set shots, which he hit at a 41.3 per cent rate.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Clippers) — Hugo González, G/F, Real Madrid (Spain)
Highest ranking: 21, Lowest ranking: N/R
As if the Thunder need another player. Gonzalez will still need some time to develop into an NBA-ready guard, which isn’t a problem for the Thunder. He’s solidly built at an athletic six-foot-six and plays with effort, which projects well into the Thunder’s physical defensive style. However, the key here is that the Thunder have time to bring him along, and that’s what he’ll need.
25. Orlando Magic (from Nuggets) — Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
Highest ranking: 20, Lowest ranking: 25
Though the Magic acquired an incredible shooter in Desmond Bane, one player won’t solve their offensive woes. Richardson would be another step in the right direction, as the former Spartan shot a blistering 41.2 per cent from deep on the season and was even better as a starter, knocking down 42.0 per cent of his looks. He alternated between an off- and on-ball guard last season, and that versatility should be a boost on offence for a team in dire need.
26. Brooklyn Nets (from Knicks) — Nolan Traoré, G, Saint-Quentin (France)
Highest ranking: 19, Lowest ranking: 28
After taking two bigs and a wing with their earlier picks, we’re going with a true point guard here. The Frenchman compared his game to that of Tyrese Haliburton’s, and he’s not far off the mark. He plays a fast-paced style and does a great job of avoiding mistakes despite his heavy ball-handling and playmaking load. He also has physical upside with a six-foot-eight wingspan.
27. Brooklyn Nets (from Rockets) — Drake Powell, G/F, North Carolina
Highest ranking: 23, Lowest ranking: N/R
It’s somewhat unlikely the Nets actually use all five of their first-round selections, but if they do, Powell wouldn’t be a bad shout here as the team looks to upgrade everywhere. The Tar Heels product is a high-upside defensive wing with a seven-foot wingspan, capable of guarding 1-through-4. The offence will need to develop, but there’s always a place for a player like Powell on an NBA roster.
28. Boston Celtics — Ben Saraf, G/F, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Highest ranking: 28, Lowest ranking: N/R
After looking like a team on the brink of a dynasty, the Celtics have torn it down. Despite changing their make-up in the short term, the Celtics still project to be a threat a year from now, which is when a guy like Saraf could come into his own as a creative mid-range scorer and playmaker from the lead guard spot.
29. Phoenix Suns (from Cavaliers) — Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
Highest ranking: 28, Lowest ranking: N/R
A mid-season trade for Nick Richards is absolutely not going to fill the Suns’ gaping hole down the middle, but the four-time Big East defensive player of the year could certainly help. Kalkbrenner is an incredible shot stuffer and has a jam-packed collegiate resume to boot. At 23 years old, he also gives the Suns a relatively finished product and solid floor-raiser.
30. Los Angeles Clippers (from Thunder) — Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s
Highest ranking: 20, Lowest ranking: N/R
The Clippers value switchability from their forwards and wings, and at six-foot-eight with a seven-foot-five wingspan, Fleming can give them just that. Fleming is a disruptor and big-play defender, and although he needs to iron out some fundamentals on that end to avoid being caught out, he’ll be under the wing of one Kawhi Leonard.
