2024 NBA Draft: Round 2 Breakdown
Zach and Brian breaks down the second round picks and give down their thoughts on each pick!
31. Toronto Raptors: F/C Jonathan Mogbo, San Francisco (JR)
Zach: Overall, I don’t think Mogbo was the true best player left on the board for the Raptors, but he’s up there at the top and there’s a lot to like about this pick. The biggest question will be if he can still fly as both an undersized big and a non-shooter in the rotation, but he’s a strong player with a lot of dawg in him. Mogbo is super athletic and offers the right amount of size, strength and powerful interior defense. He’s very much a Masai Ujiri guy. He gives me Kenneth Faried vibes. I’m fascinated to see the role Darko Rajakovic sees for him.
Zach’s Grade: B+
Brian: Jonathan Mogbo is one of the most fun players to watch in this draft. He makes a ton of athletic plays and can pass the ball. On top of that, Jonathan Mogbo and Scottie Barnes are very close. They both grew up in Florida. So on top of Mogbo being a Masai guy, you also have a relationship with your star. It's a good swing to make. I think he was more interesting than someone like Koloko (Hopefully he gets back on the court soon). Mogbo won’t play a ton at first but could get a role in a silly season. I am a little worried about his height and whether or not he can find a role defensively. If he can’t, I think he could be out of the league relatively fast, but it's a good flier. I might have just taken Flip here if I was Toronto, let him learn from Olynyk, and then get back in the early second round and get Mogbo, but who knows. Overall, hard to argue.
Brian’s Grade: B+
32. Utah Jazz: F/C Kyle Filipowski, Duke (SO)
Zach: Brian and I both touched on it above on the Isaiah Collier pick, but with Tyler Smith and Johnny Furphy still on the board, I would’ve still taken them over Filipowski. Still, Flip is my easy 3rd choice with all of them close together, and with him falling here, it’s a great shot to take. He gives them a similar flavor that they’re used to with Kelly Olynyk and has a nice ability to stretch the floor. There’s a lot of talent here that you normally shouldn’t have available in the second round. I’m really impressed with the Jazz’s full draft.
Zach’s Grade: A-
Brian: I’m not surprised that the Jazz did this, but only for one reason. Danny Ainge took Kelly Olynyk in 2013. Filipowski is a younger version of Olynyk. From a basketball perspective, this is a potential big steal. I still had Furphy higher. For the Jazz, I would have taken Flip over Furphy, but I really like the fit here with the Jazz. John Collins probably won’t be there long term and we saw the impact of stretch 5 bigs in the playoffs. (Also, on the recent news with Flip, NBA teams knew beforehand, and he didn't do well in workouts, which was a reason why he fell. I also would venture to guess that because Flip was constantly asked about it, it was probably a reason why he didn’t have the confidence in workouts. It's his business and he doesn’t need strangers on the internet attacking him and his family. While there may be some truth to it, let’s stop it for now, please. He’s been looking forward to this day for his entire life and he won’t be able to look at the NBA Draft in a positive note ever because of being left out of the first after being invited to the green room and whatever story is out on him now. At the end of the day, he’s human. I’m grading this on a basketball perspective only.)
Brian’s Grade: A
33. Milwaukee Bucks: F Tyler Smith, G League Ignite (2004)
Zach: I thought the Bucks badly missed the mark on AJ Johnson, but they’ve really redeemed themselves here taking Tyler Smith, who shockingly fell into the early 2nd round. I had Smith approximately 20 total spots above this pick and it’s been jarring to see him fall like this. Smith is a solid NBA-level talent and has the juice to really make a difference on a good team if he can prove his shooting is real. He’ll come in with a chip on his shoulder, which I love for a team that needs guys like that. To me, Smith has the floor to be an immediate rotation player for any team in the NBA, but I’m looking forward to seeing if he can hit the ceiling I think he has. Don’t expect him to play much this season, though. Looking at you, Glenn.
Zach’s Grade: A
Brian: Tyler Smith was a player that was liked more by the consensus than NBA teams. Whatever the reason may be, I still like him and his potential. Now, I think it's a good get for Milwaukee, but they better have a plan for him and Johnson. Doc Rivers doesn’t play rookies and so Smith won’t see the court. Now, he needs NBA reps if this is going to work. I like it for Milwaukee but don’t love it for Smith, if that makes sense. Overall, it's a good swing at this point in the draft.
Brian’s Grade: B+
34. New York Knicks (via Portland Trail Blazers): G Tyler Kolek, Marquette (SR)
Trade Details:
NYK: 34th overall pick/Tyler Kolek
POR: 3 second round picks (via TBD)
Zach: Leon Rose has his fingerprints all over this draft and strikes again with Tyler Kolek, a very solid point guard with a fantastic feel for the game. He can be a plug-and-play backup floor general from the jump and should immediately make the Knicks’ 2nd unit better if he comes in as the backcourt partner to Miles McBride. Some of his limitations in athleticism and scoring against NBA defendrs are concerning and he’ll likely be a target against opposing defenses, but I think this was a smart role to fill at this juncture.
Zach’s Grade: B
Brian: So it seemed like the Knicks wanted Tyler Kolek. They traded out of 26 and got 5 seconds. They used 3 seconds to get back in and get the guy they probably would have taken anyway. On top of that, they keep two seconds and get to choose Kolek’s contract. Kolek could play, it might take a bit. I don’t know how much Thibs will play him though, especially his size. He might though, Kolek’s a tough player and the depth of the Knicks was terrible this season. Kolek might be able to play some spare minutes here and there if there are injuries.
Brian’s Grade: B
35. Indiana Pacers (via San Antonio Spurs): G/F Johnny Furphy, Kansas (FR)
Trade Details:
IND: 35th overall pick/Johnny Furphy
SAS: 36th overall pick/Juan Nunez, cash considerations
Zach: Yep, this is an A without a shred of doubt. Furphy was the best player left on my board by a pretty wide margin with Smith gone, and the Pacers landed him for an excellent price to jump the Spurs. Furphy gives them a lot of potential on the wing that they can take their time to develop as he works his way in. His combination of shooting and size is exciting on a team like this. This pick probably suggests Indiana is getting priced out by Obi Toppin’s pending free agency, but Furphy is a very worthy possible replacement. Great way to kick off Indiana’s draft by landing someone with high potential who can legitimately contribute to winning basketball.
Zach’s Grade: A
Brian: BPA!!! I had Johnny Furphy in the lottery on my big board. (Maybe it was too high but don’t care.) He’s got good size, can shoot, play off ball, good cutter. His defense is polarizing. Some people like it, others don’t. He needs to improve his technique but its not anything that can’t be improved. But guys…guys… He ended up in the spot that has one of the best passers in the world in Tyrese Haliburton. If he gets stronger and becomes passable defensively, Furphy could be a real value pick. This is the type of pick you make that could be a big difference in winning a playoff series.
Brian’s Grade: A+
36. San Antonio Spurs (via Indiana Pacers): G Juan Nunez, Ratiopharm Ulm (2003)
Zach: As far as we know right now, Juan Nunez is going to be a draft-and-stash player and will continue to play overseas in Spain for at least another season. I think Nunez has a lot of talent as a backup guard for the Spurs when he does come stateside and I love his passing abilities. Still, I think San Antonio would’ve been much better off taking a wing, or at least someone that can shoot worth a lick. Furphy would’ve been a perfect choice and I wish they just went with him originally, or even Bobi Klintman instead. Still, it’s not a bad move at all.
Zach’s Grade: B-
Brian: It’s a draft and stash. It’s fine. I soured on Nunez and it's not because I don’t like watching him. His athleticism is terrible for a PG. He can’t shoot or defend right now. It's a fine gamble and if it works, Nunez could be a backup PG when this team is good again. Don’t love it, don’t hate it though.
Brian’s Grade: C+
37. Detroit Pistons (via Minnesota Timberwolves): F Bobi Klintman, Cairns (NBL, 2003)
Trade Details:
MIN: 53rd overall pick (via DET)
DET: Wendell Moore Jr., 37th overall pick (via MIN)
Zach: Good pick by Detroit. They needed spacers and shooters and got exactly that with Klintman. I have my doubts about Klintman’s overall upside, but he’s huge and has some flashes of ball handling and really good defense. I’m not fully sold yet, but I think this is someone we could easily look back on and question why he was ever a second round talent. We also saw that Quentin Grimes is on the move today for Tim Hardaway Jr. and his expiring contract and 3 second round picks, so it’s encouraging that Klintman has a stronger route to opportunity.
Zach’s Grade: B
Brian: So I like this pick for Detroit. They need wings that can shoot. We saw a valuable Fontecchio this season for them. Klintman could be that for the Pistons. Now, I don’t love that he fell out of the rotation on a bad Cairns team, so that gives me pause. It’s also going to be hard to utilize his cutting ability when the best shooter on the team as of today might actually be Bobi Klintman (I’m only half joking). On top of that, it's a good flier to take on Wendell Moore. It's a cheap deal at least. If they don’t believe in him, they can just not guarantee his contract next season and move on. I don't value Wendell Moore that highly and never really have. However, this team needs shooting and Wendell Moore shot it pretty well in his junior season at Duke. Maybe a new team that doesn’t have playoff aspirations could give him a chance.
Brian’s Grade: B+
38. Oklahoma City Thunder (via New York Knicks): G Ajay Mitchell, Santa Barbara (JR)
Zach: Uhhhhhh, another guard? I love Ajay Mitchell, so sure, why not? I think Mitchell’s talent is off the charts as my favorite mid-major player of this draft and he’s got a lot to love as a playmaker, shot creator and finisher with a 3-point shot that’s continued to improve. He almost reminds me of guys like Jalen Brunson (when he was with the Dallas Mavericks) and Brandin Podziemski. All that being said, the Thunder just don’t need more guards and I really question why they chose to add another here. Talent is talent, and I think Mitchell will prove he’s got plenty of it. I just think this is going to be such a tough spot to find minutes that gets even tougher when Nikola Topic is healthy.
Zach’s Grade: B-
Brian: Ajay Mitchell is a good flier to have for the Thunder. I like Mitchell more than Dillon Jones for what it’s worth. He did play well off the ball this season and has good size. They clearly believe in Mitchell enough to move up and get him. I don’t really have a ton of strong takes on this one. Mitchell might get an opportunity in a couple years when the Thunder are having salary cap restriction issues.
Brian’s Grade: B-
39. Memphis Grizzlies: G/F Jaylen Wells, Washington State (SO)
Zach: After snagging a very big man in Zach Edey, there’s one thing left that the Grizzlies need: shooting. They’ll get that in droves with Wells, someone who just checks all the boxes for a good rotation shooter for a winning team: good size, very good shooting and can cook in C&S situations. I’m glad he went higher than I expected since he’s been someone I always wanted to move higher on my big boards.
Zach’s Grade: B
Brian: Jaylen Wells is the definition of a sleeper that was in plain sight. He’s got good size, can really shoot, and doesn’t kill you on defense. If Luke Kennard gets hurt as he does from time to time, or gets traded, Jaylen Wells might get a crack to come in and play. Having good spacing around Ja is critical.
Brian’s Grade: B+
40. Phoenix Suns (via New York Knicks, via Portland Trail Blazers): C Oso Ighodaro, Marquette (SR)
Trade Details:
PHO: 40th overall pick/Oso Ighodaro
NYK: 51st overall pick, 56th overall pick
Zach: The Suns needed a backup big with the potential of Drew Eubanks leaving and they got a pretty good one in Oso Ighodaro. I think a backup role is really where Oso fits in the NBA as someone who won’t have a big workload offensively but plays well as a rim runner, rebounder and defender. Good pick.
Zach’s Grade: B
Brian: Oso Ighodaro is a super smart player and I really like this pick for the Suns. He might actually be in the rotation opening night which might sound crazy. He is undersized, but is mobile. For a team that has such dynamic scorers, Oso should be a good role man if needed.
Brian’s Grade: B
41. Philadelphia 76ers: F/C Adem Bona, UCLA (SO)
Zach: Now that we’ve 100% confirmed Paul Reed can’t be a true backup to Joel Embiid, finally finding that defensive-minded true 5 was a big need. I think the 76ers did well taking Bona, one of the more explosive athletes in this class and has the physicality to commit to this kind of role. Great energy sparks and hustle players are always key and I think him playing behind Embiid is going to be a breath of fresh air.
Zach’s Grade: B+
Brian: I like this flier from Philadelphia. Paul Reed has been really hit or miss at this point and taking a flier on Bona is a good idea. They might not be able to retain Reed with a team potentially giving him an offer. Bona could do most of what Reed could do but might be able to hang more physically.
Brian’s Grade: B
42. Charlotte Hornets: G KJ Simpson, Colorado (JR)
Zach: Disclaimer: I think KJ Simpson is a very, very talented player who can be a solid rotation piece for the Hornets. That part I don’t mind for the pick. But, this exposes how much of a logjam Charlotte has in guard depth. It was reported right after this pick that the Hornets acquired Reggie Jackson and 3 second round picks to relieve the Nuggets of a nice chunk of cap space. So, behind LaMelo Ball, they now have Jackson, Tre Mann, Vasilije Micic, Nick Smith Jr., Amari Bailey, plus KJ Simpson. They also apparently want to bring Seth Curry back. Let’s assume that Jackson gets bought out, and Amari Bailey is either not in the new brass’s plans or remains on a two-way deal. That’s still way too much to figure out. Again, I think Simpson is a talented player that will earn a role eventually when things are thinned out, but he has a lot going against him. This pick could’ve been much better spent on another wing, in my opinion. Overall, I’m not moved by the Hornets’ picks in this draft.
Zach’s Grade: D+
Brian: There are a lot of reasons why we should discount KJ Simpson. At the end of the day, he was one of the best guards in the country this season. I had Simpson in the 60’s but I don’t hate it. If they believe in him, why not? The only guy that the Hornets are really committed to is LaMelo. KJ is more of a combo guard so he could play off ball if needed. It is a logjam in Charlotte, no question, but more moves could be made. Nick Smith and Amari Bailey were more swings and KJ is more of a solid bet. Like yeah, why not.
Brian’s Grade: C
43. Atlanta Hawks (via Miami Heat): G/F Nikola Djurisic, Mega MIS (2004)
Trade Details:
ATL: 43rd overall pick/Nikola Djurisic
MIA: 44th overall pick, cash considerations
Zach: Atlanta finds their way back into the draft by trading away AJ Griffin, then moving up a spot for their guy in Nikola Djurisic. They chose to double up on solid wings playing overseas, and I like Djurisic for them. He’s got some similarities to Bogdan Bogdanovic based on my pre-draft studying and I think it’ll be easy to figure out how to use him. Good size, improved shotmaking and a good avenue to keep improving at the next level. I’m curious if he will come to the NBA immediately or not.
Zach’s Grade: B
Brian: Disclaimer: I understand they had to trade AJ Griffin. I didn’t love it but I understand why. Now, I do not love Nikola Djurisic. I came away more concerned about how he’d work in the league the more I watched. I just saw Dzanan Musa who I don’t think really ever got a fair chance. He did play 40 games his second season but wasn’t great. Then he was traded with a pick for Bruce Brown and then Troy Weaver cut him in training camp. That was one of the most baffling trades that Weaver has done and it's one that people forget about. But on Djurisic, I just have similar concerns. Maybe it works, a lot of the high end comps to him are Bogdan Bogdanovic, and maybe he gets there, but I’m not someone that wants to take a chance on him to be honest.
Brian’s Grade: B-
44. Miami Heat (via Atlanta Hawks, via Houston Rockets): G Pelle Larsson, Arizona (SR)
Zach: Larsson profiles heavily as a master-of-none rotation player for the most part. I like his passing and size, but I don’t think he really has a speciality that makes him a valuable rotation player at least until he starts shooting at a good clip. I think he’s absolutely a Heat type of guy, but there were a good amount of players I would’ve taken over him. I teetered between a C- and a D+ and settled on the former.
Zach’s Grade: C-
Brian: I’ve never been a huge Pelle Larsson fan to be honest. He just disappears too much in games for me, and he’s already older. He is a good slasher and can shoot but he never really stood out to me. He also doesn’t really have an elite skill.
Brian’s Grade: D+
45. Toronto Raptors (via Sacramento Kings): G Jamal Shead, Houston (SR)
Trade Details:
TOR: Davion Mitchell, Sasha Vezenkov, 45th overall pick
SAC: Jalen McDaniels
Zach: Huh? I’m pretty confused by this one. Yes, it’s 45, and this is where we see plenty of funky fliers, but this is a weird take by the same team who just traded for a very similar guy in Davion Mitchell. Shead is talented as a very pesky defender and playmaker, but his size offers a good amount of questions. I think perimeter defense is really the keyword for this pick and what the Raptors want out of him, but I think there were much better options available, even at the guard position.
Zach’s Grade: D+
Brian: It’s funny how similar Jamal Shead and Davion Mitchell are. Davion is more explosive though. So with Shead, he’s an awesome defender. He’s just really small. He’s really strong though so it could work out. Toronto has had success with smaller guards in the pass and aren’t afraid to take guys that can play. I’m surprised he got drafted because of his size to be honest. I’m glad he did but it's crowded in Toronto too.
Brian’s Grade: B-
46. Los Angeles Clippers: G/F Cam Christie, Minnesota (FR)
Zach: The Clippers are zagging from last season’s veteran selections (Kobe Brown and Jordan Miller) with Cam Christie, brother of Max Christie with a similar profile as a skinny 3&D wing. I think Cam Christie has talent worth developing, but I just don’t trust the Clippers to really make it happen. They don’t put any effort into playing their young guys (Bones Hyland, Brandon Boston Jr., Moussa Diabate) or their older, win-now guys (Brown, Miller), so what should convince me this will be any different? I do think Christie has quality 3-point shooting on lock and his mechanics are clean, so maybe he can earn a real role at some point.
Zach’s Grade: C
Brian: So, I’ve thought this whole time that Cam Christie should’ve gone back to school. If I was him, I’d rather be at some other high major school than rotting on the bench with the Clippers. Now, Cam might be on the roster next season. However, we’ve seen a lot of second rounders on that team get lost in the shuffle. Yes, Terrance Mann hit, but that’s the exception. It’s a great flier for the Clippers, but if this is a two way contract for Cam, I would have preferred to go undrafted and choose a different organization.
Brian’s Grade: B-
47. New Orleans Pelicans (via Orlando Magic): G Antonio Reeves, Kentucky (SR)
Trade Details:
NOP: 47th overall pick/Antonio Reeves
ORL: 2030 second round swap (via NOP), 2031 second round swap (via NOP)
Zach: Orlando is having the most Orlando draft. First Da Silva, now trading away their second round pick? Anyways, I just don’t like this pick much. Reeves is fun as a shooter and scorer, but he really doesn’t do much else well, and he needs the ball in his hands to really do that. I really struggle to see him translating in the NBA. The Pelicans could do with some shooters, for sure, but Reeves was not the answer with both of Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer on the board.
Zach’s Grade: D+
Brian: I don’t value Antonio Reeves. Like I’m sorry, I just don’t see it. He can shoot, score, but nothing else. He’s a 5th year senior that was actually pretty bad at Kentucky. He’s not a good enough scorer to warrant having the ball in his hands in New Orleans, and now with Dejounte Murray heading to town and Dyson Daniels leaving, it’s even less of a possibility now. The Pelicans need shooting but I’d rather have Jordan Hawkins.
Brian’s Grade: D
48. San Antonio Spurs: F Harrison Ingram, UNC (JR)
Zach: There’s a lot hinging on Ingram’s 3-point shot in the NBA. I think he’s out of the NBA quickly if it doesn’t stick, but if it does, he should be a decent role player with good playmaking and some all-around game. Seems like a worthy flier for the Spurs to take, but I would’ve much rather seen them take a handful of other players here instead. Still, a glue guy is a good player to have and he could be that.
Zach’s Grade: C
Brian: Ingram is pretty interesting. If he doesn’t shoot, then he’s got very little chance to stick. He can pass a little bit and defend a little bit as well. It’s a solid flier at this point and this has potential to be a really good flier. He just might not play a lot initially.
Brian’s Grade: B-
49. Indiana Pacers: G Tristen Newton, UConn (SR)
Zach: Very solid pick for the Pacers. I don’t think Newton cracks the rotation for a bit just because the Pacers have a deep backcourt, but he has a chance to be a contributor at some point. He’s a high-level playmaker and played great winning basketball for UConn in their back-to-back tournament wins. I’m repeating myself from two picks earlier, but Newton going to the Pelicans at 47 could’ve been one of the better moves in this second round now that we saw the Dejounte Murray trade go down.
Zach’s Grade: B
Brian: This is a good bet for the Pacers. Newton is a Delon Wright type. Newton could have Edmond Sumner type value for the Pacers. Given the guard rotation for the Pacers, Newton won’t play a lot but TJ McConnell isn’t young. Newton could be a good player for the second unit.
Brian’s Grade: B
50. Indiana Pacers: F Enrique Freeman, Akron (SR)
Zach: This is a very fun one. Enrique Freeman has a lot of heart and has really wowed teams in recent months with solid workouts and his Combine appearance, so much so that there were plenty of rumors of being a possible late first-early second round guy. It didn’t come to fruition, but he did end up in a great spot in Indiana that Brian and I both like. He has a chance to break into the rotation if things go well for him. If you’re a willing subscriber to the Diggs-Treadwell Hypothesis, this is your Stefon Diggs.
Zach’s Grade: A
Brian: We had Freeman going to the Pacers in our mock, and it happened. If we are talking about late Pacers second round picks, Freeman could be like Alize Johnson for the Pacers. I had Freeman higher than this and if the defense holds up for him, this might be a good pick.
Brian’s Grade: A-
51. Dallas Mavericks (via New York Knicks, via Washington Wizards): G/F Melvin Ajinca, St. Quentin (2004)
Zach: So, I’ve never really been sold on Ajinca during this cycle, but I can’t deny the physical traits and good shooting are there. At this price, To stash a young player with a possible NBA avenue through very realistic progression as a contender is always worthwhile. I would guess Ajinca will be playing overseas for a while, which is perfectly fine to save Dallas a roster spot. He strikes me as one of the more likely NBA-caliber stashes we’ve seen in recent years.
Zach’s Grade: B-
Brian: This is a good flier for the Mavericks. This is most likely a stash pick that could end up coming over in a couple years. It could work down the line though, he can really shoot it.
Brian’s Grade: B
52. Golden State Warriors (via Oklahoma City Thunder, via Portland Trail Blazers, via Golden State Warriors): F/C Quinten Post, Boston College (SR)
Zach: If there’s anything the NBA has shown more interest in finding over the years, it’s floor stretching bigs. Post can be that as a very good shooter. He’s older and missing some other pieces to his game, with the biggest being his defense that he may just never catch up on. Still, he’s big and has enough game to possibly fit into a rotation role at some point with the Warriors.
Zach’s Grade: B-
Brian: Quinten Post has an NBA skill. He can shoot the basketball at 7 feet. The Warriors should be able to utilize him well. Now, he needs to improve defensively and be quicker. If he can do that, Post could end up playing in a rotation soon. He is pretty old though.
Brian’s Grade: B
53. Memphis Grizzlies (via Minnesota Timberwolves, via Detroit Pistons): G Cam Spencer, UConn (SR)
Zach: Cam Spencer has the perfect personality and energy to match Memphis. He’s a solid scoring guard who can pass and shoot well and has the fundamentals down. Even though he’s not much of a defender or athlete, I think he’s solid enough to hold his own and not be a massive liability anywhere if he ends up in the rotation. Like Newton, Spencer knows how to play winning ball and if there’s anything we’ve learned about him at UConn, it’s that he’s ultra-competitive and doesn’t quit or shy away from challenges.
Zach’s Grade: B
Brian: The core in Memphis is super competitive and Cam Spencer is as competitive if not more competitive. Spencer can shoot, pass, and be an absolute dog in practice. I love this for Memphis, and maybe Spencer gets in the rotation.
Brian’s Grade: B+
54. Boston Celtics: F Anton Watson, Gonzaga (SR)
Zach: Pretty decent pick for Boston this low in the draft. Watson checks many of their draft philosophy boxes and he’s a fun connective piece and defender that can play a jack-of-most-trades role. The shooting is really what could dampen his NBA chances. I expect he’ll mostly be a G League guy with this deep of a roster, but if his number is ever called, I’ll be interested in what he can do.
Zach’s Grade: B-
Brian: Anton Watson is a very toolsy forward that can do a lot of things really well. He helped lead Gonzaga to the sweet 16 for 5 straight years. He can defend 1-5. He can’t shoot and that’s my concern. Boston needs shooters, so I don’t know how much of a leash Anton gets in Boston but it's a solid flier. I would have preferred other players, but it's a solid flier.
Brian’s Grade: B-
55. Los Angeles Lakers: G/F Bronny James, USC (FR)
Zach: I don’t really know how to grade this one. We all basically knew this would happen, and it did. I do think Bronny James still has some NBA-level talent to tap into, but this pick wasn’t made with taking the best player on the board in mind. His path to being a successful NBA rotation player with a 3&D focus is going to be tough at 6’2”.
Zach’s Grade: ???
Brian: Like Zach, I’m kind of bailing out on this one. If you take out the fact that LeBron James is his dad, Bronny is still an interesting flier. He’s athletic, a good defender. My concern is that he’s still pretty small and he’s never shown an ability to shoot at an NBA level. He didn’t shoot it well in high school or college. There’s also no way around it, he was one of the least accomplished draft picks in recent memory. The most recent one was Peyton Watson, but he was a wing/big, was a bigger HS recruit and still took a bit. Like sure he might play, but I don’t know man. It's a fine flier in terms of Bronny the basketball player.
Brian’s Grade: C??
56. Phoenix Suns (via New York Knicks, via Denver Nuggets): G/F Kevin McCullar Jr., Kansas (SR)
Zach: Another solid pick by the Suns and easily the best value of all 3 picks. I’m not much of a Kevin McCullar Jr. fan by any means, but I think he’s more than good enough to warrant going much earlier to a contender in the mid-late 30s to early 40s range. This is a fantastic late steal and another defensive wing for the Suns to add to the mix. Really impressed by everything the Suns did in this draft with their backs up against the wall financially.
Zach’s Grade: A
Brian: I do not like McCullar that much as an NBA prospect. I’ve been lower on him this entire cycle. However, this was one of the fits that if McCullar went in the first round at like 24/25, I would have understood it. At 56, it’s great value. Now, I’m guessing that there was some agent manipulation behind the scenes to get him to fall to 56. There’s no reason why McCullar from a talent perspective is at 56, and I say this as a McCullar skeptic. I think the lowest I had him in the cycle at one point was like 52 and then I bumped him back up. Incredible flier for a pick in the 50’s despite his age.
Brian’s Grade: A
57. Toronto Raptors (via Memphis Grizzlies, via Minnesota Timberwolves): F/C Ulrich Chomche, NBA Academy Africa (2005)
Zach: It’s absolutely an A from me. Chomche has been such an obvious Raptors type of guy and someone I graded much higher in the early 30s. He’s very raw, but his current array of skills and his ceiling at this stage is very exciting. Getting him this late for the Raptors is such a win as they get to let him develop with zero pressure on the 905 Raptors.
Zach’s Grade: A
Brian: Like sure, I’m guessing there was some agent manipulation to for the Raptors. I get why he gets picked but he’s still a ways away. If he Chomche goes overseas, I’ll be happier about it. However, time will tell. It’s a swing that really might work out.
Brian’s Grade: B
58. New York Knicks (via Dallas Mavericks): C Ariel Hukporti, Melbourne United (NBL, 2002)
Zach: I expect Hukporti will be a stash player for the Knicks, but I see the vision. He’s a rough-and-tumble traditional big who plays with great physicality, but has no real modern skills to excite. That’s not all bad, though. Bully bigs have their value and Hukporti could offer that to the Knicks at some point. There’s a lot of players we’ve named below that I would’ve much preferred than Hukporti with the last pick, but it’s not a bad pick.
Zach’s Grade: C
Brian: He's a solid flier for the Knicks. Hukporti is similar to Mitchell Robinson, just significantly older and just not as skilled. I felt like he was being underrated most of the cycle just because of how long he’s been in draft conversations and there being bigger stars in the NBL. I had Hukporti in this range and as one of the 3 best potential stashes with Armel Traore and Quinn Ellis. I like Hukporti the most for the Knicks so it's a good pick for me.
Brian’s Grade: B+
Undrafted Free Agents
C N’Faly Dante, Oregon → HOU (Two-way)
F Keshad Johnson, Arizona → MIA
F/C PJ Hall, Clemson → DEN (Two-way)
G/F Justin Edwards, Kentucky → PHI (Two-way)
F Armel Traore, Blois (France) → LAL (Two-way)
F Isaiah Crawford, Louisiana Tech → SAC (Two-way)
G Reece Beekman, Virginia → GSW (Two-way)
F Blake Hinson, Pitt → LAL (Two-way)
F/C DJ Burns, NC State → CLE (Exhibit 10/Summer League)
F/C Isaac Jones, Washington State → SAC
G/F Jalen Bridges, Baylor → PHO (Two-way)
G Trey Alexander, Creighton → DEN (Two-way)
G Daniss Jenkins, St. John’s → DET (Two-way)
C Brendan Carlson, Utah → TOR (Two-way)
F/C Jaylin Williams, Auburn →DEN (Exhibit 10)
G/F Alex Ducas, St. Mary’s → OKC (Two-way)
F/C Malevy Leons, Bradley → OKC (Exhibit 10)
G/F David Jones, Memphis → PHI (Two-way)
G Zyon Pullin, Florida → MIA (Two-way)
G Xavier Johnson, Illinois → DAL (Exhibit 10)
G/F Trentyn Flowers, Adelaide (NBL) → LAC (Two-way)
F Quincy Guerrier, Illinois → TOR (Exhibit 10)
G/F Jack Gohlke, Oakland → OKC (Exhibit 10)
G/F Jacky Cui, Guangzhou (CBA) → POR (Exhibit 10)
G Boogie Ellis, USC → SAC (Exhibit 10)
C Jesse Edwards, West Virginia → MIN (Two-way)
RayJ Dennis, Baylor → LAC (Exhibit 10)
G KJ Jones II, Emmanuel → BKN (Exhibit 10)
F Tristan Enaruna, Cleveland State → BOS (Exhibit 10)
G Mark Armstrong, Villanova → BKN (Exhibit 10)***
F/C Babacar Sane, G League Ignite → UTA (Exhibit 10)