2.0 update: I don’t like having Malik Monk outside of the top 10 picks in this draft, but in terms of fit in Charlotte, this really works. A backcourt duo of Kemba Walker and Malik Monk could be dangerous on the offensive end. The defensive side would be a struggle, but in terms of explosiveness, this could give the Hornets a real jolt in the arm moving into the future.
1.0 update: When Malik Monk was on last season for Kentucky, there weren’t many players more fun to watch in all of college basketball. There’s definitely a streakiness to Monk’s shooting, but he’s an exciting prospect that could bring some electricity to Madison Square Garden in the years ahead. The Knicks are losing Kristaps Porzingis by the day and they need to hit on their top-10 pick. Monk’s a gifted offensive player with his speed and ability to hit from anywhere on the floor. The Knicks could use a point guard here (which could bring France’s Frank Ntilikina with Fultz, Ball, Fox and DSJ already off the board in the first seven picks of this mock), but it feels very Knicks to go with a sexy pick like Monk.
RELATED: NBA on TNT‘s David Aldridge breaks down Malik Monk and some of the top shooting guards in the draft
2.0 update: This is still the right pick for Detroit. Mitchell’s stock continues to rise towards the top-10 and with the Pistons needing a guard here, Mitchell is a perfect pick for them still. He’s long, athletic and has some potential at the two-guard spot.
1.0 update: In terms of players at the NBA Draft Combine, not many improved their stock more than Louisville’s Donovan Mitchell. The sophomore guard measured out wonderfully in Chicago during the combine and raised some eyebrows as to what his potential could be at the next level with his size, quickness and relentlessness on both ends of the hardwood. He could be an awesome asset and some insurance just in case the Pistons lose Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency. He’s not a primarily good shooter yet, but with his athleticism and potential defensively, the 3-and-D label could be draped all over Mitchell.