35: Atlanta Hawks- Kris Wilkes, G/F, California Los Angeles
Kris Wilkes has tremendous size for a guard, standing at 6-foot-8. This allows him to move between both wing positions, and aids him in putting up volume scoring. Averaging 17.3 points per game in his sophomore year, he was unable to find constancy from the field, shooting a mere 43.2 percent. He also struggles defensively for having such a great frame. However, Atlanta goes for talent here and bets on Wilkes’ high ceiling.
36: Chicago Bulls- Naz Reid, C, Louisiana State
After fleecing the Grizzlies in the Justin Holiday trade, the Bulls use the Grizzlies’ second-round selection to take a backup center. Cristiano Felicio is clearly not the answer to back up Wendell Carter Jr., and Robin Lopez’s late spark may allow him to draw more money and more intriguing offers than the Bulls are able to provide. So going center here makes sense.
Naz Reid has flashed first-round talent, but falls to the early second. Averaging 13.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, .8 steals, and .7 blocks on 47.6 percent shooting, Reid had a very solid freshman season. As a highly-sought after high school recruit, it is quite evident that he has a high ceiling. In addition, Reid is able to play both power forward and center, which the Bulls need a backup in both spots. This pick makes too much sense.