Jaxson Hayes is a safer pick here than Oregon’s Bol Bol, despite the fact that Bol has much more potential than the pick-and-roll, shot blocking, above the rim-style big in Hayes. However, the Hawks likely won’t opt to roll the dice twice with two top-ten picks and grab the Texas big to serve as a role player for stars Trae Young, John Collins, and Cam Reddish.
Prospect Rank: 16
Minnesota is a tough team to gage here at 11. With one superstar in Karl Anthony-Towns and one high potential player in Andrew Wiggins, the Wolves may feel the need to build around what they have now, considering the heavy contract of Wiggins. Rui Hachimura is a player who they can plug in immediately and give solid minutes for Minnesota as the starting power forward.
Prospect Rank: 13
Brandon Clarke provides a mix of now and later benefit for Charlotte. His defense is elite and will make an immediate impact as a Hornet, while his offensive promise is evident but not quite there yet. Clarke has the potential to be a great two-way player, and Michael Jordan should be all over it.
Prospect Rank: 9
Miami is in the worst cap situation in the NBA. Subsequently, it is nearly impossible to get free agent stars to come to South Beach. With Nassir Little, the Heat could roll the dice on him living up to his high school hype as a two-way superstar- a cheap remedy to the cap mess.
Prospect Rank: 11
Seemingly overnight, the Boston Celtics have gone from a championship contender to nothing. With Jayson Tatum the only player on the roster who has any chance of reaching stardom, Boston has to shoot for the stars with Bol Bol. Danny Ainge shouldn’t lose much sleep from gambling with this pick, as he still has two more first rounders in his back pocket.
Prospect Rank: 12
Kevin Porter Jr. provides Detroit with a potentially elite player who can do something the Pistons desperately need- perimeter offense. There is no good option at shooting guard in the Motor city, so barring any free agent or trade acquisitions, Porter Jr. could be the game one starter.