Draft Stock Trend: -12
24
Charles Bassey Center, Western Kentucky
15.3 Points, 9.2 Rebounds, 1.3 Assists, 0.8 Steals, 1.6 Blocks, 53% FG, 17% 3PT, 28 MPG
Charles Bassey is a very interesting player. Some analysts have him as high as a late lottery selection, some believe he will be a late first rounder, and some do not believe he is a serious candidate to be drafted. I, for one, am a fan of Bassey’s and have been since last year’s draft when I believe he should have declared.
He is putting up very similar numbers in his sophomore campaign as he did in his freshman season, continuing to serve as a defensive anchor and physical presence on the low block.
Bassey would be a good compliment to Kristaps Porzingis in that both are very good shot blockers and KP would create space for Bassey to work inside. Luka Doncic would also enjoy having a rim-running pick-and-roll partner in Bassey and a strong rebounding presence that Porzingis lacks.
Shooting is also a need for Dallas, but adding a paint presence first is a wiser choice for Mark Cuban’s squad.
Draft Stock Trend: -10
25
Matt Hurt Forward, Duke
10.5 Points, 3.3 Rebounds, 0.8 Assists, 0.8 Blocks, 46% FG, 44% 3PT, 21 MPG
Matt Hurt’s draft stock is slipping dangerously low in that he very well could spend another season at Duke. If he is able to improve on a shaky season to this point, the Celtics could use his floor spacing at the power forward spot off of the bench.
Hurt has not seen a ton of playing time at Duke, and likely will not over the course of the season. However, if he can make the most of his opportunities he will receive some draft consideration.
The Celtics are a relatively deep team and have most positions covered already. For teams in similar situations, the next resort is almost always to go out and get more spacing for a championship run. Hurt without a doubt proves a good off-ball shooting presence, but only time will tell if he can maintain first-round status.