1
James Wiseman Center, Memphis
19.7 Points, 10.7 Rebounds, 3.0 Blocks, 77% FG, 23 MPG
James Wiseman is both the best player in this draft class and the bets positional fit for the Golden State Warriors, so it makes all the sense in the world that they would draft him. By adding Wiseman and moving D’Angelo Russell for an elite wing, the Warriors could reassume their position on top of the West as soon as next season.
If the first pick does fall into the hands of Golden State, the Warriors will take Wiseman with no questions asked and slide him into a very dangerous lineup when healthy. If Golden State fails to obtain the first pick, it is very likely that it is moved for an established star who fits the Warriors’ timeline.
Wiseman has been compared to Anthony Davis by many analysts, and adding him to a lineup of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and another major piece could put them back in championship contention as soon as next season. The Warrior’s window is far from closed, and one tanking season to acquire an elite talent such as James Wiseman could be a great thing.
Draft Stock Trend: +/- 0
2
Anthony Edwards Guard, Georgia
19.8 Points, 5.2 Rebounds, 3.0 Assists, 2.2 Steals, 0.7 Blocks, 42% FG, 34% 3PT, 29 MPG
In the third mock of the this season, Anthony Edwards still ends up with the Atlanta Hawks, but this time jumps up to the second overall pick. Edwards is probably the second best player in this draft, as he possesses all of the physical assets to be a star in the NBA.
He has shown that he can score in volume in his time at Georgia, but will need to prove he can do so more efficiently in order to make a run at the first overall selection in this draft.
Atlanta is a very interesting fit in that he would be paired with another dynamic scorer in Trae Young. Young and Edwards would compliment one another very well, as Young will be a great distributor for Edwards while the latter can make up for the former’s defensive woes.
Sliding him into the phenomenal Hawks young core is a match made in heaven, as the hometown kid could make the difference between a future title contender and just another playoff team.