15
Isaiah Stewart Center, Washington
18.2 Points, 8.6 Rebounds, 0.6 Assists, 0.3 Steals, 1.9 Blocks, 58% FG, 0% 3PT, 31 MPG
Pick Via Memphis Grizzlies
Unfortunately for the Boston Celtics, Ja Morant has shocked the basketball world and propelled the Memphis Grizzlies into a playoff spot in the very competitive Western Conference. This top-seven-protected pick is looking as if it will convey this year, but Boston does not have any glaring needs.
Thus, the strategy here should be to draft either role players for a deep playoff run or go with a home run swing on a risky player. With Isaiah Stewart, the Celtics get both.
Like Vernon Carey, Isaiah Stewart was one of the top recruits in his high school class, but has taken a massive hit on draft boards due to his old-school style of play.
Boston does not have anyone center who is exactly eye-popping, so gambling on Stewart’s game transferring over from college and high school is a wise move. In addition, Stewart can provide a defensive and rebounding presence down low for playoff runs.
Draft Stock Trend: -8
16
Theo Maledon Guard, France
6.7 Points, 1.5 Rebounds, 2.7 Assists, 0.4 Steals, 0.1 Blocks, 48% FG, 35% 3PT, 16 MPG
Since my last mock, Maledon has improved his efficiency in his limited minutes in the EuroLeague. Maledon’s value lies almost completely in his offensive game, as he has shown the ability to shoot the money ball, pass, and ball handle.
Maledon is also a phenomenal athlete who can get to the bucket and play downhill. Orlando is a very solid defensive unit, and taking an offensive-minded player with this year’s pick may be the most viable option.
Markelle Fultz‘s comeback is an inspiring story and could end up panning out well for the team, but the search for a viable point guard should without a doubt continue. Even if Orlando is locked in on Fultz becoming the point guard of the future, taking Maledon still makes a lot of sense in that the Magic lack any depth at point guard and have for some time now.
Draft Stock Trend: -1
17
Aaron Nesmith Forward, Vanderbilt
23.0 Points, 4.9 Rebounds, 0.9 Assists, 1.4 Steals, 0.9 Blocks, 51% FG, 52% 3PT, 36 MPG
Pick Via Brooklyn Nets
The Atlanta Hawks may not look like it right now, but they certainly have one of the brightest futures in basketball. In fact, Atlanta could look to compete for a playoff spot as soon as next year. With the addition of James Wiseman, the Hawks already have their core set for the future, thus, the focus shifts to adding solid role players into the mix.
Enter Aaron Nesmith: the sophomore guard from Charleston, South Carolina. He is shooting the ball unbelievably well this season in spite of the fact that he is taking over 8 three-pointers per contest.
He has also shown that he can score at a volume rate, which could pay dividends for Atlanta off of the bench. The Hawks already have plenty of small forwards on their roster, but adding Nesmith’s shooting is imperative.