21
Jordan Nwora Forward, Louisville
19.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.3 blocks, 46% fg, 44% 3pt, 33 mpg
Pick Via Indiana Pacers
As one of basketball’s deepest squads, the Milwaukee Bucks really don’t have any glaring needs, but find themselves with a very solid draft pick thanks to the departure of Malcolm Brogdon. With this pick, Milwaukee will look to shore themselves up at the small forward spot and add some floor spacing with Louisville’s Jordan Nwora.
Nwora is a very skilled scorer who can give you a bucket in pretty much every way. The three ball is what Milwaukee will be most interested in though, as the team is always looking for floor spacers to make life easier for the team’s many slashers.
After some time, there is a real chance that Nwora becomes the starting small forward on this roster, moving Khris Middleton back to the shooting guard position. Until then, however, Nwora will serve as a deep threat in the reserve unit for the Bucks.
Draft Stock Trend: +4
22
Paul Reed Forward, DePaul
15.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.0 steals, 2.0 blocks, 53% fg, 28% 3pt, 33 mpg
The Jazz will almost certainly be looking to take a power forward with their first round selection in this draft, as it is virtually the team’s only positional need. Paul Reed is an especially good fit for Utah due to the fact that he has a very high floor.
Utah is not necessarily looking for a franchise-level player, but rather someone to shore up the four spot. As an elite defensive and rebounding presence, Reed would fit right into Quin Snyder’s defensive-minded system.
Reed is also an above-average rebounder and scorer on the low block. He is willing to pull the three point shot, doing so at a twice per game clip, but he does not often convert on these attempts. Adding a shooting component could make Reed an extremely valuable asset for any team, but for now he will serve as a solid role player for the contending Jazz.
Draft Stock Trend: +2
23
Tre Jones Guard, Duke
15.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.3 blocks, 44% fg,33% 3pt, 35 mpg
Pick Via Houston Rockets
Not many expected the Denver Nuggets to come away with a first round selection after the trade deadline, however, the team acquired one after moving Malik Beasley and Juancho Hernangomez last week.
The return on the trade was quite good, although Beasley’s floor spacing will surely be missed. With this pick, the Nuggets will address their reserve unit, which has been one of the best in basketball over the past two seasons.
The Nuggets’ bench is filled with capable scorers, but what the team lacks is a distributor. This is where sophomore guard Tre Jones comes into the picture. As one of college basketball’s best true point guards, Jones thrives in systems that allow him to focus on hitting teammates for open looks and playing hard-nosed defense.
In Denver, Jones could find success as the lead guard off of the bench and serving as a distributor for the Nuggets’ many bench threats.