39
Jalen Smith Forward, Maryland
15.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 2.4 blocks, 53% fg, 40% 3pt, 31 mpg
Pick Via Chicago Bulls
Although the Tomas Satoransky trade was absolutely worth it for the Bulls, it is a shame to not have this pick any more, as there is a lot of talent still on the board. Jalen Smith is a very solid all-around prospect who received some first round consideration to begin the season. By no means has he had a poor season, but his athleticism limits his ceiling as a player.
The power forward position in Washington has already been filled by Rui Hachimura, but adding talent is the name of the game here. Smith would serve as a very solid rotational piece on the Wizards’ bench, as he could be used in nearly every situation imaginable. He could certainly be taken higher than 39, but for now the Wizards come away with a very solid pick.
Draft Stock Trend: -1
40
Daniel Oturu Center, Minnesota
20.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals, 2.7 blocks, 58% fg, 31% 3pt, 34 mpg
Daniel Oturu is a player who I have severely overlooked in the past four mocks. Oturu is having a stellar season out of the University of Minnesota, scoring and rebounding at a terrifying rate. Oturu has also been a great defensive anchor for the Golden Gophers, blocking shots at a very high clip. He is not receiving much draft attention right now, but do not be surprised if he shoots up draft boards as the season concludes.
After a messy divorce with Dewayne Dedmon and declining the team option on Harry Giles‘ rookie deal, Sacramento finds themselves searching for a backup center. Oturu would be a yet another big addition to the King’s impressive young group, and his offensive-savvy game could help him fit in the Sacramento system better than Dedmon was in his short time as a King.
Draft Stock Trend: n/a
41
Lamar Stevens Forward, Penn State
17.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.2 blocks, 46% fg, 27% 3pt, 30 mpg
Pick Via Phoenix Suns
The Memphis Grizzlies appear to have their core set, for the most part. With the team highly unlikely to have their first round draft pick this year, converting on the Suns’ second round pick is a priority. Lamar Stevens fills a positional need at the small forward position behind newly-acquired point forward Justise Winslow.
Stevens is an above-average athlete and has good size at three, standing at 6-foot-8. His three pointer is not efficient whatsoever, and it is unlikely that he ever becomes a threat from range at the professional level. A solid defender already, Stevens has the potential to be a very good all-around defender in the NBA, barring some technical development on that end.
Draft Stock Trend: +3
42
Tyler Bey Guard, Colorado
13.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.3 blocks, 52% fg, 50% 3pt, 28 mpg
The New Orleans Pelicans seem to have a young player at every position on the floor, and with a multitude of first round picks coming to them via the Anthony Davis deal, there will be no shortage of talent in the Big Easy over the next few years. Instead of swinging for the fences again, the Pelicans will opt for a role player in Colorado’s Tyler Bey.
Bey is a sharpshooting guard who has great size at 6-foot-7. Bey is a very solid rebounder and defender, while his offensive game is largely dependent on inside scoring. Bey has the potential to guard the one through four professionally, which would prove useful in defensive situations late in games. It may not be a flashy pick, but defensive presences are needed in basketball, and Bey provides for one.