15
Tyrese Maxey Guard, Kentucky
13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.4 blocks, 43% fg, 30% 3pt, 34 mpg
Caught in mediocrity for the time being, the Orlando Magic find themselves with the 8th seed in the East and the 15th pick in the draft. Orlando is a very good defensive squad, but tends to have trouble with their offensive game.
With Evan Fournier a possible trade candidate this Summer, the Magic will likely have to address both guard positions. As a combo guard, Tyrese Maxey provides the Magic with flexibility in the backcourt. His skillset is one designed to thrive in the modern NBA: shooting from range.
Maxey is arguably one of the better shooters in his draft class, although the numbers tell a different story. As a high school player, the former five-star recruit was known for his ability to knock down shots from deep, but his overall efficiency has taken a hit since enrolling at Kentucky.
Maxey was once projected to be a lottery pick, but now he finds himself highly unlikely to be. NBA executives will hope that Maxey returns to his normal form for next season, but there is certainly a risk.
Draft Stock Trend: +4
16
Aaron Nesmith Forward, Vanderbilt
22.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.9 blocks, 51% fg, 52% 3pt, 36 mpg
Pick Via Brooklyn Nets
Unfortunately, Vanderbilt’s Aaron Nesmith is out for the season. However, the 14 games that he did play in were stellar. Nesmith was able to score at a volume rate at ridiculously efficient numbers in his second season with the Commodores, earning him a spot as a sure-fire first round draft pick.
Nesmith will be drafted almost purely for his three point shooting ability, although he projects to be a solid defender at the NBA level as well.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have done a nice job of shaking up their roster in order to create a solid young core. After already adding a starting small forward in Achiuwa who struggles shooting the ball from range, the Wolves take Nesmith who excels from deep.
As Minnesota has learned the hard way over the past few seasons, shooting is the most important part of the game, and adding more of it is a wise call. Nesmith is one of the most underrated players in this class, and he will likely be a steal for some lucky team.
Draft Stock Trend: +1
17
Theo Maledon Guard, France
7.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.4 blocks, 0.1 steals, 48% fg, 38% 3pt, 17 mpg
Pick Via Memphis Grizzlies
Having three selections in the first round is great for rebuilding teams, but not vital for contenders. However, this is just the way Danny Ainge seems to operate, as he always has multiple first round picks to play with. Although this pick is probably not the one that will be moved, one would have to think that the C’s would like to move a few of these selections in order to acquire another piece to help win now.
This Grizzlies’ pick was supposed to be somewhere in the top-ten, but instead Memphis finds themselves in the playoffs.
Backup point guard is certainly a need for Boston, and taking Theo Maledon of France could be a great remedy for this. Maledon has been playing professionally in Europe, and has played well in his limited chances.
He is scoring an efficient 7.4 points per game in under 20 minutes of action. The deep ball and passing are also strengths of his, although he has struggled on the defensive end. Maledon would be a high-ceiling backup to Kemba Walker and a great addition to Boston’s bench.