3
Evan Mobley Freshman, Center, USC (NCAA)
16.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 3.1 blocks, 59% fg, 35% 3pt, 33 mpg
The days of taking centers with high draft picks are fading, however, players like Evan Mobley will have exceptions made for them. Mobley is a terror on both ends of the floor, doing everything from blocking shots to knocking down threes.
He is a versatile and athletic defender who should excel in NBA defensive schemes. Much like Cunningham, there aren’t really any holes in Mobley’s game.
Washington is actually a really good situation for Mobley to land in. With a star-studded backcourt and a solid frontcourt partner in Rui Hachimura, Mobley would be able to focus on playing efficient basketball to start his career.
On the flip side, the Wizards land a potential franchise player going forward who can add to the current roster or start a rebuild with. Nonetheless, Washington would be in very good shape after landing the Trojan center.
4
Jalen Suggs Freshman, Guard, Gonzaga (NCAA)
14.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 2.4 steals, 0.5 blocks, 54% fg, 36% 3pt, 26 mpg
If the Rockets decide to commit to a rebuild, taking Jalen Suggs would be a great start. Suggs is the top player on what looks to be the top team in the NCAA this year. As a two-sport athlete, his athleticism has always been noted, but he has incredible basketball skills this season. Suggs plays both ways and is yet a third example of a player in this draft who really doesn’t have any downsides to his profile.
Houston is a mess right now, and John Wall is still on the books for some time. However, they simply cannot pass up the chance to draft the best player available. It should work both ways: if they decide to rebuild, Suggs becomes a foundational piece. If they decide to stick with Wall, Suggs is definitely capable of playing the two.