24
Ayo Dosunmu Junior, Guard, Illinois
20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.2 blocks, 49% fg, 39% 3pt, 35 mpg
The top point guard in the nation this year, Ayo Dosunmu, lands in a very favorable situation in Los Angeles. The Lakers are likely to lose Dennis Schroder to free agency this Summer, as he reportedly asked for a massive contract that they will simply not be able to provide him with. Thus, replacing him with a well-rounded guard like Dosunmu makes a lot of sense. In addition, the Lakers could be drawn to his winning history and three years of college experience.
Dosunmu is a very talented guard who was a bit of a late bloomer in the NCAA, as the former five-star recruit out of Morgan Park High School really figured it out during his junior year. His draft stock is limited just due to the fact that he is a junior. However, his pedigree as a top high school recruit shows that his ceiling could be higher than some expect.
25
Jared Butler Junior, Guard, Baylor
16.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.4 blocks, 47% fg, 42% 3pt, 30 mpg
Right after Dosunmu is off of the board, Jared Butler of Baylor is selected by Denver. Much like Dosunmu, Butler was a good high school recruit who stayed in school for three years and established himself as one of the best point guards in college basketball on the best team in college basketball. Butler is probably a more of an NBA fit than Dosunmu, due to Butler’s elite defense and shooting, but he simply did not put up the numbers that his Illinois counterpart did.
Denver should use this pick to select a playmaker off of the bench who can facilitate the offense. Butler gives the Nuggets defense, floor spacing, and ball handling capabilities off the bench, but he also possesses the skills to play off of the ball at the two. His ceiling is not very high, but his floor is high enough for the Nuggets to spend a first on him.
26
Trey Mann Sophomore, Guard, Florida
16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.1 blocks, 46% fg, 40% 3pt, 32 mpg
After the loss of Keyontae Johnson, Tre Mann really stepped up for the Florida Gators. In the last few weeks of the NCAA season, Mann showed that he could run the Florida offense and be the number one option on the team. NBA scouts have taken notice of this, and subsequently, Mann’s name has been popping up in the first round of mock drafts.
Los Angeles is clearly in the market for another point guard, as was made clear when the team made the move to swap Lou Williams and a pair of second round picks for Rajon Rondo. Though Rondo may be a temporary fix, it is evident that the team will need to search for a long-term option in the upcoming draft.