31
Bennedict Mathurin Freshman, Forward, Arizona
10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.1 blocks, 47% fg, 42% 3pt, 25 mpg
Pick via Minnesota Timberwolves
With the first selection of the second round, the Oklahoma City Thunder acquire more young talent in the form of small forward Bennedict Mathurin. Mathurin is a little-known Canadian wing who shot the ball very well for the Wildcats. Mathurin did not put up big numbers his freshman year, but the wing has been on the NBA radar for some time, playing at the NBA Academy in Mexico City for high school.
Mathurin has great size at 6-foot-7, shoots the ball well, and shows promise on the defensive end. With the Thunder taking a heavy best player available approach, adding a few young off-ball talents is wise in order to maximize their top guys’ abilities. Mathurin will not be nineteen until June and would be a great addition to the Thunder core.
32
Miles McBride Sophomore, Guard, WVU
15.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.3 blocks, 43% fg, 41% 3pt, 34 mpg
Pick via Houston Rockets
The Milwaukee Bucks were excited about their signing of point guard D.J. Augustin this offseason, but the experiment ultimately busted and he was swapped for P.J. Tucker. Perhaps the issue was not Augustin’s fit in Milwaukee’s system, but rather the fact that Augustin will be 34 next year and is in the back end of his career.
Miles McBride provides as a similar-type player for the Bucks: a small guard who handles well, distributes well, and can shoot the deep ball. His size is going to be a limiting factor for him throughout his career, and there is a lot of risk in that. However, a contending team like the Bucks is not hesitant to take gambles with second round picks.
33
Chris Duarte Sophomore, Guard, Oregon
17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.8 blocks, 53% fg, 42% 3pt, 34 mpg
Pick via Detroit Pistons
Making a name for himself in the NCAA Tournament, Chris Duarte has put himself in the NBA Draft conversation. Duarte had a great regular season with the Ducks as well, playing a phenomenal 3-and-D role. His game speaks for itself, and he more than certainly has the size to play in the NBA, standing at 6-foot-6.
The downside to Duarte is that although he is a sophomore, he will begin his rookie season at age 24. Most of this draft class will have already signed their second NBA contract by 24, so many teams could be turned off by this. However, if the Knicks can look past this, they could add a very good shooter and defender to their roster.
34
Isaiah Todd 2001, Forward, Ignite
12.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.7 blocks, 44% fg, 36% 3pt, 24 mpg
The last of the G-League Ignite boys who have a shot at being drafted this year is Isaiah Todd. Todd is a young stretch four who shoots the three and rebounds very well, but he does not offer you much on the defensive end. However, he proved that he can shoot from outside with consistency in the G-League this year, and for this alone he will receive draft consideration.
Orlando just shipped off their franchise power forward, Aaron Gordon, at the trade deadline this year. It is Possible that they move Jonathan Isaac over to that position, but regardless of fit Isaiah Todd is the shift towards offensive basketball that Orlando needs. He certainly has starter potential, but he will probably carve out a bench role in the NBA.