21
Tre Mann Sophomore, G, Florida
16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.1 blocks, 46% fg, 40% 3pt, 32 mpg
Pick via Dallas Mavericks
After a largely disappointing freshman season with the Gators, Tre Mann stepped up in a big way during his sophomore season. A highly recruited high school prospect, Mann struggled in his first NCAA season to find consistency with his shot.
However, from freshman to sophomore year, he drastically improved in every shooting mark. Mann is a scoring-minded two who can pass a bit as well from the off guard spot. He didn’t show any glaring weaknesses last year, but Mann doesn’t particularly excel at any one thing either.
For the Knicks, in drafting Mann they would be looking for a young back court partner for Immanuel Quickly to play alongside. Again, adding shooting to a playoff team never hurts. Mann would be a nice fit in that he can serve as a supplementary playmaker off of the bench as well as a scoring threat. He should be a decent bench piece in the NBA, but it is still unclear if he will become starter material or not as a pro.
22
Kai Jones Sophomore, C, Texas
8.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.9 blocks, 58% fg, 38% 3pt, 23 mpg
There are a plethora of ways this pick could go for the Los Angeles Lakers. They will likely be desperate to make a move this offseason, but this pick cannot be traded, as they owe their first-rounder to New Orleans next year with top-eight protection.
In addition, selecting in the final ten picks of the first round, there isn’t a player here who is going to push the Lakers to be significantly better next year. Thus, investing in a young project with potentially high upside is one route to take.
Kai Jones is considered by some to be the second-best center in this draft class. His unique ability at 6ft 11 to step out and shoot the three is impressive, though we have seen a very limited sample size with him only taking 1.3 per contest.
In addition, Jones has not yet shown that he can be an interior presence of the defensive end. His rebounding and potential range will be enough for the Lakers to make an investment in him, especially considering that young talent is going to be tough for them to get their hands on in the coming years.
23
Greg Brown Freshman, F, Texas
9.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.0 blocks, 42% fg, 33% 3pt, 21 mpg
Pick via Portland Trail Blazers
Although he had a tough freshman season with the Texas Longhorns, Greg Brown is an incredibly talented prospect. Brown possesses the ability to put the ball on the floor, is willing to take outside shots, and is hyper-athletic.
He without a doubt has two-way upside, but questions surrounding his basketball IQ and shot selection will be his biggest hindrances. However, he is certainly capable of being one of the better players in this class
For Houston, in the first year of a complete rebuild, they will look to acquire as much young talent as possible. In addition, with three picks in the first round this year and a boatload more coming from the James Harden trade, the Rockets can afford to roll the dice in the latter portion of the first round. With some time to develop, the Rockets would hope that Brown could become their power forward of the future.