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Spurs

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NBA Expansion Mock Draft: What would a new expansion team look like?

NBA Summer League is one giant laboratory for young players and coaches. Within the Thomas &amp; Mack Center and Cox Pavilion, we can grasp at a multiverse of futures, both for individuals and the league at large.
The San Antonio Spurs think they've found an innovative talent in their fractal of possible outcomes. Blake Wesley turned heads in Las Vegas with his ball-dominant role, and Spurs summer league coach Mitch Johnson believes the rookie is indicative of a movement at the guard position.
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"Blake Wesley and Josh Primo are the modern day guards," - M. Johnson <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/porvida?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#porvida</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nba</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nbatwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nbatwitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gospursgo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gospursgo</a> <a href="https://t.co/32cje9PMl0">pic.twitter.com/32cje9PMl0</a>
&mdash; JeffGSpursKENS5 (@JeffGSpursZone) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1545886937692753920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Though it was just Summer League, Wesley relished the chance to break himself in as an orchestrator.
"I see myself as a point guard, so going into the NBA I feel I'm gonna be a point guard," Wesley told Basketball News over the phone. "A big key to the Spurs is [being] 6-foot-5, long [and] athletic, so to get guys open is gonna be good for me. I'm gonna get to the paint and find guys."
Wesley handed out at least four assists in all but one of his Summer League contests; he cleared that bar just seven times in 35 contests while a freshman at Notre Dame. The summer Spurs put the ball in his hands early and often, and Wesley showed ease with making plays out of his drives.&nbsp;
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In his best moments, Wesley recognized how defenses collapsed around him when he exploded down a lane. He read drop and help defenders, and uncorked some lasers out to perimeter shooters. In the second highlight of the above clip, we're already seeing how Wesley can draw nail help and hit the shooter one pass away.
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This pass was bonkers. For Wesley to arrive at this dime, he has to shrug off his initial defender, force help to come over, recognize where the next defensive rotation will be and then&nbsp;wrap the ball around all of them to hit an open Robert Woodard II.
Summer League was expectedly imperfect for a rookie getting his first taste of NBA action. Wesley averaged 17.0 points, 4.0 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals in those five games. He also gave away 2.8 turnovers per game and shot just 27.6% from two-point range (and 34.4% from distance). But the No. 25 pick felt like he belonged with the league's top young talent.
"I felt good," Wesley said. "It was a good experience &mdash; a lot of people [in] their first game. [I was] playing against other rookies, other veterans and stuff like that, guys older than me, bigger than me. So to be out there was fun."
Wesley's been an NBA player for barely a month, and still must get ingrained with Gregg Popovich and the rest of the coaching staff. He says that Johnson and Josh Primo, last year's No. 12 overall pick, have helped him make the pro transition smoothly.
"I feel like everybody [has helped], but those two guys, Josh Primo and Coach Mitch have helped me a lot," Wesley said. "Josh Primo helped me a lot during training camp and stuff like that, and then Mitch taught me a lot during Summer League. They gave me the ball, they gave me the keys, so I just have to facilitate for everybody else.
Wesley and Primo's off-court rapport translated to on-court chemistry. The duo shared lead ball-handling dutues and connected several times for some impressive buckets.
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Wesley has also spent his first month jelling with his rookie teammates, including fellow first-round picks Jeremy Sochan and Malaki Branham. Sochan and Wesley were already friends and nearly EYBL teammates on Indy Heat before the COVID-19 pandemic <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/jeremy-sochan-a-citizen-of-the-world-sets-his-course-for-the-nba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">forced Sochan back to his home in England.</a>&nbsp;
"I knew Jeremy for a long time, and I know Malaki now. We're all close; we all hang out," Wesley said.&nbsp;
The 19-year-old has a couple of months to get ready for the NBA regular season. Wesley already can't wait to face Ja Morant, another uber-athletic guard, and LeBron James, who is nearly twice his age.&nbsp;
'It's gonna be crazy," Wesley said. "I'm 19, he's like, 35." (Wesley actually undersold the 37-year-old James).
The young guard should receive some trial-by-fire minutes on San Antonio's young roster. Dejounte Murray's departure to Atlanta opens a hole in the backcourt. Wesley isn't an exact stylistic match, but at 6-foot-5 with length and an ability to breeze to the paint, he and Murray share some similarities.&nbsp;
Wesley won't overreach though.
He knows his first jop his to learn from Popovich and his teammates, and find his niche as an NBA playmaker.
"I'm gonna go in and do my role," Wesley said. "Whatever Pop tells me to say or tells me to do, I'm gonna do it. They want me to go in there and be a point guard, so I'm gonna have to keep my point guard skills, get better, get stronger and be ready to work."

Blake Wesley dished out 4 or more assists in all but one of his NBA Summer League games with San Antonio.

Blake Wesley is ready to sharpen his point-guard skills with Spurs

RJ Nembhard Jr. had 16 points and six assists, Isaiah Mobley added 15 points and 10 rebounds, and the Cleveland Cavaliers held off the Atlanta Hawks 94-90 on Saturday in the NBA Summer League.
Mobley, a second-round pick in this year's draft, grabbed six rebounds on the offensive end and added four assists for the Cavaliers (3-2). Fellow second-rounder Luke Travers pitched in with 14 points and five boards. Cam Young scored 15 points. First-round pick Ochai Agbaji did not play.
Tyrese Martin scored 21 to top the Hawks (2-3). Chaundee Brown Jr. added 17 points. Chris Clemons finished with 16 points, while Tyson Etienne scored 13.
Atlanta's top pick A.J. Griffin &mdash; 17th overall &mdash; did not play.
PISTONS 102, MAGIC 86
Jules Bernard had 22 points and nine rebounds, Charlie Moore had 21 points and eight assists, and Detroit cruised past Orlando.
Bernard sank all three of his 3-point attempts for the Pistons (3-2). Braxton Key added 15 points, while Stanley Umude scored 13. Detroit sat first-rounders Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren for the finale.
Justin James had 18 points to lead the Magic (2-3). Tommy Kuhse added 13 points, while Zavier Simpson and Daniel Oturu scored 10 apiece.
Orlando dropped its final three games without top pick Paolo Banchero. The Magic decided to pull Banchero from the event just hours before a showdown with No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren and Oklahoma City.
TIMBERWOLVES 89, HORNETS 86
Kevon Harris scored 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting to help Minnesota fend off Charlotte.
Harris hit all four of his 3-pointers for the Timberwolves (2-3). Wendell Moore Jr. had 15 points, while second-round pick Josh Minott scored 12. Marial Shayok had seven points, 10 rebounds and four steals.
JT Thor finished with 28 points and five steals for the Hornets (2-3). Justin Minaya scored 10 points and Mark Williams, the 15th overall pick, had eight points and seven rebounds.
Thor completed a three-point play, then buried a 3-pointer to get the Hornets within 88-86. Jacob Gilyard sank 1 of 2 free throws with 4.9 seconds left and Minott blocked Bryce McGowens' 3-pointer to end the game.
SPURS 90, GRIZZLIES 87
Malaki Branham made five 3-pointers and scored 23 points to help San Antonio turn back Memphis.
Branham, the 20th overall pick, was 5 of 8 from distance to help the Spurs (1-4) notch their first win in their final try. DJ Stewart added 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while Robert Woodard II had six points to go with 10 rebounds.
Kenneth Lofton Jr. paced the Grizzlies (2-3) with 27 points and 12 rebounds. First-rounder David Roddy added 19 points. Ronaldo Segu and Kennedy Chandler scored 13 and 10, respectively.
Lofton sank a 3-pointer with 2:07 remaining to give Memphis an 87-86 lead. Branham answered with a 3 and Blake Wesley &mdash; the No. 25 pick &mdash; hit 1 of 2 free throws with 4.1 seconds left to cap the scoring. Dakota Mathias missed a 3-pointer on the game's final shot.
BULLS 119, 76ERS 104
Marko Simonovic scored 26 points, Malcolm Hill added 23 and Chicago breezed past Philadelphia.
Simonovic made 11 of 15 shots and grabbed eight rebounds to help the Bulls (4-1) close out with three straight wins. Carlik Jones scored 15 points but had seven of Chicago's 15 turnovers. Dalen Terry, the 18th overall pick, had three points, two assists and two rebounds in nine-plus minutes.
Charlie Brown Jr. led the 76ers (2-3) with 21 points. Grant Riller scored 19. Trevelin Queen had 16 points and seven of Philadelphia's 21 turnovers. Filip Petrusev scored 14.
NETS 102, CELTICS 95
Cam Thomas scored 25 points, David Duke Jr. added 24 and Brooklyn knocked off Boston.
Thomas added six assists for the Nets (3-2), while Duke handed out five. Kessler Edwards scored 15 points and Day'Ron Sharpe had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Juhann Begarin topped the Celtics (3-2) with 25 points. Mfiondu Kabengele scored 18. Second-rounder JD Davison &mdash; Boston's only pick in the draft &mdash; totaled 17 points and 10 rebounds.
KINGS 92, ROCKETS 81
Jeriah Horne scored 20 points to lead Sacramento over Houston
Jared Rhoden pitched in with 15 points and seven rebounds for the Kings (3-2). Sacramento chose to sit No. 4 overall pick Keegan Murray for the finale.
Tari Eason, the No. 17 pick in the draft, had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets (2-3). TyTy Washington Jr. scored 15 points, while Daishen Nix had 14 points and seven boards. No. 3 overall pick Jabari Smith Jr. had 12 points and 12 rebounds.
LAKERS 95, MAVERICKS 84
Cole Swider scored 16 points to spark Los Angeles past Dallas.
Swider sank 4 of 6 from 3-point range for the Lakers (3-2). Jay Huff had 13 points, Javante McCoy scored 12 and Scotty Pippen Jr. 11.
A.J. Lawson had 19 points to lead the Mavericks (0-5) &mdash; the only team without victory in the event. Moses Wright scored 17 with six boards. Jaden Hardy scored 15 but had seven of Dallas' 19 turnovers. Lawson turned it over six times. Jerrick Harding had 11 points and five assists.
HEAT 86, CLIPPERS 83
Kyle Allman Jr. scored 26 points, sinking a go-ahead 3-pointer with 31 seconds left, and Miami rallied past Los Angeles.
Allman added seven rebounds and six assists for the Heat (2-3). Dru Smith had 22 points and Jamal Cain pitched in with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Miami outscored Los Angeles 31-20 in the final quarter
Reggie Perry, Jay Scrubb and Xavier Moon all scored 16 for the Clippers (2-3).

Check out this recap of Saturday's NBA Summer League action.

Nembhard, Mobley lead Cavs past Hawks 94-90 in Summer League

Even though Friday's NBA Summer League slate techincally began at midnight, the second full "day" of competition brought 14 more teams into the mix as the week picks up steam.&nbsp;
The Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks set the tone early by taking each other to overtime, with Chicago hanging on for an exciting 100-99 win. Three players from that contest are highlighted below, along with several other standouts, plus players who left something to be desired.
I can't get to every notable performance; Cam Thomas and Blake Wesley, for example, did not make the cut, though they are listed as honorable mention at the bottom of the Studs section. Six players particularly caught my eye as outstanding, while four guys noticeably struggled in their first Vegas contests of the week.
STUDS
Marko Simonovic, Chicago Bulls
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Marko Simonovic led the <a href="https://twitter.com/chicagobulls?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chicagobulls</a> to the victory while dropping 27 points including the game-tying bucket and the game-winning free throw in OT! 🔥 27 PTS | 13 REB | 3 BLK <a href="https://t.co/0fA8yxCF2O">pic.twitter.com/0fA8yxCF2O</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1545542839915929602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 27 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks, 10/19 FG
I'll be honest, after the first half, I was considering marking this game as a "dud" effort from Simonovic. He was missing easy at-rim attempts and failing to impact the game defensively in the early goings. But man, did things change. Simonovic finished through contact several times, dominated the glass to the tune of six offensive rebounds and took a step up with his defense.
The pivotal play for Chicago in overtime was Simonovic's screen coverage that led to a steal, followed by him running the floor and converting the and-one to take a 99-96 lead. What an effort for the No. 44 pick.&nbsp;
AJ Lawson, Dallas Mavericks
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AJ Lawson poured in 28 PTS for the <a href="https://twitter.com/dallasmavs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallasmavs</a> to open up their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBA2K23SummerLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBA2K23SummerLeague</a> schedule! 28 PTS | 5 REB | 6 3PM <a href="https://t.co/HSe8qYldF4">pic.twitter.com/HSe8qYldF4</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1545544957099909121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 28 points, 5 rebounds, 10/16 FG, 6/11 3PT
Jaden Hardy stole most of the show in the Mavericks' overtime loss, but Lawson was simply fantastic as an off-ball irritant on Friday. He had this one bucket that really wowed me where he cut across the middle of the paint, went to set a pindown, faked it and cut back to the basket to receive a pass and convert the layup. It was one of the highlight plays of the day for me.
Lawson also impressed with his shooting off movement and spaced the floor extremely well as Hardy and others drove to the basket. The 21-year-old went undrafted in 2021 and played 13 games with the College Park Skyhawks, but has not made his NBA debut yet. Hopefully that changes.
Jaden Hardy, Dallas Mavericks&nbsp;
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Jaden Hardy dropped BUCKETS in his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBASummer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBASummer</a> debut with the <a href="https://twitter.com/dallasmavs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallasmavs</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MFFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MFFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JadenHardy1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JadenHardy1</a>: 28 PTS, 4 REB 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/3meMrPUnho">pic.twitter.com/3meMrPUnho</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1545541921279549442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 28 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 9/19 FG, 2/7 3PT
Hardy has social-media buzzing after his performance and demonstrated the easy scoring confidence that has propelled the combo guard since high school. He had defenders guessing with how he changed speeds and directions attacking the rim. Hardy's body took contact extremely well, and if his opponent cut off a driving lane, he could turn it into a step-back or pull-up.&nbsp;
It wasn't an efficient performance by any stretch, but the poise was certainly there for Hardy in his Mavericks debut. He turned the ball over six times while trying to do too much at points, but also made some nice reads as a passer when he drew defensive attention. This was a great starting point for the bucket-getter to work from.
Josh Minott, Minnesota Timberwolves
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Josh Minott showed out for the <a href="https://twitter.com/Timberwolves?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Timberwolves</a> tonight, notching 22 PTS, 10 REB, and 3 AST 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/Ilsr5maEWI">pic.twitter.com/Ilsr5maEWI</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1545611466845437953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 22 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 8/15 FG, 2/3 3PT
Minott entered the NBA Draft billed as a player with intriguing physical measurables and tools, but in need of serious development time. On Friday, he was much more polished than I anticipated. Minott attacked off the bounce, pulled up over defenders for three-pointers and pushed the pace in transition. The rebounding activity was awesome for someone with his size and experience. Minott has already canned as many threes in Las Vegas as he did his entire freshman year at Memphis.
Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks
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Quentin Grimes showed off his playmaking and scoring ability as he powered the <a href="https://twitter.com/nyknicks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nyknicks</a> to the win in their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBASummer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBASummer</a> opener!<a href="https://twitter.com/qdotgrimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@qdotgrimes</a>: 24 PTS, 8 AST, 2 STL, 4 3PM <a href="https://t.co/YeEMtOfE4c">pic.twitter.com/YeEMtOfE4c</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1545616354849456128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 24 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 8/21 FG, 4/14 3PT
We know Grimes can shoot it, and while he wasn't the most efficient as a scorer on Friday, that wasn't what caught my eye. The second-year wing dished out eight assists against one turnover with a variety of reads. Grimes connected multiple times with 2021 draft classmate Jericho Sims, both in the pick-and-roll and on dump-offs. I know I've got my own hopes for Deuce McBride-Grimes-Sims bench units this upcoming season, and I imagine Knicks fans feel similarly.
Moses Moody, Golden State Warriors
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Moses Moody going OFF in the first three quarters 👀 32 PTS 8/11 FG 3/5 3PT (via <a href="https://twitter.com/NBATV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBATV</a>)<a href="https://t.co/7a6sRM5mLz">pic.twitter.com/7a6sRM5mLz</a>
&mdash; Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1545587910027739136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 34 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 8/13 FG, 3/6 3PT
The 2021 No. 14 pick never really took over the game against the Knicks, but Moody consistently capitalized on his moments in all the right places. He drew eight fouls and made 15-of-17 free throws, calmly knocked down some threes and tossed in a couple of putback buckets. Moody's two blocks came courtesy of impressive help defense and recover efforts that led to swats on Trevor Keels and Jean Montero.
The ease with which Moody impacted the game signaled that this second-year Summer Leaguer might have graduated from the competition. I'd also like to give a hat-tip to Joe Viray, who <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2022/7/8/23201290/warriors-knicks-summer-league-moses-moody-film-breakdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">throughly broke down Moody's first game</a> for Golden State of Mind.
Other performances I liked: Dalen Terry (Bulls), Ochai Agbaji (Cavaliers), Blake Wesley (Spurs), Josh Primo (Spurs, RJ Nembhard (Cavaliers), Bryce McGowens (Hornets), Bennedict Mathurin (Pacers), Cam Thomas (Nets), Lindell Wigginton (Bucks), Feron Hunt (Knicks), Scotty Pippen Jr. (Lakers), Ish Wainright (Suns)
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DUDS
Robert Woodard II, San Antonio Spurs
Box score stats: 2 points, 5 rebounds, 1/7 FG, 0/3 3PT
I've been a believer of Woodard since he entered the 2020 Draft, but yesterday showed he hasn't made the requisite offensive strides to be an impact player yet. He has yet to hit threes at a clip close to his last collegiate season with Mississippi State. Against the Cavaliers, Woodard didn't really impact the game off the ball other than as a spacer.
He did receive some reps initiating and attacking off the dribble. But Woodard doesn't have the burst to beat defenders and he doesn't use his strength to initiate contact. There was one play where he turned a corner and used a crossover to get downhill and finish a layup. But it's hard to imagine Woodard receiving these chances in whatever setting he joins next season.
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
Box score stats: 4 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2/10 FG, 0/4 3PT
Unlike Moody's night, it seemed like everything went wrong for Kuminga. The 2021 No. 7 pick made several bad passing decisions and got stripped twice by Quentin Grimes when he tried to take Grimes off the dribble. He missed all of his perimeter looks and went 0-for-3 near the basket (props to Jericho Sims for the defense).&nbsp;
I do want to be fair to Kuminga. Golden State had him initiating the offense frequently, a role he scarcely played during the regular season. The Warriors clearly want to use this summer session as a trial-by-fire experiment for Kuminga on the ball. He's already proven himself as a valuable cutter with the full roster.
Kai Jones, Charlotte Hornets
Box score stats: 12 points, 9 rebounds, 5/15 FG, 0/10 3PT
The long-range goose egg is particularly egregious, and some attendees on social media even posted that fans were cringing by the end of the game. Pacers defenders did not close out on Jones, yet his misses were inconsistent and sometimes downright ugly. Jones shot seven of his 10 threes from a standstill, yet his landings were erratic.
Inside the arc, Jones was better than the final line shows. He had three impressive unassisted driving layups, and another hesitation drive that ended with a powerful slam dunk. The flashes of creativity off the dribble are there for this 6-foot-11 big. However, the perimeter game is not, yet.
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Kessler Edwards, Brooklyn Nets
Box score stats: 5 points, 2 rebounds, 1/6 FG, 1/3 3PT
Edwards' offensive performance felt disjointed. He would sometimes hesitate to make a decision with the ball in his hands. Other times, he'd drive hard, but he doesn't have the strength or vertical leap to be a threat around the basket. Edwards also missed one floater in the Nets' loss to the Bucks and didn't receive much time with the ball in his hands to dribble around. At this stage, the three-ball comprises a large part of his offensive strength, and the rest of his on-ball game remains a work in progress.

Moses Moody, Jaden Hardy and Quentin Grimes are among Day 2's NBA Summer League standouts.

10 studs and duds from Day 2 of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas

The NBA sent four teams home from its Play-In Tournament after Friday night, but all four are poised to contend next season.
Though the Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs exited early, their trio of All-Star guards and exciting young cores mean all three should be back in the hunt &mdash; provided they beef up their rosters in the offseason. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers weren't supposed to make it this far without their franchise cornerstones; that only creates more buzz surrounding a 2022-23 championship contender.
What can these franchises do this offseason to set themselves up for success? I've written up some summer plans for all four squads, including draft assets (via Tankathon), potential free agents (via Spotrac) and a central team-building question (via my deranged mind). If you missed last week, I did the same for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/summer-plans-for-the-nbas-nonplayoff-teams" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 teams who did not crack the NBA postseason</a>.
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Let's dive in.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Draft assets:&nbsp;First-round pick, First-round pick via Pelicans, Second-round pick, Second-round pick via Toronto (if 55-60)
Potential free agents:&nbsp;Montrezl Harrell, Isaiah Thomas, Miles Bridges (restricted), Cody Martin (restricted), Arnoldas Kulboka (restricted), Scottie Lewis (restricted)
Central question:&nbsp;How can the Hornets construct an interior defense?
Charlotte's bottom-10 defense doomed the franchise several times in the regular season and, ultimately, in the Play-In loss to Atlanta. The Hornets gave up boatloads of at-rim attempts and three-pointers, and simply looked like turnstiles at times. Improvement is necessary across the board, but an on-paper view highlights a clear need for upgrades inside.
Mason Plumlee is a fine basketball player, but he's not anchoring a high-level NBA defense. Neither is Montrezl Harrell, and 2021 first-round pick Kai Jones barely touched the floor in Charlotte. The Hornets don't have a whole lot of salary flexibility with big-money deals in place for Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier. Miles Bridges' restricted free agency is also a key offseason focal point.&nbsp;
Though the Hornets likely can't throw outright money at a Deandre Ayton-level restricted free agent, perhaps they could work a sign-and-trade for a lesser-known young talent. Maybe Mo Bamba fits the bill from Orlando? Charlotte was tied to trade rumors surrounding Myles Turner before the trade deadline, and the front office could also elect to sign a veteran at a mid-level exception.
Regardless of the pathway, the Hornets have needed to address the center position for years now. With a playoff leap now the expectation in 2022-23, they can't afford to let another summer slip away.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Draft assets:&nbsp;First-round pick, Second-round pick via Spurs, Second-round pick via Heat
Potential free agents:&nbsp;Ed Davis, Rajon Rondo, Brandon Goodwin, Collin Sexton (restricted), Moses Brown (restricted), RJ Nembhard (restricted), Dean Wade (team option)
Central question:&nbsp;What is Collin Sexton's future in Cleveland?
The Cavaliers may have slid out of the playoffs, but this was a banner year for the franchise's long-term trajectory. Darius Garland emerged as a cornerstone point guard, Evan Mobley might win Rookie of the Year, and the frontcourt pairing with Jarrett Allen looks to be a mainstay in the Eastern Conference. Injuries ultimately derailed what was a top-four seed. Most of the rotation is under contract and under 30, hinting at continued growth.
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Darius Garland -&gt; Jarrett Allen -&gt; Evan Mobley (Lob) <a href="https://t.co/nDQz7tkxbs">pic.twitter.com/nDQz7tkxbs</a>
&mdash; Jackson Lloyd (@JacksonLloydNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacksonLloydNBA/status/1515354588353728522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2022</a></blockquote>

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This seaon's leap makes the situation with Sexton... difficult. Let's not forget that the combo guard is a season removed from a 24-point-per-game season as an efficient primary scorer, and that the Cavs were 19th in Offensive Rating this year. Sexton can meaningfully boost Cleveland simply as a bucket-getter, nevermind if he keeps improving as a playmaker.
What kind of contract do the Cavs offer to a 23-year-old who missed nearly a full season with a knee injury though? If a desperate team decides to throw money at Sexton to force the franchise to match, is there a limit to the front office's willingness? What would an extension mean for Isaac Okoro and Caris LeVert?&nbsp;
Sexton is one of the biggest dominoes in the upcoming offseason, and arguably the most unpredictable.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Draft assets:&nbsp;Second-round pick
Potential free agents: Robert Covington, Rodney Hood, Isaiah Hartenstein, Amir Coffey (restricted), Xavier Moon (restricted), Ivica Zubac (team option), Nic Batum (player option)
Central question:&nbsp;What does a fully-healthy 10-man rotation look like?
Nobody expected the Clippers to be a playoff contender without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and they still almost cracked the postseason with the supporting cast chipping in. L.A. made a splash at the trade deadline by adding Norman Powell and Robert Covington, two players who conceivably make sense next to the franchise's two stars.
This roster is deep. It's a great problem to have, but it's still a problem with several rotation options potentially hitting free agency. Covington will likely command a solid new deal as one of the league's more reliable two-way complements, and Batum could easily decline his $3.3 million team option in search of a raise. Ivica Zubac and Isaiah Hartenstein may both hit free agency; what would happen to the center rotation in that case?
The Clippers have Leonard, George, Powell, Reggie Jackson, Luke Kennard, Terance Mann and Marcus Morris locked down for next season. That's already seven rotation-caliber players, and it doesn't account for leaps from young talents like Brandon Boston Jr., Jason Preston or Amir Coffey. A roster crunch is inbound, and the organization can't let a quality addition slip away as it positions itself for title contention next season.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Draft assets:&nbsp;First-round pick, first-round pick via Raptors, first-round pick via Celtics, second-round pick via Lakers
Potential free agents:&nbsp;Lonnie Walker IV (restricted), Devontae Cacok (restricted), Joe Wieskamp (restricted), DJ Stewart Jr. (restricted), Robert Woodard II (restricted)
Central question:&nbsp;How do the Spurs toe the line between developmental patience and consolidation?
San Antonio valiantly fought to get to the Play-In Tournament before losing to New Orleans, but also had one of the more underrated developmental seasons across the roster. Dejounte Murray made his All-Star leap and Jakob Poeltl established himself as <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/jakob-poeltl-san-antonios-newest-watchful-protector" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one of the league's better rim-protectors</a>; the Spurs collectively were just a tick under league-average on both ends of the floor, per Cleaning the Glass.
One of the NBA's youngest rosters is well on track and about to receive another influx of potential. San Antonio could use its three first-rounders (including its own lottery pick) to add to the frontcourt or find another lead guard. However, the Spurs already have 12 players locked down for next season under at least partial guarantees, and 11 of them are under 30. They have a pathway to over $24 million in salary cap space this summer should they move on from restricted free agents like Walker.&nbsp;
There's an avenue, with draft picks, young players and cap space, for San Antonio to make a serious splash. Is that in the programming for this franchise, though? San Antonio hasn't acquired a star via trade in several years, unless you want to count adding DeMar DeRozan in the Kawhi Leonard blockbuster. At the same time, there are only so many minutes to go around for the young guns, especially if the Spurs think they can compete for the playoffs.
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Ethan Fuller sets the stage for the NBA's four Play-In exits approaching the offseason.

Summer plans for the Spurs, Hornets, Cavaliers and Clippers

De'Aaron Fox scored 28 points and hit a jumper over Bradley Beal with 0.7 seconds remaining to give the Sacramento Kings a 121-119 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
Harrison Barnes and Richaun Holmes each added 18 points for Sacramento, which got its first win in the third of a six-game East Coast trip. The Kings have gone 4-4 since a nine-game slide that spanned most of February.
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De'Aaron Fox rises and WINS it for the <a href="https://twitter.com/SacramentoKings?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SacramentoKings</a>❗️ <a href="https://t.co/l1S4n7s9Tr">pic.twitter.com/l1S4n7s9Tr</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1372361308503474178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2021</a></blockquote>

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&ldquo;It was one of those moments where it could&rsquo;ve gone either way,&rdquo; said Kings coach Luke Walton, who started three players age 23 or younger, including the 23-year-old Fox. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s why I say, it&rsquo;s so good for these guys to be in these type of games.&rdquo;
Russell Westbrook had 26 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists &mdash; his 12th triple-double of the season &mdash; for the Wizards, who have lost five straight since the All-Star break, the last four of those at home.
Beal scored 29 points on 12-of-20 shooting, but but missed all five of his 3-point attempts as the Wizards shot a season-low 16% (4 of 25) from beyond the arc.
Alex Len had 13 points and 12 rebounds for Washington.
Both the Wizards and Kings entered Wednesday in 13th in their respective conferences, three places back of the last playoff berth.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll say the same thing I said the first half of the year: Nobody&rsquo;s going to feel sorry for us,&rdquo; Beal said.
The Kings led by nine points after the third quarter and maintained their advantage for most of the fourth before a personal 6-0 run by Westbrook. His driving layup tied the game at 119 with 22.6 seconds left.
After a Sacramento timeout, Fox took the inbounds pass and ran down the clock before he dribbled left and sank a 19-foot jumper over Beal's outstretched arm.
&ldquo;First thought is always to get to the basket, and he tucked on that,&rdquo; said Fox, who scored the Kings' last nine points. &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t get to the basket every time. So when I dribbled back, I was ready to shoot the ball.&rdquo;
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Kings pick up their first win of the 6-game road trip, struggle in the 4th quarter but De'Aaron Fox's heroics lift Sacramento over the Wizards. Hear from Fox, Tyrese Haliburton &amp; Luke Walton. FULL VIDEOS: <a href="https://t.co/noOdM7BDb0">https://t.co/noOdM7BDb0</a> <a href="https://t.co/P0mbJWBXKq">pic.twitter.com/P0mbJWBXKq</a>
&mdash; Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeanCunningham/status/1372453022966505476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2021</a></blockquote>

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Said Beal: &ldquo;The only thing I probably could&rsquo;ve done is maybe cut off his left hand, force him right. But he had it going the last 10 possessions.&rdquo;
Washington called timeout to try and set up a miracle winning shot with less than a second to play, but Westbrook threw away the inbounds.
TIP-INS
Kings: Walton said the team is &ldquo;evaluating treatment plans&rdquo; for Marvin Bagley III (hand fracture). Bagley was forced out of Monday's loss to Charlotte with the injury. ... Rookie Tyrese Haliburton scored 17 points starting in place of Bagley. ... Holmes fouled out with 1:40 left. ... C Hassan Whiteside (health and safety protocols) and F Robert Woodward II (hamstring strain) were active, although Woodward did not play.
Wizards: Fell to 3-8 in the first of back-to-back games. ... G Raul Neto (bruised ribs) played after coach Scott Brooks said he would be a game-time decision. ... After making 15 consecutive starts, C Moritz Wagner has been active but unused in the last three games.
IRON UNKIND
While Westbrook was sensational late, he twice missed dunks off the back of the rim, the latter coming with 3:30 to play as Washington tried to close Sacramento's slim lead.
FOX HUNTING
Sacramento's improved play has coincided with more consistency from Fox. The third-year pro has at least 20 points in 10 straight games.
&ldquo;I'm just continuing to play, man. That's pretty much all it is,&rdquo; he said.
UP NEXT
Kings: Continue their trip Friday in Boston.
Wizards: Close their homestand Thursday against Utah.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

De'Aaron Fox scored 28 points and hit a jumper over Bradley Beal with 0.7 seconds remaining to give the Kings a victory over the Wizards on Wednesday night.

Fox hits game-winner over Beal, Kings beat Wizards 121-119

Ethan Fuller breaks down the NBA landscape with over half the league hovering close to a .500 record.

NBA Sour Rankings: How to understand the spectrum of mediocrity

After falling to the Utah Jazz 129-115 Friday night, Giannis Antetokounmpo had some words of praise for the winning foes, calling the Jazz the "best team in the West."
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard/status/1360464065164963840" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Woodyard/ESPN</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Antetokounmpo also commented on how simple the game seems for the 21-5 Jazz.
"It just looks fun. Like when I watch them play, it looks fun, it looks easy," Antetokounmpo said. "It looks simple. For sure, they look like us last year, and man, when you're at that point and you're playing with that confidence, you're hard to beat for sure."
Utah has won 17 of its last 18 games. In Friday's win, four different players eclipsed 25 points: Joe Ingles (27), Rudy Gobert (27), Donovan Mitchell (26) and Jordan Clarkson (25).&nbsp;
&nbsp;

The Jazz beat Milwaukee 129-115 on Friday night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: Utah Jazz are the 'best team in the West'

Ethan Fuller breaks down the state of each NBA franchise and ranks the most frustrating teams ahead of the 2020-21 NBA season.

NBA 'Sour' Rankings: Preseason Prelude

The 2020 NBA Draft forged ahead on Wednesday night with a rapid-fire second round that saw a bevy of smaller trades go down.
But one move stuck out from the rest. The Philadelphia 76ers dealt two-way wing Josh Richardson to the Dallas Mavericks, along with pick No. 36, in exchange for sweet-shooting bench guard Seth Curry. Dallas ended up with two picks in the 30s, leading off the round by drafting Stanford guard Tyrell Terry and then taking Colorado forward Tyler Bey at pick No. 36.&nbsp;
In a draft that lacked star power, but fields fantastic depth, franchises had plenty of chances to find quality rotation players in the second round. My five favorite selections, with a breakdown of their team fits, are below:&nbsp;&nbsp;
Pick 31. Dallas Mavericks: Tyrell Terry (G), Stanford
The Mavericks' next step to title contention is surrounding Luka Doncic with outlet sharpshooters. Frankly, Terry would have been a great selection at No.18 for the Mavs. Instead, they land him 13 picks later, making the Stanford guard a clear steal.
Terry drilled 40.8 percent of his three-pointers at Stanford and is one of the best pure shooters in the class. He'll play off the ball in the NBA, but Terry can make quality reads as a passer. Though he's undersized at 6-foot-3, Terry makes up for his slight frame with tenacious effort and awareness.
Pick 35. Memphis Grizzlies (from SAC): Xavier Tillman (C/F), Michigan State
Memphis now boasts a Swiss Army Knife of a frontcourt. The Grizzlies have a bruiser in Jonas Valanciunas, a lengthy shot-maker in Jaren Jackson Jr. and an athletic marvel in Brandon Clarke.&nbsp;
In his own dimension, Tillman brings defensive versatility, leadership and NBA-ready court awareness. Unlike most second-round picks, the Michigan State big man could feasibly bypass the NBA G League and earn a spot on the Grizzlies' roster right away. Memphis is nearing playoff contention, and the exciting young franchise needs steady basketball minds such as Tillman.
Pick 40. Sacramento Kings (from MEM) : Robert Woodard (F), Mississippi State
Everything about modern basketball is packaged into Robert Woodard. He possesses valuable physical attributes as a 6-foot-7, 230-pound forward with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and underrated hops. Woodard also knocked down over 42 percent of his triples as a sophomore, albeit on a small sample size. He can realistically defend positions 2-through-4 at the NBA level and is the prototypical 3-and-D forward. Sacramento nailed this selection.
Pick 49. Philadelphia 76ers: Isaiah Joe (SG), Arkansas
At long last, the 76ers addressed their shooting woes with a venegance on Wednesday night. But the success extends beyond acquiring Seth Curry. Philly also nabbed a premier long-range threat in Isaiah Joe. Though he was less efficient as a sophomore, Joe lit up the arc for the Razorbacks, canning over 200 threes across two years.&nbsp;
The concerns with Joe center on his healthy and fragile frame at approximately 165 pounds. If he can put on more muscle, the young shooter can be a dynamic weapon for Ben Simmons and other Sixers' playmakers.
Pick 60. Milwaukee Bucks: Sam Merrill (PG), Utah State
Merrill fits seamlessly with what the Bucks have valued as guard sparks. He plays a similar game to Donte DiVincenzo; both can score are all levels, play with pace and hustle on both ends. Merrill may not have the upside to be a safety valve for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but he can certainly come off the bench and give the Bucks an offensive boost.
The Utah State product has limited upside at age-24. But with the Bucks all-in on a title, Merrill is yet another roster-ready piece to bolster the team's depth.&nbsp;

A number of NBA teams found serious value in the second round, from Tyrell Terry to Sam Merrill.

2020 NBA Draft: Recapping the second round's best value picks

The 2020 NBA draft order is set and the Minnesota Timberwolves have the No. 1 overall pick. The draft is currently scheduled for Oct. 16, although the NBA <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29739338/sources-nba-players-union-agree-2nd-push-back-window-preserving-cba-termination-rights">may push it back</a> a bit.
Either way, the draft is quickly approaching, which means mock-draft season is upon us. Without further ado, here is Matt Babcock's latest 2020 mock draft:
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://basketballnews-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/story/body/Obi_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="AUTO" />
1. Minnesota Timberwolves - Obi Toppin
Perhaps the surest bet in a draft filled with potential risks, the National College Player of the Year could step into the Timberwolves' lineup and form a dynamic trio alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and D&rsquo;Angelo Russell (especially on the offensive end). This past season, Toppin led his Dayton Flyers to an incredible 29-2 record, subsequently putting them in the national spotlight. He routinely put his elite athleticism on full display by executing jaw-dropping dunks while also showing a soft touch from outside by shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc. He should make a seamless transition to the NBA, making him the right pick for the Timberwolves.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://basketballnews-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/story/body/JamesWiseman3_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="AUTO" />
2. Golden State Warriors - James Wiseman
After five-straight NBA Finals appearances, the Warriors had an off year this last season, mostly due to injuries. The good news is that they will have Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green all back on the floor and healthy next season. James Wiseman from the Memphis Tigers could be a long-term building block for the Warriors while also providing excellent defense right off the bat as they look to contend for another title. At 7-foot-1, Wiseman is extremely agile and skilled for a player his size, and he would likely be able to contribute for the Warriors right away in his rookie season. For more on Wiseman's game and potential, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/james-wiseman-memphis-2020-nba-draft">read this prospect breakdown</a> (which features inside info from a Memphis staffer).
<img src="https://basketballnews-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/story/body/Ed1_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="AUTO" />
3. Charlotte Hornets - Anthony Edwards
Although there are concerns surrounding Anthony Edwards' decision-making, shot selection and discipline, he has undeniable talent and he's capable of lighting teams up when he turns it on. For example, his exceptional abilities were on display when he scored 33 points in one half against Michigan State at the Maui Invitational in November. For the Hornets, Edwards would be well worth the risk at No. 3 since he has significant star potential and upside.
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4. Chicago Bulls - LaMelo Ball
Newly hired executive Arturas Karnisovas could look to make a big splash with the No. 4 pick by selecting the youngest member of the infamous Ball family, LaMelo Ball. At 6-foot-7, LaMelo is a big point guard who has the ball on a string and an uncanny ability to make plays for himself and his teammates. If he is able to control the theatrics that surround him while also maturing as a player, he could be exactly what Karnisovas and the Bulls need to turn things around in the Windy City.
<img src="https://basketballnews-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/story/body/Dei_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="AUTO" />
5. Cleveland Cavaliers - Deni Avdija
After selecting guards Collin Sexton and Darius Garland with high lottery picks in two consecutive years, the Cavs could select Israeli point forward Deni Avdija of Maccabi Tel Aviv. The 19-year-old prospect is interesting because of his talent, upside and versatility. He also wouldn&rsquo;t affect the development of their other young players as GM Koby Altman continues to rebuild the Cavaliers' roster.
<img src="https://basketballnews-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/story/body/Onyeka_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="AUTO" />
6. Atlanta Hawks - Onyeka Okongwu
Some may say that it doesn't make much such for Atlanta to add a big man, as the Hawks acquired Clint Capela prior to the trade deadline. However, Onyeka Okongwu from the USC Trojans would be too good to pass up at this stage in the draft. At 6-foot-9, Okongwu has drawn comparisons to Bam Adebayo as an athletic and skilled undersized center who could also provide the Hawks with a much-needed defensive presence.&nbsp;
<img src="https://basketballnews-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/story/body/Killa_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="AUTO" />
7. Detroit Pistons - Killian Hayes
Former league MVP Derrick Rose has miraculously turned his career around after battling a series of unfortunate injuries. However, despite Rose&rsquo;s re-emergence, he is 31 years old with a lot of mileage on his body already and only one more year remaining on his contract. French point guard Killian Hayes, who had a terrific season in Germany with Ratiopharm Ulm, could ultimately take the reins to the team. The hope is that he will continue his rapid development as a lead guard that can create and make plays.
<img src="https://basketballnews-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/story/body/Okoro_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="AUTO" />
8. New York Knicks - Isaac Okoro
After falling in the NBA Draft Lottery again, the Knicks could snag the top athlete and best defender in the draft with Isaac Okoro from Auburn. At 6-foot-6 and a physical build similar to an NFL linebacker, Okoro jumps out of the gym and is capable of defending everyone on the floor. While he may not be the perfect fit next to R.J. Barrett because of a lack of perimeter shooting, Okoro would give them another young piece to build around as newly hired team president Leon Rose tries to clean things up in New York.
<img src="https://basketballnews-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/story/body/Vas_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="AUTO" />
9.&nbsp;Washington Wizards - Devin Vassell
With more than $270 million committed to veteran guards John Wall and Bradley Beal over the next several years, drafting Devin Vassell would give the Wizards a 6-foot-6 wing with a solid and well-balanced game. The Florida State product could provide Washington with another prospect who complements their veterans while also elevating their young core in the long run.
<img src="https://basketballnews-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/story/body/tyy_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="AUTO" />
10. Phoenix Suns - Tyrese Haliburton
After going undefeated in the NBA&rsquo;s bubble, the Phoenix Suns have a lot to look forward to as all of their key pieces will be returning. Phoenix's most important piece, Devin Booker, has established himself as a bonafide star at just 23 years old. Point guard Tyrese Halliburton from Iowa State could possibly be the perfect fit alongside Booker, as he can play on or off the ball, stretch the floor and be effective without needing too many touches. A floor general like Haliburton would let Booker be Booker without getting in his way.
<img src="https://basketballnews-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/story/body/Pat_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="AUTO" />
11. San Antonio Spurs - Patrick Williams
Hybrid forward Patrick Williams from Florida State had an up-and-down freshman season, but he was able to show that he possesses all of the tools that NBA teams crave for modern-day basketball (which values floor spacing and defensive versatility). Although some further development would be needed, Williams could be an upside pick that could assist the Spurs moving forward as they look to rebuild their team around their young pieces.
<img src="https://basketballnews-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/story/body/van_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="AUTO" />
12. Sacramento Kings - Aaron Nesmith
The Kings are in the midst of finding a new front-office leader, as they recently parted ways with Vlade Divac. With the No. 12 pick, the new boss will have an opportunity to add a young piece to put alongside De&rsquo;Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley III. They could very well consider a big man to put next to Bagley; however, in this mock draft, we have Sacramento selecting the top shooter in the draft, Aaron Nesmith from Vanderbilt. Prior to a season-ending injury, Nesmith averaged 23 points per game while shooting 52 percent from three-point range in 14 games.&nbsp;
<img src="https://basketballnews-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/story/body/Kira_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="AUTO" />
13. New Orleans Pelicans - Kira Lewis Jr.
David Griffin has put together a promising young team in a short amount of time after winning the Zion Williamson sweepstakes last year and trading Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package centered around Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, things have seemed to have soured with Ball as of late and a change at the point guard position seems all but inevitable. Sophomore point guard Kira Lewis Jr. from Alabama could be the answer for New Orleans. Possessing elite speed and a solid shooting stroke, Lewis has steadily moved up draft boards all year long. He has drawn comparisons to former NBA point guard Darren Collison, who had a terrific career (and who was also drafted by New Orleans).&nbsp;
<img src="https://basketballnews-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/story/body/wa_lg.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="AUTO" />
14. Boston Celtics - Isaiah Stewart II
Danny Ainge is perhaps the king of stockpiling assets, and this pick that the Celtics have received from the Memphis Grizzlies via trade is a perfect example of that. Boston has a solid nucleus of young players already, but they could bolster their frontcourt by adding the physical, hard-working Isaiah Stewart II. In his lone season at the University of Washington, the 19-year-old averaged 17 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.
15. Orlando Magic - R.J. Hampton
16. Portland Trail Blazers - Precious Achiuwa
17. Minnesota Timberwolves - Saddiq Bey
18. Dallas Mavericks - Cassius Stanley
19. Brooklyn Nets - Aleksej Pokusevski
20. Miami Heat - Cole Anthony
21. Philadelphia 76ers - Leandro Bolmaro
22. Denver Nuggets - Zeke Nnaji
23. Utah Jazz - Theo Maledon
24. Milwaukee Bucks - Elijah Hughes
25. Oklahoma City Thunder - Jaden McDaniels
26. Boston Celtics - Tyrese Maxey
27. New York Knicks - Jalen Smith
28. Los Angeles Lakers - Isaiah Joe
29. Toronto Raptors - Vernon Carey Jr.
30. Boston Celtics - Robert Woodard II
<a href="https://twitter.com/MattBabcock11">Matt Babcock</a> is an NBA Draft analyst and the founder of <a href="https://www.babcockhoops.com/">Babcock Hoops</a>, which features in-depth coverage of the 2020 NBA Draft including player breakdowns, interviews and more.

Former NBA agent and current NBA draft analyst Matt Babcock shares his 2020 NBA Mock Draft with explanations for each lottery pick.