Bleacher Report: Updated Mock Draft with two-round projections – NBA. com

A few international players have made waves overseas lately, giving NBA teams more exciting names to consider. Multiple NCAA prospects have also been added to board, including a freshman who’s starting to look like a first-round pick.

This mock set up order was based on the standings heading into Monday, January 16.

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1 . Houston Rockets:   Victor Wembanyama (Metropolitans 92, PF/C, 2004)

After sinking his former team with a game-winning putback last week, Wembanyama followed up by making all three of their three-point attempts in another win Sunday. No college player has ever averaged over 1 . 5 threes and 3. 0 blocks per game, plus Wembanyama is doing it at 19 years old in a professional league.

Aside from his shooting and rim protection, it’s still his / her ball-handling, creation and shot-making versatility that separate Wembanyama from any other 7-footer the NBA has seen.

Winless since Dec. 26, the particular Houston Rockets can at least start to think or dream about the space in addition to defense a Jabari Smith Jr. -Wembanyama pairing could provide. However , Houston may also have to consider the possibility of using a big frontcourt with Alperen Şengün, who’s making a serious sophomore jump.

2 . Charlotte Hornets:   Scoot Henderson (G League Ignite, PG, 2004)

It is constantly on the look like Henderson will go No . 2 with a best-player-available case that even teams with established lead guards won’t turn down.

A few recent off games over the past week will not change anything. Averaging 19. 7 points and 6. 0 assists per game with elite positional explosiveness and enough flashes of improved shooting, he’s already swayed scouts to lock in their All-Star point guard evaluations. Charlotte would ultimately have no problem using multiple playmakers and moving LaMelo Ball to more of a combo role.

3. Detroit Pistons:   Amen Thompson (Overtime Elite, PG/SG, 2003)

Averaging 16. 5 ppg and five. 7 apg on 63. 9% taking pictures, Thompson still looks enticing at No. 3. There isn’t another obvious NBA pro who can match his combination of 6-foot-7 wing size, ball-handling, quickness for creation, playmaking skill and even explosive finishing. Despite questions about Thompson’s shooting, groups will value his potential to generate easy offense with his signature athleticism/elusiveness and a knack for setting up teammates. Still, Thompson is coming off a game Monday in which he hit three-pointers, so there is also some hope and plenty time for improvement.

4. San Antonio Spurs:   Ausar Thompson (Overtime Elite, SG/SF, 2003)

A handful of general managers and executives were recently on hand with regard to Thompson’s 25-point game earlier in the month. He’s coming off another noteworthy performance Monday, having made 3-of-5 three-pointers to help keep selling scouts on his shot-making development.

We’re seeing more translatable development, dribble jumpers and firing flashes this season, a big deal for a 6-foot-7, 19-year-old wing along with unbeatable amounts of speed, speed and bounce. It’s not out of the question that certain clubs wind up preferring him to Amen, given Ausar possesses a skill set that’s better suited for half-court scoring.

5. Orlando Magic:   Nick Jones Jr. (Arkansas, PG/SG, Freshman)

Scouts sound frustrated by typically the Smith’s situation, which has him out indefinitely with a vague knee injury after only playing five games. Teams wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve seen the last of the freshman until the draft. History tells us that there will still be front offices willing to rely on high school scouting as well as the eye test from a small sample size in Arkansas, assuming no medical red flags appear. The Cleveland Cavaliers took Darius Garland at No. a few in 2019 despite the meniscus injuries that ended his season two weeks in.

A creative ball-handler and versatile shooter with an advanced floater/finishing package, playmaking ability and 6-foot-5 size, Cruz may ultimately be the draft’s most well-rounded guard. Unless doctors reveal anything worrisome before June, he should be locked into the top-eight range, regardless of whether he suits up again.

6. Washington Wizards:   Cam Whitmore (Villanova, SF, Freshman)

Just as questions started to pop up about Whitmore’s capturing, he’s now buried 10-of-20 threes more than Villanova’s last four games. He went for 26 points in one against Xavier. His first step/move off the catch and his explosion as a cutter fuel translatable off-ball polishing off, though it is the glimpses of isolation pull-ups that will hint from more enticing scoring potential. The knock on Whitmore right now focuses on the half-court design for high-percentage looks together with playmaking (10 assists inside 12 games).

7. Toronto Raptor s:   Brandon Miller (Alabama, SF, Freshman)

Coming off a new 31-point game against LSU, Miller is having the best three-point shooting time of year ever recorded for a freshman. None have finished some sort of season with 45% upon at least seven attempts for each game, and additionally that’s where Miller is now (56-of-121). That’s an incredible stat for a 6-foot-9 wing. He’s also been more efficient finishing inside the arc by picking the right spots not to mention lanes in order to attack. Already 20, Miller is old for his or her class, and also scouts do have some queries about his particular potential to create. But unless he hits a wall hard over the next few months, his positional tools, ridiculous shot-making accuracy and passing flashes will keep top-five squads interested.

8. New Orleans Pelicans (via Lakers):   Jarace Walker (Houston, PF, Freshman)

Walker combined for 44 points towards SMU as well as Cincinnati, showing scouts untapped scoring potential tied to his shot-making, face-up game and touch. Getting teams to buy the self-creation and taking pictures flashes should result in top-10 interest, considering how simple it already is to picture his 6-foot-8, 240-pound frame translating to be able to finishing/defense and his passing carrying over.

9. Orlando, florida Magic (via Bulls):   Keyonte George (Baylor, SG, Freshman)

With a 27-point sport against Baylor and 32-point outburst versus West Virginia this month, George has showcased the type of self-creation, shot-making skill, shooting versatility and driving touch that’s easy to image translating for you to on- plus off-ball scoring. Though this individual hasn’t been super efficient finishing within the arc, George has shown he can add worth in other areas with playmaking and defensive toughness.

10. Oklahoma City Thunder:   Jett Howard (Michigan, SG, Freshman)

Howard had this scouting world buzzing after a 34-point shot-making clinic in opposition to Iowa. It was his spot-up and movement shooting of which generated attention early in the season. But he’s looking sharper creating and rating off the dribble, while their secondary playmaking and moving just seem like bonus. 11. Phoenix Suns:   GG Jackson II (South Carolina, PF, Freshman)

Knutson has been up and down, mixing generation flashes, tough shot-making in addition to exciting finishes with inefficient shooting and even tough shot selection. For a late-lottery group assessing a good 6-foot-9, brand-new 18-year-old, his / her production, ball-handling and little jumpers will still outweigh his inconsistency and shooting percentages (39. 8% overall, 31. 4% on 3-pointers).

12. Utah Jazz:   Maxwell Lewis ( Pepperdine, SG/SF, Sophomore)

Lewis has taken a big step forward with his formation and shot-making. It’s translated to nineteen. 6 ppg, a 62. 4 true shooting percentage   and believable visions of an NBA three-level scoring wing.

13. Portland Trail Blazers:   Gradey Dick ( Kansas, SF, Freshman)

Lottery teams are going to see benefit and an easy fit in Dick’s 6-foot-8 size, his 48% on 3-pointers, shot-making flexibility, sound decision-making and tough defense.

14. Atlanta Hawks:   Noah Clowney (Alabama, PF, Freshman)

Clowney continues to gain steam and sell scouts on his shooting, off-ball scoring coatings, defensive adaptability and rebounding. It all hints at a stretch 4 and a simple fit. Clowney is just 18 years old, though, so scouts don’t see a reason to help pinpoint your ceiling or specific archetype.

15. Golden State Warriors:   Cason Wallace (Kentucky, PG/SG, Freshman)

Back spasms may be behind Wallace’s recent slump (six factors over last three games), though there are some questions regarding his half-court creation. Regardless, there will be lottery teams the fact that value the versatility and still see translatable shooting, passing IQ together with defense.

16. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves):   Brice Sensabaugh (Ohio State, SG, Freshman)

Sensabaugh’s effective production (16. 9 ppg, 50. 5% shooting), credit scoring instincts and additionally shooting consistency (46. 1% on 3-pointers) have gradually helped reduce worries over his unusual weight for any wing (235 pounds) or even athletic limitations.

17. LA Clippers:   Anthony Black (Arkansas, PG/SG, Freshman)

Despite Black’s ups and downs, there will still be plenty of interest in some 6-foot-7 playmaker and point-of-attack defender who is a capable present shooter and threatening off-ball finisher.

eighteen. Indiana Pacers:   Kel’el Ware (Oregon, C, Freshman)

Though Ware’s production wavers behind Oregon’s veteran bigs, during predraft workouts, he’s a good bet to reinforce the belief that he offers more filming skill not to mention touch than he’s shown. Teams would not nitpick at the stats of a soon-to-be 19-year-old stretch-5 rim protector.

19. New York Knicks (via Mavericks):   Terquavion Johnson (North Carolina State, PG/SG, Sophomore)

While Smith has made admirable strides with his playmaking, it’s the instant offense and also shot-making firepower that will interest teams within the mid-to-late first round.

20. Miami Heat :   Taylor Hendricks (UCF, PF, Freshman)

Taylor has emerged as an one-and-done three-and-D prospect, wowing scouts with his taking, defensive playmaking and athletic finishes.

21. Nyc Knicks :   Dariq Whitehead (Duke, SG/SF, Freshman)

Streaky shooting continually affect the overall performance of a junior wing who averages fewer than one free-throw attempt each game as well as struggles around the basket. He’ll still have lotto and first-round suitors who’ll remain patient due to his or her age (18), high school tape, defensive tools and sophisticated creation and shot-making flashes.

22. Sacramento Kings :   Kris Murray (Iowa, PF, Junior)

Already together with four 30-point games, Murray is making a similar to leap to the one Keegan made last period. Though most of his construction comes from often the post, his particular off-ball rating with spot-up and motion shooting, cutting and offensive rebounding are what teams can see translating.

23. Los Angeles Lakers (via Pelicans):   Jordan Hawkins (UConn, SG, Sophomore)

Despite Connecticut’s recent struggles and Hawkins’ limitations off the dribble, groups could see value found in him this late because of his plug-and-play shot-making. At 6-foot-5 with an easy stroke and high release, he is already strike 49 threes in 17 games at a 39. 2 percent clip.

24. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers):   Rayan Rupert (New Zealand Breakers, SG/SF, 2004)

Rupert’s minutes have been limited since his return from injury in early January, but for a 6-foot-6, 18-year-old wing, his shot-making and defensive outlook remain easy to buy.

25. Houston Rockets (via Bucks):   Jalen Hood-Schifino (Indiana, PG, Freshman)

Averaging 19. 3 ppg and your five. 0 apg in Indiana’s last six games, Hood-Schifino could be playing himself in to the 2023 draft. Though turnover-prone, he’s showcased impressive passing IQ to get a 6-foot-6 ball-handler, and he’s been effective and accurate getting into their pull-up plus connecting through deep, getting made 22-of-50 3-pointers in addition to 45. five per cent of his / her 77 dribble jumpers.

26. Brooklyn Nets (via 76ers):   Kyle Filipowski (Duke, PF, Freshman)

A 7-footer having a 3-point heart stroke, the ability to attack closeouts and even score out of the post, Filipowski will draw interest for his modernized skill set. Scouts just have some doubt above his real range and how well he’ll create together with defend in the NBA level.

27. Utah Punk (via Nets):   Marcus Sasser (Houston, PG/SG, Senior)

A late-first-round team figures to photo a 2023-24 rotation player in Sasser, who can provide immediate offense together with his shooting overall flexibility and ability to create with regard to himself.

28. Memphis Grizzlies:   Colby Jones (Xavier, PG/SG, Junior)

Since 2015, only eight players averaged at least 14 ppg, 5 various apg and additionally 5 rpg on 40% from 3-point range, not to mention five were lottery picks . Putting up those numbers, Jones offers improved the shooting and also playmaking to create versatility that’s going to attract first-round attention. 29. Charlotte Hornets (via Nuggets):   Leonard Miller (G League Ignite, SF, 2003)

To a rebuilding team, Callier could look like a project worth investing time into, provided the rarity of a 6-foot-10 scoring side and his probability of attack, use touch as well as hit rhythm threes.

30. Indiana Pacers (via Celtics):   Tristan Vukčević (KK Partizan, PF/C, 2003)

Scoring double figures within three associated with his final four online games, including a 25-point effort versus KK Zadar, Vukčević has started to give scouts more glimpses of shooting and off-the-dribble scoring. For any 19-year-old 7-footer, his production, stroke (39. 5% about 3-pointers), ability fluidity and mobility are becoming a draft storyline to start monitoring.

31. Indianapolis Pacers (via Rockets):   DaRon Holmes II (Dayton, PF/C, Sophomore)

NBA clubs will purchase Holmes’ elite finishing plus inside scoring, but he is also up to 19. four ppg, demonstrating more footwork and touch for half-court scoring.

32. Philadelphia 76ers (via Hornets):   Ricky Council IV (Arkansas, SG/SF, Junior)

The mixture of 6-foot-6 size, supreme athletic ability, creation skill in addition to two-way playmaking should make it easier regarding scouts to look past Council’s inconsistent capturing.

33. Detroit Pistons:   Jalen Wilson (Kansas, SF, Junior)

A taking pictures slump hasn’t stopped Wilson from rating, a tribute to the effectiveness of his or her physical equipment, driving, finishing and mid-range skill.

34. San Antonio Spurs:   Keyontae Johnson (Kansas State, SF, Senior)

Johnson is back in NBA radars, producing and even impressing along with his shooting, post game, moving and off-ball scoring. One team will give a chance to a fabulous 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward with this level of usefulness and commitment following a two-year layoff.

35. Orlando Magic :   Bilal Coulibaly (Metropolitans 92, SF, 2004)

Playing intended for Metropolitans ninety two, Coulibaly is getting second-hand interest from NBA teams visiting to watch Victor Wembanyama. Coming off consecutive games regarding 21 details and 34 points inside France’s U21 league, Coulibaly is emerging as an interesting upside pick at 18 years old using 6-foot-7 dimension, athletic slashing ability, shot-making potential together with defensive resources.

36. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Wizards):   Jordan Walsh (Arkansas, SF/PF, Freshman)

Walsh’s offense may be too far behind to get first-round squads, but he’s still an intriguing choose in the 30s for his particular excellent defense at 6-foot-7, energy and additionally toughness not to mention driving and also shooting potential out of spot-ups.

37. Toronto Raptors:   Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA, SF/PF, Senior)

Groups could price Jaquez’s floor over searching for upside. The 6-foot-7, 225 pounds, he is physically as well as competitively equipped for the next degree, while his two-way versatility helps make up for the lack of one signature talent.

38. Los Angeles La lakers:   Sidy Cissoko (G League Fire up, SG/SF, 2004)

It’s nevertheless difficult to identify a skill NBA teams can bank with Cissoko, though, for the 6-foot-8 18-year-old, enough flashes of transferring, shot-making and defense continue to create enticing versatility.

39. Los Angeles Lakers (via Bulls):   Coleman Hawkins (Illinois, PF, Junior)

Scouts will ignore Hawkins’ lack of scoring manufacturing and instead cost his one 3 threes per sport, 3. 3 assists plus tools in addition to mobility pertaining to defensive flexibility.

40. Denver Nuggets (via Thunder):   James Nnaji (Barcelona, C, 2004)

Nnaji will win an important team over with his NBA physical profile and the likelihood it translates to easy baskets, rebounds and even interior protection.

41. Phoenix Suns:   Nikola Đurišić (Mega MIS, SF, 2004)

Just 6-of-38 coming from three, Đurišić is making it difficult meant for teams to confidently give a first-round grade. He’s searching more like a second-round option who’ll stay appealing being a 6-foot-8 mentorship with ball-handling, passing together with shot-making expertise.

42. Charlotte Hornets (via Jazz):   Terrence Shannon Junior. (Illinois, SG/SF, Senior)

With 6-foot-6 sizing, slashing athleticism and security representing Shannon’s foundational strengths, he’s improved enough as being a shot-maker and additionally passer in order to reenter your first-round discussion.

43. Boston Celtics (via Blazers):   Jaylen Clark (UCLA, SF, Junior)

While the enhanced scoring creation has helped UCLA, it may be the completing, defense not to mention serviceable open shooting that will interest NBA teams.

44. Atlanta Hawks:   Emoni Bates (Eastern The state of michigan, SF, Sophomore)

Teams will have questions designed for Bates during predraft interviews after he  pleaded guilty   to a misdemeanor gun charge throughout October as part of a plea deal to be able to dismiss two felony weapons charges from him. Nevertheless , one team is bound to be enticed by the 19-year-old’s capability to create just for himself, shoot off the little and drill 2 . six threes per game on 6-foot-10.

45. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Warriors):   Judah Mintz (Syracuse, SG, Freshman)

Mintz will need to show scouts he has more firing range, either the rest of the time or throughout predraft workouts, but he’ll earn looks for his generation, creativity, playmaking, two-point shot-making and protective energy.

46. Memphis Grizzlies (via Timberwolves ):   Brandin Podziemski (Santa Clara, Sophomore, SG)

Along with one of the year’s more out-of-nowhere breakouts, Podziemski is deserving of real focus now that he or she continues to produce into January. Some scouts may be skeptical over their athletic limitations and Santa Clara’s strength of schedule, but he’s showcased a few high-level creativity, shot-making adaptability and runner touch for you to average eighteen. 7 items on 57. 8 percent  true shooting .

47. LA Clippers:   Dillon Mitchell (Texas, PF, Freshman)

Extreme quickness and bounce for completing and safeguard should keep interest alive in Mitchell, though it is very getting harder to detect any actual upside in a 6-foot-8 forward who doesn’t handle or perhaps shoot.

48. Sacramento Kings (via Pacers):   Reece Beekman (Virginia, PG, Junior)

Having a draft situation built around playmaking and also pesky safety, Beekman has added another selling point to his / her resume simply by shooting 48. 6 percent on his 37 three-point attempts.

49. Boston celtics (via Mavericks):   Dereck Lively II (Duke, C, Freshman)

Lively’s 7-foot-1 dimensions and wingspan for concluding and shot-blocking will curiosity certain teams, but they hasn’t demonstrated scouts anything that would differentiate himself from other one-dimensional centers.

50. Denver Nuggets (via Heat):   Azuolas Tubelis (Arizona, PF/C, Junior)

With Tubelis starting to make 3-pointers (5-of-7 over the last 6 games), he is beginning to resemble a more believable NBA fit, though is considered still the exact rim running, post criminal offense and offensive rebounding which will drive his or her value.

51. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Knicks) :   Arthur Kaluma (Creighton, SF, Sophomore)

Despite Kaluma showing just marginal improvement when scouts had been expecting the breakout, several teams might be willing to stay patient as well as gamble on an athletic, 6-foot-7 wing’s shot-making development.

52. Sacramento Kings :   Julian Strawther (Gonzaga, SF, Junior)

In 40. 9% on 3-pointers, Strawther may have a chance to make a roster together with off-ball filming and contact shots.

53. Altlanta ga Hawks (via Pelicans):   Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana, PF/C, Senior)

Post scoring and pick-and-roll polishing off will nonetheless represent Jackson-Davis’ calling cards, but obvious improvement to his particular passing may possibly give him a new valued differentiator skill.

54. Milwaukee Bucks (via Cavaliers) :   Adam Flagler (Baylor, PG/SG, Senior)

Averaging 5. a few assists to 1. 7 turnovers, Flagler has also shot around 40% at 3-pointers around 13 out of 15 video games. This late, it could be really worth forgetting his limited instruments and athleticism for their incredible efficiency and backcourt versatility.

55. Milwaukee, wisconsin Bucks:   Andre Jackson Jr. (Connecticut, SF, Junior)

Though flawed without any realistic path to credit scoring upside, Knutson could look intriguing inside the second round for his / her exciting athleticism, point-wing playmaking and shield.

56. Philadelphia 76ers:   Forfeited

57. Brooklyn Nets:   Kevin McCullar Jr. (Kansas, SG/SF, Senior)

Scouts admire McCullar’s driving and defensive, though taking remains an obvious swing technique, and he’s still a work in progress four years on.

58. Memphis Grizzlies:   Eric Gaines (UAB, PG, Junior)

While it can be difficult to look past Gaines’ 165-pound frame, he is one of the nation’s most explosive leapers, plus he’s produced considerable progress with his spending (4. 6th spg) in addition to shooting (22 of 54 on 3-pointers).

59. Chicago Bulls (via Nuggets):   Given up

60. Boston Celtics:   Oscar Tshiebwe (Kentucky, PF/C, Senior)

It’s going to take a specific team looking for immediate returning, activity and even toughness to use a pick regarding Tshiebwe.

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Jonathan Wasserman is the lead scout and NBA Draft analyst for Bleacher Report. You can follow your pet on  Twitter .

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