On June 25, the most talented young players in the entire world will find out what team in the NBA they will be joining. This is how I expect the first 10 picks to shake out
1: Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, SF, Duke
In a loaded draft where the next selection will often be a question mark, Cooper Flagg is the one pick that is locked in. The day following the draft lottery the Mavericks announced that they intend to take Flagg with the first pick, and for good reason. Because of his effortless playmaking for both himself and his teammates, Cooper Flagg has the chance to be a generational NBA talent and deserves to be picked first.
2: San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper, PG, Rutgers
The Spurs are already in position for a bright future with stars Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox leading the Pack, and with the second pick in this year’s draft, the Spurs have a chance to add to an already solid roster. Though a guard may not be their number one priority, a player like Dylan Harper is worth being flexible for, because of his pure talent. The Spurs will most likely put Fox and Harper in the backcourt and push Castle to small forward.
3: Philadelphia 76ers
Ace Bailey, SF, Rutgers
The 76ers are currently in an awkward position. After making the playoffs seven straight years, this team did not even come close to a play-in spot this year. One of the main reasons for this disappointing season was the absence of Joel Embiid. Embiid gets injured like clockwork, and the 76ers need a player to fill his spot. Though Bailey does not play a big man position, his size and skills will bring a major presence.
4: Charlotte Hornets
Tre Johnson, G, Texas
Though many experts expect VJ Edgecombe to be selected by the Hornets, I think Johnson is the better fit. Johnson has an electric playstyle and a crisp 3-point jumper. Even though he is just 19, he averaged 34.7 minutes a game this year, so he will have more than enough experience.
5: Utah Jazz
Kon Knueppel, G, Duke
With the potential departure of Lauri Markkanen this offseason, the Utah Jazz must look for their next go-to player, and Knueppel has the skillset to take on that position. Knueppel has shown his efficient scoring ability throughout the whole season at Duke, and with consistent production throughout March Madness, he showed that he was made for big moments.
6: Washington Wizards
Derik Queen, C, Maryland
The Wizards are in need of a big man and Queen is the best available. Though Duke Center Khaman Maluach is currently the most skilled big in the draft, Queen has a higher ceiling, and with the way the Wizards have been performing as of late, taking risks is a must.
7: New Orleans Pelicans
VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor
The Pelicans are approaching a rebuilding stage and Edgecombe is a great place to start. Edgecombe is an athletic freak who plays with no fear, but he is not quite ready to be a star. Edgecombe’s lack of shot creation is going to be a serious constraint. He made just 26% of his off-the-dribble jumpers this year, and if he doesn’t figure this out he’ll have serious issues making a name for himself in the NBA.
8: Brooklyn Nets
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
The Brooklyn Nets need a big man and Maluach is definitely their guy. Maluach is a beast in the paint and a punisher on the defensive end. His overall production on offense has room for improvement, but his defensive skill set overpowers his offensive weaknesses.
9: Toronto Raptors
Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
Fears is a lethal shooter from the mid-range and is a solid playmaker, but he needs to work on his perimeter shooting, as well as taking care of the ball. His numbers began to slow down as the season progressed but overall had an impressive freshman year. The Raptors already have pure scorers, and Fears is the right player to find them on the offensive end.
10: Houston Rockets
Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
As soon as Richardson joined the MSU starting lineup this season, he instantly became the main scorer on a stacked Michigan State roster. Though he is undersized, Richardson is able to create his own shots and get buckets at any level. The Rockets already have a young talented roster and Richardson could be an important addition.
