FRESHMEN MAKING MOVES UP BOARD
Chriss, Richardson, Murray show off skills during team workouts
As we get closer to the NBA draft, some prospects are making a late push up draft boards.
They include freshmen Marquese Chriss, Malachi Richardson and Dejounte Murray, who struggled to turn their impressive physical tools into consistent production during their only seasons in college.
Chriss grabbed 2.9 defensive rebounds per game on a Washington squad that desperately needed his production on the glass. Richardson shot 37% from the field and had more turnovers (79) than assists (77). Murray also struggled with turnovers (3.2 per game).
But during workout environments with teams, they have the setting to remind decision-makers of their great potential.
This draft is full of uncertainty, and general managers are looking for young players who can develop into stars. These three have the potential to improve beyond the consensus expectations.
1. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
PF Ben Simmons, LSU
The Sixers are bringing in Duke small forward Brandon Ingram this week for a workout, but all signs point to them favoring Simmons (19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists).
2. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
SF Brandon Ingram, Duke
While the Lakers will perform their due diligence, Ingram (17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists) should be the pick and would be a big boost to their rebuilding efforts.
3. BOSTON CELTICS
SG Jamal Murray, Kentucky
Guard depth doesn’t seem like an immediate need for Boston, but for a team that shot 33.5% from three-point range, Murray’s perimeter scoring ability (40.8% on 277 three-point attempts) could be enticing.
4. PHOENIX SUNS
PF Dragan Bender, Croatia Some in the league think the Marquese Chriss could be a top-five selection.
big man could be the third-best prospect in the draft. While Phoenix would need patience as the 18-year-old develops, his unique skill set would be a key asset as they rebuild their frontcourt.
5. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
PG Kris Dunn, Providence
What Tom Thibodeau intends to do with Ricky Rubio could dictate this pick, but Dunn (16.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists) could be the best talent available at the fifth pick. His athleticism and pick-and-roll play would be an interesting pairing with Karl-Anthony Towns down the line.
6. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
PF Marquese Chriss, Washington
Chriss has been flying up draft boards in recent weeks and could go as high as third overall to Boston. He can shoot from the outside (35% from three-point range), defend in space and alter shots at the rim (1.6 blocks). He could fit in well next to Anthony Davis.
7. DENVER NUGGETS
SG Buddy Hield, Oklahoma
Hield shot an impressive 45.7% from three-point range on nearly nine attempts per game as a senior at Oklahoma. That kind of shooting threat should open up the lane for Emmanuel Mudiay.
8. SACRAMENTO KINGS
SF Jaylen Brown, California
Brown (14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds) had an up-and-down season and needs to refine his perimeter skills (29.4% from three-point range, 65.4% from the line, 3.1 turnovers per game). Still, few in this draft have his type of raw athleticism, and he’s unlikely to fall too far on draft night.
9. TORONTO RAPTORS
C Deyonta Davis, Michigan State
With Bismack Biyombo playing his way into a huge contract this summer, Davis (1.8 blocks in 18 minutes per game) is raw but has the potential to be an elite interior defender.
10. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
C Jakob Poeltl, Utah
Poeltl improved his scoring from 9.1 points per game to 17.2 as a sophomore, becoming one of the most skilled all-around centers in the country. That versatility would be tough to pass up this late in the lottery.
11. ORLANDO MAGIC
C Skal Labissiere, Kentucky
Labissiere struggled to adapt to John Calipari’s system, averaging just fewer than 16 minutes per game. Still, the big man from Haiti can shoot from the perimeter and alter shots around the rim. He could be an ideal fit next to Nikola Vucevic. His talent warrants a lottery selection, as long as the team drafting him has patience.
12. UTAH JAZZ
PG Wade Baldwin, Vanderbilt
Baldwin’s size (6-4), defensive versatility (6-11 wing span) and improvement as a catch-andshoot player (40.6% from threepoint range) give him the positional versatility that could make him an interesting fit in Utah’s uncertain backcourt rotation. PF Henry Ellenson, Marquette
Concerns about Ellenson’s defensive contributions could cause him to slide a bit on draft night, but his offensive potential (17 points per game as a freshman) would be a nice get here for a Phoenix team that could use some punch in the frontcourt.
14. CHICAGO BULLS
SG Timothe Luwawu, France
The Bulls need depth at point guard, but Luwawu’s shooting (37.2% on threes), playmaking (2.8 assists per game) and athleticism would be tough to pass up.
15. NUGGETS
SG Furkan Korkmaz, Turkey
Korkmaz, 18, struggled to find a consistent role with Anadolu Efes in the Turkish League last year. Still, his size (6-7), athleticism and excellent shooting ability (40% on threes) give him quite a bit of potential for this late in the draft.