{"id":38744,"date":"2021-04-02T14:30:13","date_gmt":"2021-04-02T18:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=38744"},"modified":"2021-04-02T11:43:44","modified_gmt":"2021-04-02T15:43:44","slug":"nba-mock-draft-lottery-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2021\/04\/02\/nba-mock-draft-lottery-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The college basketball season is, unfortunately, coming to an end. It&#8217;s only a couple of days before a national champion is crowned and a runner-up is sadly determined. With March Madness coming to a close, it&#8217;s time for another chapter: NBA Mock Draft season.<\/p>\n<p>Without a doubt this year&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2021\/03\/15\/march-madness-west-region-preview\/\" target=\"_self\">March Madness run has been wild<\/a>, and that&#8217;s probably an understatement. Every year, we see players make a run and further cement their status amount the top of any NBA mock draft. However, this year has been a bit different.<\/p>\n<p>There hasn&#8217;t been a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/walkeke02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kemba Walker<\/a><\/strong>-esque player. Nonetheless, it&#8217;s early, but let&#8217;s give it a shot.<\/p>\n<h2>NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Edition<\/h2>\n<p>The most important thing to remember is the standings could absolutely go upside down rather quickly. On the other hand, some players could shock the world and decide not to enter the draft. However, the latter is usually not the case, except in rare circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>Here goes nothing.<\/p>\n<h3>Top Five<\/h3>\n<p><strong>1.<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/timberwolves\/\" target=\"_self\"> Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a>&#8212; Cade Cunningham, G, Oklahoma State\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>But the Wolves have D&#8217;Angelo Russel!<\/p>\n<p>Who cares. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/cade-cunningham-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cade Cunningham<\/a><\/strong> is THAT good. He&#8217;s a star, he&#8217;s sensational, he&#8217;s the number one pick for a reason. He averaged <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/cade-cunningham-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">20.1 points, with 6.2 boards, and 3.5 assists<\/a> in his lone season with the Cowboys.<\/p>\n<p>He can do it all: pass, shoot, drive, rebound, play defense, whatever. Just look for yourself. Plus, imagine a three-man lineup of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/townska01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/e\/edwaran01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anthony Edwards<\/a><\/strong>, and Cade? Oh boy.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Friendly reminder that Cade Cunningham will have no issues adapting to the NBA. Elite vision and accuracy. He was doing this with the entire DEF collapsing on every drive. I don&#39;t understand how people are convincing themselves that he won&#39;t be a stud w\/ NBA spacing and shooters. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/lZHvq7T2Dn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/lZHvq7T2Dn<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Tyler Metcalf (@tmetcalf11) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/tmetcalf11\/status\/1375162184095961091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 25, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><strong>2. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/rockets\/\" target=\"_self\">Houston Rockets<\/a>&#8212; Jalen Green, SG, G-League Ignite \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This pick comes down to team fit. If the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/pistons\/\" target=\"_self\">Detroit Pistons<\/a> are drafting here, then <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/evan-mobley-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evan Mobley<\/a><\/strong> is possibly the pick. However, for the sake of conversation, it&#8217;s the Rockets.<\/p>\n<p>With <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/woodch01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Christian Wood<\/a><\/strong> in Houston for a while&#8211;possibly&#8211;they don&#8217;t need a big. Enter Jalen Green.<\/p>\n<p>The talented teenager decided to join the G-League Ignite and has lit it up since going there. Arguably any other year Green would go first overall. Unfortunately, Cunningham is that good that it&#8217;s not really a contest.<\/p>\n<p>He&#8217;s one of the most explosive players we&#8217;ve ever seen for his age and absolutely torched opponents in the G League bubble.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Jalen Green is so damn quick with the basketball, exciting to see him leverage that athleticism and pressure the paint<\/p>\n<p>74 FG% at the rim in the G League Bubble, with 30% FGA coming in the restricted area, only 44% rim FGM unassisted <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/4xwfhxW9AM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/4xwfhxW9AM<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Brian Geisinger (@bgeis_bird) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/bgeis_bird\/status\/1376976213063958534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 30, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=porteke01,porteke02&amp;search=Kevin+Porter&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kevin Porter<\/a> Jr.<\/strong>, Wood, and Green is a great nucleus for this young, rebuilding Rockets team to build around.<\/p>\n<p><strong>3. Detroit Pistons&#8211; Evan Mobley, C, USC\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Pistons are absolutely, emphatically thrilled to take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/evan-mobley-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Evan Mobley<\/strong><\/a> here. With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/saddiq-bey-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Saddiq Bey<\/a> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jacksjo02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josh Jackson<\/a><\/strong> (yes, THAT <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=josh-jackson-1,josh-jackson-2&amp;search=Josh+Jackson&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josh Jackson<\/a>) leading the charge, Mobley slides right into a starting role.<\/p>\n<p>Now, before you say it, yes, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/stewais01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Isaiah Stewart<\/a><\/strong> was drafted this past year. That&#8217;s fine, because Mobley is better. If you watched USC and their magical run in March Madness you would know.<\/p>\n<p>He averaged 16.4 points with 8.7 boards in his lone season as a Trojan and projects, without question, as a top-three pick. In case you missed it, watch him drop this HAMMER.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">EVAN MOBLEY WITH THE EXCLAMATION POINT FOR USC \ud83d\udd28\ud83d\udd28\ud83d\udd28<\/p>\n<p>(via @marchmadness)<a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/K2qtUTXJrT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/K2qtUTXJrT<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SportsCenter\/status\/1376380533622575104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 29, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><strong>4. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/cavaliers\/\" target=\"_self\">Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a>&#8212; Jalen Suggs, G, Gonzaga\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The other Jalen, and this isn&#8217;t even a consolation prize. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/jalen-suggs-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jalen Suggs<\/a><\/strong> has been phenomenal for a Gonzaga team that has remained the best in college basketball all year.<\/p>\n<p>He can score at every level, he can defend, he can pass, rebound, you name it. He&#8217;ll do it. He averaged 14 points, with 5.5 boards, and 4.5 dimes during his one-year stint with the Zags. And man is he exciting to watch.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Jalen Suggs has been balling during the Tourney<\/p>\n<p>Scary hours in March \ud83d\udd25 @marchmadness <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/mPGt3FKrmK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/mPGt3FKrmK<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BleacherReport\/status\/1377010218186330114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 30, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Plus, a lineup of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/garlada01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Darius Garland<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sextoco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Collin Sexton<\/a><\/strong>, and Suggs is going to give opposing defenses headaches.<\/p>\n<p><strong>5. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/magic\/\" target=\"_self\">Orlando Magic<\/a>&#8212; Corey Kispert, G\/F, Gonzaga\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Another Gonzaga player? Yes.<\/p>\n<p>The Magic traded away <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vucevni01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nikola Vucevic<\/a> <\/strong>and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/fournev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evan Fournier<\/a><\/strong> at the trade deadline to propel their rebuild. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rosste01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Terrence Ross<\/a><\/strong> probably leaves over the summer as well.<\/p>\n<p>Sure, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/corey-kispert-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Corey Kispert<\/a><\/strong> is a four-year player at Gonzaga, but that&#8217;s ok. Players of his nature are a rare breed, just look for yourself.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Corey Kispert coming off the double pin-down and hitting his first 3-pointer of the game. <\/p>\n<p>Contested yet still cash. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/a63VTByiQ6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/a63VTByiQ6<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Aram Cannuscio (@AC__Hoops) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AC__Hoops\/status\/1376256181375754251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 28, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>That release is as quick as it gets and something you can&#8217;t teach. The Magic would get a bonafide three-point stud who can immediately make contributions for them. Plus, he shot a blistering 41% from beyond the arc in his Zags career, including a 45% mark with more than 18 points per game this season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>6. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/wizards\/\" target=\"_self\">Washington Wizards<\/a>&#8212; Moses Moody, G, Arkansas\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Without a doubt, the Wizards offseason is really questionable, and this pick will depend on that. Furthermore, assuming<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bealbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bradley Beal<\/a> <\/strong>leaves, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/moses-moody-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Moses Moody<\/a><\/strong> is the pick. Either way, he might be the pick.<\/p>\n<p>He showed out in his one year at Arkansas and was a huge reason for the Razorbacks&#8217; success. He averaged 16.8 points per game as a freshman and can help in every way imaginable.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, if Beal or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/russell-westbrook-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Russell Westbrook<\/a><\/strong> leave, he could eventually be a starter for a rebuilding Wizards squad.<\/p>\n<p><strong>7. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/raptors\/\" target=\"_self\">Toronto Raptors<\/a>&#8212; Kai Jones, C, Texas\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This might be a reach, perse, but the Raptors need a center. As it turns out, Toronto absolutely desperately needs a big man. Sure, maybe <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/drumman01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andre Drummond<\/a><\/strong> goes there, maybe not.<\/p>\n<p>Above all, the need for a center is evident in Toronto. While <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/kai-jones-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kai Jones<\/a><\/strong>&#8216; numbers weren&#8217;t fantastic, the talent and potential is there, without question.<\/p>\n<p><strong>8.<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/bulls\/\" target=\"_self\"> Chicago Bulls<\/a>&#8212; Jonathan Kuminga, SF\/PF, G League Ignite\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The G League Ignite is owning the first round of the NBA Draft. Moreover, the Bulls could easily wind up as a playoff team and avoid a top-10 pick.<\/p>\n<p>However, if they end up picking here, Kuminga is their guy. Clearly, the rumors about a courting of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/balllo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lonzo Ball<\/a><\/strong> this summer are legitimate. The rumors of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/lauri-markkanen-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lauri Markkanen<\/a><\/strong> leaving might also be true.<\/p>\n<p>Enter Kuminga, who is a freak of nature. Nonetheless, the Bulls don&#8217;t even blink at this pick.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Lottery prospect Jonathan Kuminga showed out in his G-League debut.<\/p>\n<p>\u2219 19 Pts<br \/>\u2219 4 Ast<br \/>\u2219 Game-sealing block<br \/>\u2219 Ignite Win <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/q7dMqfIdKB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/q7dMqfIdKB<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ESPNNBA\/status\/1359582514822676485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">February 10, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><strong>9. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/thunder\/\" target=\"_self\">Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a>&#8212; Keon Johnson, G\/F, Tennessee<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gilgesh01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a><\/strong> gets his backcourt mate of the future. With Sam Presti and the Thunder&#8217;s enormous amount of firsts, this time will be scary&#8211;eventually.<\/p>\n<p>Even so, what the Thunder ultimately do in the summer will hinge the direction of this pick. However, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=keon-johnson-1,keon-johnson-2&amp;search=Keon+Johnson&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Keon Johnson<\/a><\/strong> at nine is an absolute steal, with people throwing out top-five grades for the Volunteer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>10. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/pelicans\/\" target=\"_self\">New Orleans Pelicans<\/a>&#8212; Josh Giddey, PG, Australia\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Pelicans get a young point guard with a tremendous amount of talent. Haven&#8217;t heard of him? <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Ballislife\/status\/1371510027345797122\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Click the link<\/a> and enjoy the show. A Giddey, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/i\/ingrabr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brandon Ingram<\/a>,<\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/zion-williams-2.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zion Williams<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/willizi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">on<\/a> <\/strong>core is something to build on&#8211;assuming Lonzo leaves town.<\/p>\n<p><strong>11. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/pacers\/\" target=\"_self\">Indiana Pacers<\/a>&#8212; Scottie Barnes, SF\/PF, Florida State\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/scottie-barnes-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scottie Barnes<\/a><\/strong> somehow falls this far and the Pacers take him without thought. The electric, lengthy forward can slide right in and play with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brogdma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malcolm Brogdon<\/a><\/strong> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sabondo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">D<strong>omantas Sabonis<\/strong><\/a> right away.<\/p>\n<p><strong>12. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/kings\/\" target=\"_self\">Sacramento Kings<\/a>&#8212; Franz Wagner, SF\/PF, Michigan\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you watched the tourney, you know the name, plain and simple. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/barneha02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Harrison Barnes<\/a><\/strong> is probably gone this summer, and maybe others. Still, a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/foxde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">De&#8217;Aaron Fox<\/a>, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/halibty01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Tyrese Haliburto<\/strong>n<\/a>, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/franz-wagner-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Franz Wagner<\/a><\/strong> core is full of playmakers who can score.<\/p>\n<p><strong>13. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/grizzlies\/\" target=\"_self\">Memphis Grizzlies<\/a>&#8212; Josh Christopher, SG, Arizona State\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/josh-christopher-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josh Christopher<\/a><\/strong> can play next to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/moranja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ja Morant<\/a><\/strong> and give the Grizzlies what they need- a legit scorer. He&#8217;s an athletic freak and, while it might be early, the Grizz get their guy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>14. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/celtics\/\" target=\"_self\">Boston Celtics<\/a>&#8212; Ayu Dosunmu, PG, Illinois\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Clearly, the Celtics might not pick here, or they might, who knows. Finally, they get their heir-apparent to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/kemba-walker-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kemba Walker<\/a> at the point guard position. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/ayo-dosunmu-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ayo Dosunmu<\/a><\/strong> struggled against Loyola Chicago, then again everybody did. He would be perfect next to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/tatumja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jayson Tatum<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brownja02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaylen Brown<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Stay tuned for more editions of the NBA Mock Draft.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo:<br \/>\n<a id=\"hQps67RXROhF1B7e2NgUYQ\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1231423723\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'hQps67RXROhF1B7e2NgUYQ',sig:'Sjn512bTDw2u-517fdH-hZxAaY01GDDQQHu0AGF_xqQ=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1231423723',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The college basketball season is, unfortunately, coming to an end. It&#8217;s only a couple of days before a national champion is crowned and a runner-up is sadly determined. With March Madness coming to a close, it&#8217;s time for another chapter: NBA Mock Draft season. Without a doubt this year&#8217;s March Madness run has been wild, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1049,"featured_media":38775,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,773],"tags":[4026,826,1080],"class_list":["post-38744","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-college-basketball","tag-2021-ncaa-tournament","tag-march-madness","tag-nba-mock-draft"],"modified_by":"Carl Knauf, Department Manager","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38744","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1049"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38744"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38744\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38775"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38744"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38744"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38744"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}