As some of you may have read, I posted the first part of my Mock Draft a couple of days ago, which was picks 1-5. Now I’m back with picks 6-10 for this year’s NBA Draft.
6. Orlando Magic: Malik Monk
The Magic need scoring and better guard play and Monk will fill both of those holes. He’s a volume spot up shooter who is also very good at creating his own shot. I think he’ll be one of the best NBA players to come out of this class, just because he’s been playing like an NBA shooting guard since his junior year of high school. He has the skill and mentality to put a team on his back (As we saw against UNC, in December). And, that’s exactly what the Magic needs, a go to option, someone who can take over the game right away.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Lauri Markenen
Some people may say this a reach for him, but I think it is the perfect pick. The Wolves are able to address the need of a consistently producing big man to go along side Karl Anthony-Towns. Last year, I also said that the Wolves couldn’t afford to pass on Buddy Hield because they needed a 3 point shooter. But, I guess the front office didn’t want to listen to me, because they picked Kris Dunn, who had a flop of a rookie year. He also finished last in 3 pointers made per game, with just a little over seven made per game. Markenen is also a threat from deep, that will stretch the floor and give swingmen like LaVine and Wiggins more room to operate.
8. New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr.
The rumor going around is that the Knicks got screwed in the Lottery. But, if all goes as planned and the Knicks can walk away with DSJ, I think New York fans will be pretty happy. They might not be able to return D-Rose and to be honest, if they get Smith Jr. I don’t see why they need Rose. Make Smith and Porzingis the future duo of the team. The former NC State point guard does a great job of balancing his role as an athletic scorer and a distributor. The Knicks need a new young leader, a face to go along with Porzingis, and Dennis Smith Jr. is just that.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Zach Collins
Although Dirk is returning for another season next year, we all know he doesn’t have the post presence that he used to. The Mavs found two gems in Seth Curry and Yogi Ferrell who gave great production this year and provided them with a solid young backcourt. They acquired Harrison Barnes last summer on the wing, and now all they need is that rim protector, and I think Collins is the guy. He’s a fundamentally sound big with great upside. He can bang with the best of them and also stretch the floor out to the foul line with a soft jumper. He has the capacity to a very good NBA big man for the long haul.
10. Sacremento Kings: Jon Isaac
The Florida native is all over the place in this year’s draft. But, in a league based off potential, there’s no way Isaac should slip out of the top 10. I wanted him to be a lot more aggressive at Florida State, but he was pretty efficient to make up for it. Averaging 12 points on just eight shots per game. He’s 6’10” with a handle and range. When I saw him at the Jordan Brand Classic last year, I was extremely intrigued. Some people say Issac is too skinny, like Brandon Ingram. But, he rebounded the ball well in college, averaging eight a game. With Rudy Gay opting out of his final year with the team, Isaac is a great long term option to replace him at that position.
Stay tuned for more articles and podcasts regarding the NBA Draft, which is a month from now!