Okay, here’s a summary of the players selected in the mock draft from picks 8 thru 21, along with a brief rationale for each pick:
8. San Antonio Spurs: AJ Jakuฤionis | 6-6 guard | 19 years old | Lithuania
Rationale: versatile guard who can play on or off the ball. This gives the Spurs flexibility in future drafts.
9. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach | 7-1 big | 19 years old | Duke
Rationale: Long-term answer at center, especially with Jakob Poeltl’s potential free agency. connected to the Raptors due to Masai Ujiri’s focus on African basketball.
10. Houston Rockets (via PHX): Collin Murray-Boyles | 6-7 wing/forward | 20 years old | South Carolina
Rationale: Best player available. Tremendous defender who fits Ime Udoka’s system. Good passer and tough player. The pick could be moved in a trade for a star.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Carter Bryant | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | Arizona
Rationale: Flexible, versatile player. Monster defensive player with playmaking chops and a solid 3-point shot. Fits the Blazers’ desire for versatile players.
12. Chicago Bulls: Derik Queen | 6-9 big | 20 years old | Maryland
Rationale: Potential replacement for Nikola Vuฤeviฤ. Fits the Bulls’ desire to play uptempo with all five players able to dribble, pass, and shoot. 13.Atlanta Hawks (via SAC): Joan Beringer | 6-10 big | 19 years old | Cedevita
Rationale: Rim-runner and shot-blocker who would work well with Trae Young. Raw but possesses size, length, fluid athletic movement, and explosive leaping ability.
14.san Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Cedric Coward | 6-5 wing | 21 years old | Washington State
Rationale: Wing who can really shoot it. The Spurs could use more wings to pair with their guards and Wembanyama. The Spurs could move this pick if their preferred targets aren’t available.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA): Thomas Sorber | 6-9 big | 19 years old | Georgetown
Rationale: Massive player with a 7-6 wingspan.sharp passer and processor. A perfect developmental big for them to learn behind Hartenstein.
16. Orlando Magic: Egor Demin | 6-8 guard | 19 years old | BYU
Rationale: Elite positional size and skill. Can play the point and is the best passer in the class. 17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Noa Essengue | 6-9 forward | 18 years old | Ratiopharm Ulm
Rationale: Terrific athlete who moves exceedingly well. The second-youngest player in this draft class.
18. Philadelphia 76ers: Danny Wolf | 6-11 big | 21 years old | Michigan
Rationale: Creative big man who can legitimately play with the ball in his hands. A creator at nearly 7-feet tall and can play in ball screens as a ballhandler or pass and make plays.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL): Liam mcneeley | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | Connecticut
Rationale: Shooter and floor-spacer. NBA teams love McNeeley’s competitiveness and his character.
20. Miami Heat (via GSW): Jase richardson | 6-1 guard | 19 years old | Michigan State
Rationale: Good bet from a talent viewpoint. Richardson has great touch as a shooter and scorer but is still developing his lead guard skills. 21. Utah Jazz (via MIN): Will Riley | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | Illinois
Rationale: Riley’s potential score at a high level should be intriguing. He’s a fearless driver despite his lack of size.