“Usually,” one league executive told Sporting News, “you have some idea of what is going on above your pick. You have a sense of, OK, these three guys probably will be there, these two or three guys might fall to you. This draft, you can’t get a real handle on. The trades, too, I imagine we are set up for more now.”
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That’s the frustration angle, and for those making picks or representing the players to be picked, the angst is understandable. For the rest of us, though? It’ll be unpredictable, and fun. Here’s our best final projection on how things will play out:
1. Timberwolves: C Karl-Anthony Towns , Kentucky
There are still scouts who insist Minnesota would make a mistake to pass on Jahlil Okafor’s polished, deft offensive game. But Towns’ athleticism and potential makes him worthy of the No. 1 spot, too, and either way, the Timberwolves figure to have an impressive young big man to go along with Gorgui Dieng.
2. Lakers: C Jahlil Okafor , Duke
Assuming the Lakers don’t make a trade involving this pick, they’ll do the wise thing and select Okafor. They like D’Angelo Russell, but getting a piece who could man the middle would fill a big void.
3. 76ers: G D’Angelo Russell , Ohio State
The Sixers long seemed reluctant to go with a guard in this spot, but increasingly, they have zeroed in on Russell. He has excellent passing instincts, and is capable of playing both guard spots. Kristaps Porzingis, who had been in this slot earlier this week, still has intrigue.
4. Knicks: SF Justise Winslow , Duke
There is a growing sense that the Knicks don’t want to keep this pick unless they can somehow get lucky and see Jahlil Okafor fall past the Lakers and Sixers. Kristaps Porzingis is intriguing, but will need a lot of time to develop. There’s a chance the Hornets could trade up and take Winslow, or that the Knicks will just settle on Winslow themselves.
5. Magic: PF Kristaps Porzingis , Latvia
Porzingis wants to play in New York, but the youthful Magic might be a better fit. Orlando has its eyes on wings Mario Hezonja and Winslow, but if Porzingis slips to fifth, he is the kind of stretch-4 who could complement driving point guard Elfrid Payton.
6. Kings: PG Emmanuel Mudiay , Congo
Sources around the league have long said that the Kings were hoping to luck into having Mudiay fall, but the events of recent days has the Kings’ situation in flux. The Kings also have interest in Porzingis.
See the next 24 picks of the first round plus player scouting reports and news about the NBA Draft at Sporting News’ NBA Draft hub .
