Last month, Making the Cut did a Mock Draft for the first 5 picks. Now that the workouts are over and the Sixers-Celtics have pulled off a major deal, we take a look at the top 10 picks of the NBA Draft.
Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Markelle Fultz
The Sixers moved up to take Fultz so this seems to be a given. For those who say he’s not a winner, it’s obvious you don’t follow USA Basketball. Fultz was the MVP of FIBA Americas U18 Championships. Washington not making the tournament isn’t an effective barometer of whether he’s a winner or not. DeMatha. Team USA. First Pick Overall. I think he’ll do just fine.
Los Angeles Lakers
Pick: Lonzo Ball
Lakers will take a point guard and it’ll either be Ball or De’Aaron Fox. I still feel like are leaning towards Ball unless they are really that concerned over his shooting motion. Either way, help is on the way for the struggling Lakers and they have a solid young base to add a free agent like Paul George to.
Boston Celtics
Pick: Jayson Tatum
This is a tricky one. Josh Jackson should go here but there are some character concerns and you never know how this will impact Danny Ainge’s decision. Marcus Smart and Josh Jackson in the same locker room might jeopardize chemistry. If this is truly a concern, I can see Ainge taking Tatum who has a top flight NBA game.
Phoenix Suns
Pick: Josh Jackson
If Jackson slips to four, there’s no way the Suns can pass on him. He’s a great fit for the Suns who is in desperate need of Jackson’s toughness and versatility.
Sacramento Kings
Pick: De’Aaron Fox
You need a point guard in today’s NBA and the Kings barely have one that’s serviceable on their roster. In the post-Boogie Cousins era, the Kings should get a point guard sooner rather than later and Fox is the pick.
Orlando Magic
Pick: Jonathan Isaac
Orlando needs a little of everything an Isaac would be a great start. His length and athleticism would make him a hit for the Magic.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Pick: Lauri Markkanen
Who could use a stretch 4? The Timberwolves. Markkanen is the best fit in this spot. It’s a possibility that Isaac could be in this spot with Markkanen going to the Magic.
New York Knicks
Pick: Frank Ntilikina
Malik Monk makes the most sense here so you know the Knicks won’t select him. Rumors are, the organization are enamored with Ntilikina and there is a need at point guard.
Dallas Mavericks
Pick: Malik Monk
The Mavericks should pick the best player left on the board, no matter the position and Monk fits that line of thinking. Monk can provide scoring and versatility, two things the Mavs sorely need.
Sacramento Kings
Pick: Luke Kennard
This will be the only Mock Draft that has Kennard going in the Top 10 but if Monk is off the board and the Kings lose out on Tatum, this makes sense. There’s no point (pun intended) in drafting another point guard if the Kings grab Fox with their earlier pick.
Marcus “Mook” Washington is the host of Making The Cut. Follow Mook on Twitter: @mtcwithmook and IG: MTCWithMook
