Despite having less than a 2% chance, the Dallas Mavericks secured the first pick in Monday`s NBA Draft Lottery. This wasn`t the only unexpected outcome; the San Antonio Spurs face an intriguing decision at the No. 2 spot, potentially triggering subsequent draft choices, while the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets also moved up into the top four.
Mock Draft – Round 1
Round 1 – Pick 1 – Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg
Position: SF
College/Info: Duke • Fr • 6`9″ / 205 lbs
Stats: PPG 19.2, RPG 7.5, APG 4.2, 3P% 38.5%
Rankings:
- Prospect Rank: 1st
- Position Rank: 1st
Cooper Flagg`s arrival shifts the outlook for Dallas and potentially eases pressure on GM Nico Harrison. Flagg is seen as a prospect who can contribute to winning immediately, aligning with the team`s focus on building around veteran stars. More importantly, he possesses the potential to become the future cornerstone of the franchise. His two-way playing style matches the organizational philosophy emphasized by Harrison.
Round 1 – Pick 2 – San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper
Position: PG
College/Info: Rutgers • Fr • 6`6″ / 215 lbs
Stats: PPG 19.4, RPG 4.6, APG 4, 3P% 33.3%
Rankings:
- Prospect Rank: 2nd
- Position Rank: 1st
Ranked No. 2 overall, Dylan Harper is projected to the Spurs here. However, San Antonio is expected to also strongly consider Ace Bailey, who might be a more natural positional fit given their recent acquisition of Stephon Castle and De`Aaron Fox. Should the Spurs commit to Harper, it raises questions about potential roster moves.
Round 1 – Pick 3 – Philadelphia 76ers: Ace Bailey
Position: SF
College/Info: Rutgers • Fr • 6`10″ / 200 lbs
Stats: PPG 17.6, RPG 7.2, APG 1.3, 3P% 34.6%
Rankings:
- Prospect Rank: 3rd
- Position Rank: 2nd
Ace Bailey is a versatile wing player known for his athleticism and ability to hit challenging shots. Some argue he has the highest ceiling in the draft if he reaches his full potential. However, concerns remain regarding his passing, driving to the basket, and overall impact on team success, leading to a wide spectrum of possible outcomes. For the Sixers, he represents a valuable future asset that doesn`t hinder their current competitive window, assuming the team is healthy.
Round 1 – Pick 4 – Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe
Position: SG
College/Info: Baylor • Fr • 6`5″ / 180 lbs
Stats: PPG 15, RPG 5.6, APG 3.2, 3P% 34%
Rankings:
- Prospect Rank: 4th
- Position Rank: 1st
VJ Edgecombe appears to be a natural fit for Charlotte. He stands out as one of the draft`s top athletes and competitors. With potential to develop into a premier on-ball defender, he could provide defensive support for LaMelo Ball. Additionally, his ability to attack the rim downhill would complement Ball and Brandon Miller`s offensive skills, while their talent could help mask any initial weaknesses.
Round 1 – Pick 5 – Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson
Position: SG
College/Info: Texas • Fr • 6`6″ / 190 lbs
Stats: PPG 19.9, RPG 3.1, APG 2.7, 3P% 39.7%
p>Rankings:
- Prospect Rank: 5th
- Position Rank: 2nd
While this wasn`t the ideal lottery result for Utah, Tre Johnson`s scoring and shooting ability could pair well with the playmaking of last year`s first-round selection, Isaiah Collier. Given that Keyonte George`s long-term starter potential seems uncertain, the hope is that Johnson and Collier could form the Jazz`s future backcourt.
Round 1 – Pick 6 – Washington Wizards: Kasparas Jakucionis
Position: PG
College/Info: Barcelona • Intl • 6`5″ / 190 lbs
Stats: PPG 10.8, RPG 3.4, APG 4.4, 3P% 35.3%
Rankings:
- Prospect Rank: 6th
- Position Rank: 2nd
Jasper Hawthorne