This year’s NBA Draft lottery went about as planned with some minor shake-ups included. The top two picks were already known, but the final 12 were a little more unpredictable.
Of course, individual team-needs played a huge part in the draft placement but Suave Report wants to redraft who we think the top five players are based on talent and upside.
Also, check out their custom suits while you’re at it.
1. Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets
Although Michael Porter could cost Denver Nuggets GM Tim Connelly’s job, he decided to choose him with the 14th pick of the draft.
What’s well documented is Porter’s bad back. There’s a huge risk drafting him in the lottery because of the uncertainty that surrounds him.
A year ago, Porter was easily a top three pick. His skill set was extremely broad for a 6-foot-11 forward. However, due to his back surgery in November, he missed nearly all of his freshman season at the University of Missouri.
After seeing him play a few times in high school, he’s extremely talented. I’m going to bet that it’ll translate to his professional game. Honestly, there’s no factual basis behind this but I have a strong intuition that he’ll pan out perfectly.
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Skill wise, Doncic is the best player in this draft. Easily. Not only is he a veteran at the age of 19 but he actually has a solid skill set and a promising swagger.
A six-foot-eight playmaking prodigy point guard out of Slovenia and the fact that he’s headed to Dallas makes it 10 times better. Learning under Dirk Nowitzki, who was in his position 20 years ago (with less expectation), will be incredibly beneficial for him and playing alongside another very talented young guard in Dennis Smith Jr. will be lethal for many years to come.
The speed of the game in Europe isn’t the same as the NBA. It’s much slower. That may present a problem for Doncic because where he comes from, they don’t play a lick of defense. So, how will he adjust?
3. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
The most exciting player in this draft. He’s extremely fun to watch and gives you instant offense, in a very eloquent way.
He’ll always be linked to Luka Doncic, because of the trade sending Young to Atlanta and Doncic to Dallas and while I think Doncic is the better player, that doesn’t mean Young won’t be extremely special as well.
The size factor is so tired at this point. He’s 6-foot-2, 180 pounds and picking up weight rapidly. I can name five productive NBA point guards that are that size or smaller. Young will be fine. He’ll have a solid rookie season.
The only thing I’m worried about is the fact that he’s going to such a poor team where he may be expected to be the star player from day one.
4. Colin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers
This pick was difficult because I think very highly of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but watching Collin Sexton play at Alabama his freshman year was eye-opening.
He’s a bull. He’s not much bigger than Young but a lot stronger than him. His shooting and passing ability aren’t at the caliber of Young but that’s because they are two completely different players.
Sexton will do well in Cleveland with or without Lebron but obviously, he’d much rather prefer to play with the King. Will his hard-nosed style of play transfer to the NBA? I think so. I think he’s the most physically ready point guard in the draft.
No. 5: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
Ayton is ready for the NBA physically and mechanically. He’s ready to compete against almost any starting center in the game.
Although Joel Embiid isn’t the biggest fan of the 7-foot rookie with a league-leading 7-foot-10 wingspan, Ayton is the undoubted best player in this draft. He’s also a vintage big man, something the NBA doesn’t have much of a presence of anymore.
Ayton averaged 19.9 points and 11.4 rebounds in his freshman season at Arizona and amidst the drama with the NCAA, he stepped up to the occasion.
He was the number one pick, which was surprising to me because of the caliber of talent of those drafted behind him.
Has OKC Thunder drafted any players that can help immediately?