NBA Mock Draft: Three rounds

The NBA Combine wrapped up this weekend in Chicago. No major news yet on who is all staying or going back to college. Even Zion might be playing for Duke in November. Doubt it, but it might happen.

NBA Mock Draft season is heating up. Some analysts will have one round, some might go with the full two. We do things differently here at Deceptive Speed as we bring you THE FIRST EVER THREE-ROUND NBA MOCK DRAFT.

Round 1

1. New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson, PF, Duke 6’7, 285

If Zion stays in the NBA Draft and if New Orleans isn’t pressured into trading the pick, the Pelicans will have a potential frontcourt of two of the greatest college basketball players in the last 20 years with Zion and Anthony Davis.

2. Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant, PG, Murray State 6’3, 175

Memphis already came out and said this is who their pick is going to be. As long as New Orleans doesn’t try and use that against the Grizz, this will be one-two.

3. New York Knicks R.J. Barrett, G/F Duke 6’7, 200

Wasn’t it fun watching Knicks fans celebrate when the Lakers landed the fourth pick and then cry after they were announced next? The #1 recruit in 2018 is their consolation prize.

4. LA Lakers De’Andre Hunter, F, Virginia 6’7, 225

In all my years of doing NBA Mock Drafts, I’m guessing roughly six or seven years, the first three are usually just best available. Now we put some work into it. I’ve been seeing reports the Lakers like Hunter and they sure need an upgrade on defense.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers Cam Reddish, G/F, Duke 6’8, 220

I’m one of few people who are still high on Cam. The Cavs need a guy who can play at the 2/3 position, and my prediction is Reddish shines now that he’s away from Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett.

6. Phoenix Suns Coby White, PG, UNC 6’5, 185

We’re all making a big deal about the Knicks falling to three, but what about the poor souls in Phoenix? They were hoping for the No. 2 pick to get Ja Morant. Coby White will do though.

7. Chicago Bulls Jaxson Hayes, PF, Texas 6’11, 220

They need depth at the power forward position. Why not take a true power forward in Jaxson Hayes? His frame should be suitable for nice rebounding despite low college numbers.

8. Atlanta Hawks Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech 6’6, 195

If he falls, Atlanta will gladly take Culver. They need help on the defensive side of the ball, and most think he should be a top-five pick. Me on the other hand, well obviously you can see my opinion on the guy.

9. Washington Wizards Brandon Clarke, PF, Gonzaga 6’8, 215

This is the part of the draft where things will start to go off the rails. So why not reach a little for a guy who fits what Washington needs? Clarke is a nice frontcourt piece that can rebound and defend.

10. Atlanta Hawks Nassir Little, F, UNC 6’6, 220

We have entered dart-throw territory. Atlanta has two top-10 picks thanks to a trade with Dallas. They need help with rebounding at the three. Despite not putting up huge numbers at Carolina, Little poises potential to be a nice rebounder in the future.

11. Minnesota Timberwolves Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky 6’5, 195

Minnesota has two holes to fill. A true shooting guard and a reliable front court helper for Karl Anthony Towns. The Wolves didn’t get much three-point shooting from the two this past season after Jimmy Butler left. Herro proved to be a nice shooter late in the season.

12. Charlotte Hornets Bol Bol, C, Oregon 7’2, 222

Charlotte has to resign Kemba Walker. He could easily be the face of the franchise for years to come. The Hornets just missed the playoffs this past season, but they need a really big player. Bol Bol will need time to develop and Charlotte has a few pieces that will hold for now.

13. Miami Heat Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt 6’3, 170

Goran Dragic is already 10 years into the league. He comes back for a year, helps develop Darius Garland who is a raw, athletic prospect and the Heat could have their future point guard.

14. Boston Celtics Kevin Porter, PG, USC 6’5, 220

Who knows the future of Kyrie Irving? So let’s say he packs his bags and leaves, Boston needs a point guard. Terry Rozier isn’t living up to his hype from a few years ago. The Celtics still have a great cast of players and a very nice coach who can guide a guy like Kevin Porter along.

15. Detroit Pistons Sekou Doumbouya, F, Limoges 6’9, 203

Found the perfect fit for the first international guy. Detroit needs a guy who can play the three and four that has a three-point shot. Sekou is a bit of a work-in-progress, but once he’s developed, he’ll be a nice addition to a rotation.

16. Orlando Magic Bruno Fernando, PF, Maryland 6’10, 240

Orlando has Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon, and that’s it for the front court. Mo Bamba and Jonathan Isaac are still developing, but the Magic needs competition. Fernando greatly improved his around the basket presence this past season. Ideally they need a point guard, but unfortunately that’s hard to find in his draft class.

17. Brooklyn Nets P.J. Washington, PF, Kentucky 6’8, 228

Their frontcourt it pretty old with only two people under five years of experience. The Nets need help with steals and blocks on defense and P.J. Washington improved his ball-swatting this past season.

18. Indiana Pacers Rui Hachimura, PF, Gonzaga 6’8, 230

There’s a frontcourt issue going on in Indiana as well. Thaddeus Young isn’t a spring chicken, and the other two young guys aren’t looking promising so far. Rui did not compete at the combine, but he’ll probably have some private workouts with teams and Indiana is a perfect fit.

19. San Antonio Spurs Cameron Johnson, G, UNC 6’9, 210

What better place for an older rookie to thrive than San Antonio. Only one guy averaged over two 3-pointers per game last season and Bryn Forbes is a short shooting guard. Cam Johnson can play one through three, rebound well and shoot the lights out.

20. Boston Celtics Mfiondu Kabengele, PF, Florida State 6’9, 240

They need a huge, dominant big man that’s going to protect the rim. Mfiondu Kabengele is leaving after two years at Florida State. He wasn’t a high recruit, but he’s a force around the basket and his rebounding and shot-blocking as majorly improved.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG, Virginia Tech 6’5, 210

They need more threats hitting three-pointers than Paul George. I mean almost 300 in one season by a guy not named Steph Curry or James Harden is impressive, but Alexander-Walker is a terrific shooter that OKC needs.

22. Boston Celtics Talen Horton-Tucker, F, Iowa State 6’4, 233

Boston sure likes to collect draft picks. They drafted a point guard just in time and landed a solid big man in this mock. Now why not add some depth to the two/three position? When you look at Horton-Tucker’s height, you’re thinking there’s no way he’s going to play small forward. But his length and rebounding ability gives him opportunities not many with his height can do.

23. Utah Jazz Keldon Johnson, G, Kentucky 6’6, 211

Utah needs more than just Donovan Mitchell, an aging shooting guard and a bunch of back court players. Keldon Johnson did a little bit of everything for Kentucky so he wasn’t talked about as much. He wasn’t a big bodied paint player or a big-time shot maker. But he’ll be a nice rotation player in the NBA.

24. Philadelphia 76ers Carsen Edwards, G, Purdue 6’1, 200

What does a team need when they have everything? Well they couldn’t beat the Raptors so there are holes. Thirty-four-year-old former Dukie JJ Redick made a career high in 3-pointers. That won’t happen again, so why not get a guy who has already proven to have a sweet stroke.

25. Portland Trailblazers Louis King, SF, Oregon 6’9, 205

Damian Lillard is incredible. CJ McCollum is a terrific counterpart. Then there are a bunch of role players, most of them front court guys. None can shoot. Louis King steps in and after a great postseason for the Ducks, he’ll add some more depth in scoring for the Blazers.

26. Cleveland Cavaliers Jordan Nwora, SF, Louisville 6’7, 225

As much as I want Nwora to return to school to give any Duke, UNC or UVA player a run for its money for ACC POY, he’d be a nice fit in Cleveland. If he can prove this past season wasn’t a fluke, he’d be a nice addition on the wing.

27. Brooklyn Nets Ty Jerome, SG, Virginia 6’5, 195

Brooklyn has a ton of backcourt players on contract this year. One of the guys is D’Angelo Russell and he’s listed on a Jazz wish list from some random site. Ty Jerome improved his distributing in three years at Virginia and we all know he can shoot.

28. Golden State Warriors Grant Williams, F, Tennessee 6’7, 241

Who’s coming? Who’s going? Nobody knows. The Splash Brothers may be split up. Kevin Durant is fed up, I guess. Draymond Green has always threatened to leave. And DeMarcus Cousins can’t stay healthy. So why not draft a veteran like Grant Williams.

29. San Antonio Spurs Goga Bitadze, C, Georgia (Europe) 6’11, 250

An international big man. Sounds like a perfect for San Antonio. No one seems to be emerging in the Spurs backcourt and LaMarcus Aldridge is entering his 13th season in the NBA. He’s old. So why not take a gamble on a center from Europe.

30. Milwaukee Bucks Romeo Langford, SG, Indiana 6’6, 215

Wow! He fell this far? I watched a lot of Big Ten games this past season and I’m not sure exactly what he’s going to be good at. But he’s athletic. Langford still scored quite a bit, was a solid rebounder and was able to dish at times. Plus, Milwaukee has a lot of guys facing free agency this year, yet no one seems to be distracted. Which is why the Bucks are the favorite to win it all.

Round 2

1 (31). Brooklyn Nets Nic Claxton, C, Georgia 6’11, 200

The best player taller than 6-foot-9 who has the ability to shoot outside. Daniel Gafford is available, but he’s never attempted a 3-pointer. Claxton made a few in two seasons at Georgia. His defense and shot blocking is what is most intriguing and the Nets need depth at center.

2 (32). Phoenix Suns Daniel Gafford, C, Arkansas 6’11, 233

The Suns are more than happy to take Daniel Gafford. He’s listed as a center, but he could fit in as a power forward on the Suns roster. Phoenix only had DeAndre Ayton for rebounding and Gafford could add some rim protection for an up and coming team.

3 (33). Philadelphia 76ers Luka Samanic, PF, Croatia 6’10, 210

He’s a project that has potential to breakout. When Luka adds some weight, he’ll increase his rebounding ability. But he can already stretch out and play on the perimeter. The Sixers have enough to develop him.

4 (34). Philadelphia 76ers Luguentz Dort, G, Arizona State 6’4, 215

It’ll be interesting to see if Philly keeps both of the these picks, but if they do, why not take best available? He’s an athletic guard, who can shoot the three and rebound.

5 (35). Atlanta Hawks Dylan Windler, SG, Belmont 6’8, 200

Believe it or not, Atlanta needs more scoring than Trae Young. I had them loading up on athletic defenders in the first round, but now it’s time to pull the trigger on a nice sized shooter, who played four years at Belmont.

6 (36). Charlotte Hornets Admiral Schofield, SG, Tennessee 6’6, 241

Once Charlotte re-signs Kemba Walker, they will need more scoring. The Admiral was okay as an underclassman, but his career really took off when he found chemistry with Grant Williams. Admiral is a real bowling ball type player that developed a great three-point stroke.

7 (37). Dallas Mavericks Jontay Porter, PF, Missouri 6’11, 236

Dallas has just one “real” pick. That makes things really difficult plus you have to think about the best player to build around Luka Doncic. Jontay was a lottery option last year before he got hurt. Now he missed an entire season at Mizzou, but he still has great attributes.

8 (38). Chicago Bulls Shamorie Ponds, PG, St. John’s 6’1, 180

The Bulls need competition at the point guard position. Kris Dunn did average six assists this past season but isn’t much of a scorer. If Ponds stays in the draft and goes to Chicago, he’ll challenge everyone in the backcourt as a scorer and passer.

9 (39). New Orleans Pelicans Zach Norvell, SG, Gonzaga 6’5, 205

The Pelicans got the grand prize. Now they’re drafting in the spot they were supposed to get. And they need shooters. There were no Pelicans averaging two or more 3-pointers per game this past season. Norvell may go back to Gonzaga, but right now, he’s the best shooter available.

10 (40). Sacramento Kings Neemias Queta, C, Utah State 6’11, 240

The Kings finally get a draft pick. They need a big man. And they need some help on defense. Queta fits both categories. Usually we’d be skeptical with a guy coming from a mid-major that wasn’t a high recruit, but you can’t argue with 6-foot-11.

11 (41). Atlanta Hawks KZ Okpala, SF, Stanford 6’9, 210

He’s gotta go somewhere. I can’t seem to find a spot for him. I’m pretty sure Okpala is staying in the draft, but nothing stands out about him. He went to Stanford and nobody watched Cardinal games last year. But the Hawks have quite the collection of draft picks, they need a small forward so why not gamble.

12 (42). Philadelphia 76ers Chuma Okeke, PF, Auburn 6’8, 230

If Okeke stays in the draft, this seems like a good fit. Since Philly has the best team in the NBA, they can afford to let him rehab his leg and eventually work himself back.

13 (43). Minnesota Timberwolves Eric Paschall, PF, Villanova 6’8, 255

If only Paschall were 2 inches taller, the guy would be a done deal in the first round. He has such a huge frame, he’s a solid rebounder and can kick it outside pretty consistently, but needs to work on his defense. Paschall could probably help Karl Anthony Towns in the front court.

14 (44). Atlanta Hawks Matisse Thybulle, SF, Washington 6’5, 205

If KZ Okpala doesn’t work out, there’s always a terrific defender in Thybulle. The Hawks have a ton of draft picks, so we’re just going with best available and Thybulle could be a nice rotation guy to add some defense.

15 (45). Detroit Pistons Tremont Waters, PG, LSU 5’11, 175

Waters is a bit undersized, but he’s not returning to school. The guy who recruited him may be in jail by the time the season starts in November. Reggie Jackson is losing his point guard touch and Waters could develop into a nice one someday.

16 (46). Orlando Magic Ignas Brazdeikis, F, Michigan 6’7, 215

Iggy is going to be a very good rotation small forward in the NBA someday. I’m not sure if he’ll find himself in the big leagues right away, but eventually he’ll develop into a great wing/driver. And that’s exactly what the Magic need.

17. (47). Sacramento Kings Darius Bazley, F, Princeton HS 6’9, 195

Bazley was supposed to go to Syracuse, but after some series of events, he went to intern at New Balance while doing some private workouts. It sounds like he could play the three or four and is a pretty good defender.

18 (48). LA Clippers Dedric Lawson, PF, Kansas 6’8, 224

It’s really something how the hell the Clippers made the playoffs. I look at their team and it seems like they need just about everything in all areas. I guess take a guy who plays well with others, has a high basketball IQ and can do a little bit of everything.

19 (49). San Antonio Spurs Charles Matthews, SG, Michigan 6’6, 205

Second round dart throw is how Matthews is described. He has some promise to be a good defender in the NBA. The 10th-year man from Michigan who still has eligibility left is very athletic, but his offensive production is spotty at times.

20 (50). Indiana Pacers Isaiah Roby, PF, Nebraska 6’8, 230

He played out of position at Nebraska. Roby was used as the four or five most of the nights. But if he would’ve been given an opportunity to play the three, he’d be further up this list. Roby has the ability to check and play the three and the Pacers will need that eventually.

21 (51). Boston Celtics Jordan Poole, SG, Michigan 6’5, 195

Poole is actually taller than what I thought. He always seems like he’s barely six-feet tall. But he’ll be a nice work-in-progress shooting guard in the NBA. Poole showed us how great his shot really is this past season and the Celtics could use it down the road.

22 (52). Charlotte Hornets Naz Reid, PF, LSU 6’10, 250

We know Naz is staying in the draft. Charlotte needs a true power forward. Bismack Biyombo’s eight boards per game with Toronto three years ago is a thing of the past. Naz is a rock who can shoot the rock from three. As long as he stays interested, he could see some minutes in the NBA sometime next year.

23 (53). Utah Jazz Jalen McDaniels, F, San Diego State 6’10, 195

McDaniels is the perfect player for a team looking for a rebounding true power forward. The Jazz have a great group of centers, but in today’s NBA, they need a strict player who can play the four as well. I thought about sending Ethan Happ to Utah. But I couldn’t quite pull the trigger.

24 (54). Philadelphia 76ers Jaylen Nowell, SG, Washington 6’4, 200

Philly is just racking up the draft picks. All the guys they’re collecting to build their dynasty. The Sixers may need some help on defense down the road, and Nowell is talented enough to provide something after G-League time.

25 (55). New York Knicks Simi Shittu, PF, Vanderbilt 6’10, 240

Well Simi was a top-10 recruit last year. That’s kind of crazy. But the Vanderbilt program is not doing too well right now. But the Knicks could use a power forward, who is a decent scorer and a good rebounder.

26 (56). LA Clippers Kris Wilkes, SG, UCLA 6’8, 215

The Clips need a scorer because I’m still trying to figure out how in the world they made the playoffs. Wilkes was a wonderful scorer for UCLA in a down year for the program. He’s got some height and could be a decent project.

27 (57). New Orleans Pelicans Kyle Guy, G, Virginia 6’2, 175

Just load up on good college shooters after landing the top prize. There’s talks that Jrue Holiday is staying in New Orleans and the Pelicans will create a big three. Then they need to build around Holiday, Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis. Everyone knows how great of a shot Guy has.

28 (58). Golden State Warriors Charles Bassey, C, Western Kentucky 6’11, 220

The Warriors may not be any different at all next year. They could end up winning another title, everyone returns and we all forget about the drama. Since DeMarcus Cousins can’t seem to stay healthy, why not take the best available center.

29 (59). Toronto Raptors Miye Oni, SG, Yale 6’6, 210

Toronto’s only pick in the draft comes one spot from the end. Shooting guard has been a revolving door for the Raptors in the playoffs and they need someone to come in and challenge Danny Green and Norman Powell. Then take a knock-down Ivy League shooter.

30 (60). Sacramento Kings Brian Bowen, SF, Australia 6’8, 202

The dude who ruined Rick Pitino’s career and really messed up Louisville’s program is the last guy picked in the draft. He has potential to be a nice shooter and has really promising size. Bowen played ball in the land down under so he’s in shape and has pro basketball experience.

Round 3

Here is the first ever third round of an NBA Mock Draft. I put 90 guys on my big board and all 90 will be drafted in this mock. Obviously no trades will impact this imaginary round, so the order will reflect what the second round would be if there were no trades.

1 (61). New York Knicks Terrance Davis, SG, Ole Miss 6’4, 208

They need a scorer and Davis can do just that.

2 (62). Phoenix Suns Jalen Lecque, SG, Brewster 6’4, 190

It’s all about working around DeAndre Ayton and Devin Booker.

3 (63). Cleveland Cavaliers Ethan Happ, PF, Wisconsin 6’10, 235

They already have a power forward who can shoot the three. Take one that can’t.

4 (64). Chicago Bulls Ky Bowman, PG, Boston College 6’1, 188

A great shooter on a team that needs shooting.

5 (65). Atlanta Hawks Moses Brown, C, UCLA 7’1, 245

Hawks took guards and small forwards. Now take a big center.

6 (66). Washington Wizards Yovel Zoosman, Wing, Israel 6’7, 198

Thanks to this third round, Washington gets a second draft pick.

7 (67). Dallas Mavericks Jordan Bone, PG, Tennessee

The Mavs get a second pick as well and they get their point guard.

8 (68). Memphis Grizzlies Max Strus, Wing, DePaul 6’6, 215

There was a guy for DePaul who made over 100 3-pointers. That’s wild.

9 (69). New Orleans Pelicans Deividas Sirvydis, SF, Leituvos Rytas, 6’8, 190

A small forward with size is what the Pelicans need.

10 (70). Minnesota Timberwolves Jaylen Hands, PG, UCLA

The Wolves need some young competition at the point guard position.

11 (71). LA Lakers Killian Tillie, PF, Gonzaga 6’10, 220

The Lakers only have one pick so I’m sure once this is out, LeBron James will be asking for a third round. Because their rebounding sucks.

12 (72). Sacramento Kings Quinn Weatherspoon, G, Mississippi State 6’4, 205

A nice rebounding guard for the Kings who need all the help they can get.

13 (73). Miami Heat Jaylen Hoard, PF, Wake Forest 6’8, 215

He was a top-20 recruit who went to Wake Forest. Maybe he should be up higher, but consider it a steal for the Heat in a round that doesn’t exist.

14 (74). Charlotte Hornets Quentin Grimes, SG, Kansas 6’5, 210

The Hornets covered all their draft needs so they would more than likely trade this pick for a future third round pick. But might as well stack up on guards.

15 (75). Detroit Pistons Jared Harper, PG, Auburn 5’11, 175

Harper is very small to be strictly a shooter, but the Pistons need one in the third round.

16 (76). Brooklyn Nets Devon Dotson, PG, Kansas 6’2, 185

Points guards are just flying off the board in the third round.

17 (77). Orlando Magic James Palmer, SF, Nebraska 6’6, 210

The Orlando Magic’s three draft picks have been all Big Ten players.

18 (78). LA Clippers Joshua Obiese, PG, Germany 6’6, 195

I still don’t know how the Clippers made the playoffs, but they need a point guard. Better late than never to get one.

19 (79). San Antonio Spurs Cody Martin, PG, Nevada 6’6, 205

An old point guard on a typically old team.

20 (80). Indiana Pacers Tyus Battle, PG, Syracuse 6’6, 205

Battle goes in the third round because he wasn’t invited to the combine. But he’ll be back up in the next mock.

21 (81). Boston Celtics Tacko Fall, C, UCF 7’6, 295

Tacko has to go to Boston. With that pick, the Celtics could have an entire starting lineup with their five draft picks.

22 (82). Oklahoma City Thunder Jordan Caroline, PF, Nevada 6’7, 230

Oklahoma City needs depth in the frontcourt, and Caroline is a good flyer.

23 (83). Utah Jazz Justin Robinson, PG, Virginia Tech 6’1, 195

The Jazz need a true point guard, and Donovan Mitchell is more of a shooter than passer.

24 (84). Philadelphia 76ers Zylan Cheatham, PF, Arizona State 6’8, 220

This team is already loaded so we’ll give them the best available.

25 (85). Houston Rockets Dean Wade, PF, Kansas State 6’10, 228

If Houston got a third round draft pick, they would probably just trade it away.

26 (86). Portland Trailblazers Milik Yarbrough, SF, Illinois State 6’6, 215

I only have guards left, and Portland doesn’t need anymore of those.

27 (87). Denver Nuggets Terance Mann, G, Florida State 6’6, 215

Denver also doesn’t have any draft picks until the third round. We have another supporter.

28 (88). Golden State Warriors Justin Wright-Foreman, G, Hofstra 6’2, 190

There may not be any splash brothers next year.

29 (89). Toronto Raptors Chris Clemson, PG, Campbell 5’9, 180

Steal of the draft comes in the third round.

30 (90) Milwaukee Bucks Ja’Vonte Smart, SG, LSU 6’4, 200

It was announced Saturday that Smart is returning to school. But if they come out with a third round in the coming weeks, he should return and get drafted by the best team.