The Daily Iowan continues its NBA mock draft, this time with picks 19-11. See where prospects such as Iowa’s Peter Jok might fall and who might get some new talent.
By Adam Hensley and Pete Ruden
The Daily Iowan continues its NBA mock draft, this time with picks 19-11. See where prospects such as Iowa’s Peter Jok might fall and who might get some new talent.
19. Atlanta Hawks — Ivan Rabb (PF/C, California)
Atlanta might not bring back star forward Paul Milsap this off-season, and after trading Dwight Howard to Charlotte, Rabb enters a frontcourt with the doors wide open.
Rabb thrives as a rebound-hungry big man; last season, he recorded 19 games with 10 or more rebounds for Cal. Even though he lacks perimeter game, Rabb brings a much-needed post presence to Atlanta.
18. Indiana Pacers — Justin Jackson, SF, North Carolina
After a successful sophomore season for the Tar Heels, Jackson returned to school, where he improved his offensive game profoundly and earned ACC Player of the Year honors.
With good size, Jackson looks the part of an NBA wing. Now that Paul George wants to leave Indianapolis, drafting a capable starter will be key for the Pacers.
17. Milwaukee Bucks — Harry Giles (PF/C, Duke)
Giles underperformed at Duke, and even that could be an understatement. He averaged a mere 3.9 points and 3.8 rebounds in a role off the bench. He also committed 2.2 personal fouls per contest.Giles has been through two ACL tears and an MCL tear, so his health remains the biggest red flag in the draft, which is why he slides to Milwaukee at 17. If he stays healthy, however, he’s a lottery-talent pick — a steal for the Bucks
16. Chicago Bulls — T.J. Leaf, PF, UCLA
Leaf was part of an incredible freshman class at UCLA that included Lonzo Ball and Ike Anigbogu. He proved he could score inside and out by shooting 64.4 percent on 2-pointers and 46.6 percent from beyond the arc.
While he not be the most physical player, he still found a way to grab rebounds, pulling in 8.2 boards a game.
15. Portland Trailblazers — John Collins (PF/C, Wake Forest)
Another big man with less-than-desired outside skills, Collins’ aggressiveness drives his inside presence.
His mid-range jumper is solid, however; he is not limited solely to the post. Portland didn’t have a power forward average better than 5.4 points per game last season. His 6-9 frame limits his ability at center in the NBA, so a forward spot will likely call his name.
14. Miami Heat — Donovan Mitchell, SG, Louisville
At 6-3, Mitchell would be considered small in terms of NBA shooting guards. But he makes up for it with spectacular athleticism and a solid 210-pound frame. He averaged 15.6 points a game in his sophomore season with Louisville, and he may be able to do that at the next level by using his athleticism to his advantage.
13. Denver Nuggets — Justin Patton (C, Creighton)
Patton is a raw prospect. He’s not a project, but it could be a season or two before his game rounds out. In the meantime, the Creighton prospect’s athleticism shoots his name up draft boards. Standing almost 7-feet tall, Patton’s quickness, speed, and vertical jump entice NBA scouts.
12. Detroit Pistons — Luke Kennard, SG, Duke
A team such as the Pistons could definitely benefit from a good shooter such as Kennard. With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope becoming a free agent, a spot in Detroit’s lineup could open up.
While his 3-point shooting sticks out (he made 44 percent of his shots from downtown last season), he scored from all over the floor on his way to averaging 19.5 points per game, second in the ACC.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Frank Ntilikina (PG, France)
Ntilikina might be the best player since Tony Parker to enter the NBA from France. He’s a big body for a point guard (6-5, 190 pounds with almost a 7-foot wing span). Charlotte, after trading for Howard, could use a complementary player.
While the Hornets do have Kemba Walker, a shifty point guard, Ntilikina adds a one-two punch in the backcourt. If he falls outside the top 10, put your money on Charlotte buying in on him.