Picks 7-9
Coming into the draft, the Charlotte Hornets are in dire need of defensive support in their frontcourt. The Hornets are currently the 28th ranked team in rebounds, and they also allow 50.5 points in the paint per game.
When it comes to the Hornets’ selection, I see them going after Daniel Oturu. I recently just started scouting this prospect, and I’ve been impressed. Oturu has great size, and he has a 7’3 wingspan.
His size and wingspan make him an ideal shot-blocker. So far this season, he’s averaged 20.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He plays well on both sides of the court, and his transitional offense should fit in well with the Hornets’ uptempo offense.
Oturu is very dynamic, and I like that he can play effective defense, while also being able to shoot from almost anywhere on the court. The Hornets cannot go wrong if they select Oturu if he’s available.
The Chicago Bulls lack a dynamic wing, and they will be looking to upgrade this position in the draft. One candidate that may help the Bulls is Deni Avdija. He plays for the Israel national team, and he has played well at times.
Avdija has a few things to work on with his defense, but he does have potential with his offensive game. Avdija can shoot from anywhere, and he is also able to effectively attack the paint. If Otto Porter Jr. is not in the Bulls’ future plans, then Avdija may be a great insurance option.
With no clear backup option at point guard, the Washington Wizards will likely target a guard that can play behind John Wall. Wall has dealt with injuries, and he will not be ready to play until the 2020-21 season.
Nico Mannion will be an interesting prospect that the Wizards can target. This guard is a great leader for a locker room, and his jump shot looks very clean. If his shooting can carry over in the league, he should be an efficient scorer.
I was surprised when the Phoenix Suns did not take a point guard in the 2019 NBA Draft, as they have lacked a complementary scorer, who can play next to Devin Booker.
If the Suns want a guard with some length, who can play defense, then Theo Maledon is their guy. Maledon has constantly improved his shooting, and he may be a scary product if he figures everything out as a 6’5 guard.