An NBA-ready frame with tremendous versatility has made Scottie Barnes a hot commodity in pre-draft circles. His enormous wingspan (nearly 7-foot-3) and hard-nosed style of play have drawn comparisons to Draymond Green. To reach his ceiling his shooting will need to improve, but the upside is undeniable. -Evan Birchmore
The Golden State Warriors have been battling a rash of injuries the past few seasons. Klay Thompson has missed significant time, as well as Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Even when healthy, the Warriors have lacked depth on the roster to return to championship contention. With two picks in the first 14 selections, the Warriors look to solve this issue, plus add pieces to the roster that can eventually replace their aging stars.
With the seventh overall selection, Golden State selects a player that’s been rising up draft boards at the right time, Baylor’s Davion Mitchell. The Naismith and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year is the perfect, experienced prospect to add to the Warriors’ roster. He’s a national champion that will fit into the Warriors’ championship culture. Mitchell is a reliable player on both ends of the floor that the Warriors can count on when Curry goes to the bench. Curry turned 33 this year; Mitchell has the potential to take over the reins of the team when Curry decides to either hang it up or move on. -Shawn Simmons
Despite being a bit undersized for a center, Alperen Sengun is extremely skilled offensively for a big-man and can prove to be another European big-man that can play all over the floor. Orlando desperately needs a new big man after trading Nikola Vucevic this season and Mo Bama doesn’t seem like he is the guy. Sengun can shoot, pass and attack the basket, making him a potentially dominant player in the league. He might be used as a power forward more but for an Orlando team that needs almost everything, their interest in the Turkish big-man seems high. -Jason Hubler
For better or worse, the Kings seem intent to keep plucking away with their current core to snap the 15-year playoff drought haunting the franchise. Tyrese Haliburton looks like a great long-term piece for them, but their average offense still isn’t doing enough to make up for their historically awful league-worst defense. Franz Wagner is the kind of versatile forward the Kings are rumored to be targeting, and his impeccable off-ball defense could help plug their many leaks. Plus, he still has some offensive upside as a tertiary ball-handler, developing shooter, and efficient scorer who can thrive in a lower-usage role next to Fox and Haliburton. -Josh Flenniken
The Pelicans need to start building a better team around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the best way to do it is with shooters. Corey Kispert displayed that he could really open the floor for his team thanks to his elite shooting ability during his Gonzaga years. He could also be one of the most pro-ready prospects to select in this range as the Pelicans should hurry to create a competitive team. -Filippo Barresi