Kelvin Kuo / Associated Press
21. Utah Jazz: Tyrell Terry (Stanford, PG / SG, Freshman)
Terry’s IQ template for shooting, touching and playing will help teams look after his physical limitations. The Jazz should feel it’s worth betting that his high skill level will help him overcome his 6’1 “, 160 pound size and lack of explosion.
22. Milwaukee Bucks (via Pacers): Jalen Smith (Maryland, C, Sophomore)
The Bucks were able to follow Smith through season plug-and-play after improving his body and shooting. Finding, playing handball, stretching the floor and playing physical defense would be all he needs to focus on for a playoff team like Milwaukee.
Philadelphia 76ers (via Thunder): Jaden McDaniels (Washington, SF / PF, Freshman)
The Sixers could see McDaniels as a stretch 4 and matchup problem with his ability to bypass the perimeter and shoot down the dribble. It may just take time to anticipate each consistency based on its mixed New Year in terms of performance and impact.
24. Denver Nuggets (via Rockets): Leandro Bolmaro (Barcelona, SG / SF, 2000)
Bolmaro’s ball handling and passing set him apart from other 6’7 “flanks. It is worth doubting his ability to make and score for himself, but he shows enough spot-up shooting potential when he is along with his passing and riden.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Nuggets): Daniel Oturu (Minnesota, C, Sophomore)
Oturu’s 20.1 points, 11.3 handballs and 2.5 blocks per game caught the attention of NBA scouts. Whether his methods of production will translate is the big question, as he relied on post-ups and power at Minnesota. But he still delivered an impressive variety of mid-range scoring moves, driving past closeouts, three-point shots and defensive denials to the rim.
26. New York Knicks (via Clippers): Jahmi’us Ramsey (Texas Tech, SG, Freshman)
Op nr. 26 should make the Knicks more interested in gambling-informed than rule for seniors than prospects for backup guards. Ramsey was error-friendly at Texas Tech, but he also turned 19 in June and has a convincing mix of shots (42.6 percent from three points) and confident scoring instincts (88th percent in isolation).
27. Boston Celtics: Zeke Nnaji (Arizona, C, Freshman)
Nnaji entertained NBA fans this year with how he used his 6’11 “size, touch and nose for the ball to score efficiently around the court, clear the offensive glass and convert short-range jumpers. Celtics would just have to look past limited ceiling for its high floor.
28. Toronto Raptors: Grant Riller (Charleston, PG, Senior)
At this stage of the concept, the Raptors would put more stock in the eye test and the effectiveness of Riller than his age (23) as strength of scheme. He just put it together consecutive seasons averaged 21.9 points at better than 60 percent true shooting. At 6’3 “with his sharp skill and serious speed, it’s worth using a pick in his 20s to see how his game will translate.
29. Los Angeles Lakers: Nico Mannion (Arizona, PG, Freshman)
Mannion’s stock is slippery, but he still offers an appealing balance of passing and shooting skills. At No. 29, the Lakers were able to take their chances on his inefficiency that resulted from a few flashy dunes instead of underwhelming tools that make it too difficult to execute.
30. Boston Celtics (via Bucks): Xavier Tillman (Michigan State, PF / C, Junior)
Tillman has earned the ultimate role-player label based on his ongoing skill, defensive IQ and effort. The Celtics would accept his scoring restrictions at no. 30 and appreciate his additional skill and ability to create winning / impactful plays.
Statistics with agreement from Synergy Sports, Sports-Reference.com, ESPN
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