Charlotte picked Kentucky guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and sent him to the Clippers, the NBA announced Thursday. The Hornets acquired Michigan State forward Miles Bridges, who was picked No. 12 overall, and two future second-round picks.
Gilgeous-Alexander had a breakout freshman season for Kentucky last season. He averaged 14.4 points and 5.1 assists per game on a Wildcats team that registered a 26-11 record.
Bridges tallied 17.1 points and seven rebounds per game as a sophomore in 2017-18.
I have a soft spot for Queens native Hamidou Diallo going to the Nets here, but he could land with Brooklyn in the second round.
The Hawks have three first-rounders and can afford to gamble. There’s been chatter that Robinson has a promise from the Lakers at No. 25, and rumors that he could go as high as No. 17 to Milwaukee, so he could be off the board here. But he’s a big-time talent and worth a risk for Atlanta.
Doncic is the top-rated prospect on our board. The 6-8 wing is an outstanding pick-and-roll ball-handler, the best passer in the draft and a projectable shooter. The big question is how he fits alongside 2017 first-round pick Dennis Smith Jr. Doncic’s success for the Slovenian national team during the EuroBasket tournament when he played next to Goran Dragic can provide a blueprint. Doncic should have gone No. 1 in this draft. He’s terrific value here.
Jackson is the top big man prospect on our Big Board. His high number of fouls and lack of points per game production has underrated his long-term potential. The 6-11 center is the best defensive prospect in the class. He can protect the rim and switch onto just about anybody.
His offensive game already includes a 3-point shot that’s functional out of pick-and-pops, and he has flashed impressive potential off the bounce attacking closeouts. Jackson will spend a few seasons playing alongside Marc Gasol before taking over the starting spot himself.