This was not a deep draft and the talent level fell off pretty hard in the mid 30’s but still there were some really good prospects at the top of round 2 and some really good fits farther down the board.
Maxime Raynaud went to the Sacramento Kings at no.42. A lot of people had him rated higher, some even in the mid first round, and so the Kings got really good value here. There was a reason he fell all the way to number 42. After not going in the first round his agent tried to steer him to a situation where he could get a real shot at minutes. And he gets to stay in Northern California.
Johni Broome is a really good fit for the Sixers at no.35. I had him ranked a little bit lower but this pick makes a ton of sense. The team is desperate for help up front and they get a productive and NBA-ready player who should provide some meaningful minutes this year. I think we might all be sleeping on him a bit because of his poor athletic testing but the kid can play.
Rasheer Fleming to the Suns. The Suns added a ton of length during the draft with Khaman Maluach, Mark Williams and Fleming at the top of the second round. The three of them have an average wingspan of 7‘6“! Fleming was the 18th ranked prospect on my board and so I think they got a steal at 31.
Alex Toohey to the Warriors. The Warriors traded back and selected the steady and versatile big wing from Australia. He’s got a solid skill level and I think he’ll shoot it at the NBA level. Nothing exceptional but I just think this is a solid fit and good value.
Ryan Kalkbrenner to the Hornets at number 33. This is just such a solid fit. The Hornets were in desperate need of help at center and Ryan can be the defensive anchor they need. Not that you count on a second round pick being a huge difference maker but he’s got a chance to contribute meaningful minutes in his rookie season. He’s such a good defender and so fundamentally sound that it’s hard to imagine him not at least being a serviceable back up big. Getting that type of guy in the second round is win, and he has a shot to be much more than that.
Will Richard to the Warriors is another solid pick for the team. He’s an underrated all around talent. He’s good off the ball and doesn’t need tons of shots. He’s also a really solid defender and has a winning pedigree.
Mohamed Diawara to the Knicks at no.51 is interesting. He’s likely a draft and stash and I think it makes a lot of sense to try to develop a player like that. He’s got freaky athletic tools and a chance to grow into a solid player. He’ not going to impact in the NBA anytime soon, maybe never, but it’s worth taking this shot.
Here’s my instant analysis of every pick in the draft. It was a fun two nights and I’m kind of bummed that it’s over. But we’ve always got next year :)
Finally, I just wanted to say Thank You for reading my work this draft cycle. It’s super meaningful to me that you drop by my site and follow my mock drafts and read my thoughts about the prospects. It’s super fun and an honor to get to do this work and it’s only possible because people like you show interest and come visit NBA Draft Room for some of your draft coverage. Thank you!
– Mike