Round 2 NBA Mock Draft: Key Players and Team Insights

The second round of the 2025 NBA draft is set to begin. Day 1 saw significant moves, including Duke`s Cooper Flagg going first overall to the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans trading up for Maryland center Derik Queen, alongside other notable selections and trades.

What can we expect from Day 2? Let`s explore the key questions ahead of Round 2 and project picks 31 through 59 with an updated mock draft.

Which high-caliber prospects are still available? Players with first-round potential like Rasheer Fleming, Maxime Raynaud, and Noah Penda could be early picks on Thursday. Which team is well-positioned for an interesting Round 2? And which less-noticed prospects might become significant steals?

ESPN analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo offer their insights to guide you through Round 2. The mock draft summaries below are based on scouting reports for the prospects.


Contents
  1. Which team drafting on Thursday is the most interesting?
  2. Who is an under-the-radar prospect you particularly like who is likely to be drafted on Thursday?
  3. Looking at your Round 2 mock, which team and player fit do you favor the most?
  4. Round 2 Mock Draft
  5. 31. Minnesota Timberwolves
  6. Strengths:
  7. Weaknesses:
  8. The verdict:
  9. 32. Boston Celtics
  10. Strengths:
  11. Weaknesses:
  12. The verdict:
  13. 33. Charlotte Hornets
  14. Strengths:
  15. Weaknesses:
  16. The verdict:
  17. 34. Charlotte Hornets
  18. Strengths:
  19. Weaknesses:
  20. The verdict:
  21. 35. Philadelphia 76ers
  22. Strengths:
  23. Weaknesses:
  24. The verdict:
  25. 36. Brooklyn Nets
  26. Strengths:
  27. Weaknesses:
  28. The verdict:
  29. 37. Detroit Pistons
  30. Strengths:
  31. Weaknesses:
  32. The verdict:
  33. 38. Indiana Pacers
  34. Strengths:
  35. Weaknesses:
  36. The verdict:
  37. 39. Toronto Raptors
  38. Strengths:
  39. Weaknesses:
  40. The verdict:
  41. 40. New Orleans Pelicans
  42. Strengths:
  43. Weaknesses:
  44. The verdict:
  45. 41. Golden State Warriors
  46. Strengths:
  47. Weaknesses:
  48. The verdict:
  49. 42. Sacramento Kings
  50. Strengths:
  51. Weaknesses:
  52. The verdict:
  53. 43. Washington Wizards
  54. Strengths:
  55. Weaknesses:
  56. The verdict:
  57. 44. Oklahoma City Thunder
  58. Strengths:
  59. Weaknesses:
  60. The verdict:
  61. 45. Chicago Bulls
  62. Strengths:
  63. Weaknesses:
  64. The verdict:
  65. 46. Orlando Magic
  66. Strengths:
  67. Weaknesses:
  68. The verdict:
  69. 47. Milwaukee Bucks
  70. Strengths:
  71. Weaknesses:
  72. The verdict:
  73. 48. Memphis Grizzlies
  74. Strengths:
  75. Weaknesses:
  76. The verdict:
  77. 49. Cleveland Cavaliers
  78. Strengths:
  79. Weaknesses:
  80. The verdict:
  81. 50. New York Knicks
  82. Strengths:
  83. Weaknesses:
  84. The verdict:
  85. 51. LA Clippers
  86. Strengths:
  87. Weaknesses:
  88. The verdict:
  89. 52. Phoenix Suns
  90. Strengths:
  91. Weaknesses:
  92. The verdict:
  93. 53. Utah Jazz
  94. Strengths:
  95. Weaknesses:
  96. The verdict:
  97. 54. Indiana Pacers
  98. Strengths:
  99. Weaknesses:
  100. The verdict:
  101. 55. Los Angeles Lakers
  102. Strengths:
  103. Weaknesses:
  104. The verdict:
  105. 56. Memphis Grizzlies
  106. Strengths:
  107. Weaknesses:
  108. The verdict:
  109. 57. Orlando Magic
  110. Strengths:
  111. Weaknesses:
  112. The verdict:
  113. 58. Cleveland Cavaliers
  114. Strengths:
  115. Weaknesses:
  116. The verdict:
  117. 59. Houston Rockets
  118. Strengths:
  119. Weaknesses:
  120. The verdict:

Which team drafting on Thursday is the most interesting?

Givony: The Hornets, holding picks 33 and 34, will likely be a hub for trade discussions after adding two first-rounders, Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley, to their roster. With an already young core, Charlotte`s willingness to add more rookies is uncertain. They do have a notable need in the paint after trading Mark Williams to the Suns. Several intriguing big men are available, including Maxime Raynaud and Ryan Kalkbrenner, along with versatile forwards like Rasheer Fleming and Adou Thiero.

Woo: The Timberwolves hold the first pick of the round at No. 31, giving them the option to select their preferred player or use the pick as a trade asset. I`m curious whether they will take a player like Fleming or find more value in potential trades involving the pick.


Who is an under-the-radar prospect you particularly like who is likely to be drafted on Thursday?

Givony: Noah Penda was considered by some teams in the first round due to his strong defensive flexibility, passing ability, and overall feel for the game. However, his inconsistent shooting limited his traction in the pre-draft process.

He`s likely a desirable target for playoff teams picking in the 30s, such as Minnesota, Boston, or Philadelphia, who might prefer to keep a player overseas initially for roster flexibility. Penda himself would likely prefer to come to the U.S. immediately if he finds a team willing to roster him.

Woo: Jamir Watkins, at 23, is on the older side but has been somewhat underrated. He is an excellent perimeter defender who I believe will improve his shooting enough to secure a spot on an NBA bench. He would be a good option for a team aiming to contend next season, potentially in the 30s.


Looking at your Round 2 mock, which team and player fit do you favor the most?

Givony: Maxime Raynaud to the Celtics at No. 32 makes sense. He is an older, 7-foot prospect who can space the floor and could potentially contribute minutes after the Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis. With Luke Kornet`s free agency and the Celtics` financial situation, a smaller salary slot with Raynaud would likely offer needed flexibility this offseason.

Woo: Rasheer Fleming to the Timberwolves at No. 31 would be a good value pick for Minnesota. They need frontcourt depth and might be able to integrate him into bench minutes right away. He is the kind of physically strong shooter who could solidify the Wolves` depth regardless of Naz Reid`s free agency outcome. The first pick of Round 2 is particularly valuable in this two-day draft format as teams look to trade up, but taking the best player available might be the most logical approach.


Round 2 Mock Draft

Timberwolves logo

31. Minnesota Timberwolves

Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph`s

Strengths:

Fleming is a versatile forward with impressive flashes who has improved significantly over three years, becoming an efficient scorer both inside and out. His massive 7-foot-5 wingspan provides defensive potential.

Weaknesses:

His feel for the game is a major question mark. He doesn`t process plays quickly offensively or defensively, sometimes struggles with simple passes, and is prone to off-ball defensive errors.

The verdict:

Length, shooting, and potential defensive versatility are highly valued in the NBA. Fleming could offer all three to a team patient enough to develop his defensive awareness and technique as he adapts to the NBA pace offensively. Despite a late-season slump, his youth and progress at St. Joseph`s suggest potential.


Celtics logo

32. Boston Celtics

Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford

Strengths:

Raynaud started basketball late but developed over four seasons at Stanford into a skilled 7-footer capable of spacing the floor and holding his own rebounding.

Weaknesses:

Defensive questions remain, primarily regarding his physicality and explosiveness, although his effort improved at the NBA draft combine.

The verdict:

After playing with Victor Wembanyama in France, Raynaud has become a legitimate NBA prospect. He may be a late bloomer, but his size and shooting ability fit a coveted mold, offering a quicker path to a role than some higher-drafted players. His defensive performance will be crucial, as floor-spacing bigs play a vital role in the NBA.


Hornets logo

33. Charlotte Hornets

Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton

Strengths:

Kalkbrenner is an experienced center known for his effectiveness in pick-and-roll, offensive execution, rim protection, and occasional 3-point shooting, making him a reliable backup option.

Weaknesses:

Despite a 7-foot-6 wingspan, he isn`t overly physical or explosive, and his defensive rebounding numbers were underwhelming for much of his college career.

The verdict:

One of college basketball`s most efficient players, Kalkbrenner is a well-known commodity. His flashes of floor spacing add value. While he has limitations, his size, length, and consistency will attract teams needing depth at center on a rookie contract.


Hornets logo

34. Charlotte Hornets

Noah Penda, F, France

Strengths:

Penda is a powerfully built wing-forward with excellent court vision, a 6-foot-11½ wingspan, and defensive versatility. He contributes across the board with rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.

Weaknesses:

He relies more on strength than vertical explosiveness and struggles with perimeter shooting consistency. His shooting mechanics are unorthodox, and he made under 30% of his 3-pointers this season and throughout his career.

The verdict:

Penda transitioned smoothly from Pro B to Pro A in France, having an excellent season for a playoff team by making defensive plays and creating for himself and others off the dribble using his physicality and intelligence. His shooting is a critical area for improvement, as he otherwise ticks many boxes as a two-way contributor.


76ers logo

35. Philadelphia 76ers

Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke

Strengths:

Proctor is a sharp-shooting guard who played various roles at Duke, demonstrating his ability to operate both on and off the ball.

Weaknesses:

He has a thin frame that didn`t significantly change in college and average physical tools. He has often lacked assertiveness and physicality on both ends, particularly in high-pressure situations.

The verdict:

Proctor`s size for a guard, improvement as a spot-up shooter, and flashes of creating out of pick-and-rolls over three seasons are intriguing, but he didn`t fully develop as a primary point guard. Adding toughness will be necessary for him to secure a meaningful off-ball role at the NBA level.


Nets logo

36. Brooklyn Nets

Adou Thiero, PF, Arkansas

Strengths:

Thiero is perhaps the most explosive player in this draft, a defensive spark plug who is a significant mismatch attacking the basket and in transition, drawing numerous fouls and finishing spectacularly.

Weaknesses:

Positionally somewhat stuck between forward spots, Thiero`s skill level, court vision, and defensive consistency are works in progress. He struggled with shooting consistency and missed most of the pre-draft process due to a lingering knee issue.

The verdict:

Thiero made substantial progress as a junior but must improve his shooting and overall consistency to play a role in the NBA. His defensive potential is clear given his physical gifts, and his development trajectory over three seasons makes him an interesting developmental prospect.


Pistons logo

37. Detroit Pistons

Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee, super senior

Strengths:

Lanier is a dangerous movement shooter with solid physical tools. He proved himself a prolific shotmaker in the SEC after transferring from North Florida.

Weaknesses:

He has questions regarding his feel for the game, passing, and defensive capability, having struggled to impact games when his outside shot wasn`t falling.

The verdict:

A true late bloomer, Lanier dramatically improved his jumper as an upperclassman, complementing his solid size, frame, and 6-foot-9 wingspan. He isn`t a primary ball handler and needs to utilize his tools better defensively, but his ability to space the floor and shoot off screens gives him a clear niche.


Pacers logo

38. Indiana Pacers

Jamir Watkins, SG/SF, Florida State, senior

Strengths:

Watkins is a sturdy defender with an excellent frame and a 6-foot-11 wingspan who filled the box score impressively at Florida State.

Weaknesses:

The 23-year-old was productive as a secondary ball handler last season but has never found consistency with his outside shot, hitting just 32.5% of his career 3-pointers in college.

The verdict:

Few players boosted their stock at the NBA combine as much as Watkins, showcasing physicality and intense defense while making plays across the court. Turning 24 in early July, his NBA-ready frame and tools provide an immediate valuable skill, but consistently scoring in the half court will be essential for him to stick long-term.


Raptors logo

39. Toronto Raptors

John Tonje, SF, Wisconsin, super senior

Strengths:

Tonje is a strongly built wing with good size, length, and aggressiveness. He had a breakout season at Wisconsin, emerging as one of the best scorers in college basketball.

Weaknesses:

He is not a strong passer and lacks exceptional defensive tools, relying on a physical, `bully-ball` style that may be less effective against NBA opponents than it was as a 24-year-old in college.

The verdict:

Tonje had a tremendous season for the Badgers, getting to the free-throw line often and shooting 39% from three on high volume. His 41-point game against Arizona was memorable. His maturity could be an asset in the right role, but he still needs to prove himself for NBA purposes, given the mixed historical track record of older players in his mold.


Pelicans logo

40. New Orleans Pelicans

Bogoljub Markovic, PF/C, Mega Superbet (Adriatic)

Strengths:

Markovic is a skilled big man who scored efficiently from all areas in his first Adriatic League season, earning Rookie of the Year honors.

Weaknesses:

With a 6-foot-11 wingspan and narrow frame, he struggles to consistently impact the game defensively and rebounding, often appearing a step slow in awareness on both ends.

The verdict:

Markovic had a breakout year capped by a strong showing at the Nike Hoop Summit. At his best, his ability to space the floor, rebound defensively, and finish skillfully in the paint is intriguing. However, he`ll need to improve his physicality, court vision, and toughness to maximize these tools at higher levels.


Warriors logo

41. Golden State Warriors

Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane (Australia)

Strengths:

Zikarsky is young (18), possesses massive size, a developing skill set, and clear defensive potential aided by his 9-foot-6½ standing reach.

Weaknesses:

While his size is a significant advantage in the paint, he doesn`t move particularly well in open space or provide as much physicality as expected, often seeming a step behind due to lack of awareness.

The verdict:

Zikarsky`s second NBL season wasn`t as productive as scouts hoped. He was consistent on the offensive glass but struggled with scoring efficiency, missing layups and free throws, which dampened optimism about his floor-stretching potential. His ability to alter shots with exceptional length is appealing, but he is still developing as a rim protector away from the basket. Regardless, his size and youth make him an interesting gamble for a team confident in its player development to help him adapt as his body matures.


Kings logo

42. Sacramento Kings

Koby Brea, SG/SF, Kentucky, super senior

Strengths:

Brea has been the best shooter in college basketball over the past two seasons, hitting 47% of his 3s and possessing solid physical tools.

Weaknesses:

Despite his effectiveness as a floor spacer, his negative wingspan, average defense, and explosiveness limit his potential as a complete role player.

The verdict:

After shooting 50% from three at Dayton in 2023-24, Brea delivered another excellent shooting season for Kentucky in 2024-25. He`s a standout floor spacer and movement shooter, a highly valued archetype in the current NBA. His ability to contribute beyond shooting will determine how quickly he finds a role.


Wizards logo

43. Washington Wizards

Sion James, SF, Duke, super senior

Strengths:

James played an essential role for Duke with his steady ball handling, selflessness, defensive versatility, and opportunistic scoring. His strong physique added much-needed experience and toughness.

Weaknesses:

He has never been a prolific scorer, lacking great length and dynamic shot creation. Questions about his shooting persist due to his unusual mechanics and cautiousness from the perimeter.

The verdict:

James played a similar role for Duke as he likely would at the next level: guarding multiple positions, staying active off-ball, and doing the `little things`. While not exceptionally long, his unique physical build could be an asset for a team seeking a versatile utility player, especially if his spot-up shooting improves further.


Thunder logo

44. Oklahoma City Thunder

Johni Broome, C, Auburn, super senior

Strengths:

Broome is a physical and highly productive inside-out threat with a good feel for the game. A Wooden Award finalist, he was one of college basketball`s best players at times last season.

Weaknesses:

Lacking length and explosiveness, Broome relied on timing and tenacity in college. He might be a more situational fit in the NBA, especially if his unconventional shooting form and career 30% 3-point percentage don`t translate.

The verdict:

It`s hard to overstate Broome`s effectiveness last season. While minor injuries hampered him late, his instincts as a scorer, passer, and rebounder were evident. His inconsistent shooting and limited defensive tools complicate his NBA fit somewhat, but he is among the most proven prospects in this draft.


Bulls logo

45. Chicago Bulls

Alex Toohey, SF/PF, Sydney (Australia)

Strengths:

Toohey is an intelligent, versatile forward whose maturity stood out in the NBL and at the NBA combine.

Weaknesses:

An average athlete, he has improved as a shooter but needs to become more consistent from beyond the arc to carve out an NBA role.

The verdict:

Toohey checks boxes with his court vision, consistent effort, length, and defensive anticipation. He has sharp basketball instincts but needs to become a more consistently aggressive and impactful offensive threat to fully utilize them in the NBA – something he took a step towards this past year.


Magic logo

46. Orlando Magic

Kam Jones, PG/SG, Marquette, senior

Strengths:

Jones had a productive, efficient season running Marquette`s offense, hitting big shots and scoring prolifically en route to a first-team All-Big East selection.

Weaknesses:

He is not the most explosive guard and saw a dip in shooting efficiency in an expanded role last season. He faces questions about his defense and ability to create efficiently in a more limited role.

The verdict:

The senior stepped up as a primary ball handler this season, ranking among the nation`s top pick-and-roll creators after primarily playing off-ball previously. His decisive scoring and passing stood out, but his inconsistent 3-point shooting and middling defensive impact are areas for improvement as he aims to show his game translates to a higher level.


Bucks logo

47. Milwaukee Bucks

Javon Small, PG, West Virginia, senior

Strengths:

Small is a tough, well-rounded guard who showed strong role-playing potential, leading an undermanned West Virginia team with his defense and ability to create off the dribble.

Weaknesses:

He has maximized his physical attributes but lacks great size, length, or bulk by NBA standards.

The verdict:

Small had a standout Big 12 season, showcasing the ability to score in bursts and set up teammates on a roster that heavily relied on him. Successfully managing this responsibility while providing defensive energy makes him appealing for teams needing guard depth. Improving his shooting, finishing, and decision-making is key, as he isn`t big enough to rely solely on defense.


Grizzlies logo

48. Memphis Grizzlies

Micah Peavy, SG/SF, Georgetown, senior

Strengths:

Peavy is a versatile wing with solid size who defends with high intensity and made notable strides in 3-point shooting as a fifth-year senior.

Weaknesses:

Peavy has unorthodox shooting mechanics, hitting 32% from three and 61% from the free-throw line for his college career, with low efficiency inside the arc. While his effort translated well in college, he lacks great length for the NBA and has an even wingspan. He turns 24 on July 16.

The verdict:

In his third college stop, Peavy sometimes carried Georgetown with his assertive, opportunistic scoring. He showed versatility in finding teammates and making more outside shots than anticipated. Career free-throw struggles, occasional questionable decisions, and his age are concerns. However, the scarcity of players in his mold will give him opportunities to demonstrate his game translates.


Cavaliers logo

49. Cleveland Cavaliers

Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan, super senior

Strengths:

Goldin is a physically imposing center with great size and length whose effort and productivity made him a key player in multiple NCAA tournament runs.

Weaknesses:

Goldin moves well and can play above the rim with momentum but lacks quickness guarding in space and pursuing rebounds. His limited perimeter skills hinder versatility; he`s not a great passer and lacks shooting range currently. At 24, he`s one of the oldest players in this class.

The verdict:

Goldin was a force rolling to the rim and on the offensive glass; his intensity and size at the rim can be imposing, though he isn`t the most fluid athlete. While he experimented with a jumper as a fifth-year senior, the center with a 7-foot-5 wingspan fits a traditional big man mold. His ability to anchor a defense and consistently rebound is crucial at the next level.


Knicks logo

50. New York Knicks

Lachlan Olbrich, PF/C, Illawarra

Strengths:

Olbrich is a traditional big man with strong effort and court vision whose improvement helped the Illawarra Hawks win the NBL championship this season.

Weaknesses:

He lacks the length for a true center (6-foot-11 wingspan) and floor-spacing ability for a power forward, leaving him somewhat positionally ambiguous on both ends. He also doesn`t possess great explosiveness to compensate.

The verdict:

Olbrich returned to Australia after a productive freshman year in the Big West and has significantly progressed since. He shows excellent passing, strong interior skills, and the effort and physicality needed defensively. Figuring out how to keep defenders honest from the perimeter will likely be crucial for his NBA chances, given his lack of ideal defensive physical tools.


Clippers logo

51. LA Clippers

Eric Dixon, PF, Villanova, super senior

Strengths:

Dixon is a wide-bodied power forward who had an extremely productive season, leading the nation in scoring as a sixth-year senior. He has clearly made a significant leap as a shooter.

Weaknesses:

His 6-foot-11½ wingspan, average physical attributes, and inconsistent defensive impact are limiting factors.

The verdict:

Scoring prolifically from the perimeter at 259 pounds this season, Dixon transformed from a hesitant shooter into perhaps the most dynamic shooting big man in college basketball over his career. Rediscovering some of his earlier physicality and toughness as a rebounder and defender in a smaller NBA role would be highly beneficial for carving out a place.


Suns logo

52. Phoenix Suns

Alijah Martin, SG, Florida, senior

Strengths:

Martin is a strong, explosive wing whose shotmaking and defensive versatility were key to Florida`s championship run.

Weaknesses:

While he has a 6-foot-7½ wingspan, Martin isn`t a great ball handler or passer for his size. He has also been prone to streaky shooting from beyond the arc.

The verdict:

Bouncy, physical, and tough, Martin had strong two-way performances, especially when his shot was accurate. Playing bigger than his listed height defensively and making impressive plays in space, his physical tools were an asset in college. However, he`ll need to become a more reliable shooter or effective playmaker to ease his transition to the NBA.


Jazz logo

53. Utah Jazz

Amari Williams, C, Kentucky, senior

Strengths:

Williams is a center with an intriguing mix of length (7-foot-6 wingspan), rebounding prowess, shot-blocking ability, and feel as a passer.

Weaknesses:

Not much of a scorer outside of drawing fouls with his size, Williams has no shooting range, never improved his free-throw shooting (63% career), and doesn`t offer as much defensive versatility as hoped. He struggled covering ground outside the paint and wasn`t always consistently intense or aware.

The verdict:

Williams may not excel at quick defensive rotations or moving on the perimeter, but he has excellent physical tools and was one of the nation`s best rebounders in his lone season at Kentucky. Combined with his ability as a facilitator in handoffs and finishing above the rim on the move, he presents as an interesting situational fit for some teams.


Pacers logo

54. Indiana Pacers

Dink Pate, SG/SF, Mexico City (G League)

Strengths:

Pate, 19, is a swingman with intriguing physical tools and a strong high school pedigree, offering long-term upside.

Weaknesses:

Pate is in early stages of development regarding his shooting, defense, decision-making, and consistency. He was miscast as a point guard earlier and faced a tough situation in the G League as the youngest player for two consecutive years.

The verdict:

Pate had some productive games for the Mexico City Capitanes after an uphill battle with the G League Ignite last season. He showed flashes of driving ability, simple plays off the dribble, and hot shooting stretches, but has significant areas to refine as he remains raw. Nevertheless, his youth and flashes of potential intrigue teams that trust their player development programs.


Lakers logo

55. Los Angeles Lakers

Viktor Lakhin, C, Clemson, super senior

Strengths:

Lakhin is a versatile big man and fifth-year senior who made real strides as a shooter to complement his interior skills, passing, and defensive timing.

Weaknesses:

He isn`t particularly fast or explosive, somewhat caught between positions. He relied on timing and craftiness in college, which might not translate smoothly against better athletes. He has had several injuries, missing most of the pre-draft process due to a ligament tear in his foot that will sideline him for several months.

The verdict:

Lakhin had a terrific season, contributing across the board with his court vision, finishing touch, and defensive maturity. His improvement as a floor spacer is notable. The limited sample size for his jumper means he`ll need to stay healthy and prove this part of his game is real to carve out a meaningful NBA role.


Grizzlies logo

56. Memphis Grizzlies

Hunter Sallis, SG, Wake Forest, senior

Strengths:

Sallis is a thin guard with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, strong confidence in his pull-up jumper, and solid defensive effort.

Weaknesses:

After shooting an excellent 41% from three a year ago, he struggled significantly this past season (28%), finishing his college career converting just 33% of his overall attempts over four years. He also isn`t a great shot creator or passer.

The verdict:

Sallis didn`t make the leap scouts hoped for after bypassing second-round opportunities last year to return to Wake Forest. He played a high-usage role somewhat inefficiently but still impacted the game with his defensive and rebounding energy. His length and versatility are positives, but improving his frame and consistently demonstrating outside shooting will be key to establishing a long-term niche.


Magic logo

57. Orlando Magic

Kobe Sanders, SG/SF, Nevada, senior

Strengths:

Sanders has excellent size for a guard who handled the ball as much as he did in his lone season at Nevada.

Weaknesses:

He has a negative wingspan and possesses only average skills, which were evident mostly on defense and sometimes in poor shot selection.

The verdict:

Sanders had a terrific season as a grad transfer, using his size and pace to create off the dribble. He was a top midrange scorer but needs to improve his decision-making and spot-up shooting for an easier transition to the NBA. He`ll face another learning curve defensively if he doesn`t add more toughness and physicality.


Cavaliers logo

58. Cleveland Cavaliers

Saliou Niang, SG/SF, Trento (Italy)

Strengths:

Niang is a physically gifted wing on an impressive trajectory who emerged from obscurity into an impactful player in the Italian League and EuroCup for Trento.

Weaknesses:

His offensive profile is questionable; he has little shooting range, hitting only 11 3-pointers in 45 games while having more turnovers than assists.

The verdict:

Niang`s defensive versatility, rebounding, and intensity allowed him to contribute against high-level competition. He found ways to impact the game on both ends despite lacking significant offensive refinement. He will likely need to develop some shooting range to have any chance of playing an NBA role, but he has untapped potential based on his improvement over the past two years.


Rockets logo

59. Houston Rockets

Ryan Nembhard, PG, Gonzaga, senior

Strengths:

Nembhard is a smart point guard who led Division I in assists and clearly showcased his playmaking vision in the G League Elite Camp and NBA combine scrimmages.

Weaknesses:

Standing 6-foot in shoes, he lacks great size, strength, length, and explosiveness, which limits his finishing ability in the paint and his effectiveness defensively.

The verdict:

While physically undersized, Nembhard is arguably the most established floor general in this draft. His impressive 3.9 assist-to-turnover ratio and ability to pass teammates open were consistently evident last season. His polish as a distributor alone should secure him a niche at the next level, but becoming more than just an opportunistic shooter could solidify his standing.


Callum Drayton
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