Moving through the playoffs, most teams are on vacation with a focus shifted heavily to the June 23 NBA Draft. In Part II of their mock draft, Sports Business Classroom alumni Ari Eizen, Ron Gutterman, and Aaron Pearlstein simulate the remainder of the first round. The first 14 selections can be found in Part I.

No. 15: Charlotte Hornets (Via New Orleans Pelicans) | Record: 43-39

This season, the Hornets were one of the league’s most exciting teams, with a high-flying offense led by LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. Defensively, the team struggled (rated 22nd). Charlotte fired head coach James Borrego. A new coach could sway the team’s style of play, but the significant hole was on the defensive side of the ball.

Tari Eason, Sophomore, LSU

The Hornets double down on defense – after selecting Mark Williams with the 13th overall pick in Part 1 of this mock draft – by taking LSU’s Eason. A switchy, versatile defender, Eason should make for a perfect wing pairing alongside Miles Bridges while serving as an elite transition player next to LaMelo Ball. -RG

No. 16: Atlanta Hawks | Record: 43-39

After making the conference finals in 2021, the Hawks took a step backward with a first-round exit in May. Atlanta is another team that needs to improve defensively.

Kennedy Chandler, Freshman, Tennessee

The Hawks ended the year with the 26th-ranked adjusted Defensive Rating per Dunks and Threes. Adding Kennedy Chalder to the team should be able to help on the defensive side. He thrives off-ball, using cuts to create separation from his defenders. -AE

No. 17: Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets) | Record: 20-62

The Rockets added Jabari Smith Jr. with the No. 1 overall pick in Part I. Their second selection comes from the Nets via the James Harden trade.

Dyson Daniels, Freshman, G-League Ignite

The Rockets should look to capitalize on their young skilled roster by selecting the best player available in Dyson Daniels. A point guard comfortable playing at a fast pace, Daniels will give Houston an exciting backcourt with Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. -AP

No. 18: Chicago Bulls | Record: 46-36

The Chicago Bulls returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2016-17, but the year fizzled out, a big part due to injuries. The major question for the offseason is the status of unrestricted free agent Zach LaVine.

Walker Kessler, Sophomore, Auburn

The perimeter defense of Ball and Caruso is remarkable, while Patrick Williams provides strong resistance on the wings. But what the Bulls are missing is a bonafide rim protector. They find that in Kessler, who was arguably the best defensive center in all of college basketball in 2021-22. -RG

No. 19: Minnesota Timberwolves | Record: 46-36

After making the playoffs for just the second time in 17 years, the Timberwolves gave the Memphis Grizzlies a serious challenge in the first round. While the team has plenty of room to grow, especially with Anthony Edwards emerging alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. 

Blake Wesley, Freshman, Notre Dame

Provided Wesley doesn’t return to school to improve his draft stock, he’d give the Timberwolves an athletic scorer who can create space anywhere on the court. Adding another weapon like Wesley to their arsenal can help vault the Wolves past the first round of the playoffs. -AE

No. 20: San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors) | Record: 34-48 

The Spurs selected Benedict Mathurin at No. 9, The second first-rounder was acquired from the Raptors in the Thaddeus Young deal.

Nikola Jović, Freshman, Mega Basket

The 6’10’’ Serbian wing would enhance the Spurs’ versatility and depth as a whole. Jović is one of the most NBA-ready prospects on the board. He should fit into multiple positions with the innate ability to facilitate and space the floor while also defending at a high level. -AP

No. 21: Denver Nuggets | Record: 48-34

The Nuggets were decimated by injury, needing an MVP-level performance by Nikola Jokic to stay, briefly, in playoff contention. With offensive firepower projected to return in Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., Denver could stand to improve their middle-of-the-pack defense (No. 16 in defensive rating).

Malaki Branham, Freshman, Ohio State

Branham is a quality three-and-D guard with the exact skill set and physical tools to slot next to the Nuggets’ big three. -RG

No. 22: Memphis Grizzlies (Via Utah Jazz) | Record: 56-26

Ja Morant took a massive step this year, earning the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. Morant paired with a young core of Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Dillion Brooks, the Grizzlies are going to a serious threat in the West for a long time. This selection is from the Utah Jazz via the Mike Conley trade.

Ousmane Dieng, Freshman, New Zealand

With another first-round pick at the end of the draft, the Grizzlies can take a risk on a high upside prospect. Dieng fits that profile perfectly with upside as a 6’10” dynamic playmaker with ball-handling skills. He has the ability to create space for open shots but needs to improve his shooting stroke. -AE

 

No. 23: Brooklyn Nets (Via Philadelphia 76ers) | Record: 44-38

The Nets started the season with James Harden but ended with Ben Simmons, who was unable to play (primarily a back issue). After a sweep by the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn will hit the offseason with a big question surrounding Kyrie Irving and his player option.

Jalen Williams, Junior, Santa Clara

The Nets hope to be a contender, so Williams may not get a ton of opportunity initially–but the Nets have also looked to develop young players like Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Kessler Edwards. At 6’6″, Williams is one of the more versatile, smarter prospects in the draft. -AP

No. 24: Milwaukee Bucks | Record: 51-31

The defending champs will be returning next season with the same core of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday. As long as Antetokounmpo is healthy, the Bucks will remain a contender.

Patrick Baldwin Jr., Freshman, Milwaukee

The Bucks select the hometown kid in Baldwin, a Milwaukee-area native with an intriguing skillset. Baldwin only played 11 games at the college level, but he showed flashes of being a promising wing with NBA potential despite a nagging ankle injury. He’s a bit of a project, but the defending champs can afford to take the risk. -RG

No. 25: San Antonio Spurs (via Boston Celtics) | Record: 34-48

The Spurs’ third first came from the Celtics in the Derrick White swap, arguably too many picks for a team that still has several players on rookie-scale contracts. A high-risk, high-reward prospect may make sense here.

Christian Braun, Junior, Kansas

Braun is an athletic two-way player with a great motor and a vital part of the Jayhawks’ NCAA title run. The Spurs may have too much depth, but Braun could find a role in San Antonio. -AE

No. 26: Dallas Mavericks | Record: 52-30 

Luka Doncic and the Mavericks overcame a slow start to advance to the second round of the playoffs. The team’s biggest offseason concern is Jalen Brunson’s free-agent status. If he leaves, the Mavericks may try to find some help at that position in the draft.

Bryce McGowens, Freshman, Nebraska

McGowens has elite offensive potential structured on his athleticism. His versatile play allows him to play guard and forward positions. He should be a great fit with Dallas’ core. -AP

No. 27: Miami Heat | Record: 53-29

The Heat continue to be at the forefront of player development, with Max Strus taking a leap this season. With a balanced roster of youth and experience, the Heat can add more depth to a team that was the No. 1 seed in the East this year. 

Kendall Brown, Freshman, Baylor

Miami could use an infusion of youth and athleticism on the wings, and they add plenty of it with the addition of Brown. A pure athlete at 6’8″, Brown is a perfect fit for modern NBA defenses with his ability to guard one through four. He also has the tools to be an impactful offensive player, but his ceiling could be farther away in that regard. -RG

No. 28: Golden State Warriors | Record: 53-29 

The emergence of Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson’s return from a two-year hiatus alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green made the Warriors a legitimate title contender all season. With the second-ranked defense in the NBA, the Warriors could look to find help in a shallow frontcourt. 

Christian Koloko, Junior, Arizona

Koloko is an athletic center who is always present near the rim both on offense and defense. Last year’s No. 2 pick James Wiseman has barely played over the past two seasons. Adding a big man in Koloko can help Golden State, regardless of if they decide to re-sign veteran big Kevon Looney. -AE

No. 29: Memphis Grizzlies | Record: 56-14

The Grizzlies have a nearly full roster, especially if they bring back veterans like Tyus Jones and Kyle Anderson. The team’s second first may need the team to make a trade to open a spot.

Dalen Terry, Freshman, Arizona

Dalen Terry could really help the Grizzlies immediately as a 6’8″ forward who is a blur in transition and one of the best secondary facilitators in his class. He’s also an NBA-ready defender and would be a great get at No. 29.

No. 30: Oklahoma City Thunder (via Phoenix  Suns) | Record: 24-58

After selecting Shadeon Sharpe at No.4 and Ochai Agbaji at No. 12, the Thunder have a third pick from the Phoenix Suns (Chris Paul). Will the team have enough room on the roster for all three? That remains to be seen.

MarJon Beauchamp, G League Ignite

With their third pick of the first round, the Thunder take a swing with Beauchamp from G League Ignite. A prototypical three-and-D wing, Beauchamp has all the tools to be successful on both ends of the floor. He may not be quite ready to contribute to a contender on Day 1, but the Thunder represent a perfect development opportunity. -RG

Note: Ron Gutterman’s opinion is his own and does not reflect the Denver Nuggets, of which he is an employee.