Picks 16-20
16. San Antonio Spurs: PF Sekou Doumbouya- France
The Spurs’ frontcourt is not getting any younger and the athletic French forward would be a perfect compliment to Lamarcus Aldridge and others. Still only 17, Doumbouya is known for his strength and versatility; he can get out and move in transition and attack the basket in many ways. The 6-foot-9 international player’s high motor and potential have caught the eyes of many GMs and we all know how San Antonio develops foreign players. He may not impact much early on, but the focus for him is on the future, but his athleticism and physicality will find him on the court soon.
17. Detroit Pistons: G/F Jarrett Culver; Texas Tech; So
Keenan Evans and Zhaire Smith overshadowed Culver in his freshman season at Texas Tech, but there is nothing holding him back this season. Averaging 16.3 PPG on 52.8 percent from the field (40.0 percent from three), Culver is one of the most offensively-polished players in the draft. With Stanley Johnson‘s and possibly Luke Kennard‘s role in Detroit unclear, it would make sense for them to take a chance on Culver. It may take a season or two for him to develop his offensive identity, but he becomes an immediate threat on the perimeter on a Pistons’ team that is last in the NBA in team three-point field goal percentage.
18. Philadelphia 76ers: SG Nickeil Alexander-Walker- Virginia Tech; So
There is no guarantee that Jimmy Butler returns to Philly next season and the 76ers already need three-point shooting. Alexander-Walker is oozing with potential and is primed for a breakout sophomore season at Virginia Tech. A 38.9 percent career three-point shooter, he brings more firepower to an uncertain backcourt. The sophomore brings more athleticism and his style of play will find him in many catch-and-shoot situations. Despite needing some polishing in terms of playmaking, he is able to score in a variety of ways.
19. Boston Celtics (via Sacramento): PF/C Charles Bassey- WKU; Fr
Al Horford has the option to become a free agent this summer and even if he does return to Boston, he turns 33 in June. The Celtics do not have a need nor do they require much offensive production from the center position. Bassey just turned 18 and his high motor fits the designed role for the Celtics. In his freshman season at Western Kentucky, he has been putting up 13.0 and 10.5 points and rebounds per game, respectively. He can run the floor well, finish around the basket, and protect the rim; considering that the Celtics have three selections in the first round, taking a chance on Bassey is low-risk, high-reward.
20. Los Angeles Lakers: PF Jalen Smith- Maryland; Fr
With a bunch of roster fillers for this season, there is no telling what Magic Johnson and LeBron James are up to in terms of next season’s team. Adding an underrated, do-it-all type of big man doesn’t hurt regardless. Smith only weighs 215 pounds and at 6-foot-10 that is less than ideal for a power forward in the NBA. Fortunately, he won’t have to fulfill a big role immediately and will have time to effectively add weight and polish his offensive game. Smith can run the floor well and finish above the rim, but it a streaky scorer. The upside is intriguing and the Lakers take a chance on a raw, but skilled forward.
Next Up: 21-25
