NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Kings take a risk, Magic win with two studs
By Logan Struck
8. Washington Wizards: Anthony Black, CG, Arkansas
With the Wizards entering a rebuilding phase after trading Bradley Beal to the Suns, they look to take a talented guard with elite playmaking ability. The 6’7″ guard has great size that will translate to the next level. Even with a lack of shot-creating ability, his defensive upside and tools to develop his scoring give him the potential to be a franchise player for the Wizards.
9. Utah Jazz: Taylor Hendricks, PF, UCF
While a power forward is not a strong desire for a Utah Jazz team coming off a breakout Lauri Markkanen season, the Jazz have no reason to pass on the best player available. Hendricks is a 6’8″ forward with elite two-way versatility. He is an impressive on-ball defender with a jump shot that is developing quickly. Hendricks is an incredible athlete and should be valuable on a Jazz team holding three first-round draft picks.
10. Dallas Mavericks: Bilal Coulibaly, SF, France
Playing on the same team as Victor Wembanyama, it took a while for scouts to see the impressive skill of Coulibaly. The Mavericks have had amazing luck with international prospects in the past, so why not take the chance here? Coulibaly is possibly the best on-ball defender in the draft, with the tools to become a complete two-way player. Playing next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving would bring the best out of Coulibaly.
11. Orlando Magic (via CHI): Dereck Lively II, C, Duke
After drafting Ausar Thompson with the 6th pick, the Magic go a different direction with 7’1″ Dereck Lively at pick 11. Instead of loading their backcourt depth even more, the Magic snag the undisputed 2nd best center prospect in the draft to add size to an already tall lineup. Although Lively struggled to get comfortable on offense at Duke, he has shown flashes of a shooting touch through pre-draft workouts.