The 94 Feet Report Mock Draft 1.0
The top 30 picks projected by 4 analysts
The 94 Feet Report mock draft will be done by Alex West (AW), Will Walker (WW), Eustacchio Raulli (ER), and myself (PO). If a personal pick isn’t present, the individual mock was consistent with consensus pick.
Standings for this mock are accurate as of 1/23 pre-game and include the Pistons/Clippers trade on 1/29
- Sacramento Kings — Luka Doncic, Real Madrid
The Kings shouldn’t have to think too hard about this selection. Sacramento needs help in a lot of areas, and playmaking is near the top of that list. Luka Doncic should be able to play at least two different positions offensively and will make life easier for most players on the roster by manipulating defenses. He isn’t a perfect fit with Fox, because of Fox’s inability to play off ball. The Kings can begin exploiting the mismatches by surrounding Doncic with wings and a big to hopefully force tough choices for defenses. Defensively, Doncic will ideally be the weakest defender in a lineup, but because of his size finding a place to put him shouldn’t be hard because of his size at 6'8 with a 6'11 wingpsan. — PO
2. Orlando Magic — Trae Young, Oklahoma
Trae Young would immediately expand the capabilities of Orlando’s offense by a large margin. He can distort defenses in ways Elfrid Payton will never be able to because defenses have to respect him from so far out . And he is perfectly equipped to thrive in the spacing this Magic offense has the potential to provide. Orlando could consider one of the many worthy big-men available here, but would either have to play Aaron Gordon at the three or give up on Jonathan Isaac as a starter entirely too early, neither of which would be wise decisions, in my opinion. — PO
3. Atlanta Hawks — Jaren Jackson Jr, Michigan St.
AW: DeAndre Ayton WW: Michael Porter Jr.
Jaren Jackson Jr. gives the Hawks a big who is best suited at center but has the versatility to slide over to the four. Jackson can fill both roles, standing at 6'10 with a 7'4 wingspan. Offensively, Jackson doesn’t project as a volume scorer, but he should be a versatile weapon that can patch many holes regardless how the rest of the roster is filled out. He can stretch the floor (hitting 43.3 percent from 3 and 79.6 percent from FT) as well as take advantage of mismatches down low scoring 1.172 PPP on post-up possessions. Jackson already shows great instincts defensively both as a rim protector and a good decision maker on the perimeter. He slides his feet well, stays engaged, and can explode to make plays, three attributes necessary for bigs to succeed defensively in today’s game. — PO
4. Dallas Mavericks — DeAndre Ayton, Arizona
AW: Marvin Bagley III
Standing at 7'0 and 250 lbs (with a 7'6 wingspan!) Ayton is perhaps the most impressive physical specimen in the draft. An elite athlete capable of defending at all three levels, with impressive hand-eye coordination for his size (75 percent from the FT line, 46 percent on a high volume of two-point jumpers). His basketball IQ is his Achilles heel, but in time Rick Carlisle should be able to help him hone his instincts. Ayton would give the Mavericks the rim-running rim protector they’ve lacked since Tyson Chandler’s departure. Moreover, he projects to be far more versatile than Chandler offensively, with the skill level to post-up, face-up and drain jumpers. He’s finished an incredible 85 percent of his shots around the rim, only 60 percent of which were assisted. With good coaching to aid his development, Ayton has the potential to be the best player from this draft class. — ER
5. Phoenix Suns — Marvin Bagley III, Duke
AW: Michael Porter Jr. ER: Collin Sexton
The Suns have been hit or miss in the draft lately but adding Marvin Bagley III is a step in the right direction. Bagley has showcased a versatile offensive game both around the rim (where he is a 77 percent shooter) and on three-pointers (33 percent on two attempts per game). He is also very young (not turning twenty until March of his rookie season), making him an appealing choice for the Suns who have a lengthy timeline toward contending. Phoenix already has two young bigs in Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender, but the talented lefty is already more skilled than both and will be a great future building block for the Suns (something Chriss and Bender likely are not). — AW
6. Philadelphia 76ers (From LAL) — Mikal Bridges, Villanova
WW: Jaren Jackson Jr.
If Redick departs after his one year deal is up, Philly will need to fill the gap with a another wing that can create space. Enter Mikal Bridges, this draft’s best three-and-D prospect. He is shooting 43.1 percent from behind the arc and thrives playing off the ball, a natural pairing with Ben Simmons. His length and lower body strength will unlock a host of small-ball lineups wherein he can defend opposing twos, threes, and fours. Concerns about dribbling and lack of explosiveness might limit Bridges’s ceiling, but in a low usage situation like Philadelphia, he will thrive. — AW
7. Memphis Grizzlies — Michael Porter Jr, Missouri
AW: Jaren Jackson Jr. WW: Mikal Bridges
The Grizzlies are betting on modern science, counting on Michael Porter Jr being able to return from back surgery and become the foundation for the next era of Grizzlies basketball. They shouldn’t be in a rush to get contributions from him with their first round pick next year owed to Boston (but protected picks 1–8). Another year picking at eighth or better would likely prevent Memphis from relaying a high lottery pick once the protections are lifted.
When Porter is ready to play, he should fit very well next to Gasol and Conley even as they age and by the time his extension comes around, they will be off the books (or at least on smaller deals) or he could be the foundation of the next Grizzlies contender if they move on from Marc and Mike. He doesn’t have an extraordinary wingspan at 7 feet compared to his 6’10” height but he does have a history of being a very good rebounder, at least at the high school/AAU level. Betting on Porter’s health is a gamble, but at this stage in the lottery the Grizzlies can’t pass on the player widely considered to be one of the top players in this draft before his unfortunate injury. — WW
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (from BKN) — Collin Sexton, Alabama
PO: Miles Bridges ER: Keita Bates-Diop
With or without King James, it makes sense for the Cavs to snatch up the bulldog point guard from Alabama with the oft-discussed Brooklyn pick. With LeBron, Sexton could fill the need for an extra penetrator on offense and potentially a point-of-attack defender Cleveland is sorely lacking. If James leaves, he would be a good starting point for a rebuilding Cavaliers team.
Sexton’s competitiveness is one of his distinguishing traits as evidenced by him leading a 3-on-5 near-comeback vs Minnesota after the CrimsonTide were left short-handed in NYC earlier this season. He even outplayed prospect Trae Young in their recent matchup, getting a win for the home team. His shot is streaky but he should be able to get to the rim almost at will with the increased spacing at the next level. Sexton will take years to hit his ceiling and should be developing on a gentle curve, but if he does, Cleveland might have a steal. — WW
9. Chicago Bulls — Mohamed Bamba, Texas
ER: Wendell Carter Jr.
When it comes to Mohamed Bamba, his 7’9 wingspan is a great place to start the discussion. The Bulls could use a center of the future and he would make an interesting frontcourt partner for Lauri Markkenen. If his shooting potential is ever fully realized, they could form a destructive floor stretching duo and Mo would help cover for some of Lauri’s defensive and rebounding shortcomings. This pick doesn’t come without risks as some questions still surround the lanky project from the Bronx. His inconsistency is a red flag as he seems to put up big games against teams that lack the height needed to counter him, but his upside is as enormous as his wingspan. — WW
10. Utah Jazz — Miles Bridges, Michigan St.
PO: Collin Sexton AW: Kevin Knox
A very young sophomore, Bridges is closer in age to much of the freshman class (Ayton, Porter Jr, Bamba) than to most other second-year college players. His height and wingspan fall into the three range, but Bridges has the strength, rebounding and shot-blocking acumen to spend time at the four, as well. A three-level scorer with better passing skills than most players his size, Bridges would inject a measure of dynamism into the Jazz offense, something they’ve lacked in the frontcourt since Gordon Hayward’s departure. The Mitchell — Bridges — Gobert trio would be an excellent foundation for Utah’s future. — ER
11. Charlotte Hornets — Wendell Carter Jr, Duke
AW: Miles Briges ER: Jacob Evans
At pick no. 11, Wendell Carter’s talent is too tempting to pass on. His performance has been impressive, even with the crowded frontcourt at Duke. He stands 6’10 with a 7’3 wingspan and has an interesting mix of some nifty passing skills and a sweet shot with range. He also appears to have a high on-court IQ, but it may never match his off court IQ (he was an exceptional academic at Atlanta’s Pace Academy). It’s hard to tell what exactly the Hornets may need or what Jordan is thinking but Carter would be a quality addition to any team this late in the lottery. — WW
12. New York Knicks — Kevin Knox, Kentucky
PO: Keita Bates-Diop AW: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ER: Marvin Bagley III
The Knicks have a centerpiece, but they need all kinds of talent to surround Kristaps Porzingis. The 6’9 freshman has been up and down this season, scoring twenty or more points in six games and under ten in five. He desperately needs to find out which forward spot he will fill in, being a shaky shooter (35.4 percent) for a wing and a sub-par rebounder (5.7 per game, 14.8 percent) for a full-time four. Both of these issues create a wide variety of outcomes for Knox’s career, but at no. 12, the Knicks have limited options for a play maker. Knox still has potential to be a big time scorer, with outbursts like Saturday’s 34-point outburst against West Virginia. If given time to develop, he could be a potent piece of the rebuilding franchise. — AW
13. Los Angeles Clippers (from DET)— Josh Okogie, Georgia Tech
AW: Troy Brown ER: Nickeil Alexander-Walker WW: Hamidou Diallo
Standing at 6'4 with a 7'0 wingspan, Josh Okogie gives the Clippers a wing with the positional versatility to play at least two positions, while his frame allows for the possibility of more. Okogie is currently knocking down over 40 percent of his threes and 80 percent of his free throws with a high number of attempts from the line, strong predictor numbers. Okogie should be able to get a shot at the Clippers rotation early with their inaugural rebuild acquisition. I wouldn’t expect this pick to stay in the lottery range, however, with Blake Griffin likely to move the Pistons up a few spots in the standings. — PO
14. Los Angeles Clippers — Rawle Alkins, Arizona
PO: Kevin Knox ER: Jontay Porter
Rawle Alkins probably could have made it in the league after his freshman season, but the decision to return to Arizona has paid off in spades for the sophomore. A well-rounded, if not outstanding, skill set has him close to a lottery pick and with a strong finish to the season could play him into a top 15 selection. Great length and strength, as well as quick feet, give Alkins all the tools he needs to transition as a solid defender. The Clippers will be on the hunt for impact players to rebuild around and Alkins presents himself as a strong three-and-D player, perfect for a young and hungry team. — AW
15. Denver Nuggets — Dzanan Musa, Cedevita
PO: Jacob Evans AW: Wendell Carter ER: Shake Milton
The Nuggets have a crack international scouting department (see: Jokic, Nikola) and have no obvious long term solution at the three spot. One of the most exciting young players in Europe, Musa can score in a variety of ways and fit with Denver’s free-wheeling play style. On the defensive side of the ball is where the question marks lie as he is 6’9” but has a negative wingspan and somes in little light at only 196 pounds. Even considering his defensive shortcomings, Musa’s addition would be another potentially powerful weapon should Denver choose to outscore everyone instead of refining their defense. — WW
16. Philadelphia 76ers — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky
AW: Shake Milton WW: Josh Okogie
With Ben Simmons as the primary ball-handler it shifts what the 76ers should prioritize in a nominal PG. Shai is a versatile defensive player with a 6–11 wingspan, and projects to be an effective secondary ball-handler and distributor. His shooting is a work in progress, 41 percent from deep but on a very low volume. His free throw percentage is just over 80, which bodes well for the long-term development of his jump shot. With Markelle Fultz having some major mechanical issues right now Shai would be a wise investment for the Sixers. — ER
17. Milwaukee Bucks — Shake Milton, Southern Methodist
AW: Robert Williams ER: Dzanan Musa WW: Mitchell Robinson
Shake Milton is a combo guard who should have no problem complementing resident star Giannis Antetokounmpo. He has the length at 6'7 with a 6'11.5 wingspan to fit right into the Bucks system, or at least, what I assume will continue to be their defensive theory after the coaching shuffle. When Giannis is on the bench, Milton can act as the initiator. Currently his 4.4 passes per game out of the P&R leading to a shot attempt are yielding 1.215 PPP leading me to believe he can at least be a secondary ball-handler. — PO
18. Indiana Pacers — Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio St.
PO, AW: Dzanan Musa ER: Kevin Knox WW: Shake Milton
Keita Bates-Diop’s draft stock has been on a steady rise since his red-shirt junior season in Columbus started. Most draft experts had crossed the name off the list after a lower leg stress fracture that limited him to just 9.7 points and 5.2 rebounds in nine contests during his original junior campaign. But the 6’7 forward has turned into one of the nation’s most improved players this season. While he might not have elite athleticism, KBD brings a lot of length and a high motor making him a really nice fit with a young, cagey Indiana group. — AW
19. Portland Trail Blazers — Jacob Evans, Cincinnati
PO: Nickeil Alexander-Walker AW: Keita Bates-Diop ER: Mohamed Bamba WW: Anfernee McLemore
While Portland has morphed into a top ten defensive team this season, the change has hurt their ability to produce easy offense. Ranking dead last in transition frequency, the Blazers could certainly use someone who can push the pace like Evans. He and senior Gary Clark form the teeth of a Cincinnati defense that produces live-ball turnovers like clockwork. Moreover, Evans is impactful in many other ways, from reliable three-point shooting to secondary ball-handling. Capable of filling the Evan Turner role without the same limitations (poor shooting, low-impact defense), Evans would be an excellent running mate for Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum for years to come. — ER
20. New Orleans Pelicans — Gary Trent Jr, Duke
PO: Admiral Schofield AW: Hamidou Diallo ER: Josh Okogie WW: Isaac Bonga
The Pelicans need shooting. The Pelicans need shooting. The Pelicans need shooting. The Pel- you get the idea. New Orleans is ninth in three-point percentage, but as long as the “Two Bigs” experiment is going on, they always need more wings who can connect from long range. Gary Trent has been a breakout three-point assassin for the Duke Blue Devils this season, connecting on 42.2 percent of his looks outside the arc, giving him an impact skill to address an area of need. He struggles taking the ball inside the line and doesn’t have a particularly developed passing game, things he will have to sort out to help as a secondary creator for the Pelicans, but his ability to space the floor for bigs Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins make him an enticing pick for a team mired down with offseason questions. Trent has an NBA-ready frame but needs to add some muscle to defender larger two-guards and will need to drastically improve on his help defense. — AW
21. Washington Wizards — Daniel Gafford, Arkansas
PO: Robert Williams AW: Josh Okogie
Daniel Gafford is an elite rim-runner (75–83, 90 percent at the rim and a high free throw rate) with little to no skill outside of the paint (18–71, 25 percent on two-point jumpers). He’s shown some shot-blocking acumen on the other end, but so far it hasn’t translated to good team-level defense inside the arc. His propensity to foul and to gamble for blocks likely contributes to this, but Scott Brooks is among the best player development coaches in the league today. This seems like a smart gamble for the Wizards, who need to replace Marcin Gortat with someone younger in the near future. — ER
22. Minnesota Timberwolves — Admiral Schofield, Tennessee
PO, ER: Gary Trent Jr. AW: Daniel Gafford WW: Lonnie Walker
Admiral Schofield is a versatile forward who should be able to come in and contribute in a few ways the Timberwolves desperately need. He can hit an open three-point shot, his frame and wingspan should allow him to defend at least two positions defensively, and most importantly, it looks like he wants to defend, something this team could use more of. If he can be a spacing cog that Thibs feels comfortable putting at the four next to KAT , it could unlock new levels for both the offense and defense. — PO
23. Phoenix Suns (from MIA) — Mitchell Robinson
PO: Jalen Brunson WW: Trevon Duval
With Chandler aging out and Len’s upcoming free agency, the Suns could use and infusion of talent at the five. Picking Mitchell Robinson adds a center with enormous upside as a rim protector and low block finisher, with his 7'1 frame and 7'4 wingspan. All of this is somewhat theoretical, with Mitchell not playing college ball, or any basketball this year, for that matter. Its unfortunate players aren’t allowed a more freedom when special situations arise such as the one at Western Kentucky because it would have been invaluable to see him in action against better competition than he saw in New Orleans high school leagues. When he did get a chance to challenge himself against better competition, he put up 5.64 blocks per 36 minutes, better than any of the big name recruits of in this draft. On offense, he may never be much more than a dunker or lob finisher but that is still a valuable role in the league today and at this point in the first round, getting a player with obvious lottery-level physical tools could prove to be a real boon for Phoenix. — WW
24. Cleveland Cavaliers — Jalen Brunson, Villanova
PO: Mitchell Robinson AW: Trevon Duval WW: Troy Brown
Among the most skilled players in college basketball, Villanova is producing 1.31 PPP with Jalen Brunson on the court, ranking him first in all of D-1, among players with at least 200 offensive possessions played. Over the last two seasons he’s shot 71 percent at the rim, 51 percent on two-point jumpers and 42 percent on three-pointers. He’s an exceptionally creative passer and a reliable ball-handler. So, what’s the catch? Although he can be sneaky quick at times, he’s merely an average athlete, even at the NCAA level. His craftiness may not be enough to create separation against defenders with better recovery speed. Defensively, he likely will struggle to contain more explosive guards, and his small stature and short arms (6–2 tall with a 6–4 wingspan) won’t help in that regard. Still, gambling on his skills overcoming his physical limitations is worthwhile at this point in the draft, and at the very least Brunson should be a capable backup PG for many years. — ER
25. San Antonio Spurs — Troy Brown, Oregon
PO: Daniel Gafford AW: Gary Trent Jr WW: Shakur Juiston
Brown is a dynamic playmaking wing that’s very effective at driving to the hoop and finishing. His jump shot is ineffective presently, but his free-throw shooting is solid at 79 percent, so perhaps famed Spurs shooting coach, Chip Engelland can work with him in that regard. Brown has a 6'11 wingspan, giving him the potential to switch between multiple positions. While his defense hasn’t proven overly impactful, the tools are there and he’s a strong defensive rebounder. His statistical profile resembles Kyle Anderson’s freshman year in many ways, though the defensive ceiling isn’t as high. Nonetheless, he would be a worthwhile project for the Spurs late in the first round. — ER
26. Atlanta (from MIN) — Trevon Duval, Duke
PO: Grayson Allen AW: Lonnie Walker WW: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
One of my favorite players in the draft, Trevon Duval is an explosive athlete who will excel in the open floors of the NBA. Playing with two bigs on the floor most of his minutes has limited the freshman getting into the lane and thus, to the line. But in the NBA’s more wide-open style, he should be able to assert himself and use his quickness and tremendous leaping ability to make plays. Atlanta is another team that needs all the talent they can get and if Duval is available at pick no. 26, the fit with Dennis Schroder won’t be as important as adding a player with Duval’s high ceiling. — AW
27. Brooklyn Nets (from TOR) — Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Virginia Tech
PO: Jontay Porter AW: Jalen Brunson ER: Vince Edwards
The Brooklyn Nets are adding to their arsenal of versatile wings with this pick. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has tools to be a three-and-D wing for years to come and should thrive in Atkinson’s system that stresses quick, confident shooting and ball-movement. Over half of his FGA have come from behind the arc, so he checks out on the confident shooting. His current shooting from NBA range is a little concerning, but his 76 percent from the charity stripe eases that concern. Defensively Alexander-Walker has held opponents to .614 and .625 PPP as the P&R ball-handler and Isolation defender respectively and a 6'9 wingspan that should give him some positional flexibility. — PO
28. Boston Celtics — Jontay Porter, Missouri
PO: Vince Edwards AW: Isaac Bonga ER: Hamidou Diallo WW: Chandler Hutchison
Mizzou hasn’t been nearly as entertaining as we hoped they would be since Michael Porter has missed a large swath of the season with a back injury, but forward Jontay Porter is still keeping the Tigers in the hunt for a March Madness bid. Porter is a skilled big man with nice feet who does a large portion of his damage using his 240-pound frame around the rim, but also has developed decent touch from the top of the key. He isn’t an explosive leaper, but is a smart shot blocker who can change or alter a lot of looks. The Celtics have gotten good minutes from both Aron Baynes and Daniel Theis this season, but with Baynes on a one-year deal, the Cs will be looking to bolster their backcourt depth. — AW
29. Atlanta Hawks (from Hou) — Hamidou Diallo, Kentucky
PO: Rawle Alkins AW: Lagerald Vick ER: Tyus Battle WW: Gary Trent Jr
If Hamidou Diallo is available at this point in the draft would be a sign of the potential depth of this class. Hami is raw with a capital R and hasn’t displayed a ton of development at Kentucky. But his shot is looking better and he is a nuclear athlete(credit Dunc’d On for that term and for the next one as well). He could be the perfect candidate for Hawks University and if he graduates with honors, Atlanta could have the best athlete to come out of this draft. He is a monster in transition and a potential ballhawk defensively on the perimeter. All of this, even with the very rough edges to his game, make this a worthwhile chance to take probably even higher in the first round than this. The Hawks may end up with one of the steals of the draft. — WW
30. Golden State Warriors — Chandler Hutchison, Boise St.
PO: Cassius Winston AW: Brian Bowen WW: Jontay Porter
Hutchison has become the darling of some of NBA draft twitter and I’m one of them. He is a little older than a lot of prospects, but age is not always a determining factor in development. He stands 6’7” with a 7’1 wingspan which gives him excellent length for the wing position. He has a well-rounded game, a sort of jack of all trades, but is also prone for occasional scoring outburst like his performance against San Diego St. He ended up with 44 points on 15-of-25 field goals, 7-of-10 from three and 7-of-9 from the line. Games like that, along with strong well-rounded averages in almost every category show his potential as a wing at the next level. Even the Warriors could use extra wing depth (along with the 29 other teams trying to dethrone them), and they should snatch him up if he’s still available at this juncture of the draft. — WW
All Statistics courtesy of basketball-reference, sport-reference, SynergySportsTech, HoopMath, Jackson Hoy’s measurement database and Will Schreefer’s shooting charts.