Here is what ESPN is saying about some of the guys we're watching.
Mfiondu Kabengele
The Nets have their starting center of the future in place in
Jarrett Allen, but they might look to add another frontcourt piece to the roster with someone who can play either big spot and has the ability to stretch the floor.
Kabengele made huge strides in his sophomore season, and he is on an impressive trajectory, considering his late-bloomer status. He was able to alleviate the concerns teams had about his medical outlook (he wore braces on both knees all season) by reportedly receiving a clean bill of health at the NBA combine. He has seen his stock rise significantly with some very impressive workouts.
NAW
Alexander-Walker is coming off an outstanding sophomore season, making significant strides on both ends of the floor.
He has the perimeter shooting ability, length, feel and versatility Indiana typically covets.
After losing Tyreke Evans, the Pacers could use another option at the shooting guard spot.
Note: I do think we'd need to get above Indiana at #18 to get NAW.
Keldon Johnson
With rotation wing players
Kyle Korver and
Thabo Sefolosha both in their mid-to-late 30s and not a great deal of depth behind them, the Jazz might consider adding another small forward they can start grooming to eventually play their style of basketball.
EVP Dennis Lindsey has long valued toughness, versatility and 3-point shooting -- all strengths for Johnson. Although his struggles creating offense off the dribble caused his stock to fall somewhat, Johnson won't need to be much of a ballhandler on this team in the short term.
KZ Okpala
Portland doesn't have much depth at the forward spots, with
Evan Turner and
Maurice Harkless both entering the final years of their contract and
Al-Farouq Aminu already a free agent.
Okpala had a late start to basketball, and he is raw in terms of his strength and understanding of the game. However, his physical tools are impressive, and the flashes he has shown as a slasher, defender and perimeter shooter make him worth a long-term investment.
Darius Bazley
The Spurs don't have a great deal of depth at the forward spots, and they can afford to roll the dice a bit this late in the draft on an upside-laden player in need of development.
Bazley has had a terrific pre-draft process in which he has demonstrated an improved frame, a more consistent shooting stroke and a more polished and refined skill set than you would expect considering his age and the fact that he sat out the season. Bazley's potential as a multiposition defender who can handle the ball in spurts and make an open shot is intriguing considering his size.
Luka Samanic
Size, perimeter shooting and defensive versatility at every position is the name of the game for the Bucks, who earned the most regular-season wins in the NBA using that formula.
With frontcourt depth a real question moving forward, it might make sense to think about adding a player like Samanic to the mix. The Croatian has helped his stock with a strong pre-draft process and has plenty of upside to grow into given his age.
