The NBA draft is happening right now! Keep up with all of the picks in groups of five.
Pick Six: Orlando Magic Select Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
The Magic select Mohamed Bamba with the sixth pick in the draft. The man with the 7’9″ wingspan projects to be a defensive monster in the NBA, comparing favorably to Rudy Gobert. He has shown flashes of a three-point shot but is still raw on offense. With Bamba, Jonathan Isaac, and potentially Aaron Gordon, this Magic team could be monstrous on defense. Despite this, they still don’t have a number one option on offense.
Pick Seven: Chicago Bulls Select Wendell Carter Jr., F,
Wendel Carter Jr. fell under the shadow of Marvin Bagley but is an excellent big in his own right. Carter isn’t overly athletic but he’s fundamentally sound, an excellent shooter, an excellent rebounder, and an amazing low post defender. He has a very high floor and compliments former number seven pick Lauri Markkanen very well. He has the upside of an important piece on a championship team.
Pick Eight: Cleveland Cavaliers Select Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
Collin Sexton is a fierce competitor and an aggressive scoring point guard. He’s incredibly quick, a very good athlete, and a great finisher. His pull up jumper is very good and he is a tough, competitive defender. He isn’t a great passer or three-point shooter but those can be developed. Collin Sexton played three on five against Minnesota and dropped 40. If LeBron James leaves, he will be able to lead Cleveland right away and give 100% every night.
Pick Nine: New York Knicks Select Kevin Knox, F, Kentucky
The Knicks select the versatile forward out of Kentucky. Knox is a fluid athlete who runs well in transition. He is an excellent shooter and scorer, has a good feel for the game, and has great defensive upside. Knox has a 3-D floor and star upside. He fills a massive hole on the wing for the Knicks and fits well with Kristaps Porzingis. Knox should be able to come in day one and produce for the Knicks.
Pick Ten: Phoenix Suns (via 76ers) Select Mikal Bridges, F, Villanova
Bridges is the best perimeter defender in this draft class and may be the best three-point shooter as well. He has improved every year and should keep improving in the years to come. Along with his elite shooting and defense, Bridges is a very good athlete and has a developing offensive game. Bridges ranked five on my board, making this a major steal in my eyes. The Suns traded for Bridges, making this an absolute monster draft. He improved Phoenix’s defense immediately.
Ben Pfeifer is the Managing Editor of the Colts for Full Press Coverage, the AFC South Division Editor, and head NBA editor. Want to continue the discussion? Contact Ben Pfeifer on Twitter @Ben_Pfeifer_, @FPC_NBA and @FPC_Colts.
