Since we at Denver Stiffs will be covering dozens of rumors, trades, and picks today, we’re creating this open thread and draft tracker in order to make one single spot for commenters to follow along with the picks and have a single comment section to hang out and interact.
The draft tracker will begin tonight at 5pm MT once the first team is on the clock but for now, here is the thread to hang out in the comments. Don’t forget to check out our StoryStream for all of our coverage on today’s rumors, news, and draft picks. The stream will have every article we publish today.
1st Overall: Markelle Fultz – PG – Philadelphia 76ers
Consider the process trusted. The 76ers get what they no doubt hope is the final piece of their multi-year rebuild in the dynamic scoring guard from Washington. Fultz joins Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, Robert Covington and Dario Saric to create arguably the best young core in the league.
2nd Overall: Lonzo Ball – PG – Los Angeles Lakers
Was there ever really any doubt? The Lakers get there guy in Lonzo Ball. After clearing the way by dealing D’Angelo Russell earlier in the week, Ball comes into LA with expectations as high as his father is boisterous. The talent is undeniable, the only thing that can stop Ball is himself.
3rd Overall: Jayson Tatum – SF – Boston Celtics
The first surprise of the draft. Despite a lot of people thinking the Celtics would select Josh Jackson, the Celtics instead go with the scoring wing in Tatum. He of course joins the best situation of any team in the top 5 with the Celtics, joining a squad that was in the Conference Finals just a month ago.
4th Overall: Josh Jackson – SF – Phoenix Suns
One pick later than most thought he would fall, Jackson goes to the Suns. He gives them a rangy defensive wing with major upside. Jackson will look to start immediately with the Suns next to dynamic scoring 2 guard Devin Booker
5th Overall: De’Aaron Fox – SG – Sacramento Kings
Fox is a high scoring 2 guard who will look to light up the opposition alongside Buddy Hield. Fox going to the Kings means the NBA will get treated to him facing off against Lonzo Ball four times a season.
6th Overall: Jonathan Isaac – PF – Orlando Magic
And all of our dreams are crushed! I look forward to the Magic trying him at small forward, then again at center, and then trading him for a future unprotected 2nd round pick.
7th Overall: Lauri Markkanen – PF – Chicago Bulls
Markkanen is essentially Jimmy Butler so this makes sense…except for he’s the exact opposite. Markkanen profiles as an excellent shooting big man but when you realize the Bulls traded the 16th pick and Jimmy Butler for Markkanen, Zach Lavine and Kris Dunn, it doesn’t look so good.
8th Overall: Frank Ntilikina – PG – New York Knicks
Can he play the triangle? THAT is the question. Ntilikina offers a defense first point guard who is gifted with above average athleticism. He’s going into a volatile situation in New York though, so who knows if he’ll pan out.
9th Overall: Dennis Smith Jr – PG – Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks get an absolute steal by picking up Smith at 9. One of the most athletically gifted guards in the draft, Smith fills an immediate need for the Mavericks and should be expected to start at point guard from day one.
10th Overall: Zach Collins – C – Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers pick the local kid after dealing picks 15 and 20 to move up to number ten and grab the big man out of Gonzaga. Collins will make for an interesting fit next to Jusuf Nurkic, but without a doubt the Blazers are going to be a tough team to get points against inside
11th Overall: Malik Monk – SG – Charlotte Hornets
Monk played really well in the NCAA tournament, which is the only event of the year that Michael Jordan scouts. Him and Kemba Walker should be fun. Don’t think they’ll win, but they’ll have fun.
12th Overall: Luke Kennard – SG – Detroit Pistons
Luke Kennard can really shoot the ball and he moves around well in the flow of an offense which will come in handy whenever Reggie Jackson decides to pass the ball.
13th Overall: Donovan Mitchell – SG – Denver Nuggets
And they will trade it to the Utah Jazz for Trey Lyles and the 24th pick. Interesting. Really, really interesting. Lyles has some upside and is skilled. And there are some interesting prospects in the 24 range.
14th Overall: Bam Adebayo – C – Miami Heat
The Heat take Bam to pair with Hassan which is a bit strange. Trade incoming later?
15th Overall: Justin Jackson – SF – Sacramento Kings
Interesting that the Kangzzz traded back for Jackson. I hear he has the size of Klay but shoots like Steph (probably).
16th Overall: Justin Patton – C – Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves pick up the big man out of Creighton. He’s long, athletic and has great regional awareness according to Jeff Morton.
17th Overall: DJ Wilson – PF – Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee adds another mobile lengthy power forward with a uniform as tight as a leotard.
18th Overall: TJ Leaf – PF – Indiana Pacers
The Pacers grab themselves the stretch forward out of UCLA. Leaf has a versatile game on offense but his defense leaves something to be desired.
19th Overall: John Collins – PF – Atlanta Hawks
The second big man who plays little defense in a row! Collins may be the start to the era after Paul Millsap
20th Overall: Harry Giles – PF – Sacramento Kings
The Kings go with the ultimate high risk/high reward pick in Giles. After being considered a possible top overall prospect, Giles’ knee injuries caused him to fall in the draft. If he can come back with the same athleticism and explosion it will be a mjor get for the Kings.
21st Overall: Terrance Ferguson – SG – Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder pick the high flying sharp shooting guard who decided to pass on going to college and instead spend a season in Australia with the Adelaide 36ers.
22nd Overall: Jarrett Allen – C – Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn selects the most Javale McGee like player in the draft, physically speaking at least. Only time will tell if Allen has as many Shaqtin a Fool appearances.
23rd Overall: OG Anunoby – SF – Toronto Raptors
So close! Just one pick ahead of where the Nuggets are selecting after trading down with the Utah Jazz, the Raptors take a player widely regarded to be Denver’s top choice.
24th Overall: Tyler Lydon – PF – Denver Nuggets
Hmmmm. I don’t think anybody saw this coming. Lydon is a stretch forward who has range out to the three point line. He doesn’t seem to do much to help Denver’s defensive woes. Curious night for Tim Connelly.
25th Overall: Anzejs Pasecniks – C – Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers take a guy that will be sure to be the thorn in Philadelphia journalists sides for years to come.
26th Overall: Caleb Swanigan – PF – Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers pick the power forward out of Purdue with a “Blindside” – esque back story.
27th Overall: Kyle Kuzma – PF – Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers get a versatile forward to add to their young core.
28th Overall: Tony Bradley – C – Utah Jazz
Jazz pick the center from the championship Tarheels.
29th Overall: Derrick White – SG – San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs get the hometown kid out of Boulder. I’m sure he’ll be an all star in three seasons.
