By Raphielle Johnson
With the move to a two-day draft, NBA teams will have more time to evaluate their options ahead of Thursday’s second round. And there’s some good value to be had, with three players projected by many as first-round picks among those still available. And two of those three received an invite to the Green Room, so it’s safe to say neither expected to still be on the board when they left the Barclays Center. Second-round picks don’t receive the same financial guarantee as first-round picks, but that may be countered by some agents’ ability to find the right fit for their clients. Here’s a look at the top ten players on the draft board when the second round begins Thursday afternoon.
1. G/F Johnny Furphy (Kansas)
Furphy entered the pre-draft process as a projected lottery pick, and many did not expect him to be drafted 18th overall after Orlando. Not only did the former Kansas winger remain available after that pick, but he also slipped out of the first round. Furphy’s offensive game is a bit limited, as most of his production came from being set up by teammates rather than creating his own play off the dribble. Furphy was a solid perimeter shooter and finisher around the basket, but his offensive game isn’t as dynamic as some of the players whose names were called Wednesday. As disappointing as it was for Furphy not to hear his name called, it’s unlikely he’ll wait long to find out his destination on Thursday.
2. F/C Kyle Filipowski (Duke)
Although he has the size of a center, Filipowski can also provide value as a power forward. The former Duke standout has a high floor, but the limited ceiling may have something to do with him not being selected in the first round. New York was seen as a possible destination, but the Knicks’ pre-draft activity (acquiring Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby) likely put the team in a position where it would prefer to go with a player who can be stored abroad. Pacome Dadiet) for a season. Milwaukee at pick No. 33 would be worth a look, as Brook Lopez has been the subject of trade rumors, and the Bucks could use additional depth at the five even if they keep their starting center.
3. G Tyler Kolek (Marquette)
Kolek is a high-level point guard who is a first-round projection because of his ability to immediately help a team. The team most often linked to former Marquette standout Phoenix traded down, ultimately landing Virginia wing Ryan Dunn at No. 28 overall (No. 22 pick DaRon Holmes II was traded to Denver). Only two point guards were selected in the second half of the first round, with Jared McCain (Philadelphia) taken 16th overall and Isaiah Collier (Utah) 29th. Perhaps they are considered to have higher ceilings than Kolek, and a rebuilding team has opted for the latter. Would San Antonio consider him at No. 35 even with their selection of Stephon Castle with the fourth overall pick? He could slide further down the stretch, which would be shocking given pre-draft expectations.
4. F Bobi Klintman (Cairns Taipans)
The end of the first round can be a crapshoot, and with Klintman expected to go at that point in the draft, it’s not shocking that he remains on the board. The 6-foot-4 forward from Sweden moves well, but his finishing around the basket last season was disappointing. Klintman has made strides as a perimeter shooter at Cairns, but the overall offensive game needs polishing. He should hear his name called early in the second round, and Portland at No. 34 could be an attractive fit, especially if the Blazers move Deandre Ayton or Robert Williams this season.
5. F Tyler Smith (G League Ignite)
The 19-year-old Smith is a power forward who is at his best when allowed to attack the basket as a roll man, and he was also solid as a 3-point shooter. However, like Klintman, finishing in traffic was an issue during Smith’s season with G League Ignite. While several teams decided Wednesday to roll the dice on young players considered to have higher upside, that didn’t result in Smith’s name being called. He should hear his name called during the first half of the second round.
6. F Enrique Freeman (Akron)
After starting his career as a walk-on, Freeman finished his collegiate career as one of the most accomplished players in this draft class. That wasn’t enough to get him a first-round pick, but the general feeling was that Freeman would go in the second round. He will be a good frontcourt option for teams fighting for a playoff spot or looking to cement their status as contenders. Freeman’s basketball IQ is considered too small for a power forward in the NBA and allows him to succeed anywhere.
7. G Cam Christie (Minnesota)
Christie, who won’t turn 19 until late July, is one of the youngest prospects in the class. Like older brother Max, who played the past two seasons with the Lakers, Cam shoots the ball well beyond the arc and offers solid length and athleticism for a wing. Like Freeman, he was expected to be a second-round pick and likely came off the board early Thursday afternoon.
8. G Juan Nunez (Ratiopharm Ulm)
A teammate of Knicks first-round pick Pacome Dadiet, Nunez has good size for a point guard (6-foot-4) and is considered a pass-first player. However, turnovers were a concern at times, as was his limited 3-point shooting ability. Interestingly enough, it was reported in early June that Nunez would move from Ratiopharm Ulm to FC Barcelona, but he did not answer when asked about that reported deal. Depending on which team selects him, Nunez could decide to stay in Europe for another season to get more in-game reps.
9. C Adem Bona (UCLA)
Despite being listed at 6-foot-1, Bona is one of the best interior defenders in this draft class thanks to his motor, athleticism and 7-foot-4 wingspan. Consistent production was an issue for him at UCLA last season, but his physical tools cannot be ignored. Teams looking for a defensive player may want to target Bona, especially if that team doesn’t need too much offensive production from him right away.
10. G Ajay Mitchell (UC Santa Barbara)
The 6-foot-1 point guard was an excellent playmaker at UCSB, but shooting to the perimeter could be a concern for some. Mitchell shot 33.2% from three during his three-year college career, but made 39.3% of his attempts (while also shooting 85.8% from the foul line) as a junior. Mitchell showed he can improve as a shooter, so there is upside. Mitchell is an efficient playmaker, but the shot mechanics will likely need some refinement.
