NBA Mock Draft: Pre-Draft Lottery Edition 3.0
By Jacob Rude
14. Phoenix Suns – Doug McDermott, F, Creighton
Some might associate this pick with the one the Lakers sought in return for Pau Gasol in mid-February. Instead, the Suns balked at the big asking price and, despite not making the playoffs, find themselves in the lottery in a loaded draft class. With an already young nucleus, it’s hard to pinpoint who the team might target. We know, assuming Eric Bledsoe is resigned, their back court is set. Adding McDermott in this draft provides floor spacing and, given their uptempo offense, McDermott could fit right in.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves – James Young, G/F, Kentucky
This Timberwolves pick, depending on the status of Kevin Love and the Lakers draft pick, could be apart of a deal that would send Love to LA, mainly because the Lakers must have a first round draft pick this year. Still, for the time being, we’ll project it as a Timberwolves pick. And with that pick, the ‘Wolves will look for some scoring, especially off the bench, something they lacked last year. Young’s stock flew up in the tournament, and it may move him all the way to a lottery pick. Rodney Hood could also be an option here.