NBA Mock Draft: Pre-Draft Lottery Edition 3.0
By Jacob Rude
6. Boston Celtics – Aaron Gordon, F, Arizona
The Celtics were one of many who intentionally tanked their way to the top (or bottom). However, much to the chagrin of Lakers fans, they end up with a worse pick than LA. Still, they’ll end up high enough to get an instant impact player, and this one would be a great pairing with Rondo. Gordon is a high-flying, defensive-minded big man who could give Rondo a target man on many a lob. Maybe, just maybe it’d be enough to convince Rondo to stay in Boston at season’s end.
5. Philadelphia 76ers – Julius Randle, F, Kentucky
Despite finishing with a HUGE losing streak, the 76ers don’t have the ping pong balls fall their way, and as a result, end up outside the top 4. However, they still get a player most considered a top 3 pick at the start of the season. Randle is an elite big man who already has the size to compete with NBA bigs. His post-game is more developed than a lot of big men, also, and he will absolutely be an instant impact player.