Mock NBA Draft 3.0: Where will LaMelo Ball be selected?

With the news that Rajon Rondo will be opting out of his contract and testing the market, it is worthwhile for the Los Angeles Lakers to look to add a prospect at the point guard position in the NBA draft. The way Theo Maledon is described is even similar to Rondo. He possesses the work ethic of a future champion and has a wingspan that far exceeds his height. He is a floor general and focuses more on driving the lane and kicking to open teammates over finishing himself.

Maledon will take time but the reward is worth the investment. He will not be thrust into pressing situations early, likely playing behind LeBron James, Avery Bradley, Alex Caruso and whoever else the team brings in as a ring-chaser. He is already being mentored by former champion Tony Parker. Learning with the current champions would benefit him even further.

The Toronto Raptors are in need of new prospects down low as some of their previous stalwarts are moving on. Marc Gasol has signed to return to Spain and Serge Ibaka is one of the better free agents on the market. Isaiah Stewart makes sense as a fallback to develop should they lose out on both of their previous starters.

Built like a truck (6’9” with a 7’4” wingspan, weighing 250 lbs.), Stewart is a solid rebounder and shot-blocker and would look to fortify their interior defense. Like every other Raptor of this era he is going to work harder than his opponents constantly. It is not hard to imagine him impressing quickly under coach Nick Nurse.

If there is going to be one player the Celtics take that is not a draft-and-stash type Isaiah Joe is worth the shot at 30.  He was a sniper in his freshman season (41 percent from 3-point land) before cooling off in his sophomore year (34.2 percent).  This was mostly due to him needing to be the main option for his team and he took worse shots because of it.

That would not be the case here. Joe would be able to pick his spots and would shine because of it. He would not have to be the number one option (probably not even a top-five option) but his energy and shooting would be a welcome addition to the team.