Mock NBA draft 5.0: The LaMelo Ball resurgence is here
By Corey Rausch
Forward. Atlanta Hawks. Isaac Okoro. 6. player. 125.
If the Atlanta Hawks do not trade out of this pick they have to focus on defense. The team has plenty of scoring but give it all away on the other end. Isaac Okoro still needs to develop his offensive game but he would start the season as their best possible defensive option.
64. . Guard. Detroit Pistons. Killian Hayes. 7. player
If Ball is off the board the Detroit Pistons should not hesitate scooping up Killian Hayes. His ceiling is impressive, boasting the potential of a future All-Star. He is too left-hand dominant at present but as he grows that should change. Pairing him with last year’s selection, Sekou Doumbouya, will benefit both greatly.
player. 27. . Guard. New York Knicks. Tyrese Haliburton. 8
The New York Knicks are likely to try to move up, having been connected to LaMelo Ball for quite some time. Should that plan fall through, Tyrese Haliburton is a fantastic consolation prize. He has one of the highest floors of anyone in the draft and would set the table for RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson.
9. player. 142. . Forward. Washington Wizards. Devin Vassell
Another repeat selection, the Washington Wizards will undoubtedly be trying to trade up to bring in Okongwu but should they fail a different defensive option fits well too. Devin Vassell should be the prototypical 3-and-D wing. If they cannot move up in the end this works too.
player. 66. . Forward. Phoenix Suns. Obi Toppin. 10
This is a little bit of a slide for Obi Toppin but that may be for the best. He falls to a team in the Phoenix Suns that wants to make the leap to the playoffs and he is ready to compete immediately. The only reason he is not the top pick in this draft is his age. For a team like Phoenix that only means he is one their timeline. He should be an elite scoring threat, albeit with no presence on the defensive end.