NBA draft picks 16-20
Franz Wager is growing into the ideal NBA small forward and would be able to come into the Charlotte Hornets as a key reserve behind Gordon Hayward. He has averaged 2.4 stocks (steals and blocks) per game as a sophomore for one of the best college teams in the country. He has shown off the kind of 3-point stroke that has scouts salivating.
Usman Garuba has lottery ceiling and bust floor. With their second first round pick of the night, the Oklahoma City Thunder can add even more size. He just turned 19 this month, making him one of the younger prospects in the draft, perfect for the Thunder’s timeline.
It has become something of a joke at this point but if there are Kentucky players available, Leon Rose will select them. Isaiah Jackson may look like a clone of Mitchell Robinson but with the current Knick coming off an injury adding some insurance behind him is smart. His college per 36-minute numbers are insane: 14.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.5 blocks and 1.3 steals. He will not be the last Wildcat headed to the Big Apple.
Alperen Sengun is extremely raw but is the kind of prospect the Boston Celtics should take a chance on. His numbers in the Turkish league are eye-popping (19.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks) but there are some inconsistencies. He is turnover and foul prone and unless he gets that under control it will limit his potential, but the gamble is enticing.
This is not just the Knicks joke from before. BJ Boston has not been in college what he was in high school but with their second first round pick and entering the back third of the draft this is an easy call. He was a good shooter in high school so if he can get back to that, instead of the stroke he has shown at Kentucky, Boston would be a steal.