26. Denver Nuggets – Sharife Cooper, Auburn
With Jamal Murray out for most of the year adding a dynamic passer makes sense. Sharife Cooper may be the best passer in the draft. His shooting touch needs work, as does his defense, but the Denver Nuggets have shown themselves capable of getting the most out of young players’ development.
27. Brooklyn Nets – Rokas Jokubaitis, Zalgiris
The Brooklyn Net should use this draft pick to stash someone for a few years down the line when there are more opportunities on the roster for someone ready to step in. Right now Rokas Jokubaitis only brings playmaking to the table, which is a good start. With increased time working on his shot, he would fit right in.
28. Philadelphia76ers – Chris Duarte, University of Oregon
Even with the increased impact from shooting this season, the Philadelphia 76ers should simply keep bringing in shooters to maximize the spacing around Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Chris Duarte shot 42.4 percent from distance in college last season and never stops moving. It is easy to imagine him cutting around screens and popping out to bomb from long range.
29. Phoenix Suns – BJ Boston, University of Kentucky
BJ Boston slid after a down season but the talent is there. Bringing him off the bench and developing him behind Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson could allow him to unlock his true potential that he flashed in high school. The Phoenix Suns are in a position to take a risk.
30. Utah Jazz – Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Villanova
The Utah Jazz (until last year) have found ways to find gems late in the draft who fit into everything they are looking to accomplish. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl screams team and would bring in another elite wing defender, the sole weak spot on this elite defense. His shooting is the only thing stopping him from going higher in the draft.