Mock NBA Draft 6.0: Tonight is the night we have all waited for
By Corey Rausch
. Guard. Oklahoma City Thunder. Keon Johnson. 16. player. 149
If the Oklahoma City Thunder do not move these two picks to move up, it is time to take the chance on raw talent. Keon Johnson is the most explosive athlete in the draft, as shown by the legendary performance at the draft combine. He may not completely know how to play at the highest level yet but there is a chance he puts it all together in time and takes advantage of his mountain of talent.
69. . Wing. New Orleans Pelicans. Trey Murphy. 17. player
The New Orleans Pelicans traded back knowing that the player they wanted was likely to be there anyway. Trey Murphy is everything they need in a role player: someone who can space the floor next to Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. If the Pelicans want to be the next version of the Phoenix Suns (with Kyle Lowry as their potential Chris Paul), Trey Murphy is ready to be their Cam Johnson.
Usman Garuba. 18. player. 149. . Wing/Big. Oklahoma City Thunder
Usman Garuba is going to be a problem in the league. He is an elite defensive power forward who can guard multiple positions and never stops going. Like Keon Johnson, the offensive game needs work. But for the Thunder to bring in Johnson and Garuba to fortify their defense and Bouknight to build up their offense that is a huge win for a team that moved down in the draft lottery.
player. 27. . Guard. New York Knicks. Chris Duarte. 19
Since the season ended, the New York Knicks have made it abundantly clear that shooting and playmaking are their biggest needs. Chris Duarte immediately ready to compete and would bring go-to scoring potential to the table for the Knicks. He is also a plus defender, fitting right into what Tom Thibodeau looks for in a rookie. He needs to become more stable as a passer to reach his potential but his scoring would be a welcome addition to the Knicks.
125. . Guard. Atlanta Hawks. Jared Butler. 20. player
After being cleared by the health board Jared Butler is back in the first round of the draft. For the Atlanta Hawks, Butler would provide a shooter and secondary ballhandler off the bench that would replace some of what Lou Williams did in the playoffs should former multi-time Sixth Man of the Year leave in free agency. The health concerns are unlikely to ever truly go away, but the talent at this late in the draft is worth the risk.