Mock NBA Draft 6.0: Tonight is the night we have all waited for
By Corey Rausch
Big. New York Knicks. Isaiah Jackson. 21. player. 27.
The New York Knicks-CAA/University of Kentucky connection has been joked about ever since the new regime took over but when the fit makes sense the level of familiarity does not hurt. Isaiah Jackson is a raw prospect but has everything Tom Thibodeau would want in a young big man (especially if Usman Garuba is already off the board). Jackson is perfect Nerlens Noel insurance. After seeing how important Noel was to their defense a season ago, perhaps more of that is a good thing to have around.
player. 20. . Guard. Los Angeles Lakers. Tre Mann. 22
The Los Angeles Lakers have apparently made calls to nearly every team trying to make their minimal assets turn into something that will help them win in the short term. While Tre Mann is on the younger side, he is ready to compete immediately and provides the exact skills the Lakers need. Mann is a lethal 3-point shooter (40.2 percent last season) and would absorb some of the playmaking duties to alleviate the burden on LeBron James.
Houston Rockets. Jalen Johnson. 23. player. 169. . Wing
Like the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets need to take as many swings at potential as they can given the state of their rosters. Jalen Johnson was once considered a lock to be a top 10 pick but there have been enough red flags with personality and overall game that have caused him to slide. He is dynamic in transition and if he can bring the rest of his game together the red flags will go away.
Jaden Springer. 24. player. 169. . Guard. Houston Rockets
Following up on the Johnson selection, Jaden Springer has plenty of potential as a defensive dynamo. His shooting touch is special, though the sample size was too small to be sure that it will translate. Springer needs time to develop his game. On a team that will have at least three rookies and low expectations, he will have nothing but time.
Ayo Dosunmu. 25. player. 77. . Guard. Los Angeles Clippers
There is increasing indication that Ayo Dosunmu will go somewhere in the early 20s to a team that needs a playmaker ready to contribute right away. The ceiling for Dosunmu is not as high as some of the other players drafted in this range but his floor is much higher. He was a lockdown defender at times in college and would add much-needed playmaking to the LA Clippers.