One can’t-miss NBA Draft prospect for every team
By Rowan Kent
Portland Trail Blazers: Jarace Walker
If the Trail Blazers are ever going to contend with an aging Damian Lillard, they need to play defense. While they can’t grab a center to anchor their defense, they can grab the most can’t-miss skeleton key defender in the entire draft class in Jarace Walker.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Maxwell Lewis
There aren’t many spots left on this Thunder roster for another young project, but the team has never been a stranger to going best player available. Lewis has had some bright flashes and dark valleys, but with some time in OKC to work out the kinks, he may be able to reach his ceiling.
Utah Jazz: Ausar Thompson
Lauri Markkanen’s breakout season obscured how few talented players the Jazz have outside of him and Walker Kessler after their midseason trade. To build upon last season’s successes, the Jazz would be overjoyed to get one of the most athletic draft prospects potentially ever.
Golden State Warriors: Kobe Bufkin
One day, Stephen Curry won’t be able to carry the Golden State Warriors single-handedly on offense. When that day comes, the Warriors would do well to replace his contributions by committee by pairing Jordan Poole’s scoring with Kobe Bufkin’s all-around offensive bag.
Los Angeles Clippers: Dereck Lively II
It’s rare for a team drafting at the end of the first round to have a can’t-miss prospect available, but Dereck Lively II was one of the top players in high school for a reason. His length and shot-blocking instincts are some of the best in the draft and they complement the Clippers stars well.
Los Angeles Lakers: Brice Sensabaugh
Even if the Lakers make an unexpected run to the NBA title, they’ll still need to add young talent to their roster. Sensabaugh is a potentially elite shooting prospect who could shred defenses off of passes from Lebron James and D’Angelo Russell in the Lakers’ offense.
Phoenix Suns: Amari Bailey
The presence of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker on one roster means that there aren’t many holes for the team to fill, but with Chris Paul only getting older and more brittle, the team would love to get a can’t-miss fit with a young point guard with upside like Amari Bailey.
Next. 10 under-the-radar draft prospects every team should target. dark
Sacramento Kings: Bilal Coulibaly
A dream season for the Kings shouldn’t mean that the team rests on its laurels. For Sacramento to take the next step, they’ll need to shore up their defense. Coulibaly has the tools and dogged mentality to one day become the defensive stopper that the team needs.