29) Phoenix Suns (via Cavaliers): Walter Clayton Jr.
Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. had a monster season, averaging 22.3 points and shooting a blistering 43.5% from deep on 7.7 3-point attempts per game. Clayton Jr.'s stock has skyrocketed after his six-game NCAA Tournament heater, putting far more attention on him.
Prior to that run, he probably would have been a fringe second-round pick. But a team in need of players who can come in and contribute immediately should take a flyer on Clayton Jr.
Even taking out his meteoric rise in the NCAA Tournament, Clayton Jr. had a strong record this season that showed off his elite shooting ability. He shot 43% on 7.8 threes per game en route to averaging 18.6 points. His sharpshooting combined with his playmaking should allow him to carve out a role in the NBA, though how big of a role remains to be seen.
He has a strong comparison to the Houston Rockets starting point guard and former All-Star, Fred VanVleet. Getting a player in the mold of him with the 29th pick would be a worthwhile gamble for the Nets. Even if he doesn't have a lot of room for improvement, he could still find his way in the NBA, with few players being able to shoot quite like he can.
That's not to mention that he got better as the season progressed and when his team needed him the most. Generally, putting too much stock in an NCAA Tournament performance can be misleading, but in this case, it could be eye-opening. Scouts are probably paying attention to a player who was previously underrated.
30) LA Clippers—Yaxel Lendenborg
All things considered, the LA Clippers have had a successful season. They managed to make the playoffs outright despite losing Paul George last summer and having two aging stars on the roster.
Even so, the trade that netted them Paul George in the first place is the reason why they are picking late in the first round instead of in the teens. The Oklahoma City Thunder own swap rights and will use what would have been the Clippers' 17th pick, giving LA the last pick in the first round.
Still, they can make the best of the situation by selecting Yaxel Lendenborg. His play during the Conference Tournament and NIT Tournament has brought him more attention. In six games, he averaged a stellar 20.5 points and 13.3 rebounds.
His impressive play and monster numbers, averaging 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks, 1.7 steals, and shooting 35.7% from three, should be worth taking a flyer on. Even though he will turn 23 before the start of next season.
That is a knock on him, but his advanced stats are off the charts, with him posting nearly a 30 P.E.R. and +11.2 Box Plus Minus. If he's still around at 30, then the Clippers could get a steal.