15. Atlanta Hawks: Cason Wallace (Kentucky, PG, Freshman)
League sources say the Hawks have explored the idea of trading De'Andre Hunter with AJ Griffin needing more playing time. Any deal may affect this pick, but if stays Atlanta's, Wallace would give the Hawks different look from Trae Young and Dejounte Murray with his more controlled pace and defense.
16. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves): Jordan Hawkins (Connecticut, SG/SF, 21 years old)
The Jazz could add more shot-making support with Hawkins, who put together one of the most convincing seasons of shooting with 109 threes, including 19 during Connecticut's national title run. The draft's most productive off-screen scorer should be an easy fit as a catch-and-shoot weapon.
17. Los Angeles Lakers: Keyonte George (Baylor, SG, 19 years old)
There's some fading appeal in scoring 2-guards who aren't plus playmakers and struggle defensively. George sounds vulnerable to a slide, but his shot-making prowess should be too much for teams searching for more offensive firepower.
18. Miami Heat: Olivier-Maxence Prosper (Marquette, SF, Sophomore)
Strong reviews are coming in about how hard Prosper has competed during workouts. He's visited a whopping 15 teams and counting. Sources around the league think he's built enough momentum to start drawing top-20 consideration, with his outstanding physical tools, motor, defense and correctable shooting driving the interest.
19. Golden State Warriors: Brandin Podziemski (Santa Clara, PG/SG, Sophomore)
Podziemski would give Golden State's second unit some extra creation and shot-making. The Santa Clara guard strengthened his first-round case at the combine, leaving scouts more confident that his shot-making, playmaking and rebounding can translate.
20. Houston Rockets (via Clippers): Ben Sheppard (Belmore, SG, Senior)
The No. 20 pick is expected to be up for grabs, and Sheppard has become a popular riser in the first-round discussion. Whoever picks here could value his shooting versatility and ability to put pressure on defenses as an extra pick-and-roll ball-handler.
21. Brooklyn Nets (via Suns): Nick Smith Jr. (Arkansas, SG, 19 years old)
After injuries affected Smith's season and inefficiency cast a cloud over it, scouts sounded pleased with his pro day. There is still plenty of confidence in his shot-making and three-level scoring, despite what the percentages at Arkansas say. Smith would give Brooklyn more extra self-creation and three-level scoring off the bench.
22. Brooklyn Nets: Leonard Miller (G League Ignite, SF, 19 years old)
More of an idea than a surefire NBA pro at this time last year, Miller now has a season's worth of solid G League production, plus gradual improvement and an attractive combination of 6'9" size and wing skills.
23. Portland Trail Blazers: Kris Murray (Iowa, PF, Junior)
Murray comes off as NBA-ready with similar shot-making and off-ball scoring skills as twin brother Keegan.
24. Sacramento Kings: Noah Clowney (Alabama, PF/C, 18 years old)
Clowney enters the draft with a project label, though certain teams will be willing to invest and wait on the potential rewards of adding frontcourt three-and-D.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA, SF/PF, 22 years old)
With Jaquez, there will be teams in the 20s and 30s willing to forget about upside, and instead value the floor tied to his physicality, intangibles and versatility. He's drawn positive reviews for his shooting during workouts.
26. Indiana Pacers: Jett Howard (Michigan, SF, 19 years old)
With a valued, translatable skill set for off-ball scoring, and questions about athleticism and defense, Howard's draft range is wide, likely from No. 15 to No. 30.
27. Charlotte Hornets: Jordan Walsh (Arkansas, SF, Freshman)
Walsh clearly has fans, including some who may have convinced him to stay in the draft. His defensive versatility and intensity could sway teams to look past his scoring limitations. He'll have a defined role that calls for getting stops and making hustle plays.
28. Utah Jazz: Dariq Whitehead (Duke, SG/SF, 18 years old)
Whitehead just underwent a secondary surgery to fix an unhealed foot injury, which was completed by Nets' physician Dr. Martin O'Malley. Prior to the procedure, he'd met with late-lottery teams and multiple teams that have two or more first-rounders, per sources. There was no re-fracture in his foot, and with a second pick in the 20s, Utah could take a chance on Whitehead returning to pre-Duke form, when he blossomed into a No. 1 option at Montverde with an exciting mix of self-creation skill, shot-making and slashing we didn't see much of this past season.
29. Indiana Pacers: Rayan Rupert (New Zealand Breakers, SG/SF, 18 years old)
Rupert will draw first-round looks just based off the appeal to long wings (7'2" wingspan) with shot-making potential. Limited production in the NBL has also led to low confidence levels in scouts.
30. Los Angeles Clippers: Maxwell Lewis (Pepperdine, SF, Sophomore)
Scouts have been trying to weigh Lewis' NBA physical profile, three-level shot-making and enticing creation flashes versus Pepperdine's 9-22 record and the sophomore's inconsistent defense against lower-level competition. He should ultimately look enticing in a workout setting with the body of a wing and the shooting versatility to hit different types of jumpers from all over.
