NBA Draft Mock 1.0: Early pre-lottery projections for all 30 teams
NBA Draft Mock 15th Pick: Washington Wizards
Alperen Sengun, dubbed by many as the Turkish Wonderkid, will be this draft’s customary high-risk, high-reward prospect. The Washington Wizards took a similar gamble with Deni Avdija last year. Taking another wager wouldn’t hurt.
Despite their impressive late-season run, the Washington Wizards don’t give teams a scare, especially with their top-heavy roster. Sure, they’re vying to be competitive, but drafting Sengun will give them flexibility in case they opt for a rebuild.
The young center is very raw by NBA standards, and it’s unknown how he will fare against higher-leveled competition, but his heady play at the 5 or even the 4 is not common for his age. He’s a plodding, traditional center, but they’re already dependent on one with Robin Lopez. Sengun will have lots of opportunities to usurp the veteran big man in the rotation, though it may be the cultivation of a long waiting game.