NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Full first-round predictions a week before the lottery
Pick Analysis. C. 15. 142. Scouting Report. Texas. Kai Jones. player
NBA Mock Draft 15th Pick: Washington Wizards
After a late season spurt, the Washington Wizards managed to climb out of their near-season-long hole to qualify for the playoffs as the eighth seed before succumbing to the 76ers in quick series. Heading into next season, the Wiz are projected to remain as a playoff contender, despite their barrage of roster issues.
One issue that plagued them all season was the inconsistent production they got from their centers. Aside from Daniel Gafford’s near-messianic entrance, Washington settle on a revolving door rotation between Robin Lopez and Alex Len after Thomas Bryant’s season-ending injury. Even if the latter was healthy, in the East—that’s a “Yikes”.
Kai Jones, the Texas product, is an offense-oriented big who can play above the rim, space the floor with a perimeter game that stretches out to three-point territory and thrive on fast break opportunities. He is not strong enough to back down against the best bigs in the league, but he can be a high-upside center who can compete with Gafford for starting minutes.