NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Full first-round predictions a week before the lottery
![Evan Mobley - Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports Evan Mobley - Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c5ca30335a2889f4fafd8ba7e9cef12f08edcd9a568f2b35060c5c576d9cd092.jpg)
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.