15. Portland Trail Blazers select Justin Patton: C – Creighton
Justin Patton is one of the more talented center prospects in this draft. There were reports that he didn’t have a great NBA Draft Combine, which led to draft experts pushing him down their boards. I think that’s a bit harsh.
Patton has impressed me every time I’ve watched him play. His jump shot is a work in progress, but I think he’ll eventually become a good shooter. He’s not a great athlete, but I like his shot blocking potential. Patton would be a good fit in Portland as a backup to Jusuf Nurkic, and potentially their long-term starter.
16. Chicago Bulls select Luke Kennard: SG – Duke
I’m not very high on Luke Kennard, and think drafting him in the top 20 would be a reach. But this fit is perfect, so I’d make the pick if I was in charge of the Bulls. Chicago needs shooters to help space the floor. They had Michael Carter-Williams, Rajon Rondo, and Dwyane Wade as their three main guards.
Wade is a future Hall of Famer, but none of them space the floor. Even if Kennard doesn’t develop the rest of his game, he’ll be a lethal three-point shooter. He’d be a perfect bench shooter in Chicago.