25. Oklahoma City Thunder – Theo Maledon, ASVEL
There’s a good chance that the Oklahoma City Thunder trade Chris Paul this offseason. In anticipation to that happening, it would be smart for OKC to target a point guard that they could develop over the next couple of seasons.
The big questions regarding Maledon revolve around his ability to be a strong playmaker at the NBA level. He’s young and has developed on many fronts over the last two seasons. The best basketball for Maledon is still in front of him.
26. Atlanta Hawks (via trade) – Jaden McDaniels, F, Washington
For the Atlanta Hawks to come away with Gordon Hayward, Aaron Nesmith, and Jaden McDaniels for the No. 6 overall pick, I think you can chalk this up as a successful draft. McDaniels is likely a pick that won’t pay off immediately, but the talent and potential is there.
He could be a special player in a few years.