NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Spurs land Victor Wembanyama; Raptors jump into top 5

NBA Draft prospect Amen Thompson (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Draft prospect Amen Thompson (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
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NBA Draft
NBA Draft prospect Dariq Whitehead (Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports)

21. Brooklyn Nets (via Phoenix) Rayan Rupert, G, New Zealand Breakers

It’s rare when teams have back-to-back picks in the first round but the Brooklyn Nets (in part due to their trade with the Phoenix Suns at the NBA Trade Deadline) could have that situation late in the first round.

And one player that they could target is Rayan Rupert, who could be the next international player to take the league by storm (you know, aside from Victor Wembanyama). He’s an intriguing prospect that could gain more traction as we inch closer and closer to the draft.

22. Brooklyn Nets – Dariq Whitehead, G, Duke

With another first-round pick, the Nets could take a flier on a prospect such as Dariq Whitehead. He has the pedigree of playing for a team such as Duke and could still have room to grow as a player. Whitehead is just averaging eight points per game during his freshman season at Duke but is shooting the 3-ball at a 42 percent clip.

His 3-point shooting prowess could make him a clear first-round target.