23. Portland Trail Blazers (via New York Knicks) – Dariq Whitehead, F, Duke
Depending on what the team decides to do about Damian Lillard this offseason, this is another draft pick that the Portland Trail Blazers could end up trading. However, if they do keep the selection, one prospect that could be worth taking at this point in the draft is Dariq Whitehead.
Whitehead didn’t have the greatest of freshman seasons at Duke but, at least in my opinion, did show enough that warrants him being a first-round pick. He was a great 3-point shooter and has the potential to be a versatile defender at the next level. If he can continue to hone his offensive skills, he could be a fringe star in the NBA.
24. Sacramento Kings – Julian Phillips, F, Tennessee
Heading into the offseason, the Sacramento Kings won’t be tasked with trying to find the new savior for the franchise. And I can’t remember the last time we said that about the Kings. This is a team that is on the rise and any tangible additions that they make this summer will be a plus.
One prospect that they could take a chance on at No. 24 is Julian Phillips, an extremely athletic wing that has great upside if he can develop the shooting and on-ball aspects of his game.