NBA Mock Draft: Raptors trade into top 3; Heat land star in blockbuster move

8. Washington Wizards – Ausar Thompson, G/F, Overtime Elite

With the Washington Wizards making the big trade in moving Bradley Beal (in our hypothetical deal), there’s going to be a clear need for the team’s new face of the franchise. While that will be hard to find with the No. 8 overall pick, there is one player with a high enough ceiling to take a big gamble on. Ausar Thompson is an intriguing talent that some have as a top 5 player in this NBA Draft. However, with the way the board has fallen, he falls into the Wizards’ lap here at No. 8.

Thompson is the twin brother of Amen, who is also one of the high-touted prospects in this draft class. Their games are similar but Ausar played a bit more off-ball next to his brother. That could give the Wizards some added versatility when it comes to this selection.

There are big questions as to how Ausar is going to translate to the pro game. Where will he play? Can he be a good enough playmaker and shooter to play a guard position? Will he have to make the adjustment to the small forward position? Either way, he’s a talent that the Wizards may want to take a chance on.