[tps_header]Rozier joining world champs with No. 30 pick[/tps_header]
[tps_title]Nos. 30 to 26[/tps_title]
No. 30 Golden State Warriors
Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville
Rozier (6’2” and 190 pounds) can lend more defense to the Warriors on the perimeter serving as an adequate backup for Stephen Curry. Golden State coach Steve Kerr knows the Warriors have dynamic offensive weapons with Curry and shooting guard Klay Thompson. Rozier can spell both with his versatility as a defender. He can also extend to the wing if necessary because of his phenomenal 6’7” wing span for a point guard. Rozier must work on his perimeter shooting. What better place than Golden State with Kerr as coach and Curry as a teammate can Rozier improve in that regard?
No. 29 Brooklyn Nets
Cliff Alexander, PF/C, Kansas
This pick could go to either Alexander or former Washington center Robert Upshaw, two players who did not last the season in college basketball because of disciplinary or eligibility reasons. Alexander is more versatile than Upshaw with his athleticism on both sides of the court. As he gets older, stronger and wiser, Alexander (6’8” and 240 pounds) will be a load for NBA frontcourt players to handle. It will be interesting to see how Alexander handles coming off the bench as he develops at the next level because he’s been a highly touted player since his AAU days.
No. 28 Boston Celtics
Chris McCullough, PF, Syracuse
The Celtics’ second pick of the first round, by virtue of Doc Rivers leaving to coach the Clippers two years ago, should be designated to help on the frontcourt. Boston’s scouting personnel reportedly likes the upside of McCullough because of his ability to play above the rim. In order to sustain a full season as a power forward in the NBA, McCullough must bulk up from his 6’9” and 199-pound frame. Boston is willing to spend this pick on him knowing that he will develop.
No. 27 Los Angeles Lakers
Christian Wood, PF, UNLV
With a pick this late in the draft, and the second one afforded to the Lakers in the first round, it is appropriate for them to take a project player who can develop into a good talent in the NBA. Arizona discovered all about his inside-outside versatility when UNLV stunned the Wildcats last season. The Lakers have this pick from Houston as part of the Jeremy Lin trade in 2013. Wood, 6’11” and 215 pounds, has an impressive wingspan of 7’2”. He can be a terror around the glass evidenced by his 10 rebounds and 2.6 blocked shots per game last year. Where he needs to improve the most: Scouts believe Woods should stay closer to the basket but he has a tendency to drift away. For him to be effective in the paint in the NBA he must build on his skinny frame.
No. 26 San Antonio Spurs
Guillermo Hernangomez, PF/C, Spain
The Spurs must always find reinforcements for the aging, yet still dominant, Tim Duncan at the post. Hernangomez, a 6’11” and 250-pound post player from Spain, is a traditional center in the mold of Duncan. As an understudy to Duncan, Hernangomez can work on his mid-range game. He is a projected first-round pick because of his tremendous upside potential as a 19-year-old prospect. He was effective around the basket (10.1 points and 5.7 rebounds a game) in the top European league last season while playing for Baloncesto Sevilla.
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