Golden State Warriors NBA Mock Draft: Final predictions before July 29
By Tony Pesta
8. Orlando Magic select: Kai Jones, C
The Orlando Magic are back with another lottery pick and they are going to surprise some people here. Kai Jones is an extremely appetizing prospect who might fall deeper into the order — but Orlando could benefit from pulling the trigger and taking him here.
Jones, a powerful 6’11” center, can fill the role of a modern rim-runner. He bullied smaller opponents in the NCAA and will likely brutalize a few NBA bigs as well with his massive size and athleticism.
While Orlando does have a young center in Wendall Carter, they might be better off putting Jones in the starting lineup and allowing him to wreak havoc on both ends of the floor. He can have an impact similar to that of Deandre Ayton and will be a solid foundational building block for the Magic.
9. Sacramento Kings select: James Bouknight, G
A handful of guards will emerge as potential steals now that we are entering the back half of the NBA Draft Lottery. One who stands out above the rest is James Bouknight, a shifty scorer with good size and shooting.
Bouknight stands at nearly 6’4″ and has extendo-arms that span 6’8″. Pair this size with blazing quick speed and streaky shooting — it becomes clear why Bouknight’s stock has been rising as of late.
The Sacramento Kings have been attempting to rebuild for decades but erasing their current slate and making a backcourt of Bouknight and Tyrese Haliburton could be the foundation they need for success. Letting go of Buddy Hield and perhaps trading De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley can open the door for a new era of Kings’ basketball.