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Minnesota Timberwolves: JaKobi Walter, G, Baylor

The 6-foot-5 scoring guard could go a lot sooner in my next version, but he fits here, as the Timberwolves really, really need a sixth man.

New York Knicks: Bronny James, SG, USC

James to the Knicks just makes too much sense. Having the most famous prospect playing in NYC sounds perfect. This was his draft range prior to his health issue, but it seems that won’t hurt his stock. An excellent athlete and defender with scoring and playmaking talent, the 6-foot-3 guard has the makings of an elite role player.

Houston Rockets: Trevon Brazille, SF, Arkansas

Brazille was on a stacked team a season ago so his numbers were moderate, but now the uber-athletic, 6-foot-9 Brazille could have a much-larger role. He’s a solid shooter and scorer who has shown to be a pesky defender. Houston could really use an athlete like him.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Bobi Klingman, SF, Sweden

The former Wake Forest star is now playing professionally in Australia, and although he is somewhat raw, the 6-foot-10 forward is a big-time talent and can shoot well despite his size. The Cavaliers need forward help, and so this would be a solid fit.

Miami Heat: Judah Mintz, SG, Maryland

Mintz would have been drafted if he had left after his freshman season and is an interesting prospect. His shooting needs improvement, but the 6-foot-4 guard is a talented scorer and a pesky defender with three-and-D NBA talent. The fit for the Heat is perfect.

New Orleans Pelicans: Elmarko Jackson, G, Kansas

The 6-foot-3 Jackson is an athletic guard who has a lot to improve on, but he possesses excellent physical gifts. The Pelicans need more help at guard, so the fit is very nice.

Memphis Grizzlies: Nikola Durisic, SF, Serbia

Durisic, a 6-foot-8 Serbian could have been a first-round pick in 2023, but he left the draft. He is a versatile offensive talent who would give the Grizzlies forward help, which they lack due to Dillon Brooks being exiled.

Indiana Pacers: D.J. Wagner, G, Kentucky

At just 6-foot-3, Wagner, who will likely rise in version 2.0 of this mock is a talented combo guard with scoring and playmaking ability. He could become a sixth man for the Pacers.

Atlanta Hawks: Adem Bona, C, UCLA

Bona made a smart choice returning to school, as he could have a huge season and move into the lottery. He’s an elite shot-blocker and rebounder who uses his 6-foot-10, almost 250-pound frame well. I see Clint Capela being traded soon, and so having another big is important for Atlanta.

Portalnd Trail Blazers: Izan Almansa, F, Spain

On the same team as the first two picks, the 6-foot-10 Spaniard has a lot of talent to be a lottery pick. The Trail Blazers could really use a young four, so this would be an excellent pick.

Philadelphia 76ers: Nikola Topic, SG, Serbia

The Serbian guard is a skilled 6-foot-6 combo guard who is a big-time scorer with elite playmaking ability. He could help add needed youth at guard for the 76ers.

Boston Celtics: Royce Beekman, PG, Virginia

Beekman would have been selected if he had stayed in the last draft, and the 6-foot-3 point guard is one of the nation’s truest point guards, as he’s an excellent defender and a capable shooter and scorer. Boston could really use another point guard, so the fit’s strong.

San Antonio Spurs: Trey Alexander, SG, Creighton

Alexander is a big-time shooter and an excellent scorer at 6-foot-4 who has playmaking ability and is a pesky defender. He has the game Gregg Popovich would love.

Denver Nuggets: Aday Mara, C, Spain

The 7-foot-3 Mara has a lot of offensive talent and potential. He has also already played in an excellent pro league. Denver really needs a young reserve center behind Nikola Jokic, and Mara would learn a lot from the club’s superstar.

Milwaukee Bucks: Zach Edey, C, Purdue

The reigning National Player of the Year, the 7-foot-3 Zach Edey’s potential is that of an elite role player, and he could be a huge piece off the bench for the Bucks. This is a good fit.

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