Mock Draft 1.0: First look at projecting the draft lottery

Guards from Australia have not always worked out as starting-level NBA players, but Josh Giddey last year and Dyson Daniels this year are looking to break the mold. At 6’6″ Daniels has excellent size as a point guard, and could hold up at the 2 (or even some 3) on account of his length and hustle as a plus defender. On offense he he can handle and pass with aplomb, although his shooting is very shaky at this point and represents the biggest flaw in his game.

Daniels can be effective even if the shooting doesn’t come around; the San Antonio Spurs are old hats with such players, and a recent pick like Derrick White represents the type of player Daniels can become. If the shot comes around he becomes even more, and a 1-3 of Dejounte Murray, Dyson Daniels and Devin Vassel would be absolutely terrifying defensively. The G League Ignite draftees don’t have last year’s star power, but Daniels could absolutely be a long-term starter in the league.

The Washington Wizards have continued to draft around their star shooting guard the past few seasons, taking a collection of forwards in the last three drafts. Now the time comes to start filling out the backcourt, as the team clearly has a weakness there despite Bradley Beal’s presence. Johnny Davis would represent such an upgrade, a fill-it-up scorer with good size who may have been a Top-5 pick if he had a consistent jump shot. Despite his star status he played tough defense and wouldn’t be targeted by opponents.

Davis could potentially play alongside Beal, but his real purpose would be as a replacement for Beal once the star finally asks for a trade. Having Davis in place would give them the flexibility to move Beal for young talent at any position, as the succession plan at the 2 would already be in place.