Could the next Kevin Garnett be in this draft?

Last week I brought you a mock draft of the first round and this week I answer some questions that will help acclimate you to this season’s draft class so you know what to watch for Thursday night.

Who are three raw players with extremely high ceilings?

1. Skal Labissiere (C – Kentucky)
2. Thon Maker (C – Canada)
3. Cheick Diallo (PF – Kansas)

Who are the three most polished players?

1. Jamal Murray (SG – Kentucky)
2. Jakob Poeltl (C – Utah)
3. Kris Dunn (PG – Providence)

What surprises could we see in this season’s draft?

1. Philadelphia is extremely fond of Jamal Murray. They won’t be grabbing him at No. 1, since as we know, they informed Ben Simmons they would select him there. There is a possibility, however, that they either trade No. 1 to Boston for a haul of nice picks, including No. 3, or that they trade Okafor for No. 5, if Murray falls that far. Don’t read too much into the 76ers telling Simmons they would pick him, they likely leaked that news because there were rumors that Simmons didn’t want to play there, since he didn’t work out with the team.

2. Thon Maker, who has flown up draft boards of late, could go as early as No. 8, where the Sacramento Kings might not be able to pass up on the seven-footer who has received recent comparisons to Kevin Durant, Kevin Garnett and Chris Bosh.

3. Denzel Valentine was once considered a lock to be drafted in the top-10, but teams could be so hesitant to waste a first round pick on a player with a knee injury, that he drops all the way into the second round.

4. The Spurs are attempting to move up and many are speculating they may be able to grab the 12th pick from the Utah Jazz. Who could the Spurs be so enamored with that they would sacrifice numerous draft picks for? My money is on Domantas Sabonis.

5. Last season’s second overall pick could be on his way out of Los Angeles on draft night. After taking Ingram at No. 2, the Lakers could deal Russell, who has been cancer to their locker room, to the Pelicans for the 6th pick, where they would presumably select Marquese Chriss.

Who should I be hoping my team nabs in Round Two?

1. Pascal Siakam (PF – New Mexico St.)
2. Guerschon Yabusele (PF – France)
3. Stephen Zimmerman (C/PF – UNLV)
4. Paul Zisper (SF – Germany)
5. Patrick McCaw (SG – UNLV)

Who are the top prospects for next season’s draft?

1. Josh Jackson (SF/SG – Kansas)
2. Markelle Fultz (PG – Washington)
3. Harry Giles (PF – Duke)
4. Jayson Tatum (SF – Duke)
5. Lonzo Ball (PG – UCLA)
6. Dennis Smith Jr. (PG – NC State)
7. De’Aaron Fox (PG – Kentucky)
8. Jonathan Issac (PF/SF – Florida St.)
9. Ivan Rabb (PF – California)
10. Malik Monk (SG – Kentucky)