NBA · 1 year ago

Round 2 NBA Mock Draft: Where Does Bronny James Land?

Sportsgrid Staff

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58. Dallas Mavericks: Jaedon LeDee, F, San Diego State
Jaedon LeDee becomes a last-pick dart throw for the Dallas Mavericks, who could use some beefing up in the frontcourt. The San Diego State product is a bowling ball, a 6’9”, 240 lb. beast that is incredibly light on his feet. Don’t be surprised if he gets some burn quickly and can provide a spark.

- Dave Connelly
31. Toronto Raptors: Johnny Furphy, G, Kansas
Johnny Furphy really came into his own in the back half of the season for the Jayhawks after being given the starting nod by Bill Self. It may take him some time to get acclimated to the next level, but the potential was on full display in Lawrence.

- Dave Connelly
32. Utah Jazz: Kyle Filipowski, F/C, Duke
The Utah Jazz got themselves a wing piece in Cody Williams while adding to their backcourt with Isaiah Collier at pick 29, leaving themselves with the room to add a piece to their frontcourt. While Kyle Filipowski did slide during the draft process, he brings a ton of offensive versatility to the table as a seven-footer, making it intriguing and worth a second-round pick to see how he plays alongside Walker Kessler.

- Ben DiGiacomo
33. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Kolek, G, Marquette
Not many expected Tyler Kolek to fall out of the first round. Many had him rising as the draft neared, so sitting here, he could be a potential gem for a team in the early second round. After multiple successful years in Milwaukee with Marquette, sliding on over to the Milwaukee Bucks as Damian Lillard’s primary backup makes too much sense in this spot.

- Ben DiGiacomo
34. Portland Trail Blazers: Cam Christie, G, Minnesota
Cam Christie is a work in progress, but the reasons for scouts' excitement about his potential are evident. He possesses all the key attributes needed at the next level: impressive length, the ability to score from inside, mid-range, and beyond the arc, and strong defensive skills. The Portland Trail Blazers could really use his shooting and perimeter prowess.

- Dave Connelly
35. San Antonio Spurs: Tyler Smith, F, G-League Ignite
Tyler Smith won’t step on the floor immediately, but he is a high-upside who flashed a strong outside shot and a gifted ability to attack the rim. He could use some time to round out his game, but he could prove to be a key player for the San Antonio Spurs down the line.

- Ben DiGiacomo
36. Indiana Pacers: Nikola Djurisic, F, Serbia
Nikola Djurisic worked out for the Indiana Pacers in 2023 and 2024 in both pre-draft processes. If you connect the dots there, it’s not hard to see that the Pacers management team is, at the very least, very intrigued by this prospect.

- Zack Cook
37. Minnesota Timberwolves: Bobi Klintman, F, Sweden
Bobi Klintman has size and shooting, but he will need a strong landing spot to flourish as a catch-and-shoot stretch player with some defensive shortcomings. Minnesota is just the spot, as he can start off as a solid depth piece for the Timberwolves.

- Dave Connelly
38. New York Knicks: KJ Simpson, G, Colorado
On Wednesday, the New York Knicks had two first-round picks, but after some wheeling and dealing, they only ended up with Pacome Dadiet, which looks more like a long-term project. KJ Simpson could step on the court right away as a scoring punch at the guard position, and while he may be undersized, leave it up to Coach Thibs to extract some defense from him.

- Ben DiGiacomo
39. Memphis Grizzlies: Kevin McCullar Jr., F, Kansas
If the Memphis Grizzlies have a chance to add a wing with the potential of Kevin McCullar Jr. at this range in the draft, it won’t be a surprise to see them pounce on the chance. The Grizzlies need more of the competitive spirit McCullar Jr. brings.

- Zack Cook
40. Portland Trail Blazers: Ajay Mitchell, G, UC Santa Barbara
With such a loaded frontcourt after the selection of Donovan Clingan on Wednesday night, the Blazers elect to address their backcourt and bring in Ajay Mitchell, a stat-stuffing guard who can contribute right away.

- Dave Connelly
41. Philadelphia 76ers: Jalen Bridges, F, Baylor
The Philadelphia 76ers made the smart pick by selecting Jared McCain to add to their backcourt depth last night, but they certainly could use a potential 3-and-D option in the second round. Baylor’s Jalen Bridges was a reliable shooter for the Bears last season and has the traits and physical abilities to improve his defensive abilities.

- Ben DiGiacomo
42. Charlotte Hornets: Enrique Freeman, F, Akron
The Charlotte Hornets are still in need of multiple pieces for their competitive window to really open up. Not only does Enrique Freeman check many of the boxes in this range that Charlotte should covet, but he’s also one of the remaining best players on the board.

- Zack Cook
43. Miami Heat: Cam Spencer, G, UConn
If anyone knows what it takes to be a part of the winning culture at the Miami Heat, it’s Cam Spencer. He was the spitfire of last season’s title-defending UConn Huskies and provides shooting and IQ that will undoubtedly excite Erik Spoelstra.

- Dave Connelly
44. Houston Rockets: PJ Hall, F, Clemson
The Houston Rockets backcourt and perimeter is loaded with prospects where there aren’t enough minutes to go around, so ideally, they’ll look to add a piece to the frontcourt here. PJ Hall isn’t your typical center prospect, but he saw his stock soar in March Madness as he led Clemson’s deep run, showing off his bag of tricks as a scorer that should intrigue the Rockets here.

- Ben DiGiacomo
45. Sacramento Kings: Keshad Johnson, F, Arizona
The Sacramento Kings are looking to add more flexibility to their frontcourt with this selection. Keshad Johnson gives them a small-ball center option, which should draw intrigue for their second unit out of the gate.

- Zack Cook
46: LA Clippers: Pelle Larsson, G, Arizona
Pelle Larsson is a queen piece on the basketball court, capable of doing anything and rarely making a poor decision. The native of Sweden is a Swiss army knife and should be able to contribute right away for the LA Clippers.

- Dave Connelly
47. Orlando Magic: Melvin Ajinca, G/F, France
Melvin Ajinca is a bit of an unknown player, but given all the hype NBA scouts are giving French prospects, Ajinca should hear his name called in this range. Ajinca is going to be a work in progress on the offensive end, but the Orlando Magic should desire his defensive prowess as a shooting guard in a 6’7” frame.

- Ben DiGiacomo
48. San Antonio Spurs: Justin Edwards, F, Kentucky
Although Justin Edwards saw his draft stock drop considerably since the beginning of the year, he still provides the San Antonio Spurs with a real upside swing at this range. Developing talent remains crucial at this stage of the Spurs' rebuild.

- Zack Cook
49. Indiana Pacers: Jamal Shead, G, Houston
Jamal Shead is an absolute dog, a tireless defender who really improved his scoring capability over his time at Houston. While the Indiana Pacers backcourt starters are cemented for the future, Shead can come in and provide some missing defensive intensity and depth.

- Dave Connelly
50. Indiana Pacers: Adem Bona, C, UCLA
The Indiana Pacers likely won’t use all their second-round draft choices, but they certainly could use center depth. Adem Bona may be a tad undersized, standing at just 6’8”, but his intensity on the court stands out with his explosiveness and relentlessness approach. It’s unlikely that he’ll ever develop a reliable jump shot, but the tools are there for him to be an above-average backup center in this league.

- Ben DiGiacomo
51. Washington Wizards: Juan Nunez, G, Spain
The Washington Wizards added multiple shot-creators in the first round but not someone to dish them the rock. Juan Nunez is that as he’s already a polished facilitator, but his defensive role and ability to create his own shot will need to be developed. Still, he’s fully ready to be a reliable point guard off the bench for a rebuilding team at this stage.

- Ben DiGiacomo
52. Golden State Warriors: Trey Alexander, G, Creighton
Trey Alexander flirted with a triple-double on numerous occasions in his final season at Creighton and is really a puzzle piece that can fit into any team right now. A lengthy guard standing at 6’4” could be a second-round steal if he can become a more consistent shooting threat.

- Dave Connelly
53. Detroit Pistons: Jaylen Wells, F, Washington State
Jaylen Wells is a tall shooting guard, standing at 6’7”, and he arguably has one of the best shots in this draft from beyond the arc. The Detroit Pistons need scoring of all kinds, so taking a shot on Wells to develop into an all-around player is worthwhile for them.

- Ben DiGiacomo
54. Boston Celtics: Tristen Newton, G, UConn
The Boston Celtics aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. This group has the potential to continue being a real title contender, meaning adding pieces that can contribute from the get-go is integral. Tristen Newton can do exactly that.

- Zack Cook
55. Los Angeles Lakers: Bronny James, G, USC
The James Family gets its wish as Bronny joins his father, LeBron, in Los Angeles. It’s difficult to picture Bronny contributing right away, given he didn’t even see 20 minutes per game at USC, but he could provide a sharpshooter in special circumstances.

- Dave Connelly
56. Denver Nuggets: Zyon Pullin, G, Florida
Zyon Pullin shined at Florida, earning himself first-team All-SEC honors, but he almost looks like one of those guys who are built to dominate just at the collegiate level. Still, he does essentially everything well while not elite, providing some value late in the second round when everyone at this stage is still unknown.

- Ben DiGiacomo
57. Memphis Grizzlies: Harrison Ingram, F, North Carolina
The Memphis Grizzlies need some depth on the wing, so they should be more than happy if Harrison Ingram is still standing on the board when they go on the clock here. He served as the Tar Heels “glue guy” last season, but he possesses a reliable outside shot an the traits to develop into a bench-quality 3-and-D option.

- Zack Cook
58. Dallas Mavericks: Jaedon LeDee, F, San Diego State
Jaedon LeDee becomes a last-pick dart throw for the Dallas Mavericks, who could use some beefing up in the frontcourt. The San Diego State product is a bowling ball, a 6’9”, 240 lb. beast that is incredibly light on his feet. Don’t be surprised if he gets some burn quickly and can provide a spark.

- Dave Connelly
31. Toronto Raptors: Johnny Furphy, G, Kansas
Johnny Furphy really came into his own in the back half of the season for the Jayhawks after being given the starting nod by Bill Self. It may take him some time to get acclimated to the next level, but the potential was on full display in Lawrence.

- Dave Connelly

Round 2 NBA Mock Draft: Where Does Bronny James Land?

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