Kentucky Basketball has consistenly had 3 players in the 1st round of NBA Mock Drafts with the same Wildcats consistently showing up in the Lottery.
PJ Washington comes in at #12, Tyler Herro at #16 and Keldon Johnson way down at #21 in this updated ESPN Mock Draft.
T12. Charlotte Hornets
PJ Washington
Kentucky
Age: 20.6
F
Height: 6-foot-8 | Weight: 223The NBA will break this tie with the Heat and Kings on Friday.
No matter what happens in free agency, the Hornets could use frontcourt help. Washington has the length to defend multiple positions on the interior, he can stretch the floor from the perimeter, and he brings plenty of long-term upside.
His toughness and versatility will fit well next to Miles Bridges.
T16. Orlando Magic
Tyler Herro
Kentucky
Age: 19.2
GHeight: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 193
The Magic have been cycling through backcourt options all season. Although point guard is more of a long-term need, they have Markelle Fultz waiting in the wings and will need to think about Terrence Ross’ impending free-agency situation.
Adding a combo guard such as Herro — who can play pick-and-roll, make shots while set or on the move and bring competitiveness and feel — makes a lot of sense.
T21. Boston Celtics
Keldon Johnson
Kentucky
Age: 19.4
FHeight: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 210
Danny Ainge has long valued toughness, versatility and 3-point shooting — all strengths for Johnson.
Although his struggles creating offense off the dribble caused his stock to fall somewhat, Johnson won’t need to be much of a ball handler on a team with this much star power.
Read “NBA mock draft: Projecting all 60 picks before a big lottery” by clicking here.
