NBA Draft Outlook for Arizona's Key Freshmen
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Arizona has one of the best constructed rosters in the country, thanks to head coach Tommy Lloyd. He brought the program back to the Final Four for the first time since 2001. Expectations are as high as ever for the Wildcats to bring back a championship to Tucson.
This roster is a perfect mix of star freshmen and veteran leaders. Due to the success and talent of this season, NBA scouts are all over this Wildcats team. Three key Wildcats stand out in the latest NBA mock drafts.
Burries Is Lottery Pick Lock
First is the obvious, Brayden Burries. The freshman sensation exceeded expectations immensely this season. He was projected to be a good player this year, but he has been more than just good. After a rocky start to the season, Burries has turned it around and played his way into a sure lottery pick.
Chicago Bulls
Latest mocks have Burries eclipsing the top 10. Three teams seem to be in the mix for Burries. The first team is the Chicago Bulls. The lottery draw has been highly unpredictable the past few seasons, so who knows where the Bulls will truly end up selecting? Right now, they are projected to land at pick No. 9, which is right where Burries has risen as of late.
The Bulls have been searching for their franchise guard since Derrick Rose was on the roster. That was over a decade ago, so it is safe to say it has been a long time coming. Burries would be a massive get for the Bulls to turn the franchise around.
Burries would go along nicely with the Bulls' point guard, Josh Giddey. Burries plays more off the ball with the Wildcats since Jaden Bradley is the leading ball handler. So Burries would be right at home with a playmaker like Giddey.
Milwakuee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have had a rotation of guards in the Giannis era with Eric Bledsoe, Jrue Holiday, and Damian Lillard. They have yet to find that guard who will be with the franchise for the long term. Burries can be that guard, but he will have to change up his game to play on the ball.
That is not to say Burries cannot play on the ball; he definitely has the talent, but it will just be an adjustment. Antetokounmpo has grown increasingly frustrated with the Bucks' front office over the past few years, but this year it may all come to an end.
No matter how the Antetokounmpo drama plays out, Burries will be a massive get for them. If the franchise star remains in Milwaukee, Burries will be the lead guard to help them win right away. If Antetokounmpo leaves, then Burries will be a great start to a rebuild phase. Either way, Burries would be a home run pick for the Bucks at No. 10.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies would be an interesting situation for Burries. The franchise has no real identity after trading star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. and the drama surrounding Ja Morant. Morant played only 20 games this season due to injury and was suspended by the NBA a few seasons ago.
Morant and the franchise seem to be in the same boat, and both sides want to move on. Burries would get the keys to the castle if that happens. He would have to play more on the ball with the Grizzlies as he would with the Bucks, but again, he has the talent and the skill set to do so.
Peat Has Shot at Lottery
Koa Peat has been tremendous as a freshman this season alongside Burries. Peat has arguably been the best player on the Wildcats through the NCAA Tournament and will definitely hear his name called on draft night if he chooses to go that route this year.
He is currently projected to go around picking Nos. 20-24, but we all know March Madness can do wonders for a player's draft stock. With how Peat has performed this tournament, he can easily rise into a late lottery or just outside the lottery pick.
Philadelphia, Detroit, and Atlanta would all be in contention for Peat. The Pistons are a young, fast-paced team, and Peat would fit perfectly as a rim-runner for Cade Cunningham.
Krivas Could Push for First Round
Motiejus Krivas is projected to go early second round, but his being the starting center on a potential national championship team could raise his stock up to a late first-round pick. There are plenty of teams in the league that can use Krivas’ skill set.
There has been a lack of center talent in the league as of late, and Krivas could help a team with its rebuild. His 7-foot-2 frame, which can rebound and rim-protect, will be a huge asset for any franchise.
-02debd392666484052a22e06b38faf3a.jpg "Caleb Meadows")
Caleb Meadows is a contributor to the UNC Tar Heels. He previously covered Louisville sports and WWE for FanSided. Meadows also covered local sports in Oklahoma while attending Oklahoma State, where he earned a degree in sports communications. Follow him on X, at @CalebMeadows25."