Two Perfect Prospect-Team Pairings

With the draft order being set, teams can now focus their full attention towards which prospects make the most sense in their projected range. Here are some prospect-team pairings that make a lot of sense for both sides:

Ausar Thompson: Detroit Pistons

5th Overall Pick

With a core built around a backcourt of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey as well as center Jalen Duren, Detroit needs wings to complete its young core.

Thompson, at 6-foot-7, is arguably the best wing defender in the draft. His tantalizing athletic traits allow him to stick a plethora of different types of offensive players. Additionally, this prowess extends to what he can do as a help defender. The former Overtime Elite City Reapers star can add legitimate rim protection with his vertical presence.

Offensively, a lot of the same tools make him great. Thompson can burn by defenders to put oodles of pressure on the rim. He can finish these drives with touch and craft below the rim or over the rim with vicious dunks. Moreover, the 20-year-old is a shrewd passer, and a burgeoning jump-shooter. These collective skills on both ends of the court at his position make him the perfect fit for the Pistons.

Gradey Dic: Oklahoma City Thunder

12th Overall Pick

The theme of Oklahoma City’s roster is jumbo creators. From 6-foot-6 MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 6-foot-8 sophomore stud Josh Giddey to 6-foot-6 rookie sensation Jalen Williams, the Thunder have successfully stacked three star initiators with height. The 7-foot-1 Chet Holmgren will join them next season to hold down the fort as their primary interior play finisher and rim protector. What could possibly fit this core better than a frontcourt sniper who can finish plays from the perimeter? This is precisely what Gradey Dick brings to the table.

The 6-foot-8 former Kansas Jayhawk made north of 40% of his 5.7 attempts from beyond the arc this season. He’s adept at knocking down shots over outstretched contests and off of movement. In addition to his prolific shooting ability, Dick offers a good amount of value as a connective passer, cutter, and defensive players. He’s an extremely smart basketball player with the rotational awareness of a seasoned veteran. He’d perfectly fit the mold of Oklahoma City on both sides of the ball.

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