With an exceptionally deep NBA draft just three weeks away, here is the Post’s projection at how it may play out June 22 at Barclays Center.
1. Celtics (from Nets)
Markelle Fultz: PG, Washington
Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck said they likely will keep the pick. That is the smart move, and Fultz (23.2 points, 5.9 assists, 5.7 boards) is the smart choice.
2. Lakers
Lonzo Ball: PG, UCLA
Ball will work out for the Lakers on Wednesday. But Basketball Insider reports if he doesn’t “blow the doors off,” they could go for Kentucky’s De’Aaron Fox or Kansas’ Josh Jackson.
3. 76ers (from Kings)
Malik Monk: G, Kentucky
With forwards Ben Simmons and Dario Saric already on the roster, the Sixers will pass on Jayson Tatum and Josh Jackson in favor of the high-scoring Monk.
4. Suns
Josh Jackson: SF, Kansas
Jackson gives Devin Booker an athletic running mate and the Suns much-needed defense.
5. Kings (from 76ers)
De’Aaron Fox: PG, Kentucky
The Kings need a point guard, and Fox is the best one left on the board. But who can predict Vlade Divac?
6. Magic
Jayson Tatum: SF, Duke
GM John Hammond likes long, versatile wings. The 6-foot-8 Tatum fits the mold.
7. Timberwolves
Jonathan Isaac: F, Florida State
He is skinny but has range, and even better defensive instincts. Tom Thibodeau will love that.
8. Knicks
Dennis Smith Jr.: PG, North Carolina State
No, he isn’t a perfect triangle fit at 6-foot-3, but they need a point guard and — averaging 18.1 ppg and 6.2 assists — he is too good for even Phil Jackson to mess up this pick. Right?
9. Mavericks
Lauri Markkanen: PF, Arizona
Good range for this stretch-four, a 7-footer who hit 42.3 percent from 3-point range.
10. Kings (from Pelicans)
Justin Jackson: SF, North Carolina
See pick No. 5 for unpredictability. But potentially losing Rudy Gay, this could make sense.
11. Hornets
Zach Collins: PF/C, Gonzaga
Charlotte is set in the backcourt, but this 7-footer adds much-needed heft.
12. Pistons
Frank Ntilikina: PG, Strasbourg
ESPN reported Detroit may deal this pick. If not, having Reggie Jackson and Ish Smith allows them to let the 18-year-old French prospect to develop.
13. Nuggets
OG Anunoby: F, Indiana
Knee injury lets him fall right into Denver’s lap.
14. Heat
Donovan Mitchell: SG, Louisville
If they can’t get Collins to help replace Chris Bosh, they’ll be happy with this elite athlete and defender.
15. Trail Blazers
Terrance Ferguson: SG, Adelaide
Who knows if the Blazers keep all three picks, but he is a fast-riser with upside.
16. Bulls
Ike Anigbogu: C, UCLA
At just 18, the Bruin freshman is going to take time. With Robin Lopez, the Bulls can afford to give it to him.
17. Bucks
Jarrett Allen: C, Texas
Facing the possibility of Greg Monroe opting out, Allen could back up, or play beside, Thon Maker.
18. Pacers
Luke Kennard: SG, Duke
Coming back to school helped Kennard, who averaged 19.5 ppg and hit 43.8 percent from 3. His shot is NBA-ready.
19. Hawks
John Collins: PF, Wake Forest
For a team in transition and facing Paul Millsap’s free agency, Collins’ offensive skills could be a fit.
20. Trail Blazers (from Grizzlies)
Harry Giles: C, Duke
He will slide because of his knee woes, but for a team needing frontcourt help Giles is too good to pass up.
22. Nets (from Wizards)
Rodions Kurucs: SF, Barcelona
GM Sean Marks personally scouted the 19-year-old Latvian in Spain, and sources say the Nets are exceedingly high on him as a stash pick. But he is rising fast.
27. Nets (from Celtics)
Isaiah Hartenstein: PF/C, Zalgiris
Brooklyn passes on Cal’s Ivan Rabb to go for the 7-foot-1 teen, who Nets assistant Chris Fleming coached on the German National Team.
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