Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft: What’s in store for the second round?

By Brendon Kleen

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Grayson Allen #23 speaks with reporters during Day One of the NBA Draft Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Grayson Allen #23 speaks with reporters during Day One of the NBA Draft Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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player. 170. . G. Alabama. Collin Sexton. 11

It feels locked in that some team will reach for Sexton, drawn in by his physical gifts and the remarkable success of similar players like Eric Bledsoe or Derrick Rose after a few years of development. Charlotte could put themselves in position to capitalize on those prime seasons by drafting Sexton now and developing him during the last year of Kemba Walker’s current contract.

Watching the ESPN telecast of the draft lottery Tuesday, I was blown away that college basketball commentator Jay Bilas had Sexton at No. 7 on his board, but when you dive into Jonathan Givony’s rankings on ESPN Insider, Sexton sits at No. 9 there. As I’ve gotten lower on him compared with the other playmakers in this draft, it appears the consensus has gotten higher. Charlotte likely needs a flashy name to keep fans optimistic amid yet another reset with new general manager Mitch Kupchak and coach James Borrego in place.

Maybe Sexton shows defensive potential in 1-on-1 situations at the combine this week or shoots the lights out. Those are the two biggest concerns with Sexton, and playing against elite competition could allow him to prove to NBA decision-makers that he can consistently play up to their level and that he has started to round out his game since Alabama’s second-round exit from the NCAA tournament.