1 Surprise Draft Target for Every 1st-Round NBA Team

The NBA draft doesn't usually go by the book or predictions made by media and fans. And this year, given all the uncertainty caused by a polarizing class and an abbreviated lead-up, this draft could be more unpredictable than ever.

We also just found out it's getting pushed back again to an unknown date.

For every pick of the first round, we highlighted a surprise target or perceived reach who deserves consideration for how their skills and game would fit. Some players were used twice, as multiple teams seemed like obvious suitors for these particular prospects.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Obi Toppin (Dayton, PF, Sophomore)

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Teams, fans and media seem to expect the Minnesota Timberwolves to decide between LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards and a trade. Obi Toppin is the sleeper pick for a team that might feel pressure to start getting results and keep Karl-Anthony Towns happy.

Minnesota could go all in on offense, trying to outscore opponents by pairing Towns and D'Angelo Russell with the Naismith Men's College Player of Year, who's 22 years old, led the nation in dunks and shot 39.0 percent from three-point range—but has trouble making defensive reads and reactions.

Ball, another suspect defender, isn't an ideal fit with his ball-dominant style. And Edwards struggled at Georgia as a spot-up and catch-and-shoot player.

With Toppin and Towns, the Wolves could attack opposing frontcourts with two skilled, inside-out bigs to use in pick-and-rolls/pops and post-ups.

At +4000, Toppin is the best long-shot bet for the No. 1 pick.

2. Golden State Warriors: Onyeka Okongwu (USC, C, Freshman)

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There seems to be an assumption that if the Golden State Warriors go big at No. 2, James Wiseman will be the answer. We've actually had Onyeka Okongwu ranked higher than Wiseman on our board since November. And there is an easy case to be made that the USC center is a better fit for this Warriors roster.

Though Okongwu isn't as tall or long, he's still a powerful, athletic finisher with more skill and defensive versatility, key points. He ranked in the 94th percentile as a post scorer, 91st percentile around the basket and 90th percentile as an offensive rebounder.

And while Wiseman's tools point to shot-blocking upside, Okongwu still blocked 2.7 shots per game while demonstrating impressive mobility sliding his feet and recovering.

Neither are shooters, but Okongwu did flash terrific touch in the paint and promising touch in the mid-range, making 15 of 35 half-court jump shots and 72.0 percent of his free throws.

3. Charlotte Hornets: Killian Hayes (Ratiopharm Ulm, PG, 2001)

The Charlotte Hornets should only be thinking best player available at No. 3. And that could be Killian Hayes, despite what mock drafts suggest.

The No. 4 player on Bleacher Report's big board, Hayes is a sleeper prospect to emerge as the class' top point guard. There is a path for him to become more well-rounded than LaMelo Ball if he continues to make progress with his jump shot.

Compared to Ball, who shot 38.9 percent overseas, Hayes shot a combined 48.2 percent in the German BBL, EuroCup and German Cup while registering a 38.7 assist percentage (Ball's was 36.1 percent). Hayes also demonstrates more skill and footwork in creating his own shot, and though not as potent as a shot-maker, he improved from 0.8 threes per 40 minutes last season to 1.5 this season while shooting 87.6 percent from the free-throw line.

Between Hayes' 6'5" size, playmaking and efficiency, he'd be a fitting backcourt complement to Devonte' Graham, who struggles from the floor but helps with his three-ball.

4. Chicago Bulls: Tyrese Haliburton (Iowa State, PG/SG, Sophomore)

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Tyrese Haliburton's fit for the Chicago Bulls seems clean enough for them to reach at No. 4.

With scorers and shot-makers in Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, Otto Porter Jr. and Coby White, the Bulls still finished 29th in offensive efficiency. Haliburton would give the lineup a special passer who'll make his money by setting up teammates for open looks and keeping the ball moving.

But he also ranked in the 99th percentile as a spot-up player, highlighting important versatility that would allow him to play off LaVine and White when they're dancing with the ball.

Though there might be higher-upside players on the board for Chicago, Haliburton could be the low-maintenance, high-impact guard who helps unlock the Bulls' talent.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Devin Vassell (Florida State, SF, Sophomore)

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The Cleveland Cavaliers can't know yet what they have in Darius Garland. They can't be sure if Andre Drummond is a long-term piece or if they'll get an offer worth taking for Kevin Love. But with Devin Vassell, they can feel certain about having a long-term three-and-D wing.

And his particular game will always be valued, regardless of what Cleveland does with its backcourt or bigs. A bouncy 6'7" forward, Vassell shot over 41.0 percent from three in consecutive seasons while routinely showing off his advanced defensive IQ and the athleticism to react on his reads.

A best-case scenario would result in Vassell building on this year's improved pull-up game and flashes of specialty shot-making. But even his worst-case scenario should be attractive for the Cavaliers, who need stability, shooting and defense.

6. Atlanta Hawks: Tyrese Maxey (Kentucky, SG, Freshman)

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Tyrese Maxey's draft stock is all over the place, but we've remained high on his scoring and see a fit with the Atlanta Hawks.

He'd take pressure off Trae Young with his creation and shot-making. Maxey averaged 14.0 points and 3.2 assists per game at Kentucky, and that was while shooting poorly (29.2 percent from three) while sharing the ball with the SEC's assist leader (Ashton Hagans) and Player of the Year (Immanuel Quickley).

Based on the eye test and a 83.3 free-throw percentage, Maxey's jumper isn't the problem. He also ranked in the 86th percentile as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, mostly because of his ability to get downhill, attack rim protection and finish.

Strong and physical defensively, Maxey could work well with Cam Reddish on the wings to support Young on both ends of the floor.

7. Detroit Pistons: Cole Anthony (North Carolina, PG, Freshman)

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While teams have cooled on Cole Anthony, the Detroit Pistons may want to see through the inefficiency and negative buzz.

They're going to need offense, and Anthony still projects as a dangerous scorer given his athleticism, creation and high-level shot-making from the mid-range and three.

Unlike at North Carolina, he could also have shooters around him with Luke Kennard, Svi Mykhailiuk and Tony Snell.

He'd have the year to learn under Derrick Rose, but the Pistons may want to use both at the same time to have their top offensive players on the floor. Regardless of where he plays—point guard, combo, 2—Anthony would be valued by Detroit for his ability to generate offense, whether it's out of isolation (92nd percentile), in ball-screen situations or when spotting up (41.2 percent).

8. New York Knicks: Patrick Williams (Florida State, SF/PF, Freshman)

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Positions shouldn't matter to the New York Knicks, who just need talent, especially since it's still unclear what RJ Barrett's trajectory will look like. And there are scouts who believe Patrick Williams possesses upside that was masked by a limited role at Florida State.

The draft's youngest NCAA prospect, he's No. 8 on our board with unique skill versatility for a 6'8", 225-pound 19-year-old. Buying in to Williams means buying flashes, since he averaged only 9.2 points per game. But given his age and reputation, there is optimism that he's the type of player who'll maximize his potential, which is fueled by powerful athleticism, outside touch, subtle footwork for shot-creation, live-dribble passing ability and defensive playmaking.

He shot 41.9 percent on pull-ups and generated 0.96 points per possession as a pick-and-roll ball-handler (90th percentile).

The Knicks aren't going anywhere soon, and they just put an emphasis on player development, particularly with the hire of assistant Johnnie Bryant. At No. 8, when there aren't any obvious stars on the board, the reward could be worth the risk in selecting Williams if New York's other targets are unavailable.

9. Washington Wizards: Jalen Smith (Maryland, C, Sophomore)

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Jalen Smith has been gaining steam. While No. 9 sounds like a reach, some teams have moved him into the lottery.

He'd be a strong fit for the Washington Wizards next to Rui Hachimura, who struggles with shooting range and defense. Meanwhile, Smith just averaged 1.0 three-point make, 2.4 blocks and 10.5 rebounds per game after improving his jump shot and body.

At the least, he should be able stretch the floor and add rim protection from the center spot. But scouts also believe there is more to his game than Smith showcased at Maryland.

He's a high-floor three-and-D big with room to develop into a more versatile scorer from the post and face-up position.

10. Phoenix Suns: Aleksej Pokusevski (Olympiacos II, PF, 2001)

It may take a year for Aleksej Pokusevski to emerge as a starter, but his upside and fit next to Deandre Ayton could be worth the No. 10 pick.

If his shooting, passing and defensive activity translate, he'd be a key piece at power forward who helps push the Phoenix Suns to a new level.

He's become a trendy name in the draft discussion for his 7'0" size, open-floor ball-handling, fluid shot-making versatility, flashy passing and active shot-blocking.

While Pokusevski's lowlights tend to show poor decisions, more misses than makes, no strength and questionable effort, the Suns may want to gamble on his highlights and capabilities, which are eye-popping, rare and enticing, especially since he's the draft's youngest player. He won't turn 19 until Dec. 26.

Late Lottery

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11. San Antonio Spurs: Theo Maledon (ASVEL, PG, 2001)

The Spurs have likely done their research on Maledon, who played for ASVEL, which is owned by Tony Parker. Limited burst and athleticism create the perception that he lacks upside, but Maledon could have sneaky potential tied to his ball skills, shooting versatility, pick-and-roll game, ability to change speeds and body control. For a 19-year-old, he also comes with more experience than any other international prospect on the first-round radar, having played in the EuroCup and Jeep Elite League and 22 EuroLeague games in 2019-20.

12. Sacramento Kings: Josh Green (Arizona, SG/SF, Freshman)

With Green, De'Aaron Fox and the Kings could play faster and get out for many easy baskets. The explosive Arizona wing flies in transition, but he'd also give Sacramento a perimeter stopper with incredible defensive quickness and a shooter who just made 43.9 percent of his attempts on spot-up, non-dribble jumpers.

13. New Orleans Pelicans: Aleksej Pokusevski (Olympiacos II, PF, 2001)

With Zion Williamson bringing the power and explosiveness, Pokusevski can complement him with shooting and shot-blocking. He's arguably the most skilled big in the draft when taking into account his handle, jump shot and passing, and if Pokusevski hits his upside, it would be scary for opponents.

14. Boston Celtics (via Grizzlies): Tyrell Terry (Stanford, PG/SG, Freshman)

Terry could back up Kemba Walker and give Boston's second unit a shooter who'll be more accurate and consistent than Marcus Smart or Romeo Langford. Brad Stevens would seemingly value his skill level, basketball IQ and competitiveness.

Nos. 15-20

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15. Orlando Magic: Cassius Winston (Michigan State, PG, Senior)

Age and athletic limitations paint Winston, 22, as a fringe first-rounder, just as they did for Devonte' Graham and Malcolm Brogdon. The Magic could look past old scouting traditions and value Winston's strengths: elite shooting, passing IQ and intangibles.

16. Portland Trail Blazers: Tyler Bey (Colorado, PF, Junior)

It looks like the Blazers have another dangerous shot-maker in Gary Trent Jr., but they could still use a defender to hassle opposing forwards. Bey could be a surprise pick if Portland prioritizes needs. He guarded all over at Colorado, demonstrating strong technique and anticipation.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Nets): Desmond Bane (TCU, SG, Senior)

Bane checks the right boxes for Minnesota with his shooting, passing and defensive IQ. He's just the type of efficient, versatile and mistake-free role player they should target.

18. Dallas Mavericks: Xavier Tillman (Michigan State, PF, Junior)

The Mavericks have the league's top offense and No. 18 defense. Though Tillman isn't a scorer, he can carve out a long NBA career just by tapping in to his standout defensive instincts to guard the post, anticipate in pick-and-rolls and read plays and rotate from off the ball.

19. Brooklyn Nets (via 76ers): Leandro Bolmaro (Barcelona, SF, 2000)

The chances Brooklyn will add an immediate contributor at No. 19 are slim, so it may make sense to draft and stash Bolmaro. In a favorable situation overseas to continue developing with Barcelona, he could wind up being a helpful addition and contributor a year from now, more seasoned with his unique playmaking and potentially improved shooting.

20. Miami Heat: Robert Woodard (Mississippi State, PF, Sophomore)

Woodard's three-and-D play from the 4 spot could work well with Miami. At 6'7", 230 pounds, he hit 42.9 percent of his threes, averaged 1.1 steals and 1.0 block per game while guarding bigs, switching and making smart reads.

Nos. 21-30

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21. Philadelphia 76ers (via Thunder): Grant Riller (Charleston, PG, Senior)

Riller would give the Sixers another ball-handler and more advanced shot-creator than Shake Milton or Ben Simmons. The eye test on his quick, precise moves and consecutive years of 21.9 points per game on better than 60.0 percent true shooting should be enough to warrant first-round consideration.

22. Denver Nuggets (via Rockets): Xavier Tillman (Michigan State, PF, Junior)

Multiple playoff teams should target Tillman for his defensive instincts, passing and ability to impact games without needing dribbles or shots. With Paul Millsap entering free agency at 35, and Nikoka Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. limited defensively, the Nuggets can turn to the 250-pounder for immediate minutes.

23. Utah Jazz: Killian Tillie (Gonzaga, PF, Senior)

Too many times players wrongfully fall in the draft after injuries in college. The Sixers could value Tillie's ability to space the floor with his three-ball, which reached 40.0 percent in all four of his years at Gonzaga. But he also impacts games at both ends with his basketball IQ.

24. Milwaukee Bucks (via Pacers): Jahmi'us Ramsey (Texas Tech, SG, Freshman)

The Bucks could add another shot-maker in Ramsey, who hit 42.6 percent of his threes and graded in the 88th percentile out of isolation. While his shot selection and defense weren't always tight, Milwaukee could look past the freshman's weaknesses to the likelihood that his shooting ability and offensive confidence can translate to scoring.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Nuggets): Elijah Hughes (Syracuse, SF, Junior)

Only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort and Darius Bazley seem like keepers for Oklahoma City. The Thunder could add a scoring and shot-making wing to their core with Hughes, who finished fourth in the country in isolation points per game and averaged 2.4 three-point makes per game.

26. Boston Celtics: Cassius Stanley (Duke, SF, Freshman)

At this point of the draft, it might be worth selecting arguably the class' best athlete and seeing how his skill set develops. There aren't more explosive leapers than Stanley, who showed just enough shooting and defensive potential to draw late first-round looks.

27. New York Knicks (via Clippers): Isaiah Joe (Arkansas, SG, Sophomore)

The Knicks will pick again at No. 38, but they might want to strike early on Joe, who in 2018-19 became one of five freshmen with Stephen Curry, Jamal Murray, Trae Young and Antoine Davis to hit 113 threes in a season. He averaged 3.6 threes per game last season. The Knicks need shooting and could look past Joe's potentially meaningless drop in percentages for his smooth delivery and elite shot-making.

28. Los Angeles Lakers: Malachi Flynn (San Diego State, PG, Junior)

The Lakers could value Flynn's mix of pick-and-roll ball-handling IQ and shooting. But his defensive peskiness could give him the edge over other point guards in L.A.'s range.

29. Toronto Raptors: Paul Reed (DePaul, PF/C, Junior)

A combined 4.4 steals and blocks per game hint at enticing defensive potential for Reed, who also averaged 15.1 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. There is a lot for Toronto to bet on with DePaul's big man, and the Raptors are looking at Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka entering free agency.

30. Boston Celtics (via Bucks): Jordan Nwora (Louisville, PF, Junior)

Though Nwora was more of a wing scorer at Louisville, the Celtics could view him as a stretch 4 or shot-making specialist. At 6'8", he hit 153 threes through 65 games over his final two college seasons.

Stats courtesy of Synergy Sports, NBA.com and Sports Reference.