Georgia Natives Selected in NBA Draft
Wendell Carter, Jr. (Chicago Bulls)– Selected with the 7th pick in the NBA Draft, Wendell Carter has a lot of upside. He was a projected top ten pick and the Bulls did not disappoint with their selection. Even though many Bulls’ fans wanted Michael Porter, Jr., I believe Carter will be a solid player for years to come. From first hand experience, he gave my high school team fits with his incredible length and finishing touch around the rim. Many compare the Duke product to Al Horford and I agree. Paired with Lauri Markkanen, lookout for the Bulls to have one of the most promising frontcourts in the NBA next season.
Collin Sexton (Cleveland Cavaliers)– Collin Sexton, or the “Young Bull” as many know him, followed Carter with the 8th pick in the draft. He was drafted to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were in desperate need of another playmaker since the return of LeBron James is unlikely. Sexton is known not only for his playmaking ability, but also his relentlessness and motor he brings at the point guard position. He was rather a late bloomer as he was relatively unknown a few years ago before exploding at Pebblebrook High School. During his post-draft interview Sexton called out LeBron and said, “Let’s do it, I see you need a few pieces…Let’s go back to the Finals.” I expect Sexton to rejuvenate the Cavaliers at the guard spot and possibly make LeBron James rethink his next decision.
Josh Okogie (Minnesota Timberwolves)– The surprise of the draft, Josh Okogie (pictured), was selected as the 20th pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Many scouts did not have Okogie landing in the 1st round a few weeks prior to the draft, but I think he is the perfect fit for the Timberwolves. He will be taken under the wing of Jimmy Butler and paired with some of the best young, talent in the NBA. Okogie surprised many at the NBA Combine as he led all prospects in the vertical leap (42 inches) and three-quarter court sprint (3.04 seconds). The Georgia Tech standout is athletic and has all the intangibles needed to become an elite defender at the next level. I expect Okogie to log valuable minutes off the bench for the Timberwolves next season.