New NBA Mock Draft: Picks 11 to 20
Who will the Knicks, Rockets and Bulls take in the first round?
See also: NBA Mock Draft — Picks 1 to 10
Let’s continue with the first round of the June 23 NBA Draft, as it looks right now:
11. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Orleans Pelicans)
TARI EASON
LSU
Sophomore
F/C
6’8” | 216 | Wingspan: 6’9”
Age on draft night: 21.1
Portland could use a defensive playmaker like Eason, one of my favorite players in the draft — and a prospect who could become one of the top players in this class before the end of his rookie deal.
He’s a versatile offensive weapon who can play both forward spots, attack off the dribble and generate scoring opportunities for himself off his energy and activity on defense.
The defensive end is where he’ll make the most immediate impact, as he has the size, length and athleticism to guard up to four positions. The big question is whether he can continue to make strides as a shooter.