The players selected in the first round of the NBA draft Wednesday night in New York:
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1. Dallas Mavericks — Cooper Flagg, forward, 6-8, 221, Duke
Scouting report: Only the fourth freshman named Associated Press men’s national player of the year. Led Final Four team in scoring (19.2), rebounding (7.5), assists (4.2), steals (1.4) and blocks (1.4). Shot 38.5% on 3-pointers and 84% on free throws. Ranked in 85th percentile or better in converting as the ballhandler in pick-and-rolls, post-ups and transition, according to Synergy’s analytics rankings. Set Atlantic Coast Conference freshman record with 42 points against Notre Dame. Turns 19 in December.
2. San Antonio Spurs — Dylan Harper, guard, 6-5, 213, Rutgers
Scouting report: Freshman lefty who thrived as scorer (19.4) and lead ballhandler with two-way potential. Notably scored 36 points against Notre Dame, then 37 a day later against then-No. 9 Alabama in November. Averaged 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals. Son of former NBA guard Ron Harper. Couldn’t lift Rutgers to a winning record despite playing with fellow top prospect Ace Bailey. Turned 19 in March.
3. Philadelphia 76ers — VJ Edgecombe, guard, 6-4, 193, Baylor
Scouting report: Explosive athleticism stands out at both ends. Above-the-rim finisher who creates highlight-reel moments. Freshman ranked among combine leaders in max vertical leap (38.5). Must improve outside shooting consistency (34%), but had seven games with at least three made 3s. Had 11 games with three-plus steals.
4. Charlotte Hornets — Kon Knueppel, forward, 6-7, 217, Duke
Scouting report: Efficient wing scorer. Made 40.6% on 3-pointers. Ranked in Synergy’s 98th percentile on spot-up shooting (52.9%). Ranked sixth nationally at the foul line (91.4%). Had 10 games with at least four assists, indicating potential as secondary playmaker. ACC Tournament MVP. Lacks elite athleticism.
5. Utah Jazz — Ace Bailey, forward, 6-8, 203, Rutgers
Scouting report: Versatile, athletic shotmaker with midrange and stepback skills. Streaky shooter had five January games with at least four 3s for defense-stretching potential, yet also notable skids at the foul line and behind the arc. Last season’s second-ranked recruit couldn’t lift Rutgers to a winning record despite playing with fellow top prospect Dylan Harper. Turns 19 in August.
6. Washington Wizards — Tre Johnson, guard, 6-5, 190, Texas
Scouting report: Southeastern Conference’s scoring leader (19.9) who also led all Division I freshmen. Broke Kevin Durant’s freshman Longhorns record with 39 points against Arkansas. Shot 39.7% on 3-pointers with 12 games of at least four 3s. Shot 87.1% on free throws. Needs strength on slender frame. Turned 19 in March.
7. New Orleans Pelicans — Jeremiah Fears, guard, 6-3, 180, Oklahoma
Scouting report: Freshman combo guard adept at creating space. Averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Attempted 6.3 free throws per game. Had a four-point play to beat then-No. 24 Michigan. Shot 28.4% on 3s and averaged 3.4 turnovers. Must add strength. Turns 19 in October.
8. Brooklyn Nets — Egor Demin, guard/forward, 6-8, 199, BYU
Scouting report: Russian playmaker with size. Averaged 5.5 assists, second among Division I freshmen. Had 15 assists against two turnovers in 54 minutes in the last two games for a Sweet 16 team. Must improve shooting (27.3% on 3s, 69.5% on free throws).
9. Toronto Raptors — Collin Murray-Boyles, forward, 6-7, 240, South Carolina
Scouting report: Sophomore with 7-1 wingspan and two-way potential. Averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks. Thrived in halfcourt by shooting 57.9% to rank in Synergy’s 88th percentile. Shooting is a concern after hitting 23.1% (9 of 39) of 3-pointers and 69.5% of free throws in two seasons.
10. Houston Rockets (traded to Phoenix Suns) — Khaman Maluach, center, 7-1, 253, Duke
Scouting report: Has length and size of elite rim protector and lob threat. Runs floor well and thrived in pick-and-roll chances, ranking in Synergy’s 99th percentile. Still-developing offensive skillset with 71.2% shooting largely coming on dunks and putbacks. Had combine’s biggest wingspan at 7-6 3/4. From South Sudan. Turns 19 in September.
11. Portland Trail Blazers — Cedric Coward, guard, 6-5, 213, Washington State
Scouting report: Has journeyed through Division III Willamette, Eastern Washington, an injury-shortened year at Washington State and planned transfer to Duke. Stayed in draft after testing well at the combine. Projects as “3-and-D” wing with 38.5-inch max vertical leap and 7-2 wingspan.
12. Chicago Bulls — Noa Essengue, forward, 6-9, 194, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Scouting report: Versatile Frenchman with floor-running athleticism. Thrived in transition, ranking in Synergy’s 91st percentile in those scenarios. Performed well in combine agility testing. Shooting range is still a question. Turns 19 in December.
13. Atlanta Hawks
14. San Antonio Spurs
15. Oklahoma City Thunder
16. Memphis Grizzlies
17. Minnesota Timberwolves
18. Washington Wizards
19. Brooklyn Nets
20. Miami Heat
21. Utah Jazz
22. Atlanta Hawks (traded to Brooklyn Nets)
23. New Orleans Pelicans
24. Oklahoma City Thunder
25. Orlando Magic
26. Brooklyn Nets
27. Brooklyn Nets
28. Boston Celtics
29. Phoenix Suns
30. Los Angeles Clippers
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba
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