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The prevailing idea among NBA scouts is that there is a top-three consensus for the draft, which kicks off at 5 p.m. PDT Thursday at the Barclays Center in New York.
But starting with the fourth pick, the draft could go any direction.
That’s because the Sacramento Kings have the fourth pick and are looking to move him to a “veteran NBA-ready” player, according to people with knowledge of the situation.
The New York Knicks, Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks are interested in Sacramento’s fourth selection.
Here’s a look at how things could play out in the first round. The Lakers and Clippers don’t have a first-round pick.
1. Orlando: Jabari Smith, 19, PF, 6-10, Auburn
Although young, his height, length and athletic abilities are intriguing.
2. Oklahoma City: Chet Holmgren, 20, F/C, 7-0, Gonzaga
Agile for his size, he knows how to shoot and has good ball handling. His weight (195 pounds) is worrying.
3. Houston: Paolo Banchero, 19, PF, 6-10, Duke
Considered ready for the NBA. Can pass and score. But how much better can it be?
4. Sacramento: Jaden Ivey, 20, SG, 6-4, Purdue
He is aggressive and explosive. It’s likely the Kings will trade the pick to a team that needs backcourt help.
5. Detroit: Shaedon Sharpe, 18, G, 6-6, Kentucky
Great fit next to point guard Cade Cunningham to give the Pistons a backcourt of the future.
6. Indiana: Keegan Murray, 21, F, 6-8, Iowa
Nice mid range game and can put the ball on the ground to mark the drive.
7. Portland: Dyson Daniels, 19, G, 6-8, G League Ignite
Has very good playmaking skills and is a very good defender, on and off the ball.
8. New Orleans: Bennedict Mathurin, 19, G, 6-6, Arizona
Has a good size for a shooting guard and is a good defender.
9. San Antonio: Ousmane Dieng, 19, F, 6-9, France
Was impressive in practices during the draft process, pushing him forward.
10. Washington: Johnny Davis, 20, G, 6-5, Wisconsin
A slasher who is tough and can defend, but needs to improve his three-point shot.
11. New York: AJ Griffin, 18, F, 6-6, Duke
Possibly the best pure shooter in the draft, he’s a natural scorer.
12. Oklahoma City: Blake Wesley, 19, G, 6-5, Notre Dame
He is super explosive with great athleticism and scoring ability.
13. Charlotte: Jeremy Sochan, 19, F, 6-9, Baylor
His seven-foot wingspan makes him a good defender.
14. Cleveland: Malaki Branham, 19, F, 6-5, Ohio State
Has a strong work ethic and ability to score in a variety of ways.
15. Charlotte: Mark Williams, 20, C, 7-0, Duke
Was one of the best rim protectors in the NCAA last season.
16. Atlanta: Jalen Duren, 18, C, 6-11, Memphis
Not a bad rim protector, but Hawks is probably ready to move that pick.
17. Houston: Ochai Agbaji, 22, G/F, 6-5, Kansas
He is more of a small striker who needs to improve his ball handling skills.
18. Chicago: Tari Eason, 21, F, 6-8, Louisiana State
A defensive-minded player who is raw offensively.
19. Minnesota: TyTy Washington, 20, G, 6-3, Kentucky
Could add depth to the Timberwolves’ talented backcourt.
20. San Antonio: Kennedy Chandler, 19, PG, 6-0, Tennessee
He is super fast and can score.
21. Denver: Jalen Williams, 21, G/F, 6-6, Santa Clara
His size and strength make him a good defender.
22. Memphis: MarJon Beauchamp, 21, W, 6-6, G League Ignite
Long and athletic, driver and slasher.
23. Philadelphia: Jaden Hardy, 19, G, 6-4, G League Ignite
Is a talented scorer with grips who can shoot the three-pointer.
24. Milwaukee: Nikola Jovic, 18, F, 6-10, Serbia
Has very good ball skills and is athletic.
25. San Antonio: EJ Liddell, 21, F, 6-7, Ohio State
An undersized power forward, but strong and resilient.
26. Houston: Wendell Moore, 20, F, 6-5, Duke
Likes to drive to the basket.
27. Miami: Dalen Terry, 19, G, 6-7, Arizona
Good size for a point guard looking to go first.
28. Golden State: Walker Kessler, 20, C, 7-1, Auburn
At the waist, but what does the NBA champions care?
29. Memphis: Patrick Baldwin, 19, F, 6-9, Milwaukee
Has the skills to be a stretch-four.
30. Denver: John Butler, 19, F/C, 7-1, Florida State
Has a good shooting range for its size and length.
This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
