NBA Draft: From Walker to Whitmore, Where Do Picks 5-10 Fall?

As the NBA Draft approaches, speculation is rife about the coveted number five spot, currently held by the Detroit Pistons. Rumors are circulating about the team’s interest in prospect Ausar Thompson. This scenario seems increasingly likely, with current odds placing him at -180 after being at even money (+100) as early as this morning. However, the Pistons have also been heavily linked to Jarace Walker, adding to the unpredictability of the situation.

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It’s interesting to note that, just a week ago, every mock draft seemed to have Cam Whitmore going fifth. This fluctuation reflects the consensus within the NBA that there’s a drop in player tier after the top four, making the fifth pick a variable selection.

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For teams looking at players in this range, such as Detroit, the option to trade back for additional assets becomes appealing. This is particularly true if they view the players available at picks five through nine as similar.

Another team to watch is the Orlando Magic, sitting in the sixth spot. They have expressed a keen interest in Anthony Black. The question arises: Should they risk waiting for their turn or trade up to ensure they secure their desired player? This is a typical NFL draft strategy, but Orlando could very well employ it in the NBA Draft.

The Magic’s decision at the sixth pick will be telling. They could opt for Thompson or throw a curveball and pick someone unexpected. There’s also the possibility of Jarace Walker, the favorite, being available at the seventh spot (+100), adding another layer of intrigue.

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The eighth spot, currently held by the Washington Wizards, is where Whitmore (+430) likely lands. Washington should not let anything influence their decision, as Whitmore is the most talented player in this draft and deserves to be their choice.

At nine, Taylor Hendrix makes a lot of sense. Some think he could be a surprise pick at five, but it’s a win-win at nine.

Lastly, at the tenth spot, the Atlanta Hawks should move up via a trade with the Dallas Mavericks and select Dereck Lively, the big man from Duke. There’s a widespread belief that Dallas doesn’t intend to keep this pick, which throws in significant uncertainty. However, Lively seems to be a hot commodity, mainly due to this draft’s scarcity of quality big men. He’s in a tier of his own, followed by a significant drop-off, which makes him a desirable choice for teams seeking a dominant center.

With so many possibilities and moving pieces, the NBA Draft promises to be an exciting and unpredictable event this year. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we approach the opening pick.

Odds Courtesy FanDuel Sportsbook