USC star freshman guard Isaiah Collier is set to become an NBA player later this month. Collier is in the draft after just one season at USC, and the Georgia native is very likely to be a lottery pick.
Where he lands will depend on how teams view him. Collier’s ceiling is between a top 10 pick and a top 20 pick. Collier will fall in the latter category, according to Hoops Hype. Hoops Hype’s latest mock draft has Collier staying in California and heading north to the Sacramento Kings with the 13th overall pick.
“As for the draft, USC guard Isaiah Collier Projected to be the No. 1 pick in January's overall mock draft, he could help solidify playing time at backup point guard behind the star guard. Dearon Fox rear Davion Mitchell and Keon Ellis “Their roles fluctuated at different times last season,” Michael Scott wrote.
“Collier has NBA-caliber size, can attack the paint with force, get to the free throw line frequently and play on-ball defense along the perimeter. Whether he can limit turnovers and become a better shooter from beyond the three-point line and free throw line will determine whether he reaches his ceiling as a player.”
While many experts and pundits believe the Kings should add a floor-spacing forward or big man, this mock calls for a smaller player. The 6-foot-5 guard would still be a great addition for Sacramento, as he is a true point guard with great speed, strength and size.
Sacramento has lacked a true point guard behind All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox, and if the Kings could draft Collier, that would fill that void immediately. While there are some concerns about his decision-making, he brings other nice qualities, including pick-and-roll ability and ball-handling ability.
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