NBA mock drafts have ASU’s Dort, Cheatham being selected

The 2019 NBA Draft begins Thursday and two Arizona State basketball players could be selected in the first or second round.

Guard Luguentz Dort and forward Zylan Cheatham have been drawing some attention from writers across the country after their time at ASU.

Dort, who was a freshman last season, has been showing up in many mock drafts going late in the first round or early second round.

Forbes: Round 1, No. 22 overall to the Boston Celtics

Brett Knight, a writer for Forbes, has Dort going in the first round. He cites a comparison to Marcus Smart and said the Celtics have shown some interest in him after a pre-draft workout.

Los Angeles Times: Round 1, No. 28 overall to the Golden State Warriors

Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times included a quote from Mark Medina, Bay Area News Group, that mentioned without Klay Thompson, the Warriors will need a dependable scorer and defender. He also wrote Dort will help fill the vacancy but is not a reliable three-point shooter.

CBS Sports: Round 2, No. 32 overall to the Phoenix Suns

“With Jamal Crawford entering free agency, he could be a valuable backup to Devin Booker or a second-unit initiator on offense,” Kyle Boone of CBS Sports wrote. He also said Dort “plays hard” and that should allow him to flourish under a number of situations.

The Athletic: Round 2, No. 36 overall to the Charlotte Hornets 

Sam Vecenie, who writes for The Athletic, said Dort’s lack of point guard skills and jump shot are what have made evaluators question drafting him. However, his jumper has been improving and his defensive skills are unquestionable, according to Vecenie.

Bleacher Report: Round 2, No. 37 overall to the Dallas Mavericks

“He’ll be valued for the pressure he can apply at both ends with his attacking and competitiveness,” Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report writes. Wasserman also added that Dort needs to work on his “finesse and decision-making.”

Dort averaged 16.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game in his only year at ASU last season.

Although Dort has been included on many mock drafts, his teammate has not.

Cheatham, though, has been seen as high as the second round in a few mock drafts.

The Ringer: Round 2, No. 51 overall to the Boston Celtics 

Kevin O’Connor, a writer for The Ringer, said Cheatham is a “tremendous defender” and is a good playmaker for his size.

Bleacher Report: Round 2, No. 52 overall to the Charlotte Hornets

Wasserman wrote that Cheatham will be someone who can offer some “energy and hustle” on a team right away.

CBS Sports: Round 2, No. 57 overall to the Los Angeles Clippers

“It’s rare to see a senior’s stock rise substantially, but Cheatham’s is blossoming notably because of his freakish leaping ability and versatility as a defender,” Boone said.

Cheatham ended his senior year averaging 12.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent from the three-point line.