ARIZONA STATE BASKETBALL

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

Jun 20, 2019, 6:30 AM
On the left, ASU's Luguentz Dort. ASU's Zylan Cheatham on the right. (AP photos)...
On the left, ASU's Luguentz Dort. ASU's Zylan Cheatham on the right. (AP photos)
(AP photos)

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.

Arizona State Basketball

Frankie Collins #10 of the Arizona State Sun Devils dunks the ball against Chuck O'Bannon Jr. #5 of...
Arizona Sports

ASU basketball’s Frankie Collins declares for NBA Draft, keeps college eligibility

Arizona State sophomore guard Frankie Collins announced on Friday night that he is entering the 2023 NBA Draft.
17 hours ago
Arizona State guard Malachi Davis. (Instagram Photo/@malachiidavis)...
Jake Anderson

Arizona State picks up JUCO guard Malachi Davis in transfer portal

Arizona State men's basketball coach Bobby Hurley got his first domino to fall in the transfer portal on Thursday in JUCO guard Malachi Davis.
3 days ago
Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley, right, and guard Frankie Collins pause near the team bench during...
Jake Anderson

After contract extension, ASU’s Bobby Hurley wasting no time building toward future

ASU men's basketball coach Bobby Hurley has had very little time to celebrate his two-year contract extension through the 2025-26 season.
4 days ago
Arizona State's Austin Nunez (2) pushes away from UCLA's Jaylen Clark (0) during the second half of...
Arizona Sports

ASU freshman Austin Nunez entering transfer portal

Arizona State guard Austin Nunez will enter the transfer portal after playing a reserve role as a freshman for the Sun Devils.
5 days ago
Miles Byrd #21, Demarshay Johnson Jr. #11 and Elijah Saunders #25 of the San Diego State Aztecs run...
Associated Press

San Diego State holds off Creighton to advance to Final Four

SDSU muscled its way into its first Final Four, grinding out a 57-56 victory over Creighton on Sunday in the Elite Eight.
7 days ago
Arizona State quarterback Jaden Rashada. (Instagram Photo/@jadenrashada)...
Arizona Sports

State of the Sun Devils podcast: Could QB Jaden Rashada start for ASU in 2023?

On the latest episode of State of the Sun Devils podcast, the guys broke down ASU's quarterback competition at 2023 spring ball practice.
8 days ago
NBA mock drafts have ASU’s Dort, Cheatham being selected