Mississippi State Basketball: Prime Draft Destinations for Reggie Perry
When former 5 Star recruit, McDonald’s All-American and Mississippi State Basketball legacy Reggie Perry committed to play for Mississippi State, most thought he would be off to the NBA after his freshman season.
Perry did declare for the 2019 NBA draft but decided to return to school. The decision paid off. During his sophomore season, Perry improved his all-around game in every category.
It was no surprise as Perry declared for the 2020 draft, and this time, he stayed in the draft. So Perry’s two-year stay in Maroon and White is over. The 6’10, 250 pounder is now NBA ready. With the 2020 NBA draft a mere seven days away, I wanted to look at what teams Perry would be a fit for.
Where Mock Drafts Have Reggie Perry Being Drafted
Reggie Perry is a very talented basketball player earning numerous awards and honors as a Bulldogs. Due to Covid-19, there were changes to the 2020 NBA Pre-Draft combine. This put some players at a disadvantage.
Perry went through the pre-draft process last year, and NBA Coaches and GM’s are familiar with him. This is advantageous for Perry over prospects that don’t have familiarity with NBA workouts or relationships with coaches and general managers.
Perry also had several private workouts with teams last year. Maybe one of those teams will pull the trigger and draft the talented big man.
Nick Alvarez has Perry going to the Pelicans at either #39 or #60, and Michael Saenz predicts Perry will be selected by the Thunder in the first round at #25.
Perry has earned respect as a potential NBA player. Here are some teams that I feel could take a chance on Perry in either round.
Los Angeles Clippers 2nd Round #60
The Los Angeles Clippers were eliminated in the second round by a surprising Denver Nuggets team. To make matters worse, the Lakers won the NBA Title. The Clippers have a strong core, with three of their top scorers returning in Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Lou Williams.
Their frontcourt could use some help as Montrezl Harrell, Patrick Patterson, Jamychal Green, and Marcus Morris Sr. are all free agents. Reggie Perry would make a good selection here as he has the size and strength to play center or power forward.
He also has a shooting touch as he shot 32% from three-point range in college. Perry will not be expected to be a scoring threat right away, which will allow him to contribute and settle into a contributing role.
Toronto Raptors 1st Round # 29
The 2019 NBA Champion Toronto Raptors were eliminated in the second round by the Boston Celtics. Now the Raptors frontcourt depth will take a hit with aging, and expensive veterans Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol set to hit free agency.
Reggie Perry would be a great selection here at the end of the first round. His size and skill set as a rebounder and defender, as well as his young legs, would be a welcome addition. Perry could flourish playing alongside Pascal Siakim.
The Raptors have some young front players who they expect to contribute next year in Dewan Hernandez and Chris Boucher. They don’t possess the versatility that Perry would bring.
Los Angeles Lakers 1st Round #28
The 2020 NBA Champion Lakers could use an infusion of youth in their frontcourt. The Lakers have veterans Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee entering free agency. Anthony Davis is also a free agent, but I expect him to resign with the Lakers.
Perry could learn the ropes playing with Lebron James and Anthony Davis. This would be a similar situation if he became a Clipper. For a player like Perry to have a chance to learn from greats on a championship-caliber roster would be ideal for his development.
I could even see Reggie Perry starting in place of Howard at this point in his career. Howard is basically a role player. Perry’s scoring ability in the paint and his growing shooting touch would provide another scoring option for the Lakers.