What the experts say
(as of 6/8/19)
ESPN [$] (Jonathan Givony): 31st
The Ringer (Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks): 42nd
Sports Illustrated (Jeremy Woo – Mock Draft): 26th
Sports Illustrated (Jeremy Woo – Big Board Rankings): 19th
The Athletic [$] (Sam Vecenie): 28th
The Stepien (Composite Rank): 40th
The Step Back (Brandon Kleen): 29th
Quotes:
Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated explained his reasoning for placing Claxton at 26th (Cleveland) in his mock draft:
"“Cleveland stands to add to its frontline long-term, and Claxton’s size, skill level and potentially versatile game hold a degree of intrigue. He’s not a finished product, but if he stays in the draft, it’s easy to see him ending up in this range just based on his upside. He has surprising ball skills and defensive mobility, and will make for an interesting project if he comes out now. A strong week at the combine helped his case here.”"
Brandon Kleen of The Step Back points out the strengths that he sees in Claxton:
"“He is the fourth best perimeter defender of this draft’s big men, behind Zion Williamsonn, Brandon Clarke and De’Andre Hunter. Claxton is supremely mobile and functionally uses his length to contain drives and contest shots inside.”"