Latest mock draft has Henri Veesaar, Matt Able going to the Spurs

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North Carolina has three players who have participated in NBA draft activities: Caleb Wilson, Henri Veesaar and newcomer Matt Able.

While it’s widely speculated that Wilson will go to the Chicago Bulls with the No. 4 overall pick, it’s not clear where Able and Veesaar will land. However, Yahoo! Sports recently released its latest mock draft, and it looks like we may know where they might go.

While Wilson is projected to go to the Bulls, NBA senior analyst Kevin O’Connor has Veesaar going No. 20 overall and Able at No. 42. The catch? Both players are projected to be drafted by the San Antonio Spurs.

The No. 20 overall selection is the highest projection yet for Veesaar, as most mock drafts have him going to either the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 25 or the Boston Celtics at No. 27 overall.

Here’s what O’Connor said about Veesaar:

“The Spurs are in the Western Conference finals and don’t appear to be missing too much on the roster yet. But if there’s one piece that’d be fascinating to see added to the roster it’s a big who can play on the perimeter. Veesaar is an agile big with real shooting touch, connective playmaking and baseline big skills with the ability to set screens and catch lobs. He also offers rim protection and is a locked-in help defender. Maybe Veesaar could play alongside Luke Kornet in bench units, but his shooting ability could also enable him to play next to Victor Wembanyama. He’s only 227 pounds so his lanky frame can get pushed around, but that’d matter less playing next to another big. Plus, he’s trending up. In all three of his collegiate seasons, he made a massive leap in production each year.”

Unlike Veesaar, Able is still weighing his options. The transfer from crosstown rival NC State to UNC has yet to decide whether to enter the NBA or return for another college season. With one week before the May 27 withdrawal deadline, he says he has “two great options” for his development either way.

“Who’s planning on drafting me, and where they’re planning on drafting me, I think that’s a big thing,” Able said last week. “Either way, I have two great options. I would be able to develop regardless, but it’s really just weighing the options and figuring out what I want to do.”

Here’s what O’Connor said about Able’s fit with the Spurs:

“This is San Antonio’s second of three Round 2 choices. It seems more likely the Spurs will consolidate these than use them all. But at this point it’d be hard to pass on Able, who has a strong 6-4 frame as a wing to pair with a smooth jumper and a good feel for passing the ball. Even though he was inconsistent coming off the bench for NC State, he looks the part of a role player who could blossom into something much greater given his blend of skills. If Able doesn’t stay in the draft class, he is committed to North Carolina.”

The NBA draft will take place June 23-24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Henri Veesaar lands with Western Conference finalist?

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