At least one Michigan State basketball player is worthy of a first round pick according to the NBA Draft brain trust at ESPN.
Of Winston ESPN draft analyst Mike Schmitz writes, “One of the most polished pick-and-roll point guards in the draft, Winston would give the Lakers a much-needed boost at the backup PG spot with his handle, craft, touch and feel. I’m also fascinated by LSU’s Skylar Mays and his potential fit alongside LeBron James or, in the second unit, Alex Caruso. The 6-4 senior is a combo guard who can run the show in a pinch, knock down open spot 3s, play pick-and-roll and defend point guards thanks to his toughness and instincts.”
Winston was also recently featured as a first-round pick in NBC Sports’ latest mock draft and can usually be found somewhere between the end of the first round and middle of the second round in prospect rankings.
Winston’s MSU teammate Xavier Tillman Sr. also gets selected in the ESPN draft, although he’s further down the list, going 50th overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The NBA Draft is currently scheduled for June 25, but that is subject to change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
