The NBA 2K League may have lost one of its top players before the inaugural draft pool has even been announced.
Killa LowKey tweeted this early on Friday:
I’m out the league man. #BeBackNextYear
— . (@KillaLowkey24) March 23, 2018
As one of the centers widely regarded as the best at his position, his reported subtraction from the pool of 102 players will likely cause a shuffle on a variety of team’s big boards. It’s important to remember, the NBA 2K League has not officially announced the players in the 102 pool.
My list is based on the tweets from players who offered proof via social media, and even that list is short five names. Per the NBA 2K League, the full list is set to go out in late March. I’d expect to see that sometime early next week. If Killa’s news is true, it’s a good sign the league is trimming the ineligible and just about ready to publicize the list.
That said, I have compiled my latest mock draft and the second in a three-volume series. It observes the likely removal of Killa from the draft pool and it also includes a second round.
I kept Dimez in the top spot here because I still feel he’s the safest pick in the draft. For the most part, you know what you’re getting with him and he has a certified history in esports. I just don’t think Mavs GG will be able to pass on him.
| Pick | Player | Position | Team |
| 1 | DatBoyDimez | PG | MavsGG |
| 2 | Yeah I Compete | PG | CLTXGaming |
| 3 | oFab | PG | JazzGaming |
| 4 | Mootty | PF | Kings Guard Gaming |
| 5 | Winnerz Stay On | PG | Pistons GT |
| 6 | WorthingColt | C | Blazers Gaming |
| 7 | TimelyCook | PG | HeatCheck Gaming |
| 8 | Hood 2 Glitchy | PG | Magic Gaming |
| 9 | Gooner EU | PG | Knicks Gaming |
| 10 | StayInTune | PG | Bucks Gaming |
| 11 | OneWildWalnut | C | Raptors Uprising GC |
| 12 | Let’s Get it Ramo | PF | Wizards District Gaming |
| 13 | MamaImDatMan | PG | Pacers Gaming |
| 14 | Goofy757 | PF | 76ers Gaming GC |
| 15 | KontruL | PG | Grizz Gaming |
| 16 | Drake Griffin | PG | Cavs Legion GC |
| 17 | Speedbrook | PF | Warriors Gaming Squad |
| SECOND ROUND | |||
| 18 | FreshPrinceJT | PG | Warriors Gaming Squad |
| 19 | Hotshot305 | C | Cavs Legion GC |
| 20 | oLARRYSR | C | Grizz Gaming |
| 21 | Itz_Radiant | PG | 76ers Gaming GC |
| 22 | I’m That 6MB | C | Pacers Gaming |
| 23 | TerioPetty | PG | Wizards District Gaming |
| 24 | Savage Do Werk | PG | Raptors Uprising GC |
| 25 | Ommtype | C | Bucks Gaming |
| 26 | DatBoyShotz | PF | Knicks Gaming |
| 27 | MrSlaughter01 | C | Magic Gaming |
| 28 | Sick_x_973 | C | HeatCheck Gaming |
| 29 | NateIsland | SF | Blazers Gaming |
| 30 | KingQuai614 | C | Pistons GT |
| 31 | ImSoFarAhead | PG | Kings Guard Gaming |
| 32 | TurnupDefense | PF | Jazz Gaming |
| 33 | Jordan Locks Up | PF/C | CLTX Gaming |
| 34 | TrollBoyTre | PF | Mavs GG |
Analysis
However, if the first pick were mine, I’d select Yeah I Compete, and I’d hesitate about as long as Steph Curry on an open three from the top of the key. For those who don’t know, that’s no hesitation. Ever since 2016, I’ve been impressed with YIC’s competitiveness, leadership, and skills.
Over the past few weeks, the respect has grown. I got an opportunity to interview him recently and I believe he possesses a drive that is rare, no matter the sport or competition. His approach is infectious and his mental makeup is akin to Kobe Bryant. He will win wherever he goes. It would be impossible for me to pick another player over him–even Dimez.
I still believe the point guards and centers will dominate the first two rounds of the draft with a few exceptions here and there. With Killa presumably out of the draft, guys like Colt, Walnut, Ommtype, and Hotshots305 will likely slide up a slot. Some may have leaned toward Colt over Killa from the beginning so it may not have changed his positioning.
I now have Colt landing with Blazers Gaming and teaming with NateIsland. From a notoriety standpoint, that seems like an All-Star team-up because both men are so well known in the community. Both bring a measure of leadership and understand how to represent an organization so it could make Blazers Gaming one of the higher-profile teams in the inaugural season.
Wizards Gaming’s top two mocked picks are also interesting. A new addition to my first round is Let’s Get it Ramo. Some mocks have him going in the Top 5, and I agree that he’s one of the most talented PFs in the game. I have him essentially replacing Killa–even though they play different positions. Wizards Gaming may be looking to lock down the best overall player on the board, and Ramo could fit the bill. If he gets to run with Terio Petty, Wizards Gaming might have a wicked 1-4 pick-and-roll weapon.
If the build the NBA 2K League runs on is anything like the Combine–and we assume it will be–that’s going to be a commonly run play.
My final mock draft will run on April 3. Stay tuned for more information leading up to the draft.
