Heading to the 2021 NBA Draft, former Gonzaga standout Corey Kispert has already made a name for himself after completing an accomplished amateur career. He previously concluded a four-year stint with the Bulldogs and averaged career-best numbers of 18.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 32 appearances during his senior season.
After an impressive 2020-21 campaign, Kispert will now take the next step of his career as he is finally set to make the jump to the pros. Deemed as arguably the best shooter in this year's draft class, the 22-year-old will certainly attract a number of teams who are looking to secure his services in the upcoming proceedings.
Here are the three best fits for Corey Kispert in the 2021 NBA Draft:
3. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are always known to have a team-oriented style of offense that relies on its shooters that are spread across the floor. Teams coached by Gregg Popovich always had notable shooters who could knock down timely shots when it mattered the most, namely Danny Green, Bruce Bowen, and Matt Bonner, among others.
Corey Kispert could fit the mold of a traditional Spurs shooter who can spot up and make baskets anywhere on the floor. His good size and length would also allow the team to have a solid bench contributor who could serve as a reliever for DeMar DeRozan at the small forward position from time to time.
With Kispert's level of talent along with Popovich's mentorship, it wouldn't be a surprise if the rookie could immediately carve a role for himself and make an impact on the team next season.
2. New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have already started their youth movement as they have promising talents that could potentially form a strong team once they get to develop solid chemistry on the floor. However, the Pelicans currently have players who would need more time to improve and reach their ceilings like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaxson Hayes, and Kira Lewis Jr.
Because of this, New Orleans would definitely need a guy who could come in and contribute right away alongside their bonafide stars in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Corey Kispert could step into that role as he is already one of the more developed prospects among the incoming rookies due to the valuable experience that he gained from completing a four-year stint in college.
At the same time, the Pelicans would also need his sweet shooting touch as both Williamson and Ingram still lack dependable shooters around them. Even if he will be relegated to an off-the-bench role for next season, Kispert is still expected to provide the much-needed spark and outside shooting that the Pelicans are long looking for in order to win more games moving forward.
1. Washington Wizards
Corey Kispert finished his final year in college with a career-best percentage of 52.9% from the field and 44.0% from beyond the arc – all while playing as a complementary player in a stacked Bulldogs squad.
What better way for Kispert to translate his game to the pros than to inherit the same role that he played back in college? Just like in Gonzaga, he surely won't be the top scoring option with the Washington Wizards as they still have Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook at the helm.
With their 1-2 punch leading their attack, the rest of the Wizards are expected to not have a ton of touches for themselves. This is where Kispert's efficiency comes in as he can drain timely baskets without having to put the ball on the floor that much ala Klay Thompson.
Ultimately, his ability to play his assigned role perfectly would greatly benefit the Wizards, especially with the presence of their ball-dominant guards. Even without demanding the ball, Washington will surely get valuable contributions from Corey Kispert, most especially in the shooting department as they look to finally make a stronger playoff push next season.
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