Kyle Kuzma projected to go late 1st or early 2nd round by Mock Drafts

We are less than two days away from the NBA Draft, and Utah’s Kyle Kuzma will be anxiously waiting to see if his name gets called. Kuzma took a risk in leaving early, and staying in the Draft, but that gamble could pay off big come Thursday night.

Kuz had a great NBA Draft Combine, and really started to make a name for himself around Draft circles. He’s also made the rounds around the NBA to do a lot of workouts for teams, and reports are that he’s had some impressive workouts. I always pegged him as a 2nd rounder, at best, with what I saw in school, but it appears he’s made some improvements to his perimeter game, specifically his jump shot and some of his ball handling. In college, he wasn’t a good perimeter shooter, and when he put the ball on the floor, it was scary.

As we approach the draft, he’s looking pretty good in some mock drafts. Here’s what I’ve found thus far.

NBADraft.net has Kuz going No. 18 overall to the Indiana Pacers. Being selected in the mid-1st round would be a home run for Kuz.

DraftExpress.com has him going No. 32, early in the 2nd round, to the Phoenix Suns. I think an early 2nd round pickup for Kuz would be a big deal, and would have a shot to stick.

NBA.com has him in a similar spot as DraftExpress, at No. 34 going to the Sacramento Kings. I’m not sure about the fit, because Sacramento is a dumpster fire, but he would have a good chance at a roster spot.

Our own SBNation.com has Kuz going No. 21 to OKC. Again, anything in the 1st round completely validates Kuz’s decision to leave early. Click to read.

Overall, I think the momentum for Kuzma is very good going into Draft day, but I’d still be surprised if he sneaks into the 1st round, although I’d be thrilled for the kid.

Where do you think Kuzma will land?