Indiana Basketball: How the NBA Draft Lottery selections affect Romeo Langford

The NBA Draft Lottery took place on Tuesday night and it brought a lot of shakeup but how does it all affect former Indiana basketball guard Romeo Langford?

With the NBA Draft Lottery taking place last night, Tuesday, there was a lot of shakeup at the top that could cause a ripple effect on former Indiana basketball guard Romeo Langford.

The New Orleans Pelicans, just a 6 percent – tied for seventh best odds – chance, were awarded with the No. 1 pick in this year’s NBA Draft sending fans of many other teams into a frenzy.

While Romeo Langford wasn’t going to go in the top five, the results pushed some teams out of the position they wanted, causing them to possibly reach for a prospect a bit earlier than they would have had to.

There are a number of NBA mock drafts out there, so let’s take a look at just where everyone has the freshman guard landing in this year’s NBA Draft.

Bleacher Report (Jonathan Wasserman) – No. 10 (Atlanta)

One of the most widely known NBA mock analyst, Jonathan Wasserman, has been higher than most with where Langford will land in the draft.

I am a little surprised that he has the Hawks taking him with the 10th pick, just based on the fact that they took two guards last season as well, with Trae Young (5) and Kyle Huerter (19).

With a pick at No. 8 as well, it will depend on whom they select there whether or not they turn around two picks later and select Langford.

Wasserman had this to say about Langford’s game,

"“With 6’6″, 2-guard size, he’s a smooth, effective slasher and driver, and he’s flashed strong shot-creating ability with mid-range pull-ups and step-backs.”"

The Ringer (Kevin O’Connor) – No. 13 (Heat)

A team that I have been extremely vocal about in terms of being a great mutual fit.

Barely missing out on the playoffs a season ago, they still have good enough talent to compete in the Eastern Conference, but they have a glaring hole in the roster after the Dwayne Wade retirement.

A great organization, Langford would be able to find a role easily and early in Miami.

"“Good physical profile with a wiry frame and long arms. He’s agile with or without the ball, and has a quick first step. Innate scoring instincts show in the way he moves, creates space using crossovers and stepbacks, and handles contact at the rim."

ESPN (Jonathan Givony) – No. 15 (Pistons)

Falling out of the lottery in ESPN’s mock draft, you will see a trend with Langford to the Pistons.

There is no question they need a shooting guard and another wing with scoring potential, as they have Wayne Ellington, Luke Kennard, Bruce Brown and more. Yes they are deep in that position, but it lacks firepower.

"“The Indiana freshman played most of the season with a torn ligament in his shooting hand, but he displayed impressive glimpses of potential as a shot creator operating out of the pick-and-roll,” Givony added. “The Pistons have precious little ballhandling on their roster and could certainly roll the dice on a player with Langford’s talent.”"

The Athletic (Sam Vecenie) – No. 15 (Pistons)

Once again, here is another mock draft that has Langford going to the Detroit Pistons.

Again, at this point in the draft, just after the lottery, if you can get a lottery type potential, you have to take the chance that he plays up to that level.

"“Throw in on top of it that Langford’s ability to gain separation has also come into question, and teams look at him as a potential role player who can’t shoot right now — something of a non-starter around the league”"

Sports Illustrated (Jeremy Woo) – No. 15 (Pistons)

Beating a dead horse, this is another mock draft pairing Langford with the Pistons.

"“It’s been hard to find teams particularly enamored with Langford after the season he just had, and though his body and athletic tools look the part, there are valid concerns about the holes in his skill set, particularly his ongoing jump shooting struggles,” Woo said. “The Pistons need help on the wing, and at this point in the draft, it’s easier to justify taking the plunge.”"

CBS Sports (Kyle Boone) – No. 17 (Brooklyn)

A very interesting pairing, this could be a no-brainer if he falls this fall in the draft.

WIth the impending free agency of point guard D’Angelo Russell, there could be an immediate scoring need in the backcourt.

The Nets are also one of the few teams who have the money to spend this summer, with the potential to sign two max contract players. Maybe they take on more of a project with this pick, or maybe they see the potential of Langford and bring him in as a bench player and back-end of the rotation while he learns and develops.

"“Yes, his release needs some work. And yes, some of his tendencies need to be sharpened to be an NBA rotation player”"

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