After a memorable debut year in Knoxville, former Tennessee freshman Kennedy Chandler is heading to the NBA Draft this June. In March, Chandler, a former five-star recruit, helped lead Tennessee to its first SEC Tournament Championship since 1979. In addition, the former freshman led Tennessee in scoring (13.9) and assists (4.7) in his first year in Knoxville.
On April 5, Chandler announced that he would be hiring agent Ryan Davis— foregoing the rest of his collegiate eligibility.
“To Coach Barnes, thank you for coaching me with such high standards and holding me accountable to my teammates,” Chandler wrote. “I will miss you guys and cherish the time we spent together. You guys were patient with me and allowed me to lead. To Vol Nation, you are the best fans in college basketball.”
With the NBA Draft just about two months away, Chandler has been moving around slightly on the latest NBA Mock Draft boards since announcing his arrival into the NBA. Below are some of the examples, from most recent to oldest, of where former Tennessee point guard Kennedy Chandler is projected to land in the upcoming NBA Draft.
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– CBS Sports (4/18): Round 1, Pick 23 – Brooklyn Nets
- “Chandler is the smallest of any prospect in the Top 60 of our rankings, so that stands out as a potential concern projecting him into the NBA,” CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone wrote. “But if anyone can overcome that, it’s him. Chandler’s a lightning-quick talent who can blow by defenders and knows how to masterfully manipulate defenses with the rock in his hands.”
– Fansided (4/17): Round 1, Pick 17 – Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn)
- “The Houston Rockets are going to be one of the most talented young teams in the league next season,” Fansided’s Michael Saenz wrote. “However, being talented vs. translating that talent to on-the-court success are two very different things. And the Rockets haven’t exactly been great at that this season. Kennedy Chandler could be a target at No. 17 for Houston.”
– Bleacher Report (4/16): Round 1, Pick 17 – Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn)
- “Teams looking to add more creation and speed will look at Chandler,” Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman wrote. “He’d give the Rockets a point guard to take attention off Jalen Green, run pick-and-rolls, put pressure on the rim and pester opposing ball-handlers.”
– Sports Illustrated (4/14): Round 2, Pick 1 (Pick 31 overall) – Indiana Pacers (via Houston)
– ESPN (4/6): Round 1, Pick 19 – Minnesota Timberwolves
– Fox Sports (4/5): Round 1, Pick 20: Chicago Bulls
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“Chandler ranked 36th in the country in assist rate, the highest of any lottery prospect, and 30th in steal percentage,” Fox Sports’ Jason McIntyre wrote. “Those are great attributes that will make up for his deficiencies in other areas. Chandler is only 6-foot, but if he were 6-3, you’re looking at him maybe being a top-five pick. His shooting is a question, as his 38% mark from deep was on only 3.8 attempts per game, and his 60% mark from the foul line is a problem. He had only three 20-plus-point games this season.
The absolute best-case scenario if he improves his shooting is he’s a Chris Paul-type defender and floor general who can score. He was a two-time Mr. Basketball in the state of Tennessee.”
