Michigan Basketball: Charles Matthews expected in 2nd round of draft

On the precipice of realizing his life long dream, former Michigan basketball star Charles Matthews was struck down with an injury, however, hope remains.

Two weeks before the NBA draft, draftee hopeful and former Michigan basketball player Charles Matthew tore his ACL while working out with the Boston Celtics. Two weeks before his dream had come true, Matthews could have lost it all, but did he do enough to earn hear his name called tonight? According to a recent mock draft he did.

Bleacher Report published a mock draft yesterday predicted Charles going 59th to the NBA Champion Toronto Raptors, noting the injury but highlighting his defensive prowess.

Matthews agent Adam Pensack hinted at a second-round selection while speaking with ESPN following the injury “As of now, we have interest in the second round as Charles is OK signing a two-way contract like Edmond Sumner did with the Indiana Pacers in 2017.”

Matthews understands that it’s not the inconsistent offensive production that will land him in the pros, rather his lock-down defensive that could see him eventually slip onto an NBA roster, especially an NBA team in a division with a star like James Harden.

One of those teams is the San Antonio Spurs who could benefit from drafting or picking up the former Michigan basketball standout considering they lost their lock-down defender in Kawhi Leonard. According to the draft order, the Spurs have the 29th and 49th pick in tonight’s draft.

“I’m not Steph Curry. I understand that. So I stay within myself.” Charles said, “I think I showed I can score at all three levels, make the right pass, defend and rebound.”

Matthews also understands his minutes will be limited until he finds his shot and he understands that he might have to spend some time in the NBA’s G League but what he’s not going to understand or accept is failure.

“You’ve got to be tough, you’ve got to be savage,” Matthews told reporters, “You’ve got to understand when your back is up against the wall, that ain’t time to bolt. I never did that. I always found a way, and that’s all I’m going to continue to do. I’m going to be in the NBA now, but that doesn’t mean it’s always going to be happy land and sunshine. There’s going to be tough times at the next level as well, but I think the adversity I faced already will allow me to be prepared to handle it.”

That same Bleacher Report mock draft is predicting Jordan Poole at 41 to the Golden State Warriors and Ignas Brazdeikis drafted at 57 to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Jordan Poole was also predicted by Sports Illustrated as the 43rd pick by Minnesota.

Fansided’s Bustin Brackets weighed in on the matter, keeping Matthews on the board albeit just barely. Listed as the last pick in tonight’s draft, Matthews is anticipated to be selected by the Sacramento Kings.

“Matthews draft stock took a fall when it was announced he tore his ACL in a pre-draft workout with the Boston Celtics.” Busting Brackets writer Tristan Freeman noted, “Nonetheless, I think he would still be worthy of a selection especially for the Kings with the last pick of the draft. Matthews cooled off after a hot start for the Wolverines. He finished the year scoring 12.2 points per game and shooting a poor 29 percent from three but showed upside and promise.”

Busting Brackets listed Iggy at 55 to the Knicks while leaving Poole off the board.