Illinois Basketball Stars May Land on NBA Playoff Teams

Illinois Basketball Stars May Land on NBA Playoff Teams

Illinois Basketball Stars, Terrence Shannon Jr and Coleman Hawkins may both hear their names called in the 2024 NBA Draft. Per Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report, The New Orleans Pelicans may select Shannon Jr. with the 21st overall pick. Additionally, the Los Angeles Lakers will select Coleman Hawkins with the 55th overall pick. If this plays out, that means that the Illinois Basketball stars would both land on playoff contenders. The New Orleans Pelicans showed that they were a formidable force in the Western Conference when Zion Williamson was healthy. The Los Angeles Lakers had chances to knock off the defending champions in the 2024 NBA playoffs, however, fell short. Any team with Lebron James and Anthony Davis is a team that is expected to win in the playoffs.

Unique Situations.

The first day of the NBA draft is under 40 days away and the two former Illini have very unique draft profiles. Terrence Shannon Jr is a no-doubt lottery talent. He was one of the best players in college basketball, however, his current legal situation muddles his draft stock. Additionally, Shannon Jr will turn 24 years old before the NBA season starts. Coleman Hawkins has a different situation. Hawkins has shown that he has an NBA-type game, however, he does have one more year left of college eligibility. If Hawkins chooses to return, he will be one of the better college basketball players, but also one of the highest paid. Per reports, his NIL earnings would be nearly double what he would earn on an NBA two-way contract.

Thank you for reading Armchair Illini. For more Illinois Athletics and Big Ten content from Armchair Illini, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email Alex Kyi at [email protected].