1. DeAndre Ayton - C ArizonaMeasurables: 7’1”, 250 lbs, 7’5” wingspan
Strengths: SIZE, athleticism, polished offensive post game, pick & pop shooting, projectable and improving jump shot, soft touch, fluidity in lateral/quick movements, court vision from the post Weaknesses: lack of rim protection, effort level wavers at times, inconsistent with boxing out on rebounds Quickly: He’s a physical freak and supremely skilled for big man of his age with good footwork and a soft touch around the rim. Offensively, he has a game that translates to the NBA right now. The questions around Ayton are about his lack of defensive presence for someone of his size and skill. The defensive stats aren't kind to Ayton, but it is important to keep in mind that collegiate defense is often times system-based. And Sean Miller's Arizona squad did not have a good defensive system. Even Ayton never becomes an elite defensive player, he should be good enough offensively that it makes up for it. Player Comparison: DeMarcus Cousins, Karl-Anthony Towns, Joel Embiid |
2. Marvin Bagley III - F/C Duke
Measurables: 6’11”, 220 lbs, 7’1” wingspan
Strengths: athleticism, length, left-handed, lateral-movement, tenacious rebounder, shot blocking potential Weaknesses: jump shot is a work in progress, needs to improve ball-handling, offensive and defensive awareness needs to improve Quickly: As with most lefties still early in their development, Bagley is very left-hand dominant in his moves and finishes. He moves up and down the floor like Kevin Durant, but obviously he doesn’t have the skill Durant has. He attacks rebounds, yet he was rendered ineffective by 6’8”, 215 lb Svi Mykhailiuk in Duke’s Elite Eight match-up against Kansas. His jump shot mechanics aren't terrible, but they need improving if he truly intends on being a productive shooter from distance. He needs to work on the little things (positioning on defense, dribbling, court vision) to maximize his elite athleticism. With his athletic fluidity, Bagley has arguably the highest ceiling in the draft, but he also has to put in A LOT of work to reach that ceiling. Player Comparison: king-sized Aaron Gordon, Walmart Brand Kevin Durant, Amare’ Stoudemire with a handle |
3. Luka DonCic - F Real Madrid
Measurables: 6’7”, 218 lbs
Strengths: size, strength, court vision, improving jump shot Weaknesses: quickness, athleticism Quickly: His talent level and understanding of the game are advanced for how young he is. He has supreme confidence in himself and attacks challenges. He’s only 19 years old, and he’s not close to peaking as an athlete, but his feet are slow, and I worry about him being able to keep quicker guards in from of him or separate offensively from quicker defender. The worst case scenario is that his defense doesn’t come along, and he doesn’t develop the athleticism to be an elite scorer. Even if that unlikely scenario happens, he will still be a bully-ball type point forward with highly-developed passing ability. Player Comparison: Jumbo Jason Kidd, small forward version of Nikola Jokic |
4. MOhamed Bamba - C Texas
Measurables: 7’1”, 225 lbs, 7’10” wingspan
Strengths: Unnatural length to go with solid vertical leap, rapidly improving three-point jump shot, quick learner, improving footwork Weaknesses: needs to get stronger to fight off bigger post players, needs to improve touch around the rim Quickly: Highest defensive upside of any big in the draft due to his freakish wingspan. He’s been training with Joel Embiid and Drew Hanlen since his career at Texas ended, which has already helped improve his jump shot mechanics and consistency. As he gets stronger and continues to improve his offensive game, he will become even more valuable than just a rim protector. Even if the offense is never consistent, Bamba has legitimate NBA Defensive Player of the Year potential. Player Comparison: three-point shooting Rudy Gobert, what Nerlens Noel should have been + a jump shot |
5. Jaren Jackson Jr. - F Michigan State
Measurables: 6’11”, 236 lbs, 7’5” wingspan
Strengths: Length, college three-point jump shot, shot blocking ability, defensive versatility on the perimeter, motor Weaknesses: needs to add weight, toughness, not a good decision-maker, non-traditional shot form Quickly: Jackson’s skill set as a shot blocking, three-point shooting big man is a highly-sought-after commodity in today’s NBA. Everything he does should translate well to the NBA game very quickly. Despite his good shooting numbers at Michigan State, I wonder about his jump shot translating to the next level because he pushes it and looks unorthodox. He is a good enough athlete to suggest that he might be able to hold his own on perimeter defensive switches, but he has to improve on consistently staying on his toes when he gets into a defensive stance and not falling back onto his heels. Jackson's potential is through the roof, I'm just a bit more skeptical on him reaching his highest possible outcome, which is why I have him as the fourth best big in the draft. Player Comparison: King-sized Serge Ibaka, Amare' Stoudemire |
6. Michael Porter Jr. - F Missouri
Measurables: 6’10”, 211 lbs, 7’1” wingspan
Strengths: size, explosion in fast break, shooting off the dribble/over defenders, rebounds at a high level Weaknesses: half-court ball-handling, injury history, offensive decision making, defensive effort Quickly: Throw out the tape from his two games for Mizzou. He was not in basketball shape, and he was coming off back surgery. Porter entered college as one of the most-polished offensive players I had ever seen coming out of high school, and he was an explosive athlete in the open court. He needs to tighten up his half-court ball-handling a bit, but he is coordinated enough that he can handle the ball in the open court and run a fast break. He's not the best decision maker on the offensive end, and he gets shot happy, but his combination of size and shooting ability allow him to score over smaller defenders and stretch the defense. I’m not sure how dedicated Porter is to the defensive end of the floor, but a fully healthy Michael Porter should be a dynamic scorer. Player Comparison: Carmelo Anthony, Rudy Gay, Tobias Harris |
7. Wendell Carter Jr. - F/C Duke
Measurables: 6’10”, 251 lbs, 7’2” wingspan
Strengths: polished offensive post game, big body, rebounding efficiency, passing ability, solid footwork, developing more range on jump shot, good straight line speed/fluidity on drives, attacks hard closeouts Weaknesses: not explosive athlete, lacks the lateral quickness in hips to project above average switchability on defense, inconsistent shot mechanics, shot selection Quickly: A little short to be a true center and a little slow to be a perimeter-switching four man, Carter can use both hands around the rim and his wide body should allow him to bang in the post for rebounds faster than some of the other bigs in this draft. He is a good passer out of the post and is pretty effective in straight line drives to the rim. While his shooting numbers at Duke were promising, he needs to cut down on the wild shots and focus on honing in his shooting mechanics to be a true stretch-five. He's a smart player with an all-around skill set who could very well be a key contributor on a winning basketball team in the future. Player Comparison: Al Horford, Myles Turner |
8. Collin Sexton - G Alabama
In this sequence, Sexton refuses to give Trae Young an inch, helps force a steal, throws down in transition, then immediately picks Young up full-court again.
|
Measurables: 6’2”, 183 lbs, 6’7” wingspan
Strengths: explosion, toughness, quickness, passing ability, defensive intensity Weaknesses: scoring consistency, size, decision making Quickly: What separates Sexton from other guards is his intensity and competitiveness. Sexton LOVES the big moment, and that was most apparent in his match-up against Trae Young and Oklahoma. Sexton tried to run Young out of the gym. He picked up Young 90 feet away from the basket, and attacked Young on offense like he had a personal vendetta against Young. When at his best, Sexton uses his elite athleticism and motor to make plays for himself and others. When at his worst, he uses his elite athleticism and motor to try to do too much; he ends up taking bad shots, driving into multiple defenders, and throwing the ball away. He's a smart kid and a hard worker and all he wants to do is win basketball games, which is why I believe he will improve upon all the things that made him a frustrating point guard as he matures. Player Comparison: Donovan Mitchell, Russell Westbrook lite, Eric Bledsoe |
9. Mikal Bridges - F Villanova
Measurables: 6’7”, 210 lbs, 7’2” wingspan
Strengths: length, 3+D potential, explosive athlete off one or two feet, quick release on jump shot, sinks low into defensive stance on defense Weaknesses: loose with his dribble at times, needs to put on muscle, inconsistent mechanics when shooting off-the-dribble Quickly: Bridges was the premiere NBA prospect on the best team in the country. He worked on making his overall game more complete by improving his offensive skill to match the defensive ability. He’s adept at using his long arms to finish around defenders on drives, and he has a very high release point on his jumper that allows him to shoot over smaller defenders on jump shots. While his offense continues to get better, his defense will allow him to play meaningful minutes right away as a rookie in the NBA. The only concerns I have for him personally, is that in big games he would defer to teammates instead of taking over, and I wonder if he will become more aggressive as he matures. Player Comparison: Trevor Ariza, Khris Middleton |
10. Kevin Knox - F Kentucky
Measurables: 6’9”, 213 lbs, 6’11” wingspan
Strengths: length, 3+D potential, athleticism, rebounding potential, small-ball 4 potential Weaknesses: ball-handling, limited off-the-bounce offensive game, motor runs weak Quickly: The lengthy winger from Kentucky is known as primarily a jump shooter at the moment. Unlike most young shooters, Knox is excellent at squaring up his shoulders when shooting even if his legs aren't squared to the basket. He excels at hitting corner threes, and is an explosive one-foot leaper. When engaged, he can be an excellent rebounder and defender, the problem is keeping him engaged in all aspects of the game. It should also be noted that Knox is one of the youngest players in this draft, which makes his abilities even more impressive, Player Comparison: Jumbo Kelly Oubre Jr., Paul George (if his motor improves) |
11. Robert Williams III - F Texas A&M
Measurables: 6’9”, 235 lbs, 7’4” wingspan
Strengths: length, elite athleticism, shot-blocking, physical strength, rim-running Weaknesses: offense that isn’t dunking Quickly: Williams turned heads in the NCAA tournament against North Carolina. He changed the game with his shot blocking and dunking. If not Bagley, Williams is the best vertical leaper of the bigs in this draft. Even though he’s really raw on offense, he can change the game with his size and athleticism. His motor tends to dissipate at times, but Williams has acknowledged in interviews that he is aware that he needs to improve his effort level to as effective as possible. Player Comparison: DeAndre Jordan, Clint Capela |
Robert Williams sent this shot straight back to Chapel Hill, NC
|
12. Lonnie Walker IV - G Miami
Measurables: 6’5”, 196 lbs, 6’10” wingspan
Strengths: size, athleticism, shooting ability, solid ball-handling for taller guard, not afraid to get physical on drives Weaknesses: silly haircut, at times gets shot happy and takes bad ones Quickly: His offensive game is a good balance between slashing and shooting. Walker utilizes a solid hesitation dribble to get by his defender and bully his way into the paint. While he doesn’t get much lift in his jump shot, he’s confident in it, and can go on long hot streaks. He's an excellent athlete and has no problem shooting off the dribble. He's certainly more offensive oriented at this point, but he is not a complete liability on the defensive end and his 6'10" wingspan should allow him to hold his own against larger match-ups. Player Comparison: Reggie Jackson, young JR Smith |
13. Trae Young - G Oklahoma
Measurables: 6’1”, 177 lbs, 6’3” wingspan
Strengths: 3-point shooting, quick release, elite court vision/passing ability, above average quickness, floater/runner game Weaknesses: physical weakness, undersized, liability on the defensive end, wispy/patchy hair Quickly: He’s not Stephen Curry, he’s much smaller. He does possess lightning quick handles and uses his small frame to get lower than defenders on drives. He has unlimited range on his three-point shot, but don’t ask him to do anything on the defensive end of the floor because he would have problems guarding a card board cut-out of Johnny Flynn. Player Comparison: Brandon Jennings, Lou Williams |
14. Miles Bridges - G/F Michigan State
Measurables: 6’6”, 220 lbs, 6’9” wingspan
Strengths: strength, athleticism, small-ball 4 potential, 3-pt shooting Weaknesses: ball-handling, shot selection Quickly: Bridges is the same wide-bodied, three-point chucking player he was as a freshman. He needs to be a more consistent shooter, but his strength and leaping ability might allow him to play some small-ball forward if he commits to improving himself on the defensive end of the floor. Player Comparison: Justin Anderson, Wayne Selden, Tobias Harris, Semi Ojileye |
15. Donte DiVincenzo - G Villanova
Measurables: 6’5”, 200 lbs, 6’6” wingspan
Strengths: literally everything, motor, athletic freak
Weaknesses: he’s white, has red hair
Quickly: It took basketball people far too long to realize how good DeVincenzo is. He can shoot, dribble, is a tenacious defender, attacks rebounds and is one of the best athletes in the class. Of everyone on his National Champion Villanova team, Donte is my pick to have the best NBA career. There’s nothing this guy can’t do on a basketball court.
Player Comparison: Kent Bazemore, smaller Klay Thompson
Strengths: literally everything, motor, athletic freak
Weaknesses: he’s white, has red hair
Quickly: It took basketball people far too long to realize how good DeVincenzo is. He can shoot, dribble, is a tenacious defender, attacks rebounds and is one of the best athletes in the class. Of everyone on his National Champion Villanova team, Donte is my pick to have the best NBA career. There’s nothing this guy can’t do on a basketball court.
Player Comparison: Kent Bazemore, smaller Klay Thompson
16. Gary Trent Jr. - G Duke
Measurables: 6’5”, 204 lbs, 6’8” wingspan
Strengths: multi-level offensive scorer, saavy understanding of how to use body to create separation/fouls, already comfortable shooting from NBA range
Weaknesses: not an established perimeter defender
Quickly: Trent has a score-first mentality and possesses enough size that he should not be a liability on defense. He’s a deadly shooter from deep and has no problem taking and making contested shots. The rest of his game needs work, but his one skill is an important one in today’s NBA when teams are scoring at an extremely high rate.
Player Comparison: Gary Harris
Strengths: multi-level offensive scorer, saavy understanding of how to use body to create separation/fouls, already comfortable shooting from NBA range
Weaknesses: not an established perimeter defender
Quickly: Trent has a score-first mentality and possesses enough size that he should not be a liability on defense. He’s a deadly shooter from deep and has no problem taking and making contested shots. The rest of his game needs work, but his one skill is an important one in today’s NBA when teams are scoring at an extremely high rate.
Player Comparison: Gary Harris
17. Zhaire Smith - G Texas Tech
Measurables: 6’3”, 198 lbs, 6’9” wingspan
Strengths: Elite quick-twitch athlete/leaper, defensive potential, developing jump shot Weaknesses: dribbling, shooting, undersized for true wing player, not skilled enough right now to be a true combo guard Quickly: Smith was hurt at the NBA Draft Combine by measuring in at 6’2 and some change. Instead of looking at Smith as a 2/3, now his future might reside in being a combo guard. His vertical leaping ability is eye-catching, but he’s still very raw as a basketball player. He does have a long wingspan that should help in guarding bigger players, but his ceiling is lower now due to his true size. Player Comparison: bite-sized Gerald Green, shorter KJ McDaniels |
the fact that Smith was able to finish this awful pass is a testament to the kind of athlete he is
|
18. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - G Kentucky
Measurables: 6’6”, 180 lbs, 6’11” wingspan
Strengths: he’s tall and has long arms, developing court vision
Weaknesses: shooting a basketball
Quickly: Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the more intriguing guard prospects in the draft due to his length. He’s shown flashes of defensive excellence, but would often get lazy and allow his man to blow by him. He uses his height to see passing lanes over smaller defenders, but he’s still incredibly raw offensively.
Player Comparison: Michael Carter-Williams, Elfrid Payton
Strengths: he’s tall and has long arms, developing court vision
Weaknesses: shooting a basketball
Quickly: Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the more intriguing guard prospects in the draft due to his length. He’s shown flashes of defensive excellence, but would often get lazy and allow his man to blow by him. He uses his height to see passing lanes over smaller defenders, but he’s still incredibly raw offensively.
Player Comparison: Michael Carter-Williams, Elfrid Payton
19. Mitchell Robinson - F/C WKU (sorta)
Measurables: 6’11”, 215 lbs, 7’3” wingspan
Strengths: length, quickness off the floor, excellent shot-blocker, straight-line speed on the fast break
Weaknesses: whatever happened at WKU, unpolished offensive abilities
Quickly: Robinson is a relative unknown after sitting out this season dude to issues with his enrollment at Western Kentucky. What we do know from his high school career is that he’s a big kid with wide shoulders and long arms. He might not get as high off the floor as some other bigs in this class, but he gets off the floor quickly, which helps his timing on shot blocks and rebounds. His offensive potential is still relatively unknown because we have only seen him play against much shorter high school kids, but he should be an effective rim-running shot-blocking center.
Player Comparison: Hassan Whiteside
Strengths: length, quickness off the floor, excellent shot-blocker, straight-line speed on the fast break
Weaknesses: whatever happened at WKU, unpolished offensive abilities
Quickly: Robinson is a relative unknown after sitting out this season dude to issues with his enrollment at Western Kentucky. What we do know from his high school career is that he’s a big kid with wide shoulders and long arms. He might not get as high off the floor as some other bigs in this class, but he gets off the floor quickly, which helps his timing on shot blocks and rebounds. His offensive potential is still relatively unknown because we have only seen him play against much shorter high school kids, but he should be an effective rim-running shot-blocking center.
Player Comparison: Hassan Whiteside
20. Elie Okobo - G France
Measurables: 6’2”, 180 lbs, 7’1” wingspan
Strengths: developed frame, excellent in pick + roll, good change of pace/hesitation dribble, court vision, variety of shifty moves when finishing around the rim, left-handed
Weaknesses: girl’s name, flat shot, average touch on passes, non-explosive
Quickly: It took me far too long to get to Okobo’s tape, but I was very pleasantly surprised with what I saw. Okobo may not be an above the rim player, but he’s very solid. He’s already got an NBA ready body, and he has already mastered how to be an effective pick and roll ball-handler. His offense is ahead of his defense at this point, but he shows the potential to be at least an average defender as he matures, and he should be a productive offensive player.
Player Comparison: De’Angelo Russell, Wal-Mart Brand CJ McCollum
Strengths: developed frame, excellent in pick + roll, good change of pace/hesitation dribble, court vision, variety of shifty moves when finishing around the rim, left-handed
Weaknesses: girl’s name, flat shot, average touch on passes, non-explosive
Quickly: It took me far too long to get to Okobo’s tape, but I was very pleasantly surprised with what I saw. Okobo may not be an above the rim player, but he’s very solid. He’s already got an NBA ready body, and he has already mastered how to be an effective pick and roll ball-handler. His offense is ahead of his defense at this point, but he shows the potential to be at least an average defender as he matures, and he should be a productive offensive player.
Player Comparison: De’Angelo Russell, Wal-Mart Brand CJ McCollum
21. Khyri Thomas - G Creighton
Measurables: 6’4”, 198 lbs, 6’10” wingspan
Strengths: tough on-ball defender, hard to knock off his spot, active hands
Weaknesses:
Quickly: He’s a well-rounded offensive player, but his calling card is his defense. He’s got a solid frame, so he’s hard to knock off his defensive spot while his active hands disrupt ball handlers and jump passing lanes. His on-ball defensive intensity sets him apart from other guards in this class. He’s always poking at the ball and trying to knock it loose without getting called for reach-ins.
Player Comparison: Avery Bradley, Jrue Holiday
Strengths: tough on-ball defender, hard to knock off his spot, active hands
Weaknesses:
Quickly: He’s a well-rounded offensive player, but his calling card is his defense. He’s got a solid frame, so he’s hard to knock off his defensive spot while his active hands disrupt ball handlers and jump passing lanes. His on-ball defensive intensity sets him apart from other guards in this class. He’s always poking at the ball and trying to knock it loose without getting called for reach-ins.
Player Comparison: Avery Bradley, Jrue Holiday
22. Shake Milton - G SMU
Measurables: 6’5”, 207 lbs, 7’0” wingspan
Strengths: quick + high release on his jump shot, long wingspan allows him to defend bigger players
Weaknesses: disappears from games, not the best athlete, needs to tighten ball-handling to stick at the point
Quickly: Milton understands how to use angles and his length to get shots off and to make difficult passes to open teammates. He has no problem putting the ball on the floor, putting his head down, and putting his wide shoulders into the defender’s chest for a drive to the basket. What makes his drives even more effective is his jump shot. Even though he’s tall enough to get his shot off against shorter guards, he has a quick release on his shot that should allow him to make baskets against taller defenders as well. He's a willing distributor and has tremendous defensive potential.
Player Comparison: Arron Afflalo, George Hill
Strengths: quick + high release on his jump shot, long wingspan allows him to defend bigger players
Weaknesses: disappears from games, not the best athlete, needs to tighten ball-handling to stick at the point
Quickly: Milton understands how to use angles and his length to get shots off and to make difficult passes to open teammates. He has no problem putting the ball on the floor, putting his head down, and putting his wide shoulders into the defender’s chest for a drive to the basket. What makes his drives even more effective is his jump shot. Even though he’s tall enough to get his shot off against shorter guards, he has a quick release on his shot that should allow him to make baskets against taller defenders as well. He's a willing distributor and has tremendous defensive potential.
Player Comparison: Arron Afflalo, George Hill
23. Melvin Frazier - F Tulane
Measurables: 6’6”, 198 lbs, 7’2” wingspan
Strengths: already very solid defensively, slides feet very well, uses long arms to block shots/pick pockets/play passing lanes, low center of gravity and strong core allows him to stand his ground defensively, above the rim finisher, high off-ball defensive awareness
Weaknesses: offense
Quickly: At times, Frazier’s aggressiveness is untamed and he will go on spurts where he plays sped-up or out of control. Not only will he take ill-advised shots, but his shot mechanics are compromised during these stretches. His defensive skills are NBA ready right now, but I’m not sure how much he will improve offensively.
Player Comparison: Andre Roberson, Tony Allen
Strengths: already very solid defensively, slides feet very well, uses long arms to block shots/pick pockets/play passing lanes, low center of gravity and strong core allows him to stand his ground defensively, above the rim finisher, high off-ball defensive awareness
Weaknesses: offense
Quickly: At times, Frazier’s aggressiveness is untamed and he will go on spurts where he plays sped-up or out of control. Not only will he take ill-advised shots, but his shot mechanics are compromised during these stretches. His defensive skills are NBA ready right now, but I’m not sure how much he will improve offensively.
Player Comparison: Andre Roberson, Tony Allen
24. Josh Okogie - G Georgia Tech
Measurables: 6’4”, 210 lbs, 7’0” wingspan
Strengths: explosive off two feet, intense perimeter defender, relentless energy/motor, offensive/defensive rebounding
Weaknesses: turnover prone, not an effective facilitator
Quickly: Okogie's draft stock soared after a stellar athletic testing and overall performance at the NBA draft combine. Okogie has the prototypical size for a two-guard in the NBA. He's bouncy and gets involved in the game in many ways. Much like Melvin Frazier, Okogie is an excellent wing defender. His offensive game is more polished than Frazier's currently, but he still needs to improve on offense.
Player Comparison: JR Smith, Iman Shumpert
Strengths: explosive off two feet, intense perimeter defender, relentless energy/motor, offensive/defensive rebounding
Weaknesses: turnover prone, not an effective facilitator
Quickly: Okogie's draft stock soared after a stellar athletic testing and overall performance at the NBA draft combine. Okogie has the prototypical size for a two-guard in the NBA. He's bouncy and gets involved in the game in many ways. Much like Melvin Frazier, Okogie is an excellent wing defender. His offensive game is more polished than Frazier's currently, but he still needs to improve on offense.
Player Comparison: JR Smith, Iman Shumpert
25. Chimezie Metu - F USC
Measurables: 6’9”, 219 lbs, 7’1” wingspan
Strengths: quick off the floor, improving range on jump shot, thick lower body Weaknesses: hit opponent in testicles at USC, basketball IQ, decision making Quickly: Metu is incredibly springy, and regularly throws down vicious dunks in the face of his defender. His legs are like tree trunks, which should help prevent injury for a guy his size jumping so high in the air. He is coordinated enough and has good enough footwork that he should be able to add a little bit more dribbling skill to his game. Currently his ball-handling is limited to a very slow set-up dribble to a face-up jump shot. Speaking of his jump shot, its form is pretty clean and he has range up to about 18 feet from the basket, but i'm not sure he will be a good enough shooter to stretch that range out to the three-point line Player Comparison: Noah Vonleh |
26. Keita Bates-Diop - F Ohio State
Measurables: 6’8”, 223 lbs, 7’4” wingspan
Strengths: massive wing span, small-ball 4 potential, competent shooter off-the-catch and off-the-dribble
Weaknesses: needs to add some strength, slow feet
Quickly: What separates Bates-Diop from other wings in the draft is his advanced offensive skill. KBD is a good three-point shooter, both off-the-catch and off one or two set-up dribbles. While not an explosive athlete with slow feet on defense, Bates-Diop uses length to compensate and block shots. Bates-Diop is also a high-level rebounder for a wing player, as he pulled in nearly nine rebounds a contest.
Player Comparison: Nicolas Batum, Luc Mbah a Moute
Strengths: massive wing span, small-ball 4 potential, competent shooter off-the-catch and off-the-dribble
Weaknesses: needs to add some strength, slow feet
Quickly: What separates Bates-Diop from other wings in the draft is his advanced offensive skill. KBD is a good three-point shooter, both off-the-catch and off one or two set-up dribbles. While not an explosive athlete with slow feet on defense, Bates-Diop uses length to compensate and block shots. Bates-Diop is also a high-level rebounder for a wing player, as he pulled in nearly nine rebounds a contest.
Player Comparison: Nicolas Batum, Luc Mbah a Moute
27. Troy Brown - g/F - Oregon
Measurables: 6’7”, 208 lbs, 6’10” wingspan
Strengths: wide frame, defensive potential
Weaknesses: SLOW, plays below the rim at 6’7”
Quickly: Even though he has the ideal size for a wing player, Brown is not an athlete. He uses his wide shoulders to bully past defenders on his drives. He did not shoot well in his lone season at Oregon but smarter people than me seem to think he will eventually shoot. I do truly worry about his lack of quick-twitch movement and what it means for his defensive potential, but he has the natural frame and feel for the game that suggests that he might be able to overcome these hindrances.
Player Comparison: Jared Dudley, Wilson Chandler
Strengths: wide frame, defensive potential
Weaknesses: SLOW, plays below the rim at 6’7”
Quickly: Even though he has the ideal size for a wing player, Brown is not an athlete. He uses his wide shoulders to bully past defenders on his drives. He did not shoot well in his lone season at Oregon but smarter people than me seem to think he will eventually shoot. I do truly worry about his lack of quick-twitch movement and what it means for his defensive potential, but he has the natural frame and feel for the game that suggests that he might be able to overcome these hindrances.
Player Comparison: Jared Dudley, Wilson Chandler
28. De'Anthony Melton - G USC
Measurables: 6’3”, 193 lbs, 6’9” wingspan
Strengths: perimeter defense, long arms, improving court vision/distribution, athleticism Weaknesses: scoring ability, shooting ability Quickly: Like Mo Bamba, Melton has been working out with Drew Hanlen and has already started to see better results from changing his mechanics. Melton's immediate value is as a defender, where is excels. Player Comparison: Mario Chalmers, Patrick Beverley |
29. Chandler Hutchison - F Boise State
Measurables: 6’7”, 193 lbs
Strengths: NBA ready body, crafty finisher around the rim, attacks rebounds, shot blocking potential, point forward potential
Weaknesses: jumpshot is work in progress
Quickly: NBA teams (mainly Chicago) are infatuated with Hutchison as a pro prospect. I've watched his tape, and while he's very clearly a solid basketball player, he doesn't have one particular skill that makes him stand out. However, There are people much smarter than me who evaluate talent and they all have Hutchison as a late first-round type talent due to his combination of size and skill.
Player Comparison: Denzel Valentine
Strengths: NBA ready body, crafty finisher around the rim, attacks rebounds, shot blocking potential, point forward potential
Weaknesses: jumpshot is work in progress
Quickly: NBA teams (mainly Chicago) are infatuated with Hutchison as a pro prospect. I've watched his tape, and while he's very clearly a solid basketball player, he doesn't have one particular skill that makes him stand out. However, There are people much smarter than me who evaluate talent and they all have Hutchison as a late first-round type talent due to his combination of size and skill.
Player Comparison: Denzel Valentine
30. Rawle Alkins - G Arizona
Measurables: 6’4”, 217 lbs, 6’9” wingspan
Strengths: strength, rebounding, passing ability
Weaknesses: inconsistent shooter
Quickly: Not known as a prolific scorer or shooter, Alkins does find other ways to contribute. He despite being listed at only 6’4”, Alkins pulled in nearly five rebounds a game in a team that often played a lineup with two seven-foot centers at the same time. Alkins also shared the ball well from the off-ball guard position, dishing out 2.5 assists per game. Alkins needs to improve on the defensive end if he wants to grab rotation minutes in the NBA, because his highest potential will be as a defender.
Player Comparison: Lance Stephenson, Marcus Smart
Strengths: strength, rebounding, passing ability
Weaknesses: inconsistent shooter
Quickly: Not known as a prolific scorer or shooter, Alkins does find other ways to contribute. He despite being listed at only 6’4”, Alkins pulled in nearly five rebounds a game in a team that often played a lineup with two seven-foot centers at the same time. Alkins also shared the ball well from the off-ball guard position, dishing out 2.5 assists per game. Alkins needs to improve on the defensive end if he wants to grab rotation minutes in the NBA, because his highest potential will be as a defender.
Player Comparison: Lance Stephenson, Marcus Smart
31. Jacob Evans - G, Cincinnati
Measurables: 6’5”, 199 lbs, 6’9” wingspan
Strengths: defense, size,
Weaknesses: streaky jump shot, shot selection
Quickly: At his size, Evans plays a physical style of defense many associate with Mick Cronin coached teams. He has quick hands for strips of ball handlers, and isn’t afraid to bang in the post if he is switched onto a big in the post. He also uses his frame to contest shots effectively without fouling. Offensively, Evans was most effective driving the ball into the paint and using his body to shield defenders. He's a solid overall player who could get rotation minutes as a defensive stalwart.
Player Comparison: Marcus Smart
Strengths: defense, size,
Weaknesses: streaky jump shot, shot selection
Quickly: At his size, Evans plays a physical style of defense many associate with Mick Cronin coached teams. He has quick hands for strips of ball handlers, and isn’t afraid to bang in the post if he is switched onto a big in the post. He also uses his frame to contest shots effectively without fouling. Offensively, Evans was most effective driving the ball into the paint and using his body to shield defenders. He's a solid overall player who could get rotation minutes as a defensive stalwart.
Player Comparison: Marcus Smart
32. Bruce Brown - G Miami
Measurables: 6’5”, 195 lbs, 6’9” wingspan
Strengths: broad shoulders, attacks with intensity on drives, excellent distributor
Weaknesses: barely has any neck to speak of, three-point shooting, ball-handling
Quickly: Never one to shy away from contact, Brown loves to put his shoulders into his defender’s chest and drive downhill. He needs to tighten up his handle, because at times it seems like his feet and body get going ahead of the ball on his drives. However, Brown is excellent in using the pick and roll, as well as his athleticism to turn the corner on defenders and drive to the hole. Intensity that makes him an effective rebounder and defender. Plays with a sort of “controlled chaos” who could go overboard at any minute.
Player Comparison: Lance Stephenson
Strengths: broad shoulders, attacks with intensity on drives, excellent distributor
Weaknesses: barely has any neck to speak of, three-point shooting, ball-handling
Quickly: Never one to shy away from contact, Brown loves to put his shoulders into his defender’s chest and drive downhill. He needs to tighten up his handle, because at times it seems like his feet and body get going ahead of the ball on his drives. However, Brown is excellent in using the pick and roll, as well as his athleticism to turn the corner on defenders and drive to the hole. Intensity that makes him an effective rebounder and defender. Plays with a sort of “controlled chaos” who could go overboard at any minute.
Player Comparison: Lance Stephenson
33. Trevon Duval - G Duke
Measurables: 6’2”, 191 lbs, 6’8” wingspan
Strengths: explosive athlete, good size for a guard, willing passer, defensive potential Weaknesses: shooting, drives without a purpose, shot mechanics Quickly: Initially, I was very pessimistic about Duval. He was a big-time prospect coming out of high school, but struggled to adjust to college ball. Duval did improve as the season went on, and ended his college career with a fantastic performance against KU in the Elite Eight. His shot is still very much a work in progress, but Duval has excellent change of speed and direction that allows him to blow by most defenders. He’s also got surprising explosiveness when he sees an angle to the basket, almost like he has a second gear. His court vision is good, although his decision making is sometimes not. He has a tendency to drive into the lane without a plan. He’s going to later than guard of his size and athleticism should, and might turn into one of the better players in the draft. Player Comparison: Kris Dunn |
34. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk - G/f Kansas
Measurables: 6’8”, 211 lbs, 6’5” wingspan
Strengths: best pure shooter in the draft, good size, above average athlete, improving court vision
Weaknesses: never going to be an elite defender, ball-handling is still loose, name is a nightmare for announcers and jersey makers
Quickly: He’s never going to be an elite athlete, but he might be the best pure shooter in the draft, and it should not be overstated that despite having played four years of college basketball, Svi is still only 20 years old. His feel for the game improved each year of college. He worked very hard to improve his ball handling and his scoring off the dribble. He became a much more effective finisher at the rim on drives, and learned how to bait defenders into hard close-outs on pump fakes. While improved, he is not a good defender and his dribbling is still too high to be comfortable with him bringing the ball up against smaller, quicker guards.
Player Comparison: Nik Stauskas, Danny Green
Strengths: best pure shooter in the draft, good size, above average athlete, improving court vision
Weaknesses: never going to be an elite defender, ball-handling is still loose, name is a nightmare for announcers and jersey makers
Quickly: He’s never going to be an elite athlete, but he might be the best pure shooter in the draft, and it should not be overstated that despite having played four years of college basketball, Svi is still only 20 years old. His feel for the game improved each year of college. He worked very hard to improve his ball handling and his scoring off the dribble. He became a much more effective finisher at the rim on drives, and learned how to bait defenders into hard close-outs on pump fakes. While improved, he is not a good defender and his dribbling is still too high to be comfortable with him bringing the ball up against smaller, quicker guards.
Player Comparison: Nik Stauskas, Danny Green
35. Malik Newman - G Kansas
Measurables: 6’3”, 189 lbs, 6’5” wingspan
Strengths: 3-point shooting, shooting off-dribble, rebounding, shot creation, lightning quick first-step, change of speed/burst, attacks closeouts hard Weaknesses: average athlete, defense, court vision Quickly: Newman was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school and was the premiere scorer in his class, which included Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram and Jaylen Brown. After a so-so freshman year at Mississippi State, Newman transferred to Kansas. It took Newman while to get back into rhythm on the court, but he did wonders for his draft stock with really strong performances in the Big 12 tournament and NCAA tournament. Newman has always had an incredible talent to makes shots off the dribble, but showed that he can be just as deadly of a catch-and-shoot player this season. Newman’s offensive skills have the making of a second round sleeper who could be a very valuable scorer off the bench. Player Comparison: Jamal Murray, Eddie House |
36. Jerome Robinson - G Boston COllege
Measurables: 6’5”, 188 lbs, 6’7” wingspan
Strengths: 3-point shooting, change-of-speed on drives, bounce
Weaknesses: anything on the defensive end of the court, court vision
Quickly: Robinson has the ability to fill it up from beyond the arc, and at time is an unconscious shooter. If he gets his man to bite on his pump fake, he will drive hard to the basket and explode off two feet for thunderous dunks. His first three thoughts on the offensive end are to score, and he is totally disinterested in defending. All of his value lies in his offense
Player Comparison: JR Smith
Strengths: 3-point shooting, change-of-speed on drives, bounce
Weaknesses: anything on the defensive end of the court, court vision
Quickly: Robinson has the ability to fill it up from beyond the arc, and at time is an unconscious shooter. If he gets his man to bite on his pump fake, he will drive hard to the basket and explode off two feet for thunderous dunks. His first three thoughts on the offensive end are to score, and he is totally disinterested in defending. All of his value lies in his offense
Player Comparison: JR Smith
37. Omari Spellman - F Villanova
Measurables: 6’9”, 253 lbs, 7’2” wingspan
Strengths: 3-point shooting, pick + pop ability, shot blocking, wide frame
Weaknesses: possible weight issues in the future, probably not a switchable perimeter defender
Quickly: Spellman was one of the most important players for Villanova on their championship run this season. The big man spent his first year at Villanova as an academic redshirt, which panned out pretty well for him because he was able to get his body right. Coming out of high school, Spellman could have been described as “doughy”, so Spellman worked extremely hard to fix that, which he did. Spellman is probably the best three-point shooting big man in the draft, shooting 43% from downtown this season while pulling in eight rebounds a game. His game translates very well immediately to the current strategies of most NBA teams.
Player Comparison: Marcus/Markieff Morris
Strengths: 3-point shooting, pick + pop ability, shot blocking, wide frame
Weaknesses: possible weight issues in the future, probably not a switchable perimeter defender
Quickly: Spellman was one of the most important players for Villanova on their championship run this season. The big man spent his first year at Villanova as an academic redshirt, which panned out pretty well for him because he was able to get his body right. Coming out of high school, Spellman could have been described as “doughy”, so Spellman worked extremely hard to fix that, which he did. Spellman is probably the best three-point shooting big man in the draft, shooting 43% from downtown this season while pulling in eight rebounds a game. His game translates very well immediately to the current strategies of most NBA teams.
Player Comparison: Marcus/Markieff Morris
38. Kevin HUerter- G/F Maryland
Measurables: 6’7”, 194 lbs, 6’7” wingspan
Strengths: shooting ability, court vision
Weaknesses: slow feet, needs to improve defense, red hair
Quickly: Huerter's draft stock quickly rose after a stellar performance at the NBA combine. What impressed scouts was how much better his court vision and passing improved. He has always been a good shooter and is probably the best shooter off movement of anyone in the draft. He is not a good defender.
Player Comparison: Kyle Korver
Strengths: shooting ability, court vision
Weaknesses: slow feet, needs to improve defense, red hair
Quickly: Huerter's draft stock quickly rose after a stellar performance at the NBA combine. What impressed scouts was how much better his court vision and passing improved. He has always been a good shooter and is probably the best shooter off movement of anyone in the draft. He is not a good defender.
Player Comparison: Kyle Korver
39. Landry Shamet - G Wichita State
Measurables: 6’5”, 188 lbs, 6’6” wingspan
Strengths: size, court vision, defensive potential, 3-point shooting
Weaknesses: average athleticism
Quickly:The latest in the line of tall, lanky point guards to enter the NBA, Shamet was the best player on a solid Wichita State squad. He won’t ever win any beauty contests, but he has the potential to fill the role of a backup or fringe starting point guard in the NBA. Despite his long frame, Shamet does not impact the defensive end of the floor as much as one might think, but unlike some of the previous versions of tall, lanky point guards, Shamet is actually good at playing basketball. He has excellent change of direction, and despite his tall frame, gets low to the floor when dribbling. He’s rarely out-of-control, gets teammates involved well, and has a solid shooting stroke, but he’s not an overly-explosive athlete.
Player Comparison: Delon Wright
Strengths: size, court vision, defensive potential, 3-point shooting
Weaknesses: average athleticism
Quickly:The latest in the line of tall, lanky point guards to enter the NBA, Shamet was the best player on a solid Wichita State squad. He won’t ever win any beauty contests, but he has the potential to fill the role of a backup or fringe starting point guard in the NBA. Despite his long frame, Shamet does not impact the defensive end of the floor as much as one might think, but unlike some of the previous versions of tall, lanky point guards, Shamet is actually good at playing basketball. He has excellent change of direction, and despite his tall frame, gets low to the floor when dribbling. He’s rarely out-of-control, gets teammates involved well, and has a solid shooting stroke, but he’s not an overly-explosive athlete.
Player Comparison: Delon Wright
40. Moritz Wagner - F Michigan
Measurables: 6’11”, 241 lbs, 7’ wingspan
Strengths: stretch-5, soft touch
Weaknesses: frightening face, slow, defense
Quickly: The German born Wagner was one of the premiere college basketball players this season and led Michigan to the National Championship game. He's a very skilled offensive big man, and has a very real ability to make threes. He's also one of the slower bigs and is not much of a rim protector at all.
Player Comparison: Kelly Olynyk
Strengths: stretch-5, soft touch
Weaknesses: frightening face, slow, defense
Quickly: The German born Wagner was one of the premiere college basketball players this season and led Michigan to the National Championship game. He's a very skilled offensive big man, and has a very real ability to make threes. He's also one of the slower bigs and is not much of a rim protector at all.
Player Comparison: Kelly Olynyk
41. Jalen Brunson - G Villanova
Measurables: 6’2”, 198 lbs, 6’4” wingspan
Strengths: strength, toughness, basketball IQ, ability to run a team, capable 3-point shooter
Weaknesses: size
Quickly: Named the National Player of the Year in college basketball in 2018, Brunson decided to forego his senior season and enter the NBA draft. The fact is that there just wasn’t much more Brunson could do in college basketball, and his draft stock will never be higher than it is right now. While He was never going to be pegged as a potential NBA superstar, but Brunson could help an NBA team right away. He’s not tall and he’s not an explosive athlete, but the dude knows how to play basketball, which is a useful skill when playing basketball. He should be a solid backup point guard in the league right away and might even be good enough to earn a starting job one day.
Player Comparison: Frank Mason III, Fred Van Vleet
Strengths: strength, toughness, basketball IQ, ability to run a team, capable 3-point shooter
Weaknesses: size
Quickly: Named the National Player of the Year in college basketball in 2018, Brunson decided to forego his senior season and enter the NBA draft. The fact is that there just wasn’t much more Brunson could do in college basketball, and his draft stock will never be higher than it is right now. While He was never going to be pegged as a potential NBA superstar, but Brunson could help an NBA team right away. He’s not tall and he’s not an explosive athlete, but the dude knows how to play basketball, which is a useful skill when playing basketball. He should be a solid backup point guard in the league right away and might even be good enough to earn a starting job one day.
Player Comparison: Frank Mason III, Fred Van Vleet
42. Jevon Carter - G West Virginia
Measurables: 6’1”, 196 lbs, 6’4” wingspan
Strengths: perimeter defense, improved 3-point shooting
Weaknesses: hairline, passing
Quickly: Carter, like most veteran guards who enter the NBA draft, might not have as high of a ceiling as the underclassmen at his position, but his stout defensive abilities give him a very high prospect floor from which to work. Carter led the nation in steals during his senior year at West Virginia while anchoring their vaunted full-court pressure defensive scheme. As a one-on-one defender, Carter may be the best back court player in the draft. He has active hands and has an excellent understanding of how to use contact and intensity on defense without forcing refs to calls fouls.
Player Comparison: Patrick Beverley
Strengths: perimeter defense, improved 3-point shooting
Weaknesses: hairline, passing
Quickly: Carter, like most veteran guards who enter the NBA draft, might not have as high of a ceiling as the underclassmen at his position, but his stout defensive abilities give him a very high prospect floor from which to work. Carter led the nation in steals during his senior year at West Virginia while anchoring their vaunted full-court pressure defensive scheme. As a one-on-one defender, Carter may be the best back court player in the draft. He has active hands and has an excellent understanding of how to use contact and intensity on defense without forcing refs to calls fouls.
Player Comparison: Patrick Beverley
43. Devonte' Graham - G Kansas
Measurables: 6’2”, 186 lbs, 6’7” wingspan
Strengths: 3-point shooting, elite passing ability and court vision, willing defender, high basketball IQ, excellent pick + roll ballhandler
Weaknesses: size, takes wild shots at times, needs to become more efficient finisher around the basket
Quickly: After spending the entire 2017 playing Robin to Frank Mason III’s Batman, Graham established himself as one of the best players in college basketball in 2018. At 6’2” Graham is an offensively minded point guard. He has the ability to shoot off the catch, and is more than capable of taking jump shots in rhythm off-the-dribble. Graham has a tight handle and legendary endurance (he played 5 straight conference games without subbing out). He has excellent court vision, but at times he tries to do too much with his passes and turns the ball over. Graham is a coach’s dream at the point guard position because of his leadership on the floor. He needs to work on his floaters and runners to deal with taller defenders in the lane, but Graham also might be the best point guard in pick-and-roll plays in this draft.
Player Comparison: Patty Mills
Strengths: 3-point shooting, elite passing ability and court vision, willing defender, high basketball IQ, excellent pick + roll ballhandler
Weaknesses: size, takes wild shots at times, needs to become more efficient finisher around the basket
Quickly: After spending the entire 2017 playing Robin to Frank Mason III’s Batman, Graham established himself as one of the best players in college basketball in 2018. At 6’2” Graham is an offensively minded point guard. He has the ability to shoot off the catch, and is more than capable of taking jump shots in rhythm off-the-dribble. Graham has a tight handle and legendary endurance (he played 5 straight conference games without subbing out). He has excellent court vision, but at times he tries to do too much with his passes and turns the ball over. Graham is a coach’s dream at the point guard position because of his leadership on the floor. He needs to work on his floaters and runners to deal with taller defenders in the lane, but Graham also might be the best point guard in pick-and-roll plays in this draft.
Player Comparison: Patty Mills
44. Aaron Holliday - G UCLA
Measurables: 6’, 187 lbs, 6’7” wingspan
Strengths: long arms, ball-handling, 3-point shooting
Weaknesses: undersized, he’s not as good as his brother
Quickly: The junior from UCLA is one of many veteran point guard prospects in this draft who could provide a team good value as a backup point guard. Holiday is undersized but uses his body to get low to the ground and handle the ball in traffic. He has no problem shooting the ball off-the-dribble or driving into the chest of a defender. I have him slotted below players such as Devonte’ Graham and Jalen Brunson because even though they are all similar in size and skill, he didn’t dominate college basketball the way the other two did.
Player Comparison: Aaron Brooks, Darren Collison
Strengths: long arms, ball-handling, 3-point shooting
Weaknesses: undersized, he’s not as good as his brother
Quickly: The junior from UCLA is one of many veteran point guard prospects in this draft who could provide a team good value as a backup point guard. Holiday is undersized but uses his body to get low to the ground and handle the ball in traffic. He has no problem shooting the ball off-the-dribble or driving into the chest of a defender. I have him slotted below players such as Devonte’ Graham and Jalen Brunson because even though they are all similar in size and skill, he didn’t dominate college basketball the way the other two did.
Player Comparison: Aaron Brooks, Darren Collison
45. Anfernee Simons - G IMG Academy
Measurables: 6’3”, 183 lbs, 6’9” wingspan
Strengths: youth, athleticism, shooting stroke
Weaknesses: very raw basketball player
Quickly: Simons is a pick you make for three to four years from now. One of the better athletes in the class, he is entering the draft straight from a prep season at IMG academy. It's still unsure what his future holds, but there is a ton of upside as a high-flying/scoring combo guard in the future.
Player Comparison: JR Smith, Monta Ellis
Strengths: youth, athleticism, shooting stroke
Weaknesses: very raw basketball player
Quickly: Simons is a pick you make for three to four years from now. One of the better athletes in the class, he is entering the draft straight from a prep season at IMG academy. It's still unsure what his future holds, but there is a ton of upside as a high-flying/scoring combo guard in the future.
Player Comparison: JR Smith, Monta Ellis
46. Dzanan Musa - F Bosnia
Measurables: 6’9”, 185 lbs, 7’ wingspan
Strengths: confident shooter, quick release on shot, youth (18 years old)
Weaknesses: bad posture, uses palm when dribbling, wild shot selection
Quickly: Musa is a project for sure. He has potential as a high-volume shooter/scorer with development, but he needs a lot of help. He has terrible posture, playing hunched over all the time instead of bending his knees. He’s thin, and his ball handling leaves a lot to be desired. He offers little defensive effort at the moment, but you take him with the hopes that you can harness his raw offensive skill in the future.
Strengths: confident shooter, quick release on shot, youth (18 years old)
Weaknesses: bad posture, uses palm when dribbling, wild shot selection
Quickly: Musa is a project for sure. He has potential as a high-volume shooter/scorer with development, but he needs a lot of help. He has terrible posture, playing hunched over all the time instead of bending his knees. He’s thin, and his ball handling leaves a lot to be desired. He offers little defensive effort at the moment, but you take him with the hopes that you can harness his raw offensive skill in the future.
47. Grayson Allen - G Duke
Measurables: 6’4”, 198 lbs, 6’7” wingspan
Strengths: athleticism, spot up shooting Weaknesses: dribbling, passing, anything on the defensive end of the floor, attitude problems throughout career Quickly: Allen was one of the most controversial players in college basketball during his four years at Duke. Known for his multiple tripping incidents and throwing fits on the bench, Allen had much to prove to NBA scouts after choosing to come back for his senior season. Unfortunately, I don’t believe Allen did enough to improve his stock, which has steadily dropped since his freshman season, because he did not improve the weaknesses in his game to put him ahead of most other guards in this class. Defensively, Allen is a liability, as he struggles to keep the opposition in front due to his slow feet and general lack of effort on that end of the floor. He also turned the ball over at a high rate for a player who was never the primary ball-handler. He’s not a shot-creator on offense and not a superb passer. Allen’s future resides solely in his ability to run around screen after screen and hit threes. Player Comparison: Nik Stauskas |
48. Brandon McCoy - C UNLV
Measurables: 7’, 250 lbs, 7’2” wingspan
Strengths: size + strength, soft touch around the rim, finishes with both hands
Weaknesses:
Quickly: McCoy is a raw big man prospect, but he shows how much big men value can be found late in this year’s draft. Offensively, his post offense still needs work, as most of his scoring came from establishing deep post position before the catch. However, McCoy is still very young has a knack for being right spot to grab a ton of rebounds. He’s not the rim protector you would like him to be, and doesn’t put forth a ton of effort on either end of the court, but if he can harness is size and rebounding potential, he could be a real force on the glass.
Player Comparison: Wal-Mart Brand Andre Drummond
Strengths: size + strength, soft touch around the rim, finishes with both hands
Weaknesses:
Quickly: McCoy is a raw big man prospect, but he shows how much big men value can be found late in this year’s draft. Offensively, his post offense still needs work, as most of his scoring came from establishing deep post position before the catch. However, McCoy is still very young has a knack for being right spot to grab a ton of rebounds. He’s not the rim protector you would like him to be, and doesn’t put forth a ton of effort on either end of the court, but if he can harness is size and rebounding potential, he could be a real force on the glass.
Player Comparison: Wal-Mart Brand Andre Drummond
49. Jarred Vanderbilt - F Kentucky
Measurables: 6’9”, 214 lbs, 6’10” wingspan
Strengths: playmaking ability from forward spot, elite rebounding, soft touch around the rim
Weaknesses: average athlete, probably needs to learn to shoot at least a little bit
Quickly: Vanderbilt missed most of his one season at Kentucky with injuries. Fortunately for him, Vanderbilt’s physical profile and overall skill level is something that NBA teams are actively seeking. Vanderbilt has excellent court vision for a big guy, and is a willing passer. He’s comfortable handling the ball in the open floor, and he might be the best rebounder in the entire class. Defensively, he shuffles his feet well even though his movements are a bit slow, and he’s prone to biting on pump fakes, which should improve as he learns not to hunt blocks.
Player Comparison: poor man’s Draymond Green
Strengths: playmaking ability from forward spot, elite rebounding, soft touch around the rim
Weaknesses: average athlete, probably needs to learn to shoot at least a little bit
Quickly: Vanderbilt missed most of his one season at Kentucky with injuries. Fortunately for him, Vanderbilt’s physical profile and overall skill level is something that NBA teams are actively seeking. Vanderbilt has excellent court vision for a big guy, and is a willing passer. He’s comfortable handling the ball in the open floor, and he might be the best rebounder in the entire class. Defensively, he shuffles his feet well even though his movements are a bit slow, and he’s prone to biting on pump fakes, which should improve as he learns not to hunt blocks.
Player Comparison: poor man’s Draymond Green
50. Billy preston - Boznia & Herzegovina (via Kansas)
Measurables: 6’10”, 222 lbs, 7’2” wingspan
Strengths: length, stretch-4 potential, good footwork, effective jump shot out to 20 feet
Weaknesses: injury, lack of size, unproven, unknown
Quickly: Like Michael Porter Jr. , we haven't really seen Billy Preston play since high school. What we do know is that he's a very skilled offensive player with extremely wide shoulders and room to grow. His situation with the NCAA should not be a concern to NBA teams because it was and NCAA rules violation and not legal trouble.
Strengths: length, stretch-4 potential, good footwork, effective jump shot out to 20 feet
Weaknesses: injury, lack of size, unproven, unknown
Quickly: Like Michael Porter Jr. , we haven't really seen Billy Preston play since high school. What we do know is that he's a very skilled offensive player with extremely wide shoulders and room to grow. His situation with the NCAA should not be a concern to NBA teams because it was and NCAA rules violation and not legal trouble.
51. Kenrich Williams - F TCU
Measurables: 6’7”, 210 lbs, 7’1” wingspan
Strengths: stretch-4 potential, relentless rebounder, good athlete
Weaknesses: whatever is going on with the back of his head, dribbling
Quickly: There are people who think Williams could be taken at the end of the first round or early in the second. I don't see it. He's a very good rebounder, and all of his numbers improved over his three years at TCU, but I don't think his jump shot will translate to the NBA. We’ve seen about a thousand of Kenrich Williamses throughout the years. Sure, he could end up improving his jump shot and handle to become an effective stretch-four, but I’m betting that he will find himself overseas within a few years.
Player Comparison: Perry Ellis, Abdel Nader
Strengths: stretch-4 potential, relentless rebounder, good athlete
Weaknesses: whatever is going on with the back of his head, dribbling
Quickly: There are people who think Williams could be taken at the end of the first round or early in the second. I don't see it. He's a very good rebounder, and all of his numbers improved over his three years at TCU, but I don't think his jump shot will translate to the NBA. We’ve seen about a thousand of Kenrich Williamses throughout the years. Sure, he could end up improving his jump shot and handle to become an effective stretch-four, but I’m betting that he will find himself overseas within a few years.
Player Comparison: Perry Ellis, Abdel Nader
52. Kevin Hervey - F UT Arlington
Measurables: 6’7”, 210 lbs, 7’4” wingspan
Strengths: 3-point shooting, stretch-4 potential
Weaknesses: basketball IQ, passing/court vision
Quickly: Hervey shot up draft boards after a good showing at the NBA Draft Combine. He proved that he was a legitimate threat from downtown, and that even though he played at a small school, he could hang with the big boys.
Player Comparison: James Ennis
Strengths: 3-point shooting, stretch-4 potential
Weaknesses: basketball IQ, passing/court vision
Quickly: Hervey shot up draft boards after a good showing at the NBA Draft Combine. He proved that he was a legitimate threat from downtown, and that even though he played at a small school, he could hang with the big boys.
Player Comparison: James Ennis
53. Hamidou Diallo - G Kentucky
Measurables: 6’6”, 197 lbs, 6’11” wingspan
Strengths: elite athleticism
Weaknesses: most skills involved in the game of basketball
Quickly: He just didn't figure out how to make his athleticism and shooting ability translate to the court in his one year at Kentucky. Unfortunately for Diallo, he might have been better off going into the draft last year instead of spending the 2017-18 season in Lexington. He still has potential, but his stock dropped considerably.
Player Comparison: Ben McLemore
Strengths: elite athleticism
Weaknesses: most skills involved in the game of basketball
Quickly: He just didn't figure out how to make his athleticism and shooting ability translate to the court in his one year at Kentucky. Unfortunately for Diallo, he might have been better off going into the draft last year instead of spending the 2017-18 season in Lexington. He still has potential, but his stock dropped considerably.
Player Comparison: Ben McLemore
54. Isaac Bonga - f Germany
Measurables: 6’9" 200 lbs
Strengths: size, passing ability, ball-handling,
Weaknesses: shooting
Quickly: The German big man has actually spent most of his career as a primary ball-handler. He uses his height to see passing lanes over smaller defenders. He’s not an explosive athlete but he is coordinated and fluid in his movements on the court. He cannot shoot. It looks ugly and it doesn’t go in the basket. Obviously, at his size, he has real potential as a one through five switchable defender, but he has to work on maximizing his lateral movements to make up for his slow feet.
Player Comparison: Kyle Anderson
Strengths: size, passing ability, ball-handling,
Weaknesses: shooting
Quickly: The German big man has actually spent most of his career as a primary ball-handler. He uses his height to see passing lanes over smaller defenders. He’s not an explosive athlete but he is coordinated and fluid in his movements on the court. He cannot shoot. It looks ugly and it doesn’t go in the basket. Obviously, at his size, he has real potential as a one through five switchable defender, but he has to work on maximizing his lateral movements to make up for his slow feet.
Player Comparison: Kyle Anderson
55. Kostas Antetokuonmpo - F Dayton
Measurables: 6’10”, 194 lbs, 7’2” wingspan
Strengths: famous older brother
Weaknesses: playing basketball
Quickly: Yes, he is the Greek Freak's little brother. Unfortunately, he is not his brother. He's a long way from being a finished product, but he still has plenty of potential, and I would not be surprised if a team took a flyer on him in the second round of the draft.
Strengths: famous older brother
Weaknesses: playing basketball
Quickly: Yes, he is the Greek Freak's little brother. Unfortunately, he is not his brother. He's a long way from being a finished product, but he still has plenty of potential, and I would not be surprised if a team took a flyer on him in the second round of the draft.
56. Alize Johnson - F Missouri state
Measurables: 6’8”, 215 lbs, 6’8” wingspan
Strengths: rebounding, high productivity level in college, face-up/mid-range game, 3-point shooting
Weaknesses: basketball IQ, ball-handling
Quickly: Johnson burst onto the scene last year as the first NBA prospect from Missouri State since.....Anyway Johnson is a tremendous rebounder and his shooting ability improved immensely. Mechanically, his jump shot is still wonky, but he was good enough at hitting 18-25 footers that defenses had to respect him. His dribbling is still far from good enough, he can at least dribble into a pull-up jumper now. If he doesn't get drafted, should get a chance to make a team via summer league.
Strengths: rebounding, high productivity level in college, face-up/mid-range game, 3-point shooting
Weaknesses: basketball IQ, ball-handling
Quickly: Johnson burst onto the scene last year as the first NBA prospect from Missouri State since.....Anyway Johnson is a tremendous rebounder and his shooting ability improved immensely. Mechanically, his jump shot is still wonky, but he was good enough at hitting 18-25 footers that defenses had to respect him. His dribbling is still far from good enough, he can at least dribble into a pull-up jumper now. If he doesn't get drafted, should get a chance to make a team via summer league.
57. Tony Carr - G Penn State
Measurables: 6’4”, 198 lbs, 6’8” wingspan
Strengths: scoring ability, size
Weaknesses: defense, court vision
Quickly: Carr, a ball-dominant point guard, was one of the premiere scorers in college basketball in 2017-18. He possesses one of the most advanced offensive skill sets of any guards in the draft. He can post up smaller players, hit floaters over bigger defenders, and hit contested jump shots off the dribble. If you want a facilitating point guard, Carr is not the guy for you. If you want someone to come in and get you buckets, Carr is your man.
Player Comparison: Brandon Paul
Strengths: scoring ability, size
Weaknesses: defense, court vision
Quickly: Carr, a ball-dominant point guard, was one of the premiere scorers in college basketball in 2017-18. He possesses one of the most advanced offensive skill sets of any guards in the draft. He can post up smaller players, hit floaters over bigger defenders, and hit contested jump shots off the dribble. If you want a facilitating point guard, Carr is not the guy for you. If you want someone to come in and get you buckets, Carr is your man.
Player Comparison: Brandon Paul
58. Keenan Evans - G Texas Tech
Measurables: 6’3”, 183 lbs, 6’5” wingspan
Strengths: relentless driver, ability to make tough shots
Weaknesses: size
Quickly: The senior from Texas Tech just knows how to get buckets. He's exactly what you would expect a senior point guard from a power-5 conference team to be. Personally, I think Evans could be a legitimate third point guard for a team
Player Comparison: Jawun Evans
Strengths: relentless driver, ability to make tough shots
Weaknesses: size
Quickly: The senior from Texas Tech just knows how to get buckets. He's exactly what you would expect a senior point guard from a power-5 conference team to be. Personally, I think Evans could be a legitimate third point guard for a team
Player Comparison: Jawun Evans
59. Rodions Kurics - f Barcelona
Measurables: 6’9”, 220 lbs
Strengths: youth (20 years old), projectable jump shot, size + length
Weaknesses: ball-handling, lack of strength
Quickly: A small forward playing for Barcelona, Kurucs is a typical let-round draft-and-stash European player. He’s not ready for the NBA right now, and he has a ton he can improve upon, but the physical tools suggest that he might be able to contribute to a team in the future.
Player Comparison: Danillo Gallinari
Strengths: youth (20 years old), projectable jump shot, size + length
Weaknesses: ball-handling, lack of strength
Quickly: A small forward playing for Barcelona, Kurucs is a typical let-round draft-and-stash European player. He’s not ready for the NBA right now, and he has a ton he can improve upon, but the physical tools suggest that he might be able to contribute to a team in the future.
Player Comparison: Danillo Gallinari
60. Wenyen Gabriel - F Kentucky
Measurables: 6’9”, 205 lbs, 7’ wingspan
Strengths: three-point shooting, shot-blocking
Weaknesses: physically weak, feet might be too slow to have defensive switchability (i'm aware this is a fake word) on the perimeter
Quickly: Gabriel is a legitimate three-point threat at 6'9". That might be enough to get him a spot deep on a team's bench as a project forward.
Strengths: three-point shooting, shot-blocking
Weaknesses: physically weak, feet might be too slow to have defensive switchability (i'm aware this is a fake word) on the perimeter
Quickly: Gabriel is a legitimate three-point threat at 6'9". That might be enough to get him a spot deep on a team's bench as a project forward.