After going through all the prospects and breaking each of their games down, this is the top 60 I came away with.
For now, here is my top 60 with a little bit of analysis on each prospect.
- Markelle Fultz – PG/SG, Washington
- Fultz is the clear number one in this draft, with a rare offensive showcase on a bad Washington team at just 18. That said, Fultz can improve his effort, IQ, and consistency on both ends going forward. Not the most explosive athlete, Fultz relies a lot on nuance, but he’s exceptionally skilled as a passer and shot creator overall, reminiscent of James Harden. His size, offensive promise, and intangibles overall make him the best prospect in this draft and almost surely a future superstar.
- Jonathan Isaac – PF/SF, Florida State
- Isaac needs to polish himself on offense, but he offers incredible upside on both ends. His 3 point shot looks real, and his athleticism and size are a real advantage on both ends. He’s already an advanced defensive player with the ability to defend all over the floor, and as he adds strength he can become an incredibly valuable small-ball 5.Legit 3 and D power forwards are very hard to find – especially ones who can downsize to the 5 – and while he may never be an incredibly talented scorer, Isaac has the ability to be a massively valuable role player.
- De’Aaron Fox – PG, Kentucky
- Fox is a ridiculous athlete, exploding all over the court and flying everywhere with blinding speed. A unique scorer, he gets into the lane so easily and has a bag of tricks to finish at the rim. Defensively, he’s a phenomenal prospect, using his athleticism and high activity level to shut down opposing point guards and create turnovers. Fox’s main question mark is his jump shot, which needs form overhaul and will give him problems against teams that sag off of him. Luckily, Fox is known as one of the hardest workers in this draft and it would not be surprising to hear about him putting up 5000 shots a day in an effort to fix his shot. If he can get that figured out, there is no ceiling.
- Josh Jackson – SF, Kansas
- Jackson’s an incredibly well-rounded player with a high floor because of his athleticism and solid skill foundation. However, a lot of his game will depend on the ability of his jump shot to present a threat to defenses, and if he cannot consistently shoot well he will not be a real offensive weapon. Outside of his hopeful improvement on jumper, his burgeoning ability as a passer will also help him contribute to an offense. Defensively, he doesn’t have the best frame, but his athleticism, effort, and IQ make him a stopper. Jackson’s a versatile, talented guy who will go near the top of this year’s draft.
- Lonzo Ball – PG, UCLA
- Ball’s rare vision, instincts, and ridiculous transition ability have the potential to transform an NBA offense right away. He’s also got tools to be effective as a defender and rebounder when he wants. Efficient as a finisher, he needs to improve his ability to get to the rim in the half court and get into contact more. He faces real questions about his ability to translate his offense into the NBA, where his questionable jumper, inexperience in PnR, and absence of midrange game could bite him. Still, Ball’s transformative court vision and elite positional size, along with his heightened sense of what’s going on on the court, make him a top prospect in this draft as he continues to improve his half court ability.
- Jonah Bolden – PF/SF, Radnicki Basket
- Bolden has really come on strong the last couple months playing in the Adriatic League for Radnicki Basket. His game is inconsistent, but when his 3 point shot is falling (41.9% in Adriatic League) he’s an incredibly dangerous player. His stroke combined with his physical tools and intriguing ball skills should have him firmly planted in the first round. Guys with as much athleticism, size, and shooting ability as Bolden aren’t a dime a dozen. If he can get his turnovers under control, iron out the issues in his stroke, and refine his game a little, he’s got potential to be a monster. Studs like Nikola Jokic have come out of the Adriatic League in recent years, and Bolden could be next in line.
- Dennis Smith Jr. – PG, North Carolina State
- Smith is a freak athlete, the strongest of the elite PG prospects, and has shown promise as a shooter. He’s also vastly underrated as a playmaker and will only look better with superior teammates around him. However, his effort level, IQ, and shooting consistency are all serious questions, and for him it’s going to come down to coaching and situation at the NBA level. For example, a dysfunctional atmosphere like Sacramento would be especially bad for his development, and allow his bad habits to fester. A place like Dallas, on the other hand, would be able to mold his tools into one of the top PGs in the league. Smith has a lot of raw gifts, but it’s a matter of harnessing them and working out the kinks in his jumper.
- Lauri Markkanen – C/PF, Arizona
- Markkanen has the ability to transform an offense instantly, running off screens, spotting up, and acting as a 7 foot Kyle Korver who will be a total mismatch for defenses. Defensively, Lauri is more of a question mark(kanen). He isn’t quite agile enough to guard 4s in the modern NBA, and and he lacks the size to play center at this time. His lack of length is especially concerning projecting him playing the 5. Still, as his frame fills out, center is probably his best spot. There, he’s got just enough foot speed to hang in PnR defense, and hopefully will have the right combination of strength, IQ, and size to hold his own. That defensive upside, combined with his potential as a game-changing weapon on offense, makes him a very fun prospect.
- Jayson Tatum – SF/PF, Duke
- Tatum is one of the craftiest players in this draft, with a bag of tricks that he can utilize to get his buckets inside the arc. A good athlete with solid tools, Tatum will be able to play the 3 and the 4 as his frame adds strength. However, he faces legitimate questions about how he fits in today’s NBA, where passing, spacing, and versatility are prioritized. He’s a safe pick because his scoring ability should translate, but his success will be a matter of how efficiently he’ll be able to score in the NBA, and what he’ll bring to a team besides scoring.
- Zach Collins – C, Gonzaga
- Collins is pretty raw, but his size, feel around the rim on both ends, and rebounding ability have him on the lottery radar. He was incredibly efficient coming off the bench for one of the nation’s top teams, and will have to prove that his success can translate to the NBA. His average length and explosiveness mean that he needs to add to flashes of skill on both ends. Becoming a smarter defensive player – particularly improving discipline – will be key, as will showing that his 3 point shot is legit. Still, he offers upside as a center who can contribute in many ways and is a fit for where the game is headed.
- OG Anunoby – SF/PF, Indiana
- Anunoby has incredible physical tools, with rare length, strength, and explosiveness. At full strength, he can fly all over the floor on both ends and wreak total havoc. But with his knee injury, there are questions about his ability to return to full strength athletically, something he relies on so much. Luckily, he’s not yet 20, and his rare gifts and flashes of skill offer the view of a guy who can play all 5 positions as a freak athlete and do a number of things very well.
- Donovan Mitchell – SG/PG, Louisville
- Besides his underwhelming height, Mitchell has a phenomenal set of tools for playing shooting guard in today’s NBA. An explosive athlete with an improving stroke, Mitchell has shown flashes of elite 3 and D ability as an NBA role player. However, his poor finishing ability, questionable shot selection, and streaky jumper are all causes for concern. Luckily for Mitchell, his frame and athleticism mean he will always provide value as an on-ball defender, even as his off-ball focus and IQ continue to improve.
- Malik Monk – SG, Kentucky
- Monk possesses elite shot-making ability as a phenomenal shooter who can explode around the rim. He will be an incredible weapon in transition given his ability to make threes on the run and his bounce near the rim. However, he’s not really a plug and play guy – situation will be key for him. Finding a place where he has the freedom to guard PGs and where he can mostly run off screens/spot up will be key for him (Philadelphia, for example, is a great fit). He may never be a good defender, but if he can be a net neutral on that end his shotmaking will be incredibly valuable.
- Frank Ntilikina – SG/PG, Strasbourg
- Ntilikina may be the top international prospect in this year’s draft, but that doesn’t make him the “mystery guy”. He’s very defined in what his strengths and weaknesses are. He projects very well as a 3 point shooter and defender given his elite tools and size, with flashes of primary ballhandling ability. He needs to work a lot on ball handling, overall point guard feel, and finishing near the rim as he looks to expand his offensive repertoire. Not a phenomenal athlete, Ntilikina will have to reach a very high skill level in order to become a true weapon on offense. Still, his size, shooting ability, and upside as a point guard will land him in the lottery.
- Luke Kennard – SG, Duke
- Kennard is a very advanced offensive player, an extremely skilled shooter who also has some crafty ability near the rim. He offers more upside than the traditional shooter on offense because of his great off-dribble creation and passing promise. Defensively, he has a lot of issues. He just doesn’t have the tools to be a successful defender in the NBA, even when he’s putting in the effort, which comes and goes. He’ll likely have to improve his effort and IQ a ton even just to become an average defender. But if he can do that and reach his offensive upside, he’ll be an extremely valuable player.
- Jarrett Allen – C, Texas
- Allen has great size and touch, and is an underrated athlete. He offers a lot of upside as a rim protecting big who can rebound and finish with nice touch around the rim and in the lane. However, he needs to get smarter all around on defense, and apply more consistent effort on the boards and in off-ball defense. Allen managed to showcase his skills on a Texas squad that was a poor fit for him, as he was often forced to play in a clogged offense at power forward, when he really belongs at center.
- Cameron Oliver – PF, Nevada
- With his combination of shooting, shot blocking, and athleticism, Oliver will be a steal anywhere outside of the lottery. He’s young, bouncy, and has the very realistic upside to be a phenomenal 3 and D power forward. He’s also got juuuuuuust enough size, length, and reach to slide to the small ball 5 for a few minutes each game. His combination of shooting, shot blocking, and athleticism could be incredibly valuable in that role. However, he needs to improve his ball handling and passing vision in order to punish defenses for closing out, and also improve his pull-up game.
- Jawun Evans – PG, Oklahoma State
- Evans has flown under the radar in a stacked PG class, but the kid can really play. He’s shown flashes of being a 3-level scorer who is as good creating for others as anyone in this class. As a playmaker, his 43.6 AST% was 2nd in the country, though his size may somewhat limit his passing vision in the NBA. Defensively, he’s a bulldog with good hands who plays hard, but he’ll be limited by size once again. He’s got surefire backup ability and starter upside if he can improve his jumper a little more, making him worth a shot for a PG-hungry team in the middle of the first.
- Justin Patton – C, Creighton
- Patton flashed a lot of offensive promise at Creighton this year, but he needs to add a lot to his game to become a solid NBA player. His biggest issue is his lack of physicality all over the court, as he consistently shied from contact, and it hurt him most as a rebounder and defender. While his skillset develops, he has a lot of skill as a roll man and shot blocker, and offers promise thanks to his big motor and size. However, if he can never shake his lack of toughness, it’s going to be tough for him to be an effective player.
- Semi Ojeleye – PF/SF, SMU
- Ojeleye is a refined, versatile scorer on the offensive end who really succeeded last year at SMU. While his bully ball off-dribble game will need refinement at the NBA level – particularly around the rim – he projects as an offensive weapon at the 3 or the 4 thanks to his high IQ, strength, shooting ability, and explosiveness. Defensively he’s a mixed bag, with elite strength and lateral quickness but average height and length. Still, combo forwards who can score and play average defense are very valuable players, and Semi can be a ridiculously good player if he adds playmaking and finesse on offense as well as better IQ and effort on defense.
- Justin Jackson – SF/SG, North Carolina
- Jackson made big strides his junior season and looks like a good 3 and D option at the NBA level. While he’s limited in terms of his strength and finishing ability inside the arc, he is long and quick enough on defense to be a good defender, and offensively when his jumper is falling he is a solid team player given his passing ability and 3 point shot. Still, he’s got limited upside at 22 and won’t contribute much inside the arc. Luckily for him, 3 and D is in demand and he’ll be able to fill a role on a team immediately.
- Jonathan Jeanne – C, Le Mans
- Jeanne’s combination physical tools and mobility is extremely rare, and he’s got some advanced skills for a 19 year old. People will lazily comp him to Rudy Gobert, but he’s really a lot more like Thon Maker at this point – something that speaks to the intangibility of a lot of his game. He needs to add a ton of strength – he’s super thin – but his mobility and size are super intriguing. He’s had some moments where he’s shown outside shooting/driving ability, and if that shows up consistently he could be a unicorn.
- John Collins – PF/C, Wake Forest
- John Collins was arguably the most efficient player in the NCAA last year, posting ridiculous stats across the board and flying on to the draft radar. He’s an athletic beast whose rebounding will translate, but his size and offensive translation leave questions. He’s caught between positions, a center in a power forward’s body, and seems a hallmark of the old NBA rather than where the game is headed. His spot in the NBA is likely as an Enes Kanter type who comes off the bench to wreck offensively and on the boards, while playing poor defense. Still, he’s very young and has improved tremendously over the past 2 years.
- Sterling Brown – SG/SF, SMU
- Brown has been ridiculously overlooked all draft season and for many reasons should be a first round prospect. 3 and D is en vogue and Sterling’s game screams it. He has a believable claim as the best shooter in the draft, and his frame, tape, and metrics all point to him being a very skilled defender. He has one of the best defensive motors in this draft, maximizing his frame and athleticism on that end of the floor. Yes, he’s 22, but he’ll be able to step and and play a role immediately.
- Wesley Iwundu – SG/SF/PF, Kansas State
- Iwundu look like he can be a solid, versatile rotational wing right away. His ability to handle the ball is huge, as won’t just have to stand in corner on offense. He has the tools defend 4 positions well, he just needs coached up on that end of the floor. His frame needs to add strength, as he’s very thin right now, but his length and fundamentals help him a lot on defense already. If his 3 ball gets to consistent 37-40% range he will be a longtime starter in the league.
- Frank Jackson – SG/PG, Duke
- Jackson’s got clear skill as a scorer, and that combined with his size and youth have him on the draft radar. However, he’s extremely limited as a playmaker for others and has a long way to go on defense even given his frame. One of the youngest players in the draft pool, he’s got time to improve his IQ and effort on both ends. He brings value offensively because he can stretch defenses as a shooter with the ability to attack closeouts, but he’s got a long way to go on defense.
- Kyle Kuzma – PF, Utah
- Kuzma is a nice player who does a number of things well. He projects as an offensively skilled 4 who won’t kill the team on defense. That might not mean starter upside, but he looks like he has the tools to be a useful rotation player in the NBA. Rebounding almost always translates, and if he can get more consistent with his shot and defensive effort he could be a real piece. His performance at the combine was a glimpse into the type of player he can be when his 3 point shot is falling – it’s just a matter of him doing that consistently.
- DJ Wilson – PF/SF, Michigan
- Wilson is an interesting player, as his combination of length, size, and 3 point shooting is very attractive to teams in the NBA. He’ll have a clear cut role as a stretch 4 right away, and he’s got a lot of defensive upside. He’s a very poor rebounder which is a big concern, but a lot of what he needs to add are ancillary things – strength, IQ, etc – that can be figured out with a solid NBA coaching and training staff.
- Harry Giles – C/PF, Duke
- Giles had millions taken from him by injuries, as he was an almost sure top-5 pick in this draft before a barrage of knee injuries knocked him down. Even through a bulky knee brace and clear rust, Giles flashed a lot at Duke last year, showing off rare mobility for a guy his size and utilizing his athleticism to an awesome extent. Even through his obstacles last season he was a phenomenal rebounder, which is a skill that can almost be counted on as a guarantee to translate to the NBA. It’s a matter of whether or not a team believes in his ability to stay healthy, because on pure talent he’s one of the top guys in this class.
- Derrick White – SG/PG, Colorado
- White is a talented athlete and scorer, but his age puts a pretty significant damper on further progress. He’s had flashes on defense – particularly as a shot blocker – and he’s got good playmaking skills if he’s looked at as a 2 guard. He’ll probably be most successful in the NBA as a 2 guard, and he’ll have to prove he can defend that spot. His solid shot blocking ability is a glimpse into this, and he’s able to use his smarts to his advantage. Value stats were very high on him last year, and a lot of what he does should translate to the NBA.
- Anzejs Pasecniks – C, Gran Canaria
- Pasecniks has a ton of upside on both ends of the floor, but he needs to get a lot smarter and a lot stronger. With NBA coaching and training that should be possible, and the outlines of a highly effective player are there. He’s flashed some perimeter game on offense, and combining this with his rolling ability could make him an awesome player. His athleticism can’t be taught and he’s got a good foundation for the rest of his game. His skillset should allow him to be a very useful player if he is coached up and bulked up.
- Jordan Bell – PF/C, Oregon
- Bell represents yet another late 1st/early 2nd round-type combo big who can come in and provide energy. He’s a super explosive athlete and a really smart defender, both of which work in his favor, but he’s got little offensive upside outside of being a dunker. He’s a Kenneth Faried-type player with a little less rebounding and a little more shot blocking. Those guys are less valuable now than they were 10 years ago, but there’s a spot for Bell’s athleticism in the NBA.
- Dillon Brooks – SF/PF, Oregon
- Brooks was a very good player at Oregon, particularly last season in just 25 minutes per game. He does everything a team would want offensively from a mismatch stretch 4, and looks like he should be able to translate as an offensive weapon at the 4. He’s a good athlete, good shooter, and has a lot of advanced scoring nuance while being a really smart creator for others. However, he’s going to struggle a lot as a rebounder and defender unless he seriously bulks up or gets quicker.
- Caleb Swanigan – PF/C, Purdue
- Swanigan was one of the best players in college basketball last season at just 19, but defensive limitations make it hard to project him to the NBA as a highly successful player. He’s an offensive beast; a powerful post player, accurate 3 point shooter, and gifted passer. He’s also arguably the best rebounder in this draft, a skill that almost always translates. However, his lack of mobility and height make him a problem defensively.
- Tyler Lydon – PF, Syracuse
- Lydon is an interesting stretch 4 prospect because he is fairly refined in his offensive strengths: finishing near the rim in space, hitting 3 point shots, and mixing a little playmaking and rebounding in. Defensively, he doesn’t jump off the page, but he’s big enough with enough athleticism and instincts to survive on that end. That’s better than most true stretch 4s can say, and that bodes well for Lydon potentially starting down the road. In terms of improvement, he’ll have to prove that he can lock in more consistently and be tougher.
- Arnoldas Kulboka – SF/PF, Bamberg
- Kulboka is an exciting shooter who is not afraid to pull from anywhere. A good athlete for as tall as he is, Kulboka has a promising body as long as he adds strength. That’s the big thing for him – he’s very weak at this point and needs to get much stronger. It shows up defensively and especially finishing around the rim, where Kulboka often falls away and has to make difficult floaters instead of getting to the rim. At 19, he’s got time to add strength and is already a good shooter and a good athlete.
- Tony Bradley – C. North Carolina
- Bradley has an advantage over a lot of similar prospects in this year’s class in that he has actual center size and that he’s just 19. Still, he’s similar to a lot of guys because he’s really a rim runner and dunker who is an average defender. He’s also got a leg up on other big man prospects because he’s one of the top rebounders in this class. He isn’t an elite athlete, but he is great at boxing out and getting in position for rebounds.
- Isaiah Hartenstein – C/PF, Zalgiris
- Hartenstein’s a unique player because he’s a rugged, interior oriented big on the defensive end but a flashy, perimeter oriented big on the offensive end. He’s got very rare playmaking ability for a center prospect, and his elite ball handling allows him to attack closeouts and make plays for others. His reputation as a shooter is much better than what he actually is at this point, but he’s shown flashes of stretch-5 ability. Hartenstein’s below average athleticism and lack of touch harm him on the interior on offense, and he’ll need to become a consistent 3 point threat to become a good offensive threat.
- Rodions Kurucs – SF, Barcelona 2
- Kurucs is a confident, athletic international prospect who will improve as his jump shot improves. He has solid size and a frame that should add strength, which will help him as he becomes more disciplined on the defensive end. His athleticism provides a nice foundation, and though his shooting numbers weren’t elite he has a solid stroke that he’s confident in. Going forward, he’s a stashable prospect thanks to his youth and can develop with Barcelona. For a team with multiple first round picks or a full roster, Kurucs is a great stash candidate thanks to his developmental upside.
- Edrice “Bam” Adebayo – C, Kentucky
- Adebayo does a lot of things well, and he’s a big, athletic guy. However, he’s got very clear limitations on both ends, as he’ll never be much more than a lob option on offense and he doesn’t have the size or IQ to be a legit defensive anchor. With the ability to protect the rim (and switch onto guards, something Adebayo doesn’t do particularly well) the most prized skill for centers these days, Adebayo doesn’t appear to be a guy who can be a legit long-term starter.
- Kostja Mushidi – SG, Mega Vizura
- Like many prospects, Mushidi’s success will come down to whether or not he can hit his jumper. He looks like a very solid 3nD secondary ball-handler when the jumper is falling, but when he isn’t making shots it’s hard for him to have an impact outside of on-ball defense. His mechanics are pretty solid, so it’s just a matter of getting better consistency. At 18, he’s got time to work that out.
- Ike Anigbogu – C, UCLA
- Anigbogu has a promising frame and athleticism, but he’s one of the rawest guys in this draft. He’s got a lot of upside on offense as a big time roller, dunker and rim runner, and defensively as an anchor. However, he struggles a lot with the intricacies of the game on both ends, particularly with discipline on defense. He needs to get much smarter as a defensive player, understanding help, pick and roll, and verticality around the rim. He’s a decent enough athlete to dance with guards, but injury history brings some pause.
- Josh Hart – SG/SF, Villanova
- Hart was a great college player, but his scoring probably won’t translate to the pros. However, he’s a good enough shooter and transition finisher to carve out an NBA role. He’s really effective on defense (the value stats love him) even without top-flight athleticism. Struggles for guys like Denzel Valentine should be a red flag with him. He’s a better defender than Valentine but their offensive games are similar. Defense will be the key for him – he can make 2nd round projections look bad if he can end up being a plus defender.
- Sindarius Thornwell – SG/SF, South Carolina
- Thornwell was a leader his whole career at South Carolina, culminating in an impressive Final Four run. He had few holes in his game at college level – all value stats say he was one of the best guys in the country – but he isn’t very athletic and will struggle finishing against NBA length. If he is going to succeed he will need to prove that his jumper is for real and that he can create for others more. However, Thornwell should almost surely be a plus defender from day one.
- TJ Leaf – PF, UCLA
- Leaf was incredibly productive last season at UCLA, but his game has questionable translation to the NBA level. He’s only an average athlete – with average size – and while he’s skilled on offense, his jumper is inconsistent and his reputation as a “stretch 4” is a bit overblown. He’ll have to prove that his 3 point shot is legit to succeed in the NBA, because he will almost surely be a defensive liability because he struggles in so many areas.
- Johnathan Motley – PF/C, Baylor
- Motley is another one of these “center in a power forward’s body” prospects, but he’s at least got length and offensive skills on his side. He’s very skilled inside the arc and flashed an off-the-bounce game this past season, but he needs to extend outside the 3 point line if he wants to play power forward in the NBA. Defensively, he’s somewhat of an unknown given the scheme at Baylor and the fact that he hasn’t gotten to play much center. If he continues on his trajectory and adds a 3 point shot, he becomes a very interesting player.
- Frank Mason – PG, Kansas
- Mason’s age and height are both big issues for him, but he’s a very talented player who has proven everything at the college level. While, especially for seniors, that doesn’t always translate, Mason’s 3 point shooting and poise running an offense will earn him a spot on a roster, and potentially a role as a day-one backup point guard even if he goes undrafted. He’s pretty much at his ceiling, but he’ll be able to be a useful backup right away.
- Terrance Ferguson – SG/SF, Adelaide
- Ferguson has a lot of tools, given his athleticism and size, and while his stroke is promising, he really struggled this past season in Adelaide and doesn’t look like he can do much besides shoot on offense at the moment. He does a decent job on defense, using good effort and size to his advantage. A team that is willing to take the time to develop his stroke, ball handling, and frame could end up with a good player a couple years down the road, but right now he’s a raw project who will need to add a lot to his game.
- Monte Morris – PG, Iowa State
- Morris’ ability to run the pick and roll and take care of the ball is something that is always coveted by NBA teams. He’s shown that he can succeed in a fast-paced, pick and roll spread offense for 4 years. His size limits him to guarding 1s and he will likely never be more than an average defender. Morris has to get his jumper to an elite level to really become intriguing as anything more than a backup. Still, his IQ and ball handling ability will give him a place in the league for a long time.
- Davon Reed – SG/SF, Miami
- Reed is a good player, as he’s got good size and length for a 2 guard and is a legitimate 3 point shooter. However, he’s not a great athlete and hasn’t played elite on the defensive end at the college level. His lack of contribution on offense outside of shooting makes it hard to see what he does besides shoot in the NBA, but at least he’s got size on his side defensively. A team taking him will have to hope they can utilize his frame and shooting ability and create a 3nD threat.
- VJ Beachem – SF/PF, Notre Dame
- Beachem is a fairly limited player, but luckily his defined skills are ones valued by NBA teams. As a skilled shooter, he can hang around the perimeter and drain open looks (49% on uncontested 3s as a senior). He’s a good athlete as well, giving him the ability to finish in space. Defensively, he’s got length, and when he’s locked in he can play well. However, he’s got to focus on staying consistently locked in on that end and using his length if he wants to stick on the court.
- Kadeem Allen – PG, Arizona
- At 24, Allen has an uphill battle when it comes to getting drafted, but he’s got defined skills and a clear-cut role for what he can be at the NBA level. He compares very favorably to Patrick Beverley as an off-ball PG who can knock down open shots and defend like a madman. Allen is a defensive beast and his 3 point shot looks legit. He’s got little upside, but Malcolm Brogdon showed last season that 24 year old rookies can still play valuable roles if they can play to their strengths.
- Nigel Hayes – PF, Wisconsin
- Hayes was a hot name after his sophomore season, playing an important complementary role alongside Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker on a Wisconsin team that made the national title game. He’s got a lot of potential as a role player at the NBA level if he can regain his sophomore form, and he projects as a plus defensive player at either the 4, with great quickness and length. It’s a matter of him figuring out his shot, but he’s a really smart player who can make the right play.
- Mathias Lessort – PF/C, Nanterre
- Lessort has a very clear-cut game and a clear-cut role at the NBA level. He’s a rim-running finisher who can grab rebounds and block a few shots, but not a guy who will ever be a realistic starter. Luckily, he’ll have value as a bench big who can provide energy and be efficient. Unless he has a Paul Millsap-type leap in his perimeter game, he’s got a pretty clear ceiling, but he’s also got a high floor as a useful bench player who can fit with almost any team in the league.
- Devin Robinson – SF/PF, Florida
- Robinson is a player with a ton of tools who looks like he should be an awesome 3 and D guy, but he just struggles to be consistent and put it all together. He can be a weapon in transition as well, with flashes of explosivity near the rim. However, as a ball handler, he’s severely lacking and relies a ton on others for shot creation. Best-case scenario he becomes a Trevor Ariza-type player, but he’ll have to show up consistently and improve his shot more if he wants to become a legit guy.
- Dwayne Bacon – SF/SG, Florida State
- Bacon has the ability to get a bucket, but there’s not much else he can do at an NBA level. He’ll be able to be a bench guy in the league but I’m not sure there’s much else for him given his defensive deficiencies, average 3 ball, and unwillingness to create for others. He gets more interesting if his 3 pointer gets better, but for now he’s a good-but-not-great athlete who can get to the rim and sometimes knock in a 3.
- Jaron Blossomgame – SF/PF, Clemson
- Blossomgame would be more attractive as a stretch 4 role player prospect if his jumper showed up more and he weren’t already 23. It’s a shame he shot 3 balls as poorly as he did during his senior year because he’d be an infinitely more interesting prospect if he looked like he had a promising 3 ball. Still, there are guys like Trevor Ariza who have comparable skill sets to Blossomgame that didn’t shoot the 3 well in college. Jaron is strictly a second round prospect at this point because he doesn’t have a clear cut NBA role unless he’s shooting the 3.
- Edmond Sumner – PG/SG, Xavier
- Sumner’s elite finishing ability, size, and explosiveness are all attractive to NBA teams. However, his jump shot is a major work in progress and he is not quite a true point guard yet. Combined with his injury questions, this has him planted in the 2nd round. He has shown an ability to get into the lane, but given his injury history one has to wonder whether or not he’ll be able to do this against NBA competition.
- Damyean Dotson – SG, Houston
- Dotson is an absolute flamethrower from the perimeter, with one of the best strokes in this class. He can light it up from outside and is also a very good shot creator off the dribble, with great efficiency in pull-up situations. A good athlete as well, Dotson has nice size and bounce to play shooting guard in the NBA. However, his effort and IQ on defense is really lacking, something that metrics back up.
- Tyler Dorsey – SG, Oregon
- At the next level, Dorsey is purely a shooter. While he’s pretty good at it, he’s a very streaky guy who becomes largely ineffective when his shot isn’t falling. At 21 with poor size and little defensive ability, Dorsey will be sweating out draft night and will likely have to prove himself in the summer league and preseason in order to earn a roster spot. Still, teams value shooting, and Dorsey is good at it.
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