BSScouting Top 50 Big Board 2.0

50-46:

50.) PG/SG Quincy McKnight (Seton Hall)

Class: Senior Age: 24 Ht: 6’4” Wt: 185 lbs.

McKnight is one of the steadiest prospects in the draft. His intelligence on and off the court, his length, and ability to shoot off the catch makes him intriguing as a combo-guard. The age is the biggest turn-off for teams though, but that is getting overrated slightly because McKnight has a good understanding of the game and should fit well with the modern game. The lack of shot-creation, shooting off the dribble, and the overall upside is what hurts him most.

49.) PG Devon Dotson (Kansas)

Class: Sophomore Age: 21 Ht: 6’2” Wt: 179 lbs.

Dotson’s got some real speed and was a real show stopper at the combine. He ran the second fast ¾ court sprint in the last decade only behind Donovan Mitchell. He also had the best lane agility at the combine along with showing off an impressive 40.5” vertical leap. At Kansas, he showed the potential of being able to score from all three levels. Although he struggled this past year from 3 only shooting 30.9%, he does have fairly good mechanics though to at least be average. His size is a downside but does a good job of impacting the game on the defensive end by creating turnovers. His playmaking still has a ways to go and unfortunately there are a lot of polished PGs in this draft that will affect his draft stock.

48.) PF Mamadi Diakite (Virginia)

Class: Senior Age: 23 Ht: 6’9” Wt: 224 lbs.

Mamadi’s a 3 and D guy. He shot 36.4% from 3 and with his length and long strides, he covers a lot of ground on the defensive end. He should be able to be a weak-side rim protector, but he really doesn’t have any other elements to his game. Is a poor dribbler, passer, and not a great rebounder for someone of his stature. In the 2nd round though, Diakite’s worth a chance.

47.) SF/PF Kristian Doolittle (Texas)

Class: Senior Age: 23 Ht: 6’7” Wt: 232 lbs.

Doolittle is another player that should be on team’s radars as his playstyle fits with the modern NBA. He is long and can defend multiple positions. He has shown his senior year the ability to stretch the floor. Although right now looks more comfortable shooting off the dribble. Overall though the 3 and D potential is there, he is someone that would be important to interview because his want to be a team player is a real question. He was also suspended for being academically ineligible his sophomore year for plagiarism. Despite this, he looks the part of an NBA player and his talent could certainly be worth the risk around mid-second round.

46.) PG/SG Grant Riller (Charleston)

Class: Senior Age: 23 Ht: 6’3” Wt: 190 lbs.

Riller showed he can score at the rim for how small he is. He has great body control, can finish through contact, and has a soft touch around the rim. As a shooter, he’s a bit streaky as at times he can really light it up, but can also disappoint. Riller’s mechanics don’t change whether it’s off the bounce or catch. At Charleston, it looked like he could speed his release up a bit and in a pre-draft workout, I believe he’s done that to an extent. As a passer, he showed he can make second level reads, but defenses paid so much attention to him, it was hard to tell how good he can be as a facilitator. Riller was also not very interested on the defensive end nor did he do a good job of moving without the ball on offense. While I like and want to buy into the scoring potential, there’s a lot of questions right now.

45-41:

45.) PG Cassius Winston (Michigan St)

Class: Senior Age: 22 Ht: 6’1” Wt: 185 lbs.

Cassius is probably 3nd among all guards in this class in playing out of the pick and roll right now. He understands the nuances of rubbing off the screener’s shoulder and can make defenders pay for going under with a consistent jumper. Winston is also good at keeping players on his back when they play over and does a good job of manipulating the big whether or not he’s going to put up a floater or make the lob pass to the big man. His offensive game is fairly complete, but I still wouldn’t say he’s special in any one area. Defensively he will be a liability largely because of size. Cassius has proven to be a good leader though and a good kid with a strong work ethic.

44.) SG/SF C.J. Elleby (Washington St)

Class: Sophomore Age: 20 Ht: 6’6” Wt: 220 lbs.

C.J. Elleby showed potential as a scorer. His 3 point % was only 33.9% but mechanics say that will improve. He can also put the ball on the deck and get to the rim at times too. He’s a good enough athlete to compete at the NBA level so the combination of these things is what makes him intriguing. The defense is a concern though along with the lack of great competition is why he is ranked here.

43.) SG Isaiah Joe (Arkansas)

Class: Sophomore Age: 21 Ht: 6’5” Wt: 180 lbs.

Isaiah Joe’s greatest strength is his jump shot. He wasn’t the most efficient nor was he always taking smart shots, but the ball looks so pretty coming out of his hands. He showed he can shoot off-balance and provide floor-spacing for a team. While he’s also somewhat long, he was not a good defender and also showed no sign of being able to create his own shot against average defenders.

42.) PG Payton Pritchard (Oregon)

Class: Senior Age: 22 Ht: 6’2” Wt: 190 lbs.

Payton Pritchard’s ability to shoot the ball from well beyond the 3 point line with consistency showed a lot along with very impressive handles. He’s got an array of moves to get himself open but can improve as a facilitator. He made a lot of the basic reads, especially easy dump-offs. The problem is that he’s not very good at throwing that skip pass largely because he’s not a great passer nor does he have the size to see over the defense. Then while he’s not the biggest, he competes on the defensive end. He keeps his hands active, stays in a stance, and does a good job of always staying engaged. Unfortunately for Pritchard, it feels like he’s hit a ceiling, which obviously limits his upside as any more than a role player.

41.) PF/C Zeke Nnaji (Arizona)

Class: Freshman Age: 19 Ht: 6’11” Wt: 245 lbs.

Zeke offers a lot offensively as in recent pre-draft workouts, he looks much more comfortable from shooting from the 3 point line. That is a huge bonus for him. He will always be a great rebounder with his elite motor and has decent touch inside on the post, but will likely see a lot fewer post touches, which was a lot of his offense at Arizona. His ability to rim run should translate though. Then defensively, his ability to switch is a bit overrated. I question his ability to defend 4s because lateral quickness is something that you can’t really improve (Despite him saying that’s something he’s working on it in an interview with Mike Schmitz. He just isn’t all that fast and then isn’t long enough to be a true rim protector, which puts him in this weird tweener category where I don’t think he can defend 4s or 5s regularly. Nonetheless, if he’s a hard worker and if he can improve angles and just stay in a stance, it’s possible for him to not be a total liability on that end.

40-36:

40.) PG Markus Howard (Marquette)

Class: Senior Age: 21 Ht: 5’11” Wt: 180 lbs.

Markus Howard was arguably the best player in the nation this past year as he has a gift for scoring. His consistent splits between 3 point and free throw % give no reason to doubt that this skill won’t translate. He can score inside, but it will be more challenging now when he has to go up against length. Howard will also be a liability on the defensive end, but that ability to score and create his own shot makes him a mid-second-round candidate.

39.) SF Robert Woodard (Mississippi State)

Class: Sophomore Age: 21 Ht: 6’7” Wt: 230 lbs.

Robert Woodard has a very nice jump shot. That along with his strong frame will be his calling card at the next level. Woodard isn’t gonna put the ball on the floor and break down a defense but will be able to stretch the floor and guard bigger forwards/wings.

38.) PG/SG Leandro Bolmero (FC Barcelona)

Class: N/A Age: 20 Ht: 6’7” Wt: 180 lbs.

Leandro Bolmero offers intrigue as a draft and stash candidate. Bolmero’s greatest strength is potential on the defensive end. He moves well laterally with good size. Right now he gambles probably too much, but he’s still young and you love the aggressive mindset. Then he offers strong playmaking for an off-guard and some scoring as a driver but has a long way to go with his jump shot. It is seriously flawed which is most likely why he is a draft and stash.

37.) SF/PF Tyler Bey (Colorado)

Class: Junior Age: 22 Ht: 6’7” Wt: 216 lbs.

Tyler Bey is an interesting prospect. He’s a good athlete in terms of getting off the floor quickly with a “pogo stick” like-ability. This makes him an excellent rebounder at his size. His jump shot is a work in progress as he mostly shot in the mid-range. With decent mechanics, he shot 41.9%, but only averaged 1 attempt per game. Bey’s decision-making was also questionable along with misleading defensive stats. Bey wasn’t dominating against the competition as he should’ve and his motor wasn’t always there. Despite this, there is plenty of upside as a role player. He’s got a 7’1 wingspan and his ability to impact the game as a weak-side rim protector along with decent feet make intriguing on the defensive end. Offensively, his athleticism speaks for itself with a 43.5 in. vertical so he adds intrigue as a cutter and showed he can be a good enough shooter to be respected.

36.) SG/SF Desmond Bane (TCU)

Class: Senior Age: 22 Ht: 6’5” Wt: 215 lbs.

Bane’s biggest strength is his shooting. He shot a very impressive career 43.3% from the 3 point line despite unorthodox mechanics. His shot will be good enough for him to stick around in the NBA along with high IQ. On defense, he is smart off the ball and always knows his rotations, he has very good instincts and has a solid frame. He is more likely to defend forwards than guards because he’s not a very good on-ball defender. He’s also got a rare negative wingspan, which hurts his ability to finish at the rim. His shot preparation though is elite and can serve a role as a floor spacer. Sure he’s older and his game is pretty unique, but I believe if he’s used properly in the right system, a team can use him in a lot of unique ways.

35-31:

35.) C Nick Richards (Kentucky)

Class: Junior Age: 22 Ht: 6’11” Wt: 247 lbs.

One of the most improved players in the SEC and showed the potential of being able to have a chance in the NBA. He was a great shot-blocker and is athletic and has NBA size at 6’11 with a 7’4 wingspan. He is still learning the game and while he’s a comfortable mid-range shooter, he has not shot a single 3 pointer his entire career. He is a little bit of a project but could be a real steal in the second round.

34.) SG/SF Elijah Hughes (Syracuse)

Class: Junior Age: 22 Ht: 6’6” Wt: 215 lbs.

Elijah Hughes can score. He can make difficult shots off the catch or bounce, which should give him an advantage to come in and be ready to contribute rather quickly. Hughes has good size for a wing too and while he played zone mostly in college, if he’s motivated enough, he can be an average defender, because of instincts along with a 6’9 wingspan. You’re going to have to live with him taking some dumb shots on occasion, but the need for someone like him off a team’s bench is so crucial. He’s gonna have to prove he can stay in a stance and stay motivated on both ends of the floor.

33.) PG/SG Ty-Shon Alexander (Creighton)

Class: Junior Age: 22 Ht: 6’4” Wt: 195 lbs.

Ty-Shon Alexander is a long guard that will defend at an above-average level and encouraging shooting splits suggest he can be a 3 and D guard. He doesn’t offer much as a driver and not as much as a passer as one may have hoped, however, Alexander fits the modern game well and should be able to contribute.

32.) PG Tre Jones (Duke)

Class: Sophomore Age: 20 Ht: 6’2.5” Wt: 185 lbs.

Tre Jones is someone who could’ve declared and went to school last, but went back to school and to his credit, improved his greatest weakness. Jones improved his 3 point % by 9.9% too for a total of 36.1% last season. He was also one of the best, if not, the best perimeter defender in the nation each of his two seasons. He applies phenomenal ball-pressure. This should translate but the fact he’s not great at any one thing offensively and the lack of upside hurts. Finding the right situation will be huge for him.

31.) PF/C Aleksej Pokuševski (Olympiacos B.C.)

Class: N/A Age: 18 Ht: 7’0” Wt: 201 lbs.

Unfortunately, when you look up his film, it looks like he’s playing in a rec game. There are minimal to no fans along with a lack of real competition. Now he has had his moments where he’s looked phenomenal as a playmaker/ball handler. He’s also had a lot of moments that show he still has a long ways to go. His jump shot is very fluid for someone his size, so that part I expect to project well. Major questions are surrounding his willingness to win and be a team player though as he looks like a “me” guy right now and has some growing up to do. However, while he might be a project, the potential for him is incredibly intriguing so around the late first – early second round, it makes sense for a team to take a chance on the upside.

30-26:

30.) PG/SG R.J. Hampton (New Zealand Breakers)

Class: N/A Age: 19 Ht: 6’5” Wt: 188 lbs.

Hampton was very disappointing this past year in almost every aspect of his game. For starters, his jump shot mechanics were atrocious as his feet were less than a foot apart, which created balance issues, which in turn created major inconsistency. Hampton also looked rushed playing overseas and had a very difficult time dissecting a defense, because he would panic. He also showed a laziness quality on the defensive end as he wasn’t in a stance and would get caught ball watching as well as get blown by on occasion. However, there is reason to have hope. In an interview with Mike Schmitz, he appeared to be very mature for his age and intelligence about the game. He’s a very good ball-handler as he has an array of moves and has good touch at the rim. So the combination of these things along with his athleticism and length gives reason he can be a role player in this league. He just needs time, because if he was getting rushed overseas, it’s mostly going to be a hard adjustment handling the pressures of the NBA.

29.) PF/C Jalen Smith (Maryland)

Class: Sophomore Age: 20 Ht: 6’10” Wt: 225 lbs.

Jalen Smith is in the lottery for some people’s mock drafts and it’s very possible a team is that high on him. He showed the potential as a shot-blocker along with a 3-ball and that is valuable at the NBA level. The concern here though is that he doesn’t have a natural feel for the game. He doesn’t seem the most intelligent. I like the package he has to offer on paper, but it will be a rougher transition than many expect.

28.) PG Malachi Flynn (San Diego St)

Class: Junior Age: 22 Ht: 6’1” Wt: 185 lbs.

Malachi is a high IQ player. He’s really a good defender despite his size with natural instincts and effort. Plays hard every possession. He’s got a good looking jump shot and knows how to use his body to shield shot-blockers on drives. He’s a complete point guard with physical limitations but will be able to produce for a good team. His defense is one of the underrated parts of his game, but he has great instincts and there’s a reason he was DPOY in his conference.

27.) PF/C Daniel Oturu (Minnesota)

Class: Sophomore Age: 21 Ht: 6’10” Wt: 240 lbs.

Oturu was someone who improved greatly under coach Pitino his second year. He has very good instincts as a rim protector with decent feet that should allow him to rotate quick enough. He also showed the ability to be a threat from 3 shooting 36.5% on 1.7 attempts per game. His shot preparation needs improvement as it’s just too slow, but he looks very comfortable shooting from beyond the 3 point line. Oturu is also athletic and was one of the best finishers in the country at the rim. Oturu’s biggest flaw is his IQ right now. His decision-making is rather poor at times, especially as a passer.

26.) SG Jahmi’us Ramsey (Texas Tech)

Class: Freshman Age: 19 Ht: 6’4” Wt: 195 lbs.

Ramsey showed he can score the ball. He’s got strong shooting mechanics for a freshman and his shot doesn’t change whether it’s off the catch or dribble. He can drive a bit too at times using his athleticism to get to the rim. While he doesn’t have a defense-first mindset, he wasn’t a liability on that end of the floor. He’ll most likely be more of a project, but there is potential there as a scorer.

25-21:

25.) SF/PF Jaden McDaniels (Washington)

Class: Freshman Age: 20 Ht: 6’10” Wt: 200 lbs.

Jaden McDaniels had a somewhat disappointing season while even losing his spot in the starting lineup. McDaniels’s IQ is raw. He has major potential on the defensive end though as a weak-side rim protector. He’s also got a decent looking jump shot. As a driver, he offers very little as he has trouble getting north-south with his handle. Jaden has gotten a lot of different comparisons coming out, but he’s most like Jonathon Isaac with more of a score-first mindset if I had to give a comparison. Isaac is a much better defender right now, but McDaniels has that kind of potential.

24.) C Isaiah Stewart (Washington)

Class: Freshman Age: 19 Ht: 6’9” Wt: 245 lbs.

Isaiah Stewart is a very intelligent center. He’s a good passer for a center and understands the game well. His motor is consistent. He’s got strong hands. His jump shot is becoming more and more consistent especially in the mid-range. He also can score on the block at times. Washington played a 2-3 zone which disguised Stewart’s biggest weakness which is his slow feet. He is also only 6’9 but did average 2.1 BPG, but you have to wonder how he will be able to rotate quickly and protect the rim along with already being undersized. Stewart also didn’t show a strong ability to score on the move so this limits him as a threat when rolling.

23.) C Vernon Carey (Duke)

Class: Freshman Age: 19 Ht: 6’10” Wt: 265 lbs.

Vernon Carey is someone that is crazy talented and might be the most skilled offensive center in the draft right now. On the block, he is so powerful and can get to his shot regularly using his strong frame. He also has shown signs of a potential jumper. When his motor is going, he is almost impossible to stop as an offensive rebounder too. On the defensive end, he can actually switch better than you would think. He is surprisingly light on his feet even though he is so big. Despite all this, his motor is very poor on the defensive end especially. When he isn’t getting consistent touches, he’s disengaged. Then his style of play is also “outdated” a bit.

22.) PG/SG Theo Maledon (ASVEL Basket)

Class: N/A Age: 19 Ht: 6’4” Wt: 181 lbs.

Theo has shown flashes of being a good passer out of the pick and roll. He’s also very athletic and long, which is intriguing for his defensive potential. Despite this, he only averaged 0.6 steals per 36 min. He has inconsistent numbers as a shooter. His mechanics are also a bit inconsistent right now. For the most part though, his spot-up mechanics are farther along than his pull-ups. Theo is fairly decent at finishing at the rim. Overall, he’s definitely a bit of a project that will take time most likely, but has potential and a good work ethic.

21.) SG/SF Josh Green (Arizona)

Class: Freshman Age: 19 Ht: 6’6” Wt: 206 lbs.

Josh Green is a tough prospect to figure out. He’s got an inconsistent motor, but when he wants to play hard, he’s a very good defender. His jump shot is a little stiff but should be able to be a decent threat off the catch, but off the bounce, his mechanics are much worse. He can’t really create his own shot but can attack in transition and finish strong. He doesn’t move a ton off the ball, which I don’t love for his skill-set. Overall, where he gets drafted will have a huge impact on his career. I could easily see him being a steal, but at the same time, could see him as a bust.

20-16:

20.) SG/SF Cassius Stanley (Duke)

Class: Freshman Age: 21 Ht: 6’6” Wt: 193 lbs.

Cassius is someone who’s going to be able to come in and contribute right away, because of his work ethic. He works hard on defense, rotates well, and will even take charges. He’s also got very good mechanics as a shooter and he is also very athletic as he broke Zion’s vertical record at Duke. Stanley will be a very solid player in this league. The biggest question mark is his ability to create his own shot which limits his upside. On the positive, he seemed to understand and was a great role player at Duke who never complained, which is rare for someone of his athleticism to accept that after only one year at Duke. This should help influence playoff teams he can come in right away and fill a hole.

19.) PG/SG Tyrell Terry (Stanford)

Class: Freshman Age: 20 Ht: 6’3” Wt: 173 lbs.

Tyrell Terry is someone who’s shown he’s got a great work ethic. He came to Stanford at 155 and has put on 18 lbs, has gained two inches, and has even improved his vertical this past year. This is a player that I have heard nothing, but positive things. Works out every day with the Stanford coaching staff. I’ve even heard of him breaking IQ test records for NBA teams during the draft process according to Hoop Intellect (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUnwP-Qzij0). Terry is clearly committed and has a great jump shot. I love his ability to stop on a dime and pull up. This is a skill many of the best guards have at the NBA level. You can draw a lot of fouls when defenders go over screens and you have them on your back. His playmaking needs work but has shown decent flashes. He finishes well at the rim (when he doesn’t get blocked). He’s comfortable using both hands and competes decently on the defensive end. He gambles a lot, but at his height, that can be a positive at times because playing conservative D, you can do everything right and still won’t work out your way. He’s someone who’s risen my board because of work ethic and IQ.

18.) SF/PF Patrick Williams (Florida St)

Class: Freshman Age: 19 Ht: 6’8” Wt: 225 lbs.

Patrick Williams is a good athlete, but when you watch him, he’s a football athlete more-so than a basketball athlete. He’s strong and powerful, but doesn’t have that quick first step and is heavier on his feet than one may hope. This affects his overall defensive impact. He should be a good defender, because he’s got the size to guard bigger forwards, but isn’t going to be as versatile as many think. His jump shot is better than it showed in college. He’s got a good foundation and approaches his craft in a business-like manner. Always trying to improve while staying humbled. As a passer in the pick and roll, he showed real flashes of potential there. He’s a surprisingly decent passer especially at his age and his mechanics on his jump shot look better on his pull-up mid-range shots. He’s someone who’s risen quite a bit and I’m skeptical to put him higher because I don’t see a special quality to him when I watch him, but clearly other people do. This is a player that may just prove me wrong, but only time will tell.

17.) SF/PF Aaron Nesmith (Vanderbilt)

Class: Sophomore Age: 21 Ht: 6’6” Wt: 213 lbs.

In a 14 game sample size, Nesmith attempted 8.2 3 pointers per game and hit 52.2% of them. He might be the best shooter in this class. He can continue to work on shot preparation coming off screens with his footwork, but he’s still miles ahead of most of the prospects as a shooter. He has a very good frame too. Won’t provide much outside of shooting and defense. He’s not a great defender right now but has the size and athleticism to be.

16.) SG/SF Devin Vassell (Florida St)

Class: Sophomore Age: 20 Ht: 6’7” Wt: 194 lbs.

Vassell is a very smart player and probably one of the safest picks in the draft. He has a decent jump shot and is a very good decision maker and knows what good offense looks like. On defense, he also has the length to switch and guard multiple positions. Vassell’s shooting won’t be enough to make up for his lack of shot-creation though which is why his ceiling is clear, he’ll be a very good role player.

15-11:

15.) SF/PF Saddiq Bey (Villanova)

Class: Sophomore Age: 21 Ht: 6’8” Wt: 216 lbs.

Sadiq Bey is a smart player that rose up draft boards out of nowhere, because of his versatility defensively and improvement as a shooter. Bey can defend fairly well on the perimeter and better yet, wants to. He also plays good, smart offense. Villanova guys always have an advantage, because Jay Wright might be the best coach in the country and his guys are always winning players. While Bey’s jump shot mechanics aren’t elite, it should be serviceable enough for him to come and contribute day 1.

14.) PG/SG Cole Anthony (UNC)

Class: Freshman Age: 20 Ht: 6’3” Wt: 184 lbs.

Cole Anthony had a somewhat disappointing season with his injury and UNC having a terrible season by their standards. He had little help around him so it’s hard to tell if he can make teammates better. He can score driving the ball and while he wasn’t a great shooter in college, promising mechanics and high school suggest he can be a 3 level scorer. Sometimes he’s working too hard and not playing smart, which can get him in trouble (similar to the way Russell Westbrook unravels). He is hard to position as a true point guard and that hurts him even in a “positionless” NBA.

13.) PG Nico Mannion (Arizona)

Class: Freshman Age: 19 Ht: 6’3” Wt: 179 lbs.

Nico is an intelligent player who is a good leader. You have to respect his approach to the game. He picks teammates up and there are some “Steph Curry” qualities to him as a leader. He also moves without the ball very well knowing when to change speeds off a screen to get himself open (like Steph Curry). He needs to keep improving his jump shot though, in terms of perfecting it so he can be a great shooter consistently as right now his release point and with it not being a fast jump shot, it’s easier to contest. Another evolution to his game will have to be expanding his range so defenders are forced to pick him up farther away from the basket and will help open up his game. Mannion is also a better defender than most think. He can sit in a stance and move laterally as well as many of the other (if not better) than the other guards he’s competing draft positioning with. Mannion is a decent passer as well. He has what it takes to be a starting PG in the NBA.

12.) C Onyeka Okongwu (USC)

Class: Freshman Age: 19 Ht: 6’9” Wt: 245 lbs.

Onyeka projects to be a modern rim running big. Will be a threat as a roll man and has a decent looking jump shot right now that can improve. He shows decent timing as a shot-blocker but is undersized at 6’9. He isn’t a great rebounder, but he is a really good kid and coachable. The reason why he is this low is that I don’t see the “Bam Adebayo” comparison others see. Practically every center under 7’0” in this draft has compared themselves to Bam. While many argue Bam wasn’t a great passer in college, he always had better than expected handles along with a special work ethic. He also is not as versatile defensively as Bam. Overall, there isn’t a huge gap in terms of talent between him and some of the other centers behind him, but he does fit the modern game well.

11.) SF Isaac Okoro (Auburn)

Class: Freshman Age: 19 Ht: 6’6” Wt: 225 lbs.

Okoro is one of the most mature prospects in the draft at 19. He’ll come in and play whatever role the team needs. His motor is always going on defense no matter how often he gets touches on offense. He is a great on-ball defender and should be able to lock up some of the best guards. Expect his jump shot to come over time with his work ethic. He’s never going to be a star in this league because he’s not wired that way. He is going to be a very good role player, but nothing more.

Top 10:.

10.) SG Tyrese Maxey (Kentucky)

Class: Freshman Age: 20 Ht: 6’3” Wt: 198 lbs.

Tyrese showed a lot of heart at Kentucky. He always played hard and you had to respect that. He also is a talented scorer. He has a very nice floater game and can also finish in other ways around the rim. His jump shot has a ways to go to be consistent, but this guy’s work ethic you can’t question. At his pro day, he answered questions. He improved his jump shot and while he still can speed it up, it’s made strides, and will only get better. Maxey also looked like he was in NBA shape. Physically, he could play 30 minutes in an NBA game tomorrow. I can’t say that about all of the prospects. I would never worry that he won’t work hard in the offseason, because he loves and respects the game too much. He’s going to have success no matter what position he gets drafted into.

9.) PG Kira Lewis (Alabama)

Class: Sophomore Age: 19 Ht: 6’3” Wt: 165 lbs.

Kira has the potential to be a starting point guard in this league. He has two things he’s great at. He is the fastest player in the draft. He is also a great shooter. He shot 36.2%, but he did so on plenty of attempts and has great mechanics. He’s shown to be a good enough passer where he can help get teammates involved at times. Defense is a question mark because he is so thin and I don’t think he can fill into his frame as some may hope. He does have good instincts though. He would play in the passing lanes, cut off drivers, and take charges. He’s going to fit so well in the NBA if a team embraces him as their PG of the future.

8.) PF/C Precious Achiuwa (Memphis)

Class: Freshman Age: 21 Ht: 6’9” Wt: 238 lbs.

The reason why Achiuwa is this high is because of potential. He is very athletic, to begin with, and can start a break on his own and really run in the open floor. His motor and athleticism will help him be a versatile defender and should keep improving. His jump shot needs to be tweaked, but the upper body mechanics are promising so he should be able to shoot from distance consistently by year 3. He’s definitely going to need time, but he’s got the potential to be a very good, modern-day 4 that most teams would love to have.

7.) PG Tyrese Haliburton (Iowa St)

Class: N/A Age: 20 Ht: 6’5” Wt: 181 lbs.

Tyrese is the most talented passer in the class and will come in and be a top 20 passer immediately in the NBA. He makes a lot of reads that just blow you away. It’s instinct for him and he always sees the floor very well. He also impressed with a 3-ball despite the awkward appearance of mechanics, it’s actually not a bad jumper. He also showed enough promise as a free-throw shooter to prove it wasn’t a fluke. He’s also got the ability to drive along with great promise on the defensive end. With a 7’0” wingspan, he should play well in a switch-heavy league and even has good instincts averaging 2.5 SPG. Tyrese has a limited ceiling, but his floor is so high where he is still worth going in the first half of the lottery.

6.) SF/PF Deni Avdija (Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C.)

Class: N/A Age: 19 Ht: 6’9” Wt: 220 lbs.

Deni’s a talented prospect, but showed a lot of maturity this past year along with growth. This gives real hope that he has the potential to become a talented forward. Right now, he can make a nice pass that will blow you away, but still has a ways to go in terms of making the right reads. His jump shot does give concern as his lower body tightens up to make the shot inconsistent. He did show promise as a cutter though and became a very good team defender. In an interview with Mike Schmitz, it was evident how intelligent he is. He has a photographic memory. Deni is going to be a good player in this league, but his shooting mechanics are seriously flawed right now which is why he is only 6th.

5.) PG Killian Hayes (Ratiopharm Ulm)

Class: N/A Age: 19 Ht: 6’5” Wt: 181 lbs.

One of the most well-rounded players in the draft. His promise as a passer, shooter, and driver were all traits that should translate. His shooting percentages weren’t great but really looked more comfortable as the season went on and can see that he will be able to shoot 3s. He’s also got the ideal size for a PG at 6’5 so he should be a decent defender over time. Hayes’s biggest weakness is that he’s not very quick. This may affect his ceiling, but I still believe there’s enough evidence in guys like James Harden, Luka Doncic, and even Malcolm Brogdon that you can have great success as a guard while not being the most athletic.

4.) PG LaMelo Ball (Illawarra Hawks)

Class: N/A Age: 19 Ht: 6’8” Wt: 181 lbs.

LaMelo might be the most talented player in this class. His handles are phenomenal especially for someone of his stature. He moves very well and is very shifty. He’s also got some passing instincts like his brother Lonzo, but not quite as willing as a distributor. His jump shot isn’t pretty, but it is a lot like his brothers except more fluid, which gives reason to suggest he can be a competent 3 point shooter. He’s crafty with the ball at the rim and when he wants to, can be a very good defender. He has the type of talent though that can change a franchise, there should be injury concerns as well as personality concerns for some organizations.

3.) PF/C Obi Toppin (Dayton)

Class: Sophomore Age: 22 Ht: 6’9” Wt: 220 lbs.

Obi Toppin is probably the best player in the draft right now. He’s got absurd athleticism as his bounce is insane. He can finish with finesse at times as he has good touch at the rim. Toppin will be one of the best vertical spacers immediately. Toppin is also very confident, which isn’t always a great trait, but for Toppin, I think it bodes well for him. All superstars have a confidence in themselves and a desire to be great, and I see a lot of that in Toppin. Obi has an “it” factor to him that can’t be taught, and there’s little doubt he will succeed in the league. His jump shot isn’t perfect as it is a little stiff, but he’s got good shot preparation. He’s also got the confidence to shoot the jumper when it’s handed to him and he won’t hesitate. A good chunk of being a good shooter is having confidence. On the defensive end, there were a lot of moments I didn’t love. His motor wasn’t always there as he was poor at denying post entries, was heavy on his feet, and would get caught ball watching. Despite this, his athleticism allowed him to make plays other players physically aren’t capable of making. You should bet on the upside with Toppin as he’s a good kid with a lot of talent.

2.) SG/SF Anthony Edwards (Georgia)

Class: Freshman Age: 19 Ht: 6’5” Wt: 225 lbs.

Anthony Edwards is a very skilled player offensively. He is already well built for a 19-year-old with a 7’0” wingspan. He’s got promising mechanics to come in and be a strong outside shooter. He also can use his frame to get to the rim and out-muscle opponents similar to Jimmy Butler. Edwards also offers potential as a two-way wing with his elite length and size. While all this is great, Edwards was not intelligent with his shot selection. Made things harder than it had to be. He also showed poor effort on the defensive end most times. Despite this, his problems are all something that can be taught and Edwards is one of the nicest prospects you’ll find. While he has some bad habits, his personality gives hope that he’ll be coachable and Improve the areas he has to.

C James Wiseman (Memphis)

Class: Freshman Age: 19 Ht: 7’1” Wt: 235 lbs.

James Wiseman is someone who may not have a great established post-game, but he offers a lot. His athleticism along with a 7’6 wingspan makes him one of the most intriguing prospects on the defensive end. He is going to be a great rim protector and has the athleticism to switch potentially. He is also someone a team doesn’t have to play through necessarily for him to have a major impact on the game. He will need to keep expanding his offensive game, but he will come in and be a major threat as a pick and roll threat along with a monster on the glass. While it’s a league of guards, Wiseman has the potential to be the best modern-day big man in the NBA with his overall impact on defense, in the paint, and potential-jump shot.

Article Written by Bradley Patten

Stats found on Sports Reference (https://www.sports-reference.com)

Age/measurements found on Tankathon (http://www.tankathon.com/mock_draft)

Devon Dotson Photo found on Yahoo (https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-draft-sleeper-devon-dotson-i-can-play-with-any-guard-in-this-draft-171803121.html)

Zeke Nnaji photo credit to Rebecca Sasnet (https://tucson.com/sports/arizonawildcats/basketball/arizonas-zeke-nnaji-cant-miss-a-shot-but-his-teammates-arent-too-shabby-either/article_2d345754-8310-5178-801e-9ef4360cc612.html)

Tyler Bey photo found on Colorado Mens Basketball Website (https://cubuffs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tyler-bey/13063)

Nick Richards Photo credit to Drew Brown (https://www.aseaofblue.com/2020/1/24/21078850/kentucky-wildcats-news-nick-richards-uk-basketball-news)

Malachi Flynn photo credit to Ernie Anderson (https://timesofsandiego.com/sports/2020/04/22/san-diego-state-bubble-team-malachi-flynn-departure-nba-draft/)

Photo of Jaden McDaniels found on OKC Thunder Wire (https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/2020/08/30/vecenie-mock-draft-thunder-should-take-a-home-run-swing-on-jaden-mcdaniels/)

Patrick Williams photo found on Bleacher Report (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2876043-fsus-patrick-williams-declares-for-2020-nba-draft)

Tyrese Maxey Photo Credit to Eric Crawford (https://www.wdrb.com/sports/bozich-kentuckys-tyrese-maxey-follows-ashton-hagans-on-nba-path/article_05773446-7818-11ea-b906-275f7cc4afc7.html)

Isaac Okoro Photo Found on the Auburn Wire (https://auburnwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/06/espn-looks-at-why-isaac-okoro-could-be-a-top-five-pick/)