What Works Now
Size, fluidity, and athleticism. Embiid has burgeoning offensive ability and plays top level defense. He has the potential to be a dominant player on both ends of the court who averages 20 and 10 with All-NBA defense.
What Doesn't
Possibly his back, which obviously would have a huge impact on his career.
2. Andrew Wiggins, SF Kansas Fr. (6-9, 200)
What Works Now
Top level physical gifts, including an mind-bending first step. Special scoring ability in transition and off the dribble, very good shooting stroke with improving consistency. DPOY potential with excellent present ability in that area.
What Doesn't
Strength handling the ball, overall polish and consistency.
3. Dante Exum, G Australia (6-6, 196)
What Works Now
Tall, athletic guard with long arms and quickness. Excellent playmaking and ball-handling skills with natural ability to create for himself and others. Ceiling is a top 5 point guard with great defense, floor is a skilled shooting guard with average defense.
What Doesn't
Consistent shooting. Polish and experience running an offense.
Tier 2: High-Floor Game Changers
4. Jabari Parker, F Duke Fr. (6-9, 235)
What Works Now
Offense. Parker can score all over the floor, in the post, from deep, as well as handle the ball and pass. A potential efficient 25+ point scorer in his prime.
What Doesn't
Defense. Parker can struggle moving laterally and vertically and, most troubling of all, gives poor effort defensively.
Offense. Parker can score all over the floor, in the post, from deep, as well as handle the ball and pass. A potential efficient 25+ point scorer in his prime.
What Doesn't
Defense. Parker can struggle moving laterally and vertically and, most troubling of all, gives poor effort defensively.
5. Julius Randle, PF Kentucky Fr. (6-9, 250)
What Works Now
High-effort, physical post scorer that can command double teams. Also and excellent rebounder and foul magnet. Has shown the ability to shoot the ball from the outside as well. Potential 20-10 power forward.
What Doesn't
Ability to score against top size and length and consistent shooting stroke. Likely won't be much more than an average defensive player.
Tier 3: Early Starters (Who Could Become Game Changers)
6. Noah Vonleh, PF Indiana Fr. (6-10, 247)
What Works Now
Physical tools, toughness, motor, rebounding, defense and burgeoning offensive abilities. Vonleh's best offensive weapon is his jumpshot, which really improved throughout the season.
What Doesn't
Vonleh needs to improve and polish his ability to score inside and overall just gain experience. Short track record of consistent shooting. Despite apparent offensive ability, wasn't a big time scorer in college on a team that needed offense.
7. Aaron Gordon, PF Arizona Fr. (6-9, 220)
What Works Now
Defense. Gordon has the physical ability as well the toughness, motor, and instincts to be an special defensive player capable of guarding both wings and big. Athleticism and instincts to make an impact on the glass, passing the ball, and in the open court. Plays smart and very hard.
What Doesn't
Offense. Outside of dunks and lobs, not much of a threat to score. Shot needs serious work, including free throws. Needs a consistent move in the post.
8. Marcus Smart, G Oklahoma State So. (6-3, 227)
What Works Now
Intensity on both ends of the court. Smart is an excellent defender who uses his instincts and athletic ability to block shots, create turnovers, draw fouls, and rebound. He is at his best when he aggressively attacks the basket.
What Doesn't
Smart isn't a natural point guard and may take some time to learn the nuances of the position. He also is not a good shooter who likes to shoot.
9. Dario Saric, F Croatia (6-10, 223)
What Works Now
What Works Now
Instincts, versatility and intelligence. Saric is able to handle the ball and pass like a point guard despite being the size of a power forward. He is also an excellent rebound and improving shooter.
What Doesn't
Saric still isn't a consistent shooter and he lacks the physical ability to be much more than an average defensive player.
Tier 4: Early Starters
10. Elfrid Payton, PG Louisiana-Lafayette Jr. (6-4, 185)
What Works Now
Aggressiveness, quickness, and defense. Payton is one of the best in this draft at attacking the rim and drawing fouls. He is also capable of running an offense and finding teammates. One of the best perimeter defenders in the draft.
What Doesn't
His jumpshot. Will likely always be more of a scorer than a pure point guard.
11. Nik Stauskas, SG Michigan So. (6-7, 207)
What Works Now
Stauskas' jumpshot and playmaking ability. He is the best shooter in the draft with a quick release and long range. Has the ball handling and passing ability to be at least a part time point guard.
What Doesn't
Due to limited athleticism and short arms, he will likely struggle defensively and may not be able to create off the dribble quick as easily in the NBA.
12. Gary Harris, SG Michigan State So. (6-5, 205)
What Works Now
Offensive and defensive versatility. Harris is a threat to score from the outside or on the drive and can guard multiple positions on the perimeter.
What Doesn't
His jumpshot is inconsistent and he isn't overwhelming in any area.
13. Jusuf Nurkic, C Bosnia (6-11, 280)
What Works Now
Great size, strength, hands, and touch. Nurkic is huge and has natural post scoring ability with improving polish on his skillset. He should be a force on the glass as well.
What Doesn't
Nurkic has struggled with conditioning and isn't a great athlete, which may affect areas of his defense.
Tier 5: Early Contributors
14. Kristaps Porzingis, C Latvia (6-11, 220)
What Works Now
Athleticism, mobility, and a burgeoning offensive skillset. Porzingis, who is only 18, has a nice perimeter game and can block shots and rebound. He has great IQ and instincts on both ends of the court
What Doesn't
He needs to add a lot of strength and is not physically ready to battle in the paint in the NBA right now. There is some inherent risk due to his age and reliance on jumpshots.
15. Doug McDermott, F Creighton Sr. (6-8, 218)
What Works Now
McDermott is an outstanding shooter, one of the best in the draft, as well as having great scoring instincts and a high IQ, as well as being an above-average rebounder.
What Doesn't
A lack NBA level physical ability may bring about some struggles versus athletic defenders and limit his defensive impact significantly. In college he blocked 14 shots and got 34 steals in 4,570 career minutes!
16. Tyler Ennis, PG Syracuse Fr. (6-3, 182)
What Works Now
Well-rounded, steady point guard play. Ennis is a very good ball-handler, passer, and plays under control at any speed, limiting turnovers. He also have some scoring and shooting acumen.
What Doesn't
Ennis may struggle defensively and isn't a great finisher at the rim right now. Also just an average shooter at this point.
17. T.J. Warren, F North Carolina State So. (6-8, 220)
What Works Now
Warren is one of the most instinctive, natural scorers in the draft. He finds ways to score in transition, off cuts, and in the paint.
What Doesn't
Though Warren scores well, he is not a good shooter, which may trouble some teams. That lack of shooting, plus a questionable defensive profile make him seem more like a bench option.
18. Adreian Payne, PF Michigan State Sr. (6-10, 239)
What Works Now
Instant impact on both ends of the floor. Payne is physically ready for the NBA and should provide the useful combination of interior defense and outside shooting.
What Doesn't
At 23, there is little upside left in Payne. Add to that he has been an underachiever in that past and doesn't always use his physical gifts to dominate, there is some risk here.
19. P.J. Hairston, SG NBDL (6-5, 229)
What Works Now
Shooting and upside. Right now his calling card is a sweet jumpshot, but Hairston also has the build of a power guard and can overpower opponents at the rim, with room to grow in this area.
What Doesn't
Perhaps his attitude. Hairston was dismissed from the North Carolina basketball team. He can also become a little one dimensional.
Tier 6: Quality Role-Players
20. Clint Capela, F/C Switzerland (6-11, 222)
21. Cleanthony Early, SF Wichita State Sr. (6-7, 209)
What Works Now
Athleticism, length, defense, and rebounding. Capela has succeeded at a high level defensively playing professionally in France, and has the physical tools to become even better.
Athleticism, length, defense, and rebounding. Capela has succeeded at a high level defensively playing professionally in France, and has the physical tools to become even better.
What Doesn't
Capela lacks above-average offensive instincts at this point and is a ways away from being able to contribute much on that end.
Capela lacks above-average offensive instincts at this point and is a ways away from being able to contribute much on that end.
21. Cleanthony Early, SF Wichita State Sr. (6-7, 209)
What Works Now
Shooting and athleticism. Early has blossomed into quite the threat with his jumpshot and is also dangerous in transition.
What Doesn't
Upside. Early is 23 already. There are also questions about his ability to create his own shot.
22. Rodney Hood, G/F Duke So. (6-9, 208)
What Works Now
Shooting and size. With his great height and shooting ability, Hood will find a place in the league because he can get his shot off and it should go in quite a big,
What Doesn't
Hood lacks great athleticism and has short arms, which may lead to him struggling to defend. He also doesn't create well for himself off the dribble and is a one-dimensional scorer.
23. Mitch McGary, PF Michigan So. (6-10, 250)
What Works Now
Effort and unique skill. McGary isn't a great offensive threat, but he plays very hard, rebounds, plays frenetic help defense, and is a surprisingly good ball-handler and passer.
Effort and unique skill. McGary isn't a great offensive threat, but he plays very hard, rebounds, plays frenetic help defense, and is a surprisingly good ball-handler and passer.
What Doesn't
Possibly his back. McGary missed most of last season with a serious back injury. Also, he has a short track record of success based on several college games and a high school resume built on beating up on younger opponents.
Possibly his back. McGary missed most of last season with a serious back injury. Also, he has a short track record of success based on several college games and a high school resume built on beating up on younger opponents.
24. C.J. Wilcox SG Washington Sr. (6-5, 201)
What Works Now
Shooting and defense. Wilcox is a very good, consistent shooter who also has some other natural scoring instincts as well. He is a good athlete and committed defender who looks like he can be a 3-and-D wing.
Shooting and defense. Wilcox is a very good, consistent shooter who also has some other natural scoring instincts as well. He is a good athlete and committed defender who looks like he can be a 3-and-D wing.
What Doesn't
Wilcox is turning 24 this year, limiting his upside.
Wilcox is turning 24 this year, limiting his upside.
25. Shabazz Napier, PG Connecticut Sr. (6-1, 175)
What Works Now
Toughness, scoring, and versatility. Napier is a well rounded guard who can get his own shot, create for others, and rebound.
Toughness, scoring, and versatility. Napier is a well rounded guard who can get his own shot, create for others, and rebound.
What Doesn't
He is undersized, even for a point guard, and may struggle physically on both ends, especially because he is more of a scorer that a pure point. Turing 23 this year.
He is undersized, even for a point guard, and may struggle physically on both ends, especially because he is more of a scorer that a pure point. Turing 23 this year.
26. Vasilije Micic, PG Croatia (6-6, 202)
What Works Now
Size and passing ability. Micic is a pure point guard who terrific court vision and passing ability, his height helps him see
Size and passing ability. Micic is a pure point guard who terrific court vision and passing ability, his height helps him see
What Doesn't
Micic isn't an outstanding shooter or scorer, and though his size is an asset defensively, he can still struggle on that end.
Micic isn't an outstanding shooter or scorer, and though his size is an asset defensively, he can still struggle on that end.
27. Jerami Grant, F Syracuse So. (6-8, 214)
What Works Now
Defense, motor, and physical ability. Grant has tremendous length (7-3 wingspan) and is very explosive and mobile. He should be able to guard multiple positions, block shots, and create turnovers. Grant can also attack off the dribble and is obviously a great finisher.
What Doesn't
Right now Grant isn't all there offensively and needs to work on a consistent jumpshot and tighten up his handle. Even if he never develops much there, he can still be a Luc Richard Mbah a Moute-type.
28. K.J. McDaniels, SF Clemson Jr. (6-6, 196)
What Works Now
See Jerami Grant.
What Doesn't
See Jerami Grant.
Tier 7: High-Risk, High-Reward
29. Spencer Dinwiddie, G Colorado Jr. (6-6, 205)
What Works Now
Size, versatility, and skill. When healthy, Dinwiddie is a tall, skilled combo guard who can handle the ball, slash, and shoot. He has also shown some ability as a playmaker who could play point guard at least part of the time. Also has a great mustache.
What Doesn't
Possibly his knee. Dinwiddie's season ended with a torn ACL, so there is definitely risk there, especially since he wasn't a top athlete before hand. If not for the injury, Dinwiddie would be 10-15 spots higher.
30. Zach LaVine, SG UCLA Fr. (6-6, 181)
What Works Now
Top notch athleticism, shooting, and upside. LaVine is an explosive athlete and a good, albeit somewhat streaky shooter. He also has some upside as a ball-handler and potential, though small, chance to be point guard.
What Doesn't
LaVine isn't a point guard right now, takes bad shots, and is a streaky shooter. He also doesn't make great use of his athleticism on either end of the court: 6 blocks in 904 minutes for a 6-6 player with a 41.5 inch vertical is embarrassing.
31. James Young, G/F Kentucky Fr. (6-7, 213)
What Works Now
Smooth athleticism and offensive skills. At certain moments, Young looks tremendous; smooth and able to get his own shot and score from the outside. He even makes plays for teammates occasionally.
Smooth athleticism and offensive skills. At certain moments, Young looks tremendous; smooth and able to get his own shot and score from the outside. He even makes plays for teammates occasionally.
What Doesn't
Young's talents are surface level at this point and he is wildly inconsistent. He takes terrible shots, is streaky, and a poor defender mostly because the mental side of his game is lacking
Young's talents are surface level at this point and he is wildly inconsistent. He takes terrible shots, is streaky, and a poor defender mostly because the mental side of his game is lacking
32. Kyle Anderson, F UCLA So. (6-9, 230)
What Works Now
Offensive versatility. Anderson is a pure point guard in a power forward's body and has also really improved his shooting ability from deep and in the mid-range.
Offensive versatility. Anderson is a pure point guard in a power forward's body and has also really improved his shooting ability from deep and in the mid-range.
What Doesn't
His fit on many teams. Also, Anderson is a limited athlete who may struggle defensively and to get by defenders at the next level.
His fit on many teams. Also, Anderson is a limited athlete who may struggle defensively and to get by defenders at the next level.
34. Artem Klimenko, C Russia (7-1, 228)
What Works Now
Size, defense, and upside. Klimenko is huge, has long arms, and can be a game changer on defense with some added strength and experience.
Size, defense, and upside. Klimenko is huge, has long arms, and can be a game changer on defense with some added strength and experience.
What Doesn't
He isn't athletically explosive and doesn't move super well laterally. On offense, he needs a lot of work but has the tools to be very good down the line.
He isn't athletically explosive and doesn't move super well laterally. On offense, he needs a lot of work but has the tools to be very good down the line.
34. Glenn Robinson III, SF Michigan So. (6-7, 211)
What Works Now
Athleticism and bloodlines. GR3, son of Big Dog Robinson, is an explosive athlete with terrific potential both ends of the court.
Athleticism and bloodlines. GR3, son of Big Dog Robinson, is an explosive athlete with terrific potential both ends of the court.
What Doesn't
Right now he is a ways away from reaching that potential, as he needs to improve both as a ballhandler and a shooter.
35. Jarnell Stokes, PF Tennessee Jr. (6-9, 263)
What Works Now
Stokes is an old-school, physical, below the rim post player who is also an excellent rebounder and gives good effort on the defensive end.
Stokes is an old-school, physical, below the rim post player who is also an excellent rebounder and gives good effort on the defensive end.
What Doesn't
There aren't a ton of players who fit Stokes' profile in the NBA anymore and his lack of vertical explosiveness may hinder his ability to score and defend in the NBA.
There aren't a ton of players who fit Stokes' profile in the NBA anymore and his lack of vertical explosiveness may hinder his ability to score and defend in the NBA.
36. Jordan Clarkson, G Missouri Jr. (6-5, 186)
What Works Now
Ball-handling, athleticism, and size. Clarkson is a big combo guard who has the potential to convert to playing point guard.
Ball-handling, athleticism, and size. Clarkson is a big combo guard who has the potential to convert to playing point guard.
What Doesn't
It is still a long shot for Clarkson to become a point guard, and if he isn't he is simply an undersized point guard who is an inconsistent shooter.
It is still a long shot for Clarkson to become a point guard, and if he isn't he is simply an undersized point guard who is an inconsistent shooter.
Tier 8: Make the Team
37. Joe Harris, SG Virginia Sr. (6-6, 216)
What Works Now
Shooting and defensive effort. Harris has a long track record of tremendous shooting and also plays very hard on the other end of the court.
Shooting and defensive effort. Harris has a long track record of tremendous shooting and also plays very hard on the other end of the court.
What Doesn't
Harris has limited upside and isn't the type of athlete that usually becomes anything more than an above average defender.
38. Patric Young, F/C Florida Sr. (6-10, 247)
What Works Now
Strength, toughness, and athleticism. Young has been a rock solid defender in the paint at Florida for his whole career.
Strength, toughness, and athleticism. Young has been a rock solid defender in the paint at Florida for his whole career.
What Doesn't
He is undersized for his natural position of center and he doesn't have more than just rudimentary offensive skills. He is also a tremendously underwhelming rebounder who hasn't improved in that area at all.
He is undersized for his natural position of center and he doesn't have more than just rudimentary offensive skills. He is also a tremendously underwhelming rebounder who hasn't improved in that area at all.
39. Russ Smith, G Louisville Sr. (6-1, 160)
What Works Now
Smith is quick, can score in a multitude of ways and has improved as a offensive initiator over the course of his career.
Smith is quick, can score in a multitude of ways and has improved as a offensive initiator over the course of his career.
What Doesn't
He still takes bad shots and is very undersized for even a point guard. Can play out of control at times.
He still takes bad shots and is very undersized for even a point guard. Can play out of control at times.
40. Johnny O'Bryant, PF LSU Jr. (6-9, 257)
What Works Now
Offensive skill. O'Bryant is a traditional offensive big who can also step out and hit jumpers. He is a good rebounder and plays hard defense.
Offensive skill. O'Bryant is a traditional offensive big who can also step out and hit jumpers. He is a good rebounder and plays hard defense.
What Doesn't
O'Bryant, like Stokes, is an average athlete that may struggle against NBA athletes on both offense and defense.
O'Bryant, like Stokes, is an average athlete that may struggle against NBA athletes on both offense and defense.
Others to watch: Jahii Carson, PG Arizona State; Isaiah Austin, C Baylor; Jordan Adams, SG UCLA; Semaj Christon, G Xavier; Deonte Burton, PG Nevada; Walter Tavares, C Spain;
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