Last year, I felt like I had some gut feelings on prospects, but sided with the conventional knowledge more than perhaps I should have. This year I am going all out on what I think without being held back by group opinion and seeing where that leads. Maybe this is over compensating too much, however every year prospects turn out to be great players or bust and the position they are drafted has little to do with projecting that.
Why Bender number 1? Several reasons, the most important of which is I think the type of player he projects to become is as unique as it is valuable in the NBA: a big man who can switch and guard any position, make threes, attack off the dribble, and find teammates. If he develops fully, Bender's overall positive influence on both sides of the ball will be the best in this class, better than Simmons ball-dominating, no defense and shooting game or Ingram's questionable inside the arc scoring ability and so-so athleticism. Bender is more of a project and definitely a bigger risk, and if I were a GM I might not have the guts to draft him number one overall, but 5 years from now I believe Bender will be the best NBA player from this draft, maybe not in raw statistics or to the average fan, but where it really matters: contributing to winning. Oh and the Bosnia and Herzegovina native is even younger than Ingram, and about as young as you can be and still be eligible for this draft.
02. Brandon Ingram, SF Duke (6-9, 196) Age: 18
Ingram and Simmons continue to battle it out with very little to separate them; both are worthy number one picks in this draft, though neither would be in better drafts. Ingram has the slight edge because he is the better shooter and doesn't have the unsettling questions about effort and improvement. Ingram certainly has his own issues and like Bender he is more about what he'll become than what he is, as his defensive fundamentals, passing feel, and two point offense are all lacking thus far.
03. Ben Simmons, PF LSU (6-10, 240) Age: 19
Simmons continues to be polarizing mostly because he himself is a dichotomy in his talents, unbelievable in some areas like feel, passing, and rebounding, but also unbelievably bad at shooting and defense. Part of it isn't his fault, he didn't asked to be hyped to death and a lot of the questions about his character are probably just noise, but it is concerning that Simmons hand picked his school, playing for his godfather, and then stopped giving effort when things went south. That could be an issue for a team drafting one or two that is presumably not going to be very good. Still, it is easy to watch Simmons and see a future star, it is also just as easy to see the work necessary to reach that point, as it is with Ingram as well. If your philosophy is shoot for the best possible scenario, Simmons is probably your top over prospect, if it is about balancing risk and reward, you might go for Ingram.
04. Demetrius Jackson, PG Notre Dame (6-2, 194) Age: 21
Jackson's overall numbers this year were down, leading some to suggest he was disappointing this year, however the injury he suffered partway through the year seems to have been a contributing factor:
Freshman and Sophomore Seasons
48% FG (222-460) 42% 3P (79-186)
Junior Year Pre-Injury
50% FG (114-226), 39% 3P (31-79)
Junior Year Post-Injury
39% FG (79-202), 27% 3P (23-84)
Jackson has great physical tools, is an advanced ball-handler, as well as a very good shooter and creator. There are very few players in this draft with above-average to plus starter potential, Jackson is one of them.
05. Jakob Poeltl, C Utah (7-1, 239) Age: 20
Because he isn't flashy and played for Utah, Jakob Poeltl hasn't gotten nearly the publicity his skillset and production warrants. Poeltl is really a solid big man prospect with few weaknesses in his game; he is big, athletic for his size, mobile, and tough. He rebounds, protects the rim, and defends on the move while also providing solid post-up skills and developing perimeter game. Poeltl is a modern NBA center with some significant upside considering he is close to NBA ready as is. Big men like Poeltl aren't sexy picks, but they actually help you win. Just look at how Steven Adams is affecting this year's playoffs.
06. Kris Dunn, PG Providence (6-4, 205) Age: 22
Despite again being one of the best players in the country as a Junior, Kris Dunn had a disappointing season to some observers, probably because he was basically the same guy as the year prior: an frequently dynamic, occasionally frustrating, sometimes baffling player with high highs and mediocre lows. I think Dunn's issue is he was cast at Providence as a take-over offensive player when in reality his skillset is much better suited to being a third scoring option who sets up teammates and scores opportunistically in transition and in the flow of pick-and-roll offense, not an isolation, carry-the-team level. He could take over games at times, but not sustainably. Providence had Dunn, Ben Bentil, and nothing else consistent. In the NBA, with better scoring teammates and more space to operate, Dunn should flourish but in a different role than some might think considering his reputation.
07. Timothe Luwawu, G/F Mega Leks (6-7, 205) Age: 21
With the dearth of quality wings in the NBA, an athletic wing with size, athleticism, and shooting ability, it should get your attention. Luwawu, a French international, was on NBA radars because of his excellent multi-directional athleticism but his stock has really taken a step forward since finding his jumper. His jumper isn't pure shooter level but is more than good enough to work with his defensive potential, which is excellent due to his fluidity, smooth athleticism, and explosiveness, though he does need to get stronger to be elite. His upside offensively is somewhat limited, due to his low release Luwawu probably won't be able to shoot off the dribble against pressure defense effectively, but he has room for growth handling the ball and passing. Even with these issues, the upside of a wing that can both shoot and defend is worthy of a lottery pick.
08. Jaylen Brown, SF/PF California (6-7, 223) Age: 19
After and up and down (or more accurately down and up and down) season, Jaylen Brown is in an interesting spot. There are some more traditional scouting teams that will drool over his physical tools, his stong frame, length, and explosiveness and see a future star while analytics based teams will see meh all-around production and see a potential bust. The truth is most likely somewhere in the middle, because he is so physical strong and the NBA is becoming more and more friendly towards small ball big men, Brown actually has a decent floor as a matchup small four. Whether or not his perimeter skills develop enough to be also playabale as a traditional small forward that will determine his value, with the upside of a Jae Crowder-type player, probably not a star.
09. Wade Baldwin IV, PG Vanderbilt (6-4, 202) Age: 20
The combine measurement didn't help anyone as much as they did Baldwin, even though everyone knew he was long, a 6-11+ wingspan is still eye-popping for someone a shade under 6-3 in bare feet. The measurements and athleticism of Baldwin alone would make him a draftable prospect, but Baldwin is also a greater than 40% three point shooter and solid playmaker. He isn't a ball dominant lead guard, more of a secondary playmaker at this point, and is more of an off the catch type shooter than off the dribble but that length, shooting and the room for reasonable growth Baldwin has makes for an intruiging prospect and one that could really take a team with non-point guard creators to the next level offensively. He could contribute right away in that type of environment and grow into more of a lead guard down the line, though even if he doesn't, again his shooting and length give him value.
10. Deyonta Davis, PF Michigan State (6-11, 237) Age: 19
Coming into the start of last season, Deyonta Davis was considered a very good recruit, but more of a longterm NBA prospect. All of that changed however when Davis completely remade his body, adding more than 25 pounds of good weight and strength to his frame and showed a burgeoning skillset to go along with obvious physical tools. Davis has a long way to go offensively, but th makings of a jumper and modest post game are there. Even if he never develops on that end, Davis should have value as a defender/rebounder/finisher in a Ed Davis type of role. Deyonta Davis isn't an amazing athlete, merely a very good one, so don't expect him to be DeAndre Jordan or anything like that, but he is explosive enough, to go with the length to play either big man spot down the line, block shots and defend the pick-and-roll, though I don't know if his foot speed is good enough to be truly plus in this area.
11. Henry Ellenson, PF Marquette (7-0, 242) Age: 19
Despite shooting poorly from three, there is little question that it should be a weapon for him in the NBA as a stretch big man. There are other questions about his game though that pertain more to his upside than floor because he shooting should give him value in at least a Matt Bonner-type of role. His athleticism is a question mark as far as defense, scoring one-on-one and finishing at the rim. He is very skilled offense however, and his 7-2+ wingspan and 9-foot reach is what makes him different from say Frank Kaminsky, who has below average length. This length will help make a difference on the boards and defensively, making up for a lack of lateral quickness and vertical explosiveness, to the point he can at the very least be playable.
12. Malik Beasley, SG Florida State (6-5, 190) Age: 19
Of all the excellent freshman in the country, Malik Beasley may have had the best season that no one noticed, better than many more heralded players. Beasley's game begins with his excellent three-point shot, which he is comfortable taking off both the catch and the dribble. With the ball in his hands, he is good at attacking closeouts, taking advantage of the opportunities his shooting frequently opens up. At the rim, he is an athletic and aggressive. He needs to improve as a ball handler, but has shown flashes in this area. Defensively, Beasley plays very hard and has tremendous athleticism horizontally and vertically. The only knock being his relatively short arms (6-7 wingspan). Beasley has potential to be a starting caliber shooting guard, in the mold of a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
13. Buddy Heild, SG Oklahoma (6-5, 212) Age: 22
Buddy Hield had a great year. He was the toast of college basketball, one of the most popular players in the country, a top scorer, winning multiple player of the year awards, and leading his team to a final four birth. As a capper, Hield will certainly be a lottery pick, likely in the top ten and even as high as third overall. For all his accolades, Hield does have some work to do in order to become more than just a role player at the next level. For starters, he needs to become a more consistent, committed defender; he has the tools but needs more focus and effort on that end to live up to his potential there. The same goes with ball handling and passing, which needs some refinement and polish. Hield is of course a wonderful shooter, which will be his primary weapon in the NBA, but there are some areas of upside left in his game.
14. Jamal Murray, SG Kentucky (6-4, 207) Age: 19
Those expecting Jamal Murray to be more than what he is were likely disappointed last season, but Murray was exactly what he has always been: a shooter and crafty scorer with questionable athleticism and play-making ability. As a three point shooting threat that can operate as a secondary ball-handler, Murray does everything you want; he can really knock it down, has a good handle and feel for getting open. As a primary scorer and playmaker, Murray is lacking. He isn't athletic enough to get by good defenders and has a low release that will make it difficult for him to get his shot off in isolation and may struggle to shoot off the dribble. Likewise, Murray's point guard abilities aren't developed and he simply isn't wired to be anything but a score-first player, which is totally fine as long he isn't forced into a point guard role he isn't equipped to handle.
15. Juan Hernangomez, PF Estudiantes (6-9, 220) Age: 20
Brother of last year's number 35 overall pick, Guillermo Hernangomez, Juan isn't as big as brother is a better athlete who plays with a good level of skill and high motor. He has become a reliable ~35% three-point shooter that has also shown an ability to slash to the rim. Defensively he has tools and rebounds well, but needs to get stronger while on offense his passing and feel could stand to improve Hernangomez has been on of the most productive players for his age in the Spanish ACB, which is considered by many to be the second best basketball league in the world, a league that better prepares players than college basketball does. Though he might still be stashed, it isn't absurd to believe that Hernangomez could fill a role in the NBA next season.
16. Skal Labissiere, PF Kentucky (7-0, 216) Age: 20
After being considered by many to be the top overall pick, Skal Labissiere had a mostly disappointing season that was not helped one bit by a coach that failed to build his confidence or put him in positions to succeed offensively. Labissiere definitely has faults, he isn't strong enough yet to create good position, he is still learning the game in many ways and it shows in defense and offensive rebounding. However, Labissiere also has tremendous physical tools, both length and athleticism, and a pure jumpshot that should be good from three point range eventually. An athletic seven-footer with long arms that can both make threes and block shots is a special commodity in the NBA, enough so that Labissiere should be a lottery pick, even with the not insignificant risk that he gets stronger or improves his feel/instincts.
17. Marquese Chriss, PF Washington (6-10, 233) Age: 18
Despite being outside the radar of most prior to the NBA season, Marquese Chriss burst onto the scene in his freshman year and is now considered by many to be a top ten pick. Like Labissiere, Chriss has significant upside and a very athletic big man that can make jumpers. Chriss also adds the potential of dribble-drives to the basket. However, like Labissiere, Chriss is also early on in his development curve and has a ways to go learning the nuances of the game. He is just 18 so that is to be expected, but any team hoping for instant contribution will likely be looking in other directions tha Chriss.
18. Furkan Korkmaz, SG Anadolu Efes (6-7, 185) Age: 18
Korkmaz will be an interesting test case, the Turkish international is the first draft prospect in a while that could go in the lottery but will not likely be coming to the NBA or ready contribute for a few years. Dario Saric was the last big one, but he was drafted by a team that was actively trying to be bad and wanted him to stay overseas. If Korkmaz stays in the draft, his most likely bet will be on teams that either have a lot of draft picks in the first round (Sixers, Celtics, Suns, Nuggets) or a team looking to save money for this particular summer. Korkmaz has a ton of potential, but his body and experience level need to improve in order to be NBA ready. The potential is there though to be an athletic wing that can get to the basket and shoot from range, it just might take a little while to realize that potential.
19. Denzel Valentine, SG Michigan State (6-6, 210) Age: 22
After three years of solid production, Denzel Valentine exploded as a Senior, putting up monster stats and landing player of the year awards. Valentine is a very skilled guard: a tremendous shooter, gifted passer, and excellent ball-handler for a non-point guard. He also rebounds very well. The question as surrounding Valentine have to do with his athleticism, he is just average in that area and has struggled as a defender and finisher because of it, areas that will only get more difficult in the NBA game.
20. Taurean Prince, SF Baylor (6-8, 220) Age: 21
Prince isn't a flashy player, but he is the type of player that the NBA is always in need of: a 3-and-D wing that can make outside shots and and defend on the perimeter. Prince has the size, length, and athleticism to be a solid wing defender and rebounds well enough get minutes as a small-ball four as well. His shooting is good and could improve, especially if he benefits from playing in a lower usage role that requires him to create less offense. Lacking in star potential sure, but much more important in the NBA than most people realize.
21. Patrick McCaw, SG UNLV (6-7, 181) Age: 20
McCaw flew under the radar partially because of how woeful his team was but also because he shared the floor with highly regarded recruit Stephen Zimmerman (#23 on the list). That is a shame because McCaw had an excellent season that saw him improve across the board and show real potential. McCaw's flaw is obvious, he needs to get stronger (though he can still be effective ala Will Barton) but he is a good, smooth athlete with long arms and excellent potential defensively to go with a solid, if occassionally inconsistent, jumpshot and really nice feel handling and passing the ball as a secondary playmaker. Despit his slight frame, McCaw still competed on the boards, pulling down double-digit boards multiple times.
22. Ante Zizic, C Cibona Zagreb (6-11, 240) Age: 19
Zizic has been incredibly productive for his age group (best season in Europe by PER, among under-22 year olds via DraftExpress Jonathan Givony) and has the tools to match the production, with a 7-3 wingspan and very good overall athleticism, especially for someone if his size. He is mobile, rebounds well and blocks shots. Offensively, the Croatian international is inexperienced and lacks any go-to moves, but he has shown flashes and should settle in as a good roll-man and finisher, even if he never develops an ability to create his own offense. There is a lot to like here and Zizic should be a hot commodity amongst teams looking for a young, athletic center that has shown the ability to produce in professional basketball.
23. Domantas Sabonis, PF Gonzaga (6-10, 231) Age: 20
After losing Przemeck Karnowski, Domantas Sabonis was able to establish himself as Gonzaga's alpha Bulldog and put together a fantastic season. Sabonis, son of Hall of Famer Arvydas, is as smart of player as you'd expect, with the skills to match. He is very comfortable scoring in the post and has shown flashes of range on his jumper, as well as excellent instincts on that glass and high IQ decision making. The questions regarding Sabonis involve his ability to defend and score over length. The latter is a bit overblown, as Sabonis is big and crafty enough to become solid there. Defense is a legitimate issue how ever, as Sabonis has below average length and foot speed. Still as a backup big that won't be asked to go up against the top offensive starters, Sabonis should be a valuable addition to a second unit.
24. Cheick Diallo, C Kansas (6-9, 219) Age: 19
After a new nightmare season featuring bogus NCAA academic issues and very limited playing time at Kansas, Cheick Diallo was finally able to show what he is capable of at the NBA combine, leaving a very favorable impression in the minds of those who watched him play. What Diallo can do is play his tail off, rebounding, defending, running the floor, and working to get dunks offensively. His offensive skill level is low, and he likely will only ever be a roll man or clean-up guy on that end, however his defensive potential is high due to tremendous overall athletic ability, especially the ability move laterally, and a 7-4+ wingspan to block and challenge shots. Diallo' biggest hurdles are strength and becoming comfortable and useful with his role in an offense.
25. Petr Cornelie, PF Le Mans (7-0, 220) Age: 20
The fact that Petr Cornelie is a 40% three-point shooter that stands a shade under 7-1 sans shoes (according to DraftExpress) is enough to get him drafted. When you add into the mix a specific defensive potential that rounds out a game uniquely suited to the modern NBA, you have a solid first round pick. Cornelie lacks length and strength and isn't the traditional ideal of a rim protector, but makes up for that with his smooth, wing-like lateral agility and ability to switch in to small players. The ability to switch in addition to drawing opposing bigs away from the basket is exactly what NBA teams want nowadays.
26. Stephen Zimmerman Jr, C UNLV (7-0, 234) Age: 19
With the lack of quality backup big men in the NBA, Stephen Zimmerman's skillset should making him appealing to teams looking for a backup big. Zimmerman has the size and length to play center and projects to be very effective in the screen game, where he is fluid and athletic as a dive-man and has the shooting touch to be a threat popping for the jumper as well. His above-average passing instincts would serve him well in the screen game and though no one would mistake him as a post-up threat, he should at least be able to punish small opponents on switches with relative consistency. Defensively, Zimmerman moves well and has the length to be a solid defender, though this will likely never be an area of considerable strength for him. However, although he has improved his body admirably, Zimmerman still needs to add strength, to the benefit of all areas of his game.
27. Ivica Zubac, C Mega Leks (7-1, 265) Age: 19
Since coming to Mega Leks in the winter, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Ivica Zubac has gotten the kind of minutes he hadn't previously has been very solid in that time and giving more opportunities to show off his game. Zubac is absolutely huge, particularly for a teenager and that size alone makes him effective in certain situations, especially combined with good athleticism, soft hands, and intelligence which allow him to be a threat scoring around the basket in a number of ways, though his offense ends there When planted under the rim, he can be a solid rim protector due to being huge, but Zubac is limited defending on the move and isn't dynamic blocking shots or on the glass. He is defiantly a project, but you can't teach the size and hands Zubac has.
28. DeAndre Bembry, SF Saint Joseph's (6-6, 207) Age: 21
With versatility the name of the game in the NBA these days, the appeal of a player such as DeAndre Bembry isn't difficult to see. Bembry is such a well rounded player, an excellent ball handler and passer for his size, he rebounds, he defends, he is athletic, and has length. The one big question is his jumper, it may not be a fatal flaw and Bembry has definitely improved in that area, but it will be a huge key to unlocking all his other skills if the jumper comes along to at least a league average level. Look for teams seeking versatile backup wings to consider Bembry in the mid-to-late first round.
29. Paul Zipser, SF Bayern Muenchen (6-8, 210) Age: 22
German international Paul Zipser is yet another member of the excellent international class in this draft, a very athletic wing with the jumper requisite for becoming a solid 3-and-D role player in the NBA. Zipser is the age of a college Senior and his game and body are fairly NBA ready, making him a safer choice of the international flavor, provided he is willing to come straight to the NBA. Nothing too flashy in Zipser's game but effective.
30. Kay Felder, PG Oakland (5-10, 177) Age: 21
It is almost disappointing that Kay Felder didn't return for his Senior year and make a run at the NCAA all-time assist record, though an opportunity to make it in the NBA is not something a sub-six foot player should pass up. Felder is a really fun player to watch, a very athletic, quick guard that can really fill it up from all around the floor when he gets going that is also a good and willing passer. Obviously at his size, it would be an extreme outlier for Felder to end up a starter, but as a backup point guard he could be very effective in a Patty Mills type of role.
31. Tyler Ulis, PG Kentucky (5-10, 149) Age: 20
Look, there is a ton to love about Ulis. He is a fiery competitor, extremely tough and smart. The kind of player every team needs. However, even more so than an average sub-six foot player, Ulis' success in the NBA would be a outlier: Amongst the top 100 seasons in win shares by sub-six foot NBA players, only the 5-6 Spud Webb, 5-5 Earl Boykins, and 5-3 Muggsy Bogues weighed less than Tyler Ulis' 149 pounds. He is just very, very, very small. Add to that Ulis good but not great shooting ability and it is certainly easy to question how far intangibles can take you.
32. Isaia Cordinier, SG Denain (6-5, 177) Age: 19
Though he never burst out the way some expected, French guard Isaia Cordinier is still a very solid prospect, most like of the draft-and-stash variety as he works on improving his consistency shooting and driving with the ball. Cordinier is a very good athlete and has shown the ability to both shoot and slash, but he needs to polish up those skills into usable weapons.
33. A.J. Hammons, C Purdue (7-0, 278) Age: 23
At some point, just being huge is an advantage in the game of basketball, and A.J. Hammons is definitely huge. He is also a really good athlete, another thing that helps in basketball, as it turns out.
34. Dejounte Murray, PG Washington (6-5, 170) Age: 19
How ironic that a tall, long, athletic point guard that is equal parts devastating and erratic in his ability to get to the rim and create plays who is also a wildly inconsistent jumper shooter just happens to play at the same college as Tony Wroten. Murray perhaps isn't as wild, but the same issues are there: will he learn how to take a ton of natural basketball ability and harness it into something that actually contributes to winning? The answer is unclear and the question you need to ask is whether or not this gamble is indeed worth taking.
35. Thon Maker, PF Athlete Institute (7-1, 216) Age: 19
Despite the hype videos that make Thon Maker look like a superstar, he is actually much more likely to be a role player at the next level due to his solid athleticism and jump shot to go with impressive size and length. There are considerable questions on how functional his athleticism is and how his lack of feel and toughness will affect his ability to translate his abilities on the court.
36. Chinanu Onuaku, C Louisville (6-10, 245) Age: 19
Onuaku has the classic backup center skills of rebounding, defense, and little offensive contribution outside of lob finishes and clean up work. However, with a 7-2+ wingspan and excellent lateral agility for switching and perimeter defending, Onuaku's defense should carry him to a backup role in the NBA.
37. Ben Bentil, PF Providence (6-8, 229) Age: 21
There aren't many guys as big, strong, and mobile as Bentil that can also stroke it from outside, that is what makes Bentil appealing. What makes him less appealing is that he doesn't do much else, he isn't a passer or much of a post player and despite his fluidity and length, Bentil isn't a very good defender yet. His shooting will make him valuable, but how much the rest of his game develops will determine how just how valuable.
38. Malachi Richardson, SG Syracuse (6-6, 200) Age: 20
Richardson, who almost certainly will be a first round pick, is doing a lot to disapprove the idea that NBA teams don't give extra weight to NCAA tournament performances, as Richardson was not very good before blowing up in March. Before then and in high school, you could see they flashes: smooth athleticism and a money jumper with some toughness to his drives, there is just a lot more development and refinery that needs to happen.
39. Malcolm Brogdon, SG Virginia (6-6, 223) Age: 23
What Brogdon lacks in upside he makes up for in a ready-to-go skillset that should be able to step in right away and contribute. Brogdon has good not great physical tools but gets the most of of them and is a very good defensive player. Offensively he is excellent moving off the ball to get open 3s and is a smart player and very good passer with the ball in his hands. Brogdon could easily be a first rounder for a playoff team looking for an instant boost to their rotation.
40. Joel Bolomboy, PF Weber State (6-9, 224) Age: 22
Like Brogdon, Joel Bolomboy isn't a sexy pick but he brings a pretty established skillset and some slight upside as well. A long, bouncy forward that plays extremely hard, Bolomboy seems to be a traditional energy big man, however he has slowly been developing a perimeter jumpshot that could take him beyond that profile, much like Richaun Holmes last year.
41. Diamond Stone, C Maryland (6-10, 254) Age: 19
Diamond Stone is a difficult evaluation, on one hand he is very large, with soft hands and good footwork that appears to add up to a low post threat. On the other hand, Stone is a below average athlete, short for a center, and not particularly productive during his one year in college, particularly on the glass. With work, a team could turn him into something, but even if he reaches that potential it is probably just as a backup big. Is the risk worth the reward?
42. Zhou Qi, C Xinjiang (7-2, 218) Age: 20
You want length? Zhou Qi and his near 7-8 wingspan has got it. He has also shown a nice outside touch on his jumper, which seems like a pretty good combo. Unfortunately, Qi is very slight and there are serious questions about whether he can every bulk up enough to compete in the NBA. The length and shot are nice though.
43. Guerschon Yabusele, PF Rouen (6-8, 240) Age: 20
A wide-bodied, below the rim type player, France's Guerschon Yabusele's game isn't in vogue in the NBA right now but they are still effective players in a backup role. Yabusele has a comfortable face-up game, including surprising ball-handling, and can create some space on the glass, but his lack of explosiveness makes him a questionable defensive presence and limiting to a Carl Landry-like bench role.
44. Brice Johnson, PF North Carolina (6-11, 209) Age: 21
Johnson turned in an awesome Senior year and was a no doubt All-American, producing double-doubles on a consistent basis. Though he was a star in college, Johnson is more than likely going to be a role player in the NBA, a rebounding, pick and roll big similar to another former Tar Heel, Brandon Wright. Johnson is too frail and poor defensively to be much more, unless his fre
Ame and instincts take a big step forward.
45. Robert Carter, PF Maryland (6-9, 251) Age: 22
Like Johnson, Robert Carter has a definite skillset but several flaws that make his projection to anything more than a backup a difficult one. Carter is quite skilled as an offensive player, able to score from the post on out to the three point line. However, he is slow-footed and has poor defensive instincts that limit his upside. If, and it is a big if, a team can improve his defense, Carter is good enough offensively to be an above-average starter.
46. Caris LeVert, SG Michigan (6-7, 191) Age: 21
An unfortunate victim of a multitude of injuries, Caris LeVert might be a lottery pick if he had a clean health record. When healthy, which won't be until training camp at the earliest, LeVert is a sweet-shooting wing with legitimate point guard skills. Hopefully he can get and stay healthy.
47. Dorian Finney-Smith, SF Florida (6-8, 213) Age: 23
Finney-Smith is another potential 3-and-D wing, and even a potential small ball power forward. He has the physical tools to be a solid defender and a track record of good three point shooting. There is little upside, but the potential to become a valueable role player is nothing to sniff at.
48. Michael Gbinije, SG Syracuse (6-7, 205) Age: 24
Another older, low upside high floor prospect, this draft is rife with them. Michael Gbinije is a good athlete that plays hard defensively, has made himself into a good shooter over the last couple of seasons. He also served admirably as Syracuse's point guard the last two seasons. He is versatile and can fill a number of roles in the NBA, albiet without upside for much else.
49. Isaiah Whitehead, G Seton Hall (6-5, 210) Age: 21
After a year and a half of mediocrity at Seton Hall, Isaiah Whitehead ended last season on a tear, leading the Pirates to a Bog East tournament championship before turning back into a pumpkin in the NCAA tournament. Whitehead is as skilled combo guard that can really get hot and full it up from deep. Unfortunately, the rest of his game, including role, inside the arc scoring, and defense, are all still major question marks.
50. Jake Layman, PF Maryland (6-9, 209) Age: 22
Layman was at his best as a power forward in previous years for Maryland, however with the arrival of Diamond Stone and Robert Carter, he was forced to play much more ten on the wing, with less success. As a power forward, his shooting and ball-handling become a real weapon, however he will likely need to get much better as a defender, in spite of a lack of strength and length in order to be anything more than a situational backup.
51. Gary Payton II, PG Oregon State (6-3, 184) Age: 23
The Mitten has quite the legacy as the son of a Hall of Famer and anyone expecting that from him is going to be disappointed. He is, not surprisingly, a very good defender and he rebounds like a power forward, but his abilities as a playmaker taking a step forward is what has really improved his game recently. The struggles of Payton's jumper are a concern, but there is role for energetic defenders with some playmaking skills.
52. Damian Jones, C Vanderbilt (7-0, 244) Age: 20
Jones is very athletic and has a tremendous frame and long arms. He also lacks feel and is a poor rebounder and inconsistent defender, despite his physical gifts. Some see a first rounder, however there is so much he must develop that it is hard to see him making it, but I hope I am wrong.
53. Rade Zagorac, SF Mega Leks (6-9, 205) Age: 20
Zagorac, teammates of fellow prospects Luwawu and Zubac at Mega Leks, doesn't have the standout tools of those two, but it is very solid in his own right. The Serbian international has great size and good athleticism for a wing and makes his hay as a high energy slasher. As of now, his three point shot isn't a weapon and there is some question whether he is athletic enough to score without a jumper to keep defender's honest.
54. Pascal Siakam, PF New Mexico State (6-10, 227) Age: 22
Siakam is a very good athlete with great size and length that plays very hard and is smart enough to find the areas on the court where he can be useful. Not likely to create his own shot much in the NBA, but a potential to play a solid role as a high energy big down the line.
55. Wayne Selden Jr, SF Kansas (6-6, 232) Age: 21
After two disappointing seasons, Wayne Selden finally began living up to some of the potential he showed as a five star high school recruit. However, there are some rather serious concerns with Selden's game. He only really broke out this season because he was able to go up against forward's instead of guards, mainly because he isn't tremendously quick or athletic off the bounce or finishing at the rim. Selden's best role is as a 3-and-D wing, and he has become a good shooter, though despite strength and length, Selden isn't a very good defender, however he does have tools to be solid.
56. Prince Ibeh, C Texas (6-11, 261) Age: 22
Ibeh did little to nothing the first three and a half years of his career, but Shaka Smart was able to get something out of him finally and Ibeh showed what he can do as a potential backup big man with very good devensiv potential. Ibeh has tremendous physical tools and almost zero offensive skill outside of dunking,
57. Sheldon McClellan, SG Miami (6-6, 198) Age: 23
Another Senior with a ready-to-go skillset, Sheldon McClellan is solid across the board offensively with a very good three point shot and usable off the bounce game. Not a lot of upside and McClellan doesn't have great length or lateral quickness, which will likely limit his defenive potential.
58. Marcus Paige, PG North Carolina (6-2, 164) Age: 22
Paige, who has played both on and off ball during his career, is a smart player that fits as a backup guard because of the ability to fill several roles, spotting up or distributing. He also has surprisingly excellent physical tools, especially his 6-6+ wingspan.
59. Georges Niang, PF Iowa State (6-9, 231) Age: 23
One of the most skilled bigs in the country, Niang can shoot, handle, and pass. Unfortunately he is limited physical tools and is particularly slow footed. However, if Kyle Anderson can be a first round pick, Niang deserves at least a shot.
60. David Walker, SG Northeastern (6-7, 200) Age: 22
Walker, an under-the-radar player for many years, isn't anyone's idea of a first round pick but has good size, a really excellent outside shot and solid ball-handling and passing. He might be nothing better than an end of the bench player at his best, but the skills are there for a contributor.
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