02. Emmanuel Mudiay, PG Guandong (6-5, 200) Age: 19
Some have been blown away by Mudiay's workouts, others have reported shooting struggles, but I am not sure Mudiay is really the kind of player to knock a workout out of the park. He can certainly show his athleticism and ball-handling ability, but the things he does best like running pick-and-roll, passing, setting up teammates, using both quickness and strength to beat the defender in front of him and penetrate; none of these things really show up in workouts, but they are what make Mudiay a special player. Mudiay's shot isn't perfect, but he should certainly be able to convert at a respectable enough level to keep defenders from sagging off too much. Defensively, like all young players, his defensive intensity comes and goes, but his size, strength, and athletic ability allow Mudiay to cross-match against even small forwards. That versatility and his ability to be an excellent pick-and-roll player makes Mudiay a potential top ten point guard in the NBA, which considering how many great point guards their are in the NBA, is fairly impressive.
03. Jahlil Okafor, C Duke (6-11, 272) Age: 19
Okafor was the darling of the NBA draft for the much of the year but the rise of Towns combined with an influx of questions regarding various aspects of his game has caused a backslide of opinions on Okafor. While it is certainly fair to question Okafor's defense, which was pretty bad and his effort worse, it is absolutely ridicules to assume that a 19 year-old with ideal size for an NBA center and a massive wingspan will be unable to become at least an average defensive player. Getting in better shape (which shockingly is a lot easier in the NBA than college) will certainly help, and it is not like Okafor is a lazy or low IQ player; so much of defense in the NBA is positioning, which Okafor can use. His lack of footspeed might hurt against pick-and-rolls, which is a negative because it will require his team to scheme against that, but there are many players in the NBA that require such effort on their behalf. Okafor's offensive value is so great and rare that it will be worth that scheming and then some. To me the biggest difference between Okafor and Towns isn't defense, it is range on offense, Okafor doesn't stretch the floor and so will also require some planning and spacing from teammates on that end, which is why he isn't an elite prospect just a really, really, really good one.
04. Mario Hezonja, G/F Barcelona (6-8, 200) Age: 20
Hezonja has both benefited and been hurt by his team making it to the ACB championship game; while he has mostly been out of the harsh, overly-critical spotlight of the pre-draft process I do think that Hezonja would be doing fabulous in workouts and convincing any doubters that there isn't a better offensive wing in the draft. Much has been made of his attitude on the court, mainly that he is supremely confident in a Kobe Bryant sort of way, yet this is somehow spun as a negative. While even-keeled superstars like Kawhi Leonard are fabulous, a basketball player that wants to go out and prove he is the best player every game is not a bad thing at all, especially when they have the ability to back it up and are smart enough players to know that missing tough jumpers isn't how that is done. If Hezonja fails, which I obviously don't think he will, it won't be because of his attitude.
05. D'Angelo Russell, SG Ohio State (6-5, 193) Age: 19
Despite losing some steam down the stretch, it is still hard to see Russell falling past the Knicks at 4. While some have been painting Russell as a point guard because he has a tremendous passing skill and frequently sees plays coming a step ahead than anyone else, that isn't really his game. Russell is a shooter and scorer that can function as a primary distributor, but at the risk of neutering what he does best. Some teams and analysts obsess over turning players into point guards, even when their best ability is scoring and they have played shooting guard throughout their career. Russell played off the ball alongside Shannon Scott at Ohio State and will be best when he can be a secondary playmaker with a point guard beside him. Because he can shoot so well, Russell can spot up off the ball or create his own shot and find teammates when the situation dictates it instead of forcing him to try to run an offense and play the role of distributor. I guess if you don't have a viable point guard he can function in that role for you, but it would be depressing his value. Imagine, purely hypothetically, Russell on the Nuggets next Ty Lawson and just how devastating that would be having two players that can shoot, handle the ball, and pass. Now on the opposite end, picture him on the Pistons with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as his backcourt mate...
06. Kristaps Porzingis, PF Sevilla (7-1, 230) Age: 19
The hot prospect of the moment, Kristaps Porzingis is getting praised by GMs and knocked by fans that see another "European bust" and shades of Andrea Bargnani, which of course is the comparison they run to because he is European, tall, and skilled. It is also an incredibly lazy and perhaps prejudiced opinion that has nothing to do with the actually players or their abilities. The two have nothing in common, not their country of birth, nor the league they played in, personality, or upbringing. Player comparisons are useful to give an idea of a playing style or projected growth arc, not for projecting failure or success based on very superficial similarities that have nothing to do with why a player failed in the NBA. The fact of the matter is Porzingis is at least 7-1, bouncy and mobile with a legitimate perimeter game and the potential to be a strong help defender that is at least average in the post. Having played 20+ minutes a game in the second best basketball league in the world, he won't be overwhelmed by the talent of the NBA and has the mentality to not be a shrinking violet that loses confidence the second he gets push around or dunked on. He needs to get stronger, but so did Chris Bosh, Anthony Davis, Serge Ibaka, and any number of other 19 year-olds entering the league.
07. Stanley Johnson, F Arizona (6-7, 242) Age: 19
After witnessing the Golden State Warriors win the NBA title using unconventional lineups and defensively versatile players, it's hard not to think a player like Stanley Johnson won't benefit in the upcoming draft. With his size and strength, Johnson should be able to play power forward at least part time in the NBA, while also having the lateral quickness to check small forwards and shooting guards. While defensive versatility is currently in vogue, it has always been useful so it's trendiness should discount it's actual value. Johnson shoots the three well enough to force defenses to respect him as a floor spacer, but that isn't where his biggest offensive value will come from. Johnson's ability to shoot and score off the dribble from the mid-range and in should wreck havoc on defenses when he is being defender by power forwards. That ability to bring a big away from the rim then beat them off the dribble will turn defenses inside-out, especially when you put other shooters on the floor.
08. Justise Winslow, G/F Duke (6-7, 222) Age: 19
After a tremendous tournament run, Winslow was a hot name coming into the draft process and has settled in as the "safe" prospect in the top ten, though I think at the expense of the consideration of his upside. First and foremost, Winslow will give a team excellent, versatile defense on both guards and forwards, including some power forwards. His defense isn't projection either, Winslow has been a tremendous, committed defender since his high school and team USA days. Not only is he physically equipped to excel defensively, but also has the mentality and effort-level needed to be a quality defender. Winslow fits best in an up tempo offense that can take advantage of his ability to run and finish in transition. In the half-court, I'd be worried if a team brings him in looking for a number one option but Winslow has improved his jumper to the point it is a legitimate weapon while also developing as a ball-handler. Winslow's best offensive attribute in a half-court offense is his passing and unselfishness, he isn't a ball-stopper at all. This may not seem like a big deal, but when a player knows when a better shot is available and makes the play to get that shot, it boosts the efficiency of your offense. While is easier to see a player as an individual, some defy that kind of analysis and must be understood based on their impact on a team's offensive performance as a whole. Winslow is one of those players that does things that aren't box score-quantifiable yet contribute to winning.
09. Willie Cauley-Stein, C Kentucky (7-1, 242) Age: 21
Despite turning 22 this year, Willie Cauley-Stein is still just scratching the surface of what he could potentially become. Cauley-Stein is among the elites as far as athletes go at the center position which alone makes him an intriguing prospect, but where he really stands out is that he is still learning the nuances and fundamentals of the position yet was the most dominating defensive player in the country. Cauley-Stein's growth in this three years at Kentucky has been immense, when he arrived he didn't would just jump for rebounds and didn't assume a correct defensive stance, but now his footwork defending on the perimeter is excellent and he is actually boxing out. Even as his fundamentals have improved, the nuances of the craft are still coming but once he get there, learning how to use his body and leverage rebounding or the exact amount to hedge on screens before dropping, the sky is the limit for the kind of defensive impact he could have. A player like Cauley-Stein shrinks the floor for opposing offenses because he can cover so much ground and switch on any screen, disrupting offenses and removing their opportunity to exploit mismatches. Though some team may draft Cauley-Stein to play power forward next to a true center like DeMarcus Cousins or Nikola Vucevic, I would worry how well that offense would function and I don't think taking Cauley-Stein away from the center of the floor would be the best way to use his defense. Moving him to one side of the floor allows the opponent to simply operate on the other side; I want him in the middle of the floor as much as possible.
10. Myles Turner, C Texas (7-0, 239) Age: 19
In a lot of drafts, Turner would be a top ten pick, maybe even the top overall pick in the 2013 draft but this draft is so loaded with high-ceiling, high-floor prospects that he could fall all the way to the late lottery. Turner has a super valuable and quite rare player profile, a big man that can space the floor with his jumpshot but also protect the rim defensively. He isn't a Serge Ibaka-type defender, flying around the floor and trying to block every shot, instead he uses his size and a natural understanding of positioning. There are certainly valid criticism of Turner's post-game, but why look a gift horse in the mouth? A legitimate center that isn't a liability on either end of the court, but can reliable deter shots at the rim while also preventing you opponent from doing the same by pulling their center away from the basket is essentially how most modern NBA teams function. Turner isn't a plug-and-play guy, but with a little patience and development by the drafting team, the reward could be immense.
11. Frank Kaminsky, PF Wisconsin (7-1, 231) Age: 22
Kaminsky doesn't have the same athletic tools to dream on, but he is easily the most skilled big man in the draft. He's a better shooter, ball-handler, and passer than most of the guards in this draft, let alone the big men. Kaminsky will fit seamlessly into any offense any pretty much any team situation because of all he can do. There is no way that having a 40%+ shooter on the floor can hurt your offense, let alone one that is 7-1 and will have to be guarded by opposing big men. Not only that, he can attack over-aggressive close-outs, keep the ball moving when a shot isn't there, and even run an offense from the high post. Because of his skin color, it is supposed that Kaminsky will be a poor defender, but In fact he is smart, plays hard, and uses his size well. Kaminsky isn't a rim protector per se, but is at least a deterrent in the paint who can block a shot or two, unlike a player like Jared Sullinger who just isn't going to do that very often.
12. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, F Arizona (6-7, 211) Age: 20
"Finals MVP: Andre Igoudala" couldn't have come at a better time for the perception of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Hollis-Jefferson isn't just athletically and physical equipped to be an elite defender, he also has the mentality and intelligence that the best perimeter defenders like Igoudala and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist have. Hollis-Jefferson wants to be an elite defender, takes pride in it and is willing to learn the nuances and understanding. He'd be the best defender on a majority of teams in the NBA and can literally guard positions 1-4, and not just on a switch, but for a whole game if needed. Yes, Hollis-Jefferson's shooting is not good, but he is a tremendous cutter with a knack for getting open under the basket with a strong slashing game as well. Give Hollis-Jefferson a creative coach in a movement based offense and he'll do just fine with elite defense on the other end of the court.
13. Devin Booker, SG Kentucky (6-6, 206) Age: 18
It is a safe bet the Booker will be a hot commodity in the draft this year because shooting is so valuable in today's NBA. While it is easy to look at Booker and see "just a shooter" but it is important to understand that "just a shooter" was what Kentucky needed him to be and Booker's game could blossom as he is given a more expanded role in the NBA. Part of the reason to believe this is a possibility is the intelligence Booker shows on the court and in interviews. He is clearly a student of his craft, which you can see when you watch how he uses screens and creates space to get his shot off, these aren't natural abilities, they are learned through hard work on and off the court. Also, he won't turn 19 until after the NBA season starts in October. Even if his offense game doesn't expand, Booker's ability to work a defense and make 3s is very valuable, especially when you consider Booker should be at least an average NBA defender.
14. Bobby Portis, PF Arkansas (6-11, 246) Age: 20
There is something to be said for the benefits that a consistent high-effort player gives you on a night-in, night-out basis. When you can rely on a player to always bring all they have to the table, it builds a trust with coaches and gives a foundation on which to build a team structure. However, what differentiates Bobby Portis from, say, Kenneth Faried, is that Portis has considerable skill to go with his high motor, toughness, and intensity. Portis' is a good enough shooter to provide spacing and should be able to make 3s at an above-average rate relatively early into his career. In the post, Portis knows how to position his body and has good touch, but most importantly he is confident in his abilities with the ball; young big men often panic when they get the ball unexpectedly or hesitate when given the ball in a post-up situation. On the contrary, Portis is confident and decisive when he gets the ball. Though he isn't a great leaper, Portis is an excellent horizontal athlete with smooth movement skills which allows him to be an excellent positional defender that can also use his strength and toughness to bully opposing players. Overall, Portis is a bankable asset with room for growth but the very solid floor of a rotational player.
15. Jerian Grant, PG Notre Dame (6-4, 198) Age: 22
Another perfect example of how versatility is the name of the game in this draft, Jerian Grant offers a valuable skill set because he has the physical profile to defend shooting guards yet is a true point guard. Grant excels at shot creation, both for himself and teammates, and can take on either role of scorer or distributor. Grant played alongside a second point guard at Notre Dame and is more than capable of playing off the ball; though he is more comfortable shooting off the dribble, but should become at least a league average catch-and-shoot player. That ability to change roles, both offensively and defensively, depending on team needs and even game-to-game situations is so valuable because it allows flexibility for the coach to change gameplans, match-ups, and rotations depending on the opponent in order to create the best chance to win.
16. Kelly Oubre, G/F Kansas (6-7, 203) Age: 19
Due to the dichotomy splitting Kelly Oubre's production from his potential, he is one of the more divisive prospects in the draft. However, because the potential is so high, the teams that love Oubre will likely really love him; enough to select him in the lottery. It is hard not to see the appeal, Oubre is a classic do-it-all wing with excellent physical traits that has the kind of defensive and offensive versatility (there's that word again) that should make him a valuable role player as a floor. It will be important, early in his career, for Oubre's coaches to run a play or two to keep him involved and engaged in the action, because when he gets going his defense and rebounding improve and he is much more aggressive.
17. Christian Wood, PF UNLV (6-11, 216) Age: 19
After the top sixteen picks in this draft, there is still good value in the next twenty-five or so picks, but also issues and question marks with each prospect. All have to potential to make a roster and contribute, but also significant enough flaws that could prevent them from reaching that level. Christian Wood fits that description to a tee. If he can improve his body, expand his shooting range out to the three-point line, and continue to improve in the mental aspect of the game, then you'll a very valuable 6-11 power forward the can space the floor, rebound, and block shots. That kind of play is a very valuable commodity in the NBA and worth taking the chance on, but not over plays with equal potential reward, but with less risk.
18. Kevon Looney, F UCLA (6-9, 222) Age: 19
Kevon Looney has one singular skill that should carry him in the NBA, as well as some physical tools and developing skills that could make him much more. Looney's ability to grab offensive rebounds at a high rate is so valuable because it bakes in a margin for error in an offense and creates extra possessions which allow the luxury of a less than ideally efficient offense at times. That skill alone should help him stick in the league (just look at Reggie Evans) but Looney also has an excellent frame that should develop to the point he can guard both forward spots and some centers, as well the length to bother shots and the mobility to hold up vs. pick-and-roll. Offensively, he is comfortable with the ball, can handle it a little, and has a developing jumper, though not yet to the point his 42% 3-point shooting suggests. He isn't a dominant shot blocker or vertical athlete, but a excellent offensive rebounder with defensive versatility that can also respectably shoot from the outside is an NBA rotation player at worst.
19. Tyus Jones, PG Duke (6-2, 185) Age: 19
For fans of point guard play, Jones is a joy to watch on the court. He understands the nuances of the position like a five year NBA veteran; striking a balance between scoring and distributing, finding teammates in positions they are comfortable, and limiting turnovers without being risk-averse. Jones will always be limited by his size and athletic limitations, but again he uses the mental side of the game to get the most out of his abilities: instead of blowing by opponents, he manipulates screens to gain extra separation as well as utilizing changing speeds to get defenders off balance. Because of this, Jones will likely be best utilized as a higher-usage bench player, but not many teams have a backup point guard that they can rely on to keep the offense humming and not tank all the gains the starters have made.
20. Montrezl Harrell, PF Louisville (6-8, 253) Age: 21
Energy and effort is definitely as skill and in that area, Montrezl Harrell might be the most skilled player in the draft. Which is ironic of course because most would consider him rather un-skilled, but with his upper-echelon athletic ability and high motor Harrell has a low variance in his outcomes, most of which should be valuable. Despite his smaller height for a power forward, his 7-4+ wingspan, 9-1 standing reach, and ripped NBA frame is better than many taller NBA players have. Offensively, he isn't a perimeter or post player, but like energy, a knack for dunking the ball is a skill; 221 of Harrell's 533 career field goals have been dunks (41%!). So what you have is high energy player that can guard multiple positions, finish on feeds and pick-and-roll, and rebound. That is a high quality bench big in the NBA that would especially excel playing in a second unit that liked to push the ball.
21. R.J. Hunter, SG Georgia State (6-6, 185) Age: 21
Hunter had the best moment of the NCAA tournament, but was considered a first-round prospect well before he came onto the national radar. He is a shooter first-and-foremost, but what makes him appealing is the additional parts of his game that he brings to the table. Hunter is a good ball-handler for a two-guard and has some experience running pick-and-rolls, but where his handle will really reap dividends is attack close-outs. Once the scouting report gets out on Hunter's shooting ability, teams will begin try to run him off the 3-point line, which can be a death-knell to one dimensional shooters who either have to force up a contested shot or pass the ball away. However, when you have the ability to pump-fake, and drive past the now out of position defender, you've either got an open area for a mid-range jumper, a wide open lane right to the rim, or a scrambling defense that can be exposed with a quick pass to whichever teammate was uncovered by the rotation of the defense. That creates a conflict for the defense: close out less aggressively and give up a clean look from three or risk a wide open shot at the rim? Either outcome isn't good.
22. Justin Anderson, SF Virginia (6-6, 231) Age: 21
Justin Anderson is a a player built for today's NBA and should benefit from the season Draymond Green just had, Because of his size, strength, and terrific athletic ability, so much so that he could defend some power forwards, as well as wings and guards. Where the risk comes from is Anderson's shooting, he shot an excellent percentage last season, but was terrible the two before that. This wouldn't be a concern if his shot form wasn't all over the place sometimes. However, he has worked hard on the shot and should be at least a league-average shooter in time, which combined with his defense would make a valuable bench option or even starter if the shooting is better.
23. Cameron Payne, PG Murray State (6-2, 183) Age: 20
Payne has lottery buzz, and while I don't really see that in any way, shape, or form, I do think that he could be a valuable piece for a team looking to find an offensively versatile point guard that should fit into pretty much any offense. At Murray State, Payne mostly took on the role of scorer but also demonstrated the kind of court vision and passing needed to function as a primary distributor when on the floor. He is probably an above-average NBA shooter who will need to hone that pull-up ability because he doesn't project to be great at the rim. Payne should appeal to teams looking for a point guard that can change offensive roles depending on match-ups and who is one the floor with them at any given moment, which makes the most sense coming off the bench and fits Payne, who might struggle defensively due to his slight frame.
24. Robert Upshaw, C Washington (7-0, 258) Age: 21
The biggest question mark in the draft, Robert Upshaw could be a steal if he goes in the second round or a massive bust if he goes in the first and basically anything in between. He is the best interior defender in the draft, and amazing shot blocker that legitimately changes the game when he is one the floor. However, he has also been kicked off of two college teams and could really come back to bite a GM if he doesn't clean up his off-the-court. On talent and potential impact, I'd rank Upshaw tenth on this list, and though I don't know what his transgressions were and I am not in the business of analyzing the redemption of 20 year olds, there is enough noise to know that he is a risk. However if, and sincerely hope this is the case, Upshaw is past whatever his issues were, he could be a very valuable player that you could build a defense around. Position Upshaw in the paint and your perimeter players can gamble and overplay to force turnovers because you know you have a massive shot blocker to back them up.
25. Delon Wright, PG Utah (6-6, 181) Age: 23
At 23 years-old, Delon Wright isn't going to win a lot of teams over with his upside. However when you get into the latter third of the first round, Wright's ability to plug-and-play and do whatever you need of him off the bench will definitely appeal to the playoff teams drafting there. Wright is an excellent on-ball defender against either guard spot and possibly some less physical small forwards, while also causing disruption by creating steals and blocking shots at a high rate for a guard. Offensively, he is very good off-the-dribble and can create for himself and teammates; his shooting is decent and I can see him converting 3s at an NBA average rate going forward. His upside is low and Wright will probably never be a starter, but as a low variance guard that can effect the game defensively without scoring a basket, but is more than competent on the offensive end, you could do a lot worse in a backup guard.
26. Anthony Brown, G/F Stanford (6-7, 211) Age: 22
In the NBA draft, upside reigns supreme (with good reason) but occasionally that leads to potential role players falling through the cracks more than they probably should. Because there are is only so many shots and dribbles to go around in an NBA, low-usage players are necessary in order to keep primary offensive players happy. The best of these types of low usage players fill provide value even when touching the ball sparingly. Anthony Brown projects to be this type of player because he is a good wing defender, especially when focused, and is a 40%+ shooter from behind the arc. Brown has played this way at Stanford for a couple of years, so he is comfortable in that role and should be able to step in early on to contribute.
27. Sam Dekker, F Wisconsin (6-9, 219) Age: 21
Dekker is a hard player to peg, certainly there is upside but it is occasionally difficult to see exactly where he fits in the NBA. The issue is, his best path to playing time is as a match-up piece off of the bench, playing power forward when the opposing player isn't an overly physical player and small forward when his opposite number isn't super-quick, but basically that means he is a little stuck between positions, not quite skilled enough on the perimeter to play there or strong enough to defend more 4s. This means he is more of a project than some might believe of a three year college starter. The team that drafts him needs to get him in the weight room to get stronger and work on honing his perimeter skills, which could reap a valuable reward but there is definitely risk of a tweener flameout here.
28. Trey Lyles, F/C Kentucky (6-10, 241) Age: 19
Lyles is the one highly regarded player I am not really on board with this year. He has the kind of frame you want from a young big man and should be physically capable of playing center, but I am not sure he'll ever be any more than an average defensive player at best because he isn't a great vertical athlete and seems to lack a real defensive mentality. That would be all well and good if he brought something more to the table offensively, but besides a knack for great off-ball movement, Lyles' big appeal is that he could become a perimeter big man, but he was beyond bad as a shooter last season and yes, he could improve, but has a long way to go, much longer than a lottery pick in a draft with this much talent should. I am not saying he'll fail, but I am saying that there is a very real risk he doesn't develop a jumpshot and has little to offer a team as far as value, a big enough risk I would be afraid of drafting him in the top two-thirds of the draft.
29. J.P. Tokoto, SG North Carolina (6-6, 196) Age: 21
Tokoto's draft stock will live or die depending on what teams think of his jumpshot, but I think he does enough to stick on a roster, even with a below average jumper. Tokoto is one of the best athletes in the draft and should be a very good, versatile defensive player. In addition to that, Tokoto can function as a secondary playmaker and passer (he was frequently the primary one at North Carolina) and is a great transition player with or without the ball. In many ways, he is reminiscent of Andre Igoudala, though with just very good defense, not all-world like Iggy, however, 80% of Igoudala is still an NBA player. Tokoto would pair really well in a second unit with an solid shooting, uptempo point guard, allowing the team to play fast and use a multiple attack coming from either guard spot. He'll likely go in the second round, but Tokoto is a player I think could take off in the right situation.
30. Guillermo Hernangomez, C Sevilla (6-11, 255) Age: 20
Hernangomez hasn't got nearly the recognition his teammate Kristaps Porzingis has, but he had a better season for Sevilla and has some potential value for an NBA team. He has the size and strength to play center with a certain toughness when it comes to his interior defending. Offensively, he has nice touch around the rim, is good at getting position in the paint, and can score from there. Additionally, Hernangomez is a good offensive rebounder. The negatives are, he is definitely a below the rim player who will never be a dominating shot blocker and may occasionally struggle against length in the paint. He is however, fairly mobile and should be able to use that in the pick-and-roll on both ends of the floor. Back-up centers are hard to come by in the NBA, so solid offensive and defensive production for 15 minutes a night is valuable.
31. Michael Frazier II, SG Florida (6-4, 199) Age: 21
There will always be a place in the NBA for committed defenders who can make threes, which is exactly what Michael Frazier does. Frazier doesn't have elite size for a shooting guard, but he is a good athlete and really tries defensively. His shot creation skills leave something to be desired, but he isn't terrible off of one or two dribble and can really knock down shots off the catch. A potential Courtney Lee-type player.
32. Jonathan Holmes, PF Texas (6-9, 242) Age: 22
Holmes, who was forced to play more as a wing due to the Longhorns abundance of big men, has reinvigorated his draft standing by measuring with the size to easily play power forward in the NBA. Holmes is a prime example of how a players ability will play up as a traditionally less skilled positions. As a wing, he is average as a creator and shooter, but as a power forward it can be a real weapon. Holmes has rebounded well throughout his career and can block shots, so he won't be a negative in those areas like many wings would be playing power forward.
33. Terry Rozier, PG Louisville (6-2, 190) Age: 21
So much of successful NBA drafting is about fit, and there are many prospects in every draft that require a good fit in order to succeed. Terry Rozier is a prime example of this, he needs to play in an uptempo system that utilizes pressure defense and doesn't look for shooting from their point guard. Rozier is great in attack mode on both ends of the court and would not be a great fit in a slow down, conservative, methodical offense. On the right team however, he could be a solid backup guard.
34. Chris McCullough, PF Syracuse (6-9, 199) Age: 20
McCullough, who is coming off of a torn ACL, represents a chance for a team drafting the second round to get a first round talent with very little risk. Because second round picks are not given guaranteed contracts, a team can draft McCullough hoping to develop his natural abilities as a defender and shooter, while not committing any guaranteed money or years if things don't work out. Second round picks are shots in the dark looking for talent, but there are ways of increasing your odds, even incrementally.
35. Rakeem Christmas, F/C Syracuse (6-10, 242) Age: 23
Basically the opposite of his teammate McCullough, Rakeem Christmas is a low variance, solid dependable player without much upside beyond that of backup big man. Christmas has the size to play center, is a good defender, and isn't lost when he gets the ball around the basket. Also a plus: Christmas shot 71% on free throws last season.
36. Jordan Mickey, PF LSU (6-8, 238) Age: 20
Mickey is similar to Christmas, except without the prototypical size to play center. He is a very good rebounder and defender with competent ball skills around the basket but without go-to offensive skills. He sets good screens and does a lot of the dirty work despite a reputation as an underachiever because of LSU's overall underwhelming performance.
37. Arturas Gudaitis, C Zalgrils (6-10, 253) Age: 22
Gudaitis eschews the common stereotype of European players, (one that is becoming less and less accurate) and is a excellent athlete who plays with tremendous energy on both ends of the court. His offensive ability is mostly putbacks, lobs, and pick-and-rolls but that has value in the NBA (Brandon Wright) especially with the dearth or good backup centers in the league. Place Gudaitis in pick-and-rolls with his ability to finish and the defense will have to respect it, creating space for the ball-handler to operate.
38. Norman Powell, SG UCLA (6-5, 215) Age: 22
Powell is the a classic example of a "shooting guard in a point guard's body" that some teams might overlook because he is a little undersized. This is another opportunity for a smart organization to take advantage, because with a strong from, long arms, and good athleticism Powell has the tools to overcome his lack of height defensively, while on offense Powell needs to improve his jumper but is excellent penetrating and passes well enough to be a secondary playmaker when he is on the floor.
39. Rashad Vaughn, SG UNLV (6-5, 199) Age: 18
A throw-back shooting guard, Vaughn excels in creating shots for himself, though they aren't always the most efficient looks. Unless you have a team offensive system that you rely on for generating your offense, Vaughn's type offensive game has some value. Analysts bemoan hero-ball (justifiably most of the time) but there are times when offense stagnates, defenses cut off your options, and the best offense is a talented shot-creator. Vaughn isn't for everyone, but would be valuable in certain situations and at just 18 years-old could develop into something more.
40. Josh Richardson, SG Tennessee (6-6, 200) Age: 21
Richardson has flown under the radar all season and throughout the draft process, not even getting a combine invite, but Richardson has plenty to offer teams look for a solid role player to fill out their roster. Richardson defends well with active hands searching for steals and the size to defender most wing players. Offensively, Richardson is a good enough shooter to space the floor with the ball-handling ability to attack close-outs and decent vision when he isn't forcing the action too much. This type of wing is useful as depth because if injuries come you can rely on him to at least player hard on defense and make some open shots.
41. Mouhammadou Jaiteh, C Nantarre (6-11, 247) Age: 20
Backup center can be a barren wasteland in the NBA, so when a prospect comes along that has the physical traits required of the position and isn't completely lost on either end of the court, they are worth investing in. Jaiteh is slow-footed and will need to be crisp in his positioning, but has the size to clog the lane for 10-15 minutes a night. His best skill is a sweet mid-range J that could eventually extend out further but is enough to provide some spacing now. 3-point range is definitely preferable, but causing an opposing center to have to take just few steps away from the basket will begin to open up the floor.
42. Cliff Alexander, PF Kansas (6-9, 239) Age: 19
Alexander would have been better suited returning to college, but his hand was forced by the NCAA and here we are. Physically, there are fewer NBA ready players, but skill-wise there is a lot to be desired. He rebounds and is a good shot-blocker, but is a mechanical mover on both ends of the court. Though Alexander is young, plays hard, and has physical tools to succeed, it is hard to see him as more than an end of the bench big man. All the upside here is based on recruiting pedigree though, not from what he has shown on the court in college.
43. Cedi Osman, SF Anadolu Efes (6-8, 190) Age: 20
Osman is an ideal draft-and-stash prospect because he has some intruiging skills now, namely ball-handling and passing at a high level, but needs to improve his shooting and footwork on defense. This is perfect in the second round because if Osman pans out, great, if not all you lost was a mid-range second round pick.
44. Nikola Milutinov, C Partizan (7-0, 220) Age: 20
Milutinov is similar to Osman in that he has abilities to work with, but needs work on one critical aspect of his game. Namely, Milutinov needs to get tougher which like means he needs to get stronger, particularly in the lower half. He moves well, has excellent size and length, as well as a nice offensive skillset, but is much too easily pushed around at this point. If, after another year or two in Europe, Milutinov has bulked up then he could be a solid backup center; if he hasn't then not much has been lost.
45. Richaun Holmes, F/C Bowling Green (6-10, 243) Age: 21
Holmes has impressed in workouts with his physicality, energy, and defense, which is what he would bring to an NBA team. Reliable defenders/rebounders that bring energy every night and can finish feeds around the rim have a place in the NBA, and even if it is the end of the bench. Injuries happen in the NBA and without quality players, even at a lesser level, teams can fold up when injuries come. Players like Holmes are valuable because you can place them on the floor with confidence that they will hold the line at least.
46. Andrew Harrison, G Kentucky (6-6, 213) Age: 20
Harrison played point guard at Kentucky, and though I think he lacks the mentality to be a full-time NBA point guard I could see him succeeding as a secondary player that spots up, attacks close-outs and draws fouls. As appealing as a great playmaker surrounded by 4 shooters is, lacking a secondary ball-handler can come back to bite you if defenses force the ball out of your lead playmakers hands. A guy like Harrison who can conceivably shoot a decent percentage behind the arc while also making a play or two is a solid option as a fourth guard.
47. Tyler Harvey, SG Eastern Washington (6-4, 181) Age: 21
Harvey is an amazing shooter that is probably draftable based on that alone, but he needs to develop at least one more ability to make that skill play. If his defense improves, Harvey could work as a spot-up off guard or defending point guards next to James Harden-type player. Likewise, if he learns to handle the ball a bit better, Harvey could become a scoring lead guard off of the bench. These are big ifs, but there are several shorter shooting specialists in the league, so Harvey could still stick.
48. Alan Williams, C UC-Santa Barbara (6-8, 261) Age: 22
Williams is the kind of player you can't help but root for, a very undersized center (short not small) that lacks great athletic ability yet gobbles up rebounds at a high rate because of his strength, instincts, and physicality. Williams is the kind of guy coaches love and that makes his teammates better by the way he plays in practice. That is enough to get him drafted, by making a roster is the question. Jon Brockman and Jeff Adrien appeared in 150 and 153 games respectively in their NBA careers, so don't count out Williams.
49. Joseph Young, SG Oregon (6-2, 182) Age: 22
Young is also a tremendous shooter/scorer but like Harvey, he is undersized for his natural position of shooting guard and will need to develop more point guard skills to be anything more than an Andrew Goudelock-esque player. However, the one situation I could see Young succeeding in is Houston, with James Harden as the primary playmaker because Young can defend point guards just fine.
50. Aaron White, PF Iowa (6-9, 220) Age: 22
White is intriguing because he rated out excellently in efficiency stats (1.16 points per play, best in the draft), has good athletic ability, and shot a decent percentage from beyond the arc last season, albeit on few attempts. White is the player I could most see breaking out from the mid-to-late second round, especially if his jumpshot is for real.
Worth mentioning: Larry Nance, PF Wyoming; Olivier Hanlan, G Boston College; Dakari Johnson, C Kentucky; Jarell Martin, PF LSU; Michael Qualls, SG Arkansas; Vince Hunter, PF UTEP, Julian Washburn, SF UTEP; Quinn Cook, PG Duke; T.J. McConnell, PG Arizona; Cady Lalanne, C Massachusetts, Chris Walker, F Florida
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