2017 NBA Draft Top 60: Final Rankings

01. Markelle Fultz, PG Washington (6-4, 195) Age: 19
02. Lonzo Ball, PG UCLA (6-6, 190) Age: 19
03. Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF Florida State (6-10, 210) Age: 19
04. Dennis Smith Jr, PG North Carolina State (6-3, 195) Age: 19
05. Josh Jackson, SG/SF Kansas (6-7, 209) Age: 20

06. Jayson Tatum, SF/PF Duke (6-8, 205) Age: 19
07. De'Aaron Fox, PG Kentucky (6-3¼, 170) Age: 19
08. Lauri Markkanen, PF/C Arizona (7-0, 230) Age: 20
09. Malik Monk, SG Kentucky (6-3, 200) Age: 19
10. Frank Ntilikina, PG Strasbourg (6-5, 170) Age: 18

11. Jawun Evans, PG Oklahoma State (5-11½, 185) Age: 20
12. Zach Collins, C Gonzaga (7-0, 232) Age: 19
13. OG Anunoby, SF/PF Indiana (6-7¾, 232) Age: 19
14. Donovan Mitchell, SG Louisville (6-3, 211) Age: 20
15. John Collins, PF/C Wake Forest (6-9½, 225) Age: 19

16. Justin Jackson, SF North Carolina (6-8¼, 201) Age: 22
17. Jarrett Allen, C Texas (6-10¼, 234) Age: 19
18. Terrence Ferguson, SG Adelaide (6-7, 184) Age: 19
19. Luke Kennard, SG Duke (6-5½, 196) Age: 20
20. Semi Ojeleye, SF/PF SMU (6-6¾, 241) Age: 22

21. Jordan Bell, PF/C Oregon (6-8½, 224) Age: 22
22. DJ Wilson, PF Michigan (6-10½, 234) Age: 21
23. Ike Anigbogu, C UCLA (6-9¾, 252) Age: 18
24. Justin Patton, C Creighton (6-11¼, 229) Age: 19
25. Derrick White, PG/SG Colorado (6-4½, 190) Age: 23

26. Isaiah Hartenstein, C Zalgiris (7-0, 225) Age: 19
27. Tyler Lydon, PF Syracuse (6-9½, 215) Age: 21
28. Cameron Oliver, PF/C Nevada (6-8¼, 239) Age: 20
29. Sterling Brown, SG SMU (6-5, 225) Age: 22
30. Harry Giles, PF/C Duke (6-10½, 232) Age: 19

31. Anzejs Pasecniks, C Gran Canaria (7-2, 229) Age: 21
32. Ivan Rabb, PF/C California (6-10, 220) Age: 20
33. TJ Leaf, PF UCLA (6-9¾, 222) Age: 20
34. Josh Hart, SG Villanova (6-5, 209) Age: 22
35. Johnathan Motley, PF/C Baylor (6-8¾, 238) Age: 22

36. Caleb Swanigan, PF/C Purdue (6-8½, 246) Age: 20
37. Tyler Dorsey, SG Oregon (6-4½, 183) Age: 21
38. Jonah Bolden, PF/C Radnicki Basket (6-10, 227) Age: 21
39. Edrice "Bam" Adebayo, PF/C Kentucky (6-9¾, 243) Age: 19
40. Wesley Iwundu, SG/SF Kansas State (6-6¾, 193) Age: 22

41. Tony Bradley, C North Carolina (6-10¾, 249) Age: 19
42. Mathias Lessort, PF/C Nanterre (6-9, 250) Age: 21
43. Frank Mason, PG Kansas (6-0, 189) Age: 23
44. Alec Peters, PF/C Valparaiso (6-8¾, 232) Age: 22
45. Frank Jackson, PG/SG Duke (6-3½, 202) Age: 19

46. Monte Morris, PG Iowa State (6-2½, 170) Age: 22
47. Devon Reed, SG Miami (6-5½, 206) Age: 22
48. Dillon Brooks, SG/SF Oregon (6-6, 220) Age: 21
49. Damyean Dotson, SG Houston (6-5½, 205) Age: 23
50. Thomas Bryant, C Indiana (6-10¾, 248) Age: 19

51. Sindarious Thornwell, SG South Carolina (6-4¾, 212) Age: 22
52. PJ Dozier, SG South Carolina (6-6¾, 201) Age: 20
53. Jaron Blossomgame, SF/PF Clemson (6-6¾, 219) Age: 23
54. Devin Robinson, SF/PF Florida (6-8¼, 190) Age: 22
55. Kyle Kuzma, PF/C Utah (6-9½, 223) Age: 21

56. Edmond Sumner, PG Xavier (6-5¾, 176) Age: 21
57. Kadeem Allen, PG Arizona (6-2¼, 192) Age: 23
58. Kobi Simmons, PG Arizona (6-4½, 166) Age: 20
59. Dwayne Bacon, SF Florida State (6-6¼, 222) Age: 21
60. Nigel Hayes, PF Wisconsin (6-7½, 254) Age: 22
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2017 NBA Draft: Top 10 Positional Rankings + Overview

Point Guard
Positional Overview
With five potential top ten picks and another potential first round, this draft is the best for point guards since the epic 2009 draft that saw thirteen taken in the first, Steph Curry, James Harden, Jrue Holiday, and Ricky Rubio among them (the second round of that draft also featured Patty Mills and Patrick Beverly). This class also features a wide variety of play styles, from score first to pass first, from defensive mavens to pick-and-roll maestros. Outside the first round there are also several solid older prospects that should slot in nicely as high floor, low upside backups. This is the group where the stars from this draft will come from.

Top 10
01. Markelle Fultz, Washington
02. Lonzo Ball, UCLA
03. Dennis Smith Jr, North Carolina State
04. De'Aaron Fox, Kentucky
05. Frank Ntilikina, Strasbourg
06. Jawun Evans, Oklahoma State
07. Frank Mason, Kansas
08. Monte Morris, Iowa State
09. Frank Jackson, Duke
10. Isaiah Briscoe, Kentucky

Shooting Guard
Positional Overview
Shooting guard has been at a low for several years now, and while this draft is unlikely to change that on the high end of the talent spectrum (it wouldn't be at all surprising if this draft ended up producing zero starting shooting guards) but there is a lot of depth here, even beyond those listed here. The one thing that stands out most about this class is the quality of shooting among them. Each of the prospects in the top ten were average or better shooters in college and project to remain that way heading into the NBA. Non point guards that can't shoot are less and less viable in today's NBA, so this class bodes well for the development of the position.

Top 10
01. Malik Monk, Kentucky
02. Donovan Mitchell, Louisville
03. Terrance Ferguson, Adelaide
04. Luke Kennard, Duke
05. Josh Hart, Villanova
06. Derrick White, Colorado
07. Wesley Iwundu, Kansas State
09. Davon Reed, Miami
10. Sterling Brown, SMU

Small Forward
Positional Overview
Quality NBA wings are always a hot commodity and this class has the potential to bring several more to the NBA. The key to this group will be overcoming potentially fatal flaws, be it questionable shooting, defense, or skill level. One thing this class really has going for it is versatility, many of these prospects can both play and guard multiple positions and bring a wide variety of skills to the table. This class may not end up with the stars some might hope, but at the least there should be several solid rotation players that come into the league this season.

Top 10
01. Jonathan Isaac, Florida State
02. Josh Jackson, Kansas
03. Jayson Tatum, Duke
04. O.G. Anunoby, Indiana
05. Justin Jackson, North Carolina
06. Semi Ojeleye, SMU
07. Rodion Kurucs, Barcelona
08. Dwayne Bacon, Florida State
09. Devin Robinson, Florida
10. Jaron Blossomgame, Clemson

Power Forward
Positional Overview
This power forward class is one of the weaker in recent memory, with most of the prospects not sure-fire starters and many best suited to playing center and featuring some real weaknesses to their games. However, there is also a real diversity of skill here, some with excellent shooting ability, others are skilled defensive players, while still others dominate on the glass. There may be no all-around players in this group, but there certainly are many with quality role player potential.

Top 10
01. Lauri Markkanen, Arizona
02. John Collins, Wake Forest
03. Tyler Lydon, Syracuse
04. Ivan Rabb, California
05. T.J. Leaf. UCLA
06. Jordan Bell, Oregon
07. D.J. Wilson, Michigan
08. Alec Peters, Valparaiso
09. Caleb Swanigan, Purdue
10. Cameron Oliver, Nevada

Center
Positional Overview
There isn't a surefire stud in this group, but several that could develop into such due to their physical tools and skills that just haven't quite come together. Beyond those few that could become more, there are intriguing potential role players as well as some all-or-nothing prospects that could become above-average starters or better but also have the downside of being non-NBA players. The interesting thing regarding these centers is that there isn't a ton of need at this position in the NBA, there has been a huge influx of talent there in the last couple of years. That means that many of these players could fall further down in the draft that expected, or not be drafted at all, despite the fact that they are among the top 60 prospects. Fit will also be huge with this group, as it is for most prospects, because many will need time to grow into their game.

Top 10
01. Zach Collins, Gonzaga
02. Jarrett Allen, Texas
03. Justin Patton, Creighton
04. Ike Anigbogu, UCLA
05. Jonathan Jeanne, Le Mans
06. Isaiah Hartenstein, Zalgiris
07. Harry Giles, Duke
08. Johnathan Motley, Baylor
09. Tony Bradley, North Carolina
10. Edrice "Bam" Adebayo, Kentucky

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2017 NBA Draft: Top 30 Rankings

While there are still a few draft decisions to be made, for the most part the potential first round draft picks are in the draft for sure. These rankings are based on my own evaluations of the players and not what I thing the consensus is in the NBA or draft circles. I place a lot of emphasis in my rankings on how players fit in the modern NBA and what role they will play. For example, I rank Jonathan Isaac higher than most because I believe his style of defense is the key to slowing down modern offenses, while I am lower on Jayson Tatum because I am not sure the way he plays offense fits in the modern NBA very well. I also have Dennis Smith ahead of De'Aaron Fox because I have more faith in his shooting, which is just enough to push one prospect ahead of the other when they are even (though different) in the rest of their games. Just because I rank a player lower than consensus does not mean I hate that player or think they will be a bust, it simply means I like the players ranked ahead of them more. 

01. Markelle Fultz, PG Washington (6-4, 195) Age: 19

Where He Fits: Fultz is best as a lead guard but can function off the ball due to his shooting ability. He should break down defenses consistently and score consistently from all over the floor, while also distributing the ball to teammates. Defensively, he has the tools but not the effort. Needs other good perimeter defenders around him.

02. Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF Florida State (6-10, 210) Age: 19

Where He Fits: Isaac is an ideal defender against modern NBA offenses because he can defend on the perimeter like a wing but also protect the rim like a big, mitigating modern strategies that take want to put defenders in places they are uncomfortable. Right now, Isaac is a spot up shooter and off ball cutter, and if that is all he is he will still be valuable, but there is a chance he can be more.

03. Lonzo Ball, PG UCLA (6-6, 190) Age: 19

Where He Fits: Ball is an intelligent guard that can play on or off the ball with ease. Tremendous vision and passing ability, excellent open court offense player, despite a funky release that limits some of his shooting options, it still goes in when he takes it from the right spots. Size helps with defensive versatility, though he hasn't been particular effective as a defender on a consistent basis. Would be best suited to playing with another guard that can defend and a team that would like to play up tempo.

04. Dennis Smith Jr, PG North Carolina State (6-3, 195) Age: 19

Where He Fits: A very athletic player, Smith is quick, fast, and a high leaper that should be able to consistently break down defenses and get to the rim. A good passer and three-point shooter that projects as a lead guard. Inconsistent effort and need of polish but a chance to be really good when locked in. Best suited to a pick-and-roll heavy team that allows him to handle the ball alot.

05. Josh Jackson, SG/SF Kansas (6-7, 209) Age: 20

Where He Fits: Versatile, productive perimeter defender (2.2 steals, 1.4 blocks per 40 minutes), high motor player that hits the glass (9.6 rebounds per 40), scores at the rim (.429% of his offense at the rim on 69% shooting) and passes the ball (3.9 assists per 40). Fills in the gaps on both offense and defense. Needs other shooters around him.

06. De'Aaron Fox, PG Kentucky (6-3¼, 170) Age: 19

Where He Fits: Fox is a tall, wiry point guard with a game that would fit in a couple years ago but nowadays is taboo, due to his lack of a three point shot so far. Fox does so much else well, including getting to the rim with ease (a whooping .481% of his shots were at the rim last season), playmaking for others, and excellent defense. Unless/until Fox finds his footing as a shooter, he will need some threats from that range around him, preferable a pick-and-roll partner that can shoot the ball.

07. Jayson Tatum, SF/PF Duke (6-8, 205) Age: 19

Where He Fits: Big wing that excels at exploiting mismatches. Bully post up scorer against smaller defenders and mid-range artist against bigger. Questionable efficiency but ability to consistently create a shot ala DeMar DeRozan. Solid defender, but lacking in upside due to so-so tools. Can play some four but not full time due to lack of length and strength. Will need a supporting cast that can give him room to operate. 

08. Frank Ntilikina, PG Strasbourg (6-5, 170) Age: 18

Where He Fits: Ntilikina is a big, long guard with excellent defensive potential, three point range, and developing creation skills. Needs polish as a point guard and may never be a ball-dominant number one playmaker, similar to Patrick Beverly but with more creation ability. Will be best suited alongside another playmaker that can take the pressure off. Would be good playing uptempo with a lot of pick and rolls.

09. Malik Monk, SG Kentucky (6-3, 200) Age: 19

Where He Fits: Streakiest of the streaky shooters, can easily make a 8 threes in a game or miss 8. Quick first step and polished stepback allow easy creation of threes. Monk has shown the ability to create for others and be devastating in transition, when he wants to (which isn't often enough). Great athlete but small and short-armed, best suited to defending point guards. Needs a big guard next to him as well as a primary creator.

10. Lauri Markkanen, PF/C Arizona (7-0, 230) Age: 20

Where He Fits: Elite shooter for any size, let along 7-plus feet. Can shoot off of screens, pin-downs, or pick-and-pop. Good finishing numbers (.695% at the rim) despite mediocre athletic ability and length, smart player and good passer, though passive occasionally. Markkanen is not a completely lost cause defending on the move but not good either, and is a poor rim protector that will need to work to become average on that end.

11. Zach Collins, C Gonzaga (7-0, 232) Age: 19

Where He Fits: Collins is a mobile big man with a lot of untapped potential, mostly due to the fact he only player 17.3 minutes per game, however his per 40 numbers show the kind of impact he can have: 23.2 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks per game. Collins has also shown excellent touch away from the basket (.556% on two point jumpers, .476 on 21 three point attempts). Unfortunately Collins also averaged 6.2 fouls per 40, which is indicative of the fact that he may have some growing pains and shouldn't be thrust into high minutes right away. 

12. Jarrett Allen, C Texas (6-10¼, 234) Age: 19

Where He Fits: Allen is a big man with long arms (7-5¼ wingpsan) and excellent athletic ability for his size. Not a finished product but excellent at the rim (.711%) and has shown touch outside the paint (.477% on two point jumpers). Physical tools to be a very good rebounder and defensive player. Played his best against the toughest competition. Allen will need someone to create shots for him (which he lacked at Texas) and time to develop his body and skill, but he has the chance to be a very good player.

13. Jawun Evans, PG Oklahoma State (5-11½, 185) Age: 20

Where He Fits: Top level pick-and-roll player at the college level, excellent at finding teammates and making the correct decision (though he can get wild at times). Very good shooter (.407 for his career) and pesky defender (2.4 steals per 40) though doesn't have the size to be elite on that end. Evans is also a poor finisher that is best suited to a pick and roll heavy team with a lot of spacing to help him at the rim, in the same way Kemba Walker's finishing improved when defenders were drawn away from the rim.

14. Justin Jackson, SF North Carolina (6-8¼, 201) Age: 22

Where He Fits: Gap filler on the offensive end. Great cutter and off ball player that reworked his jump shot to become a legitimate threat from deep. Jackson is a good ball handler and passer for a wing but isn't a top scoring or distributing option. Good defensive tools but so-so results, needs to improve his balance and get stronger on defense. High level role player.

15. Donovan Mitchell, SG Louisville (6-3, 211) Age: 20

Where He Fits: Mitchell is a short, powerfully built combo guard with tremendous physical tools (6-10 wingspan, 40½ vertical leap). A slasher that has developed his three point shot into his first option, solid playmaker but definitely not a lead guard despite his size. Despite the tools, he is an inconsistent defender that will likely need to guard bigger players unless he ends up on a team where the primary initiator is not the point guard.

16. Terrence Ferguson, SG Adelaide (6-7, 184) Age: 19

Where He Fits: Big off guard that can shoot the ball and defend. Excellent athlete finishing around the rim and running in the open court, but lacking much in the way of creation skills. A 3-and-D role player at this stage that shouldn't be counted on for more than that.

17. John Collins, PF/C Wake Forest (6-9½, 225) Age: 19

Where He Fits: Hyper-active, super athletic player somewhat stuck between the 4 and the 5. Collins was incredibly productive in college and is a rebounding (14.8 per 40) and finishing machine (.747% at the rim on a whopping 221 attempts) that outworks opponents. Not a natural defender that lacks elite length and doesn't have the range to play power forward and may struggle to play center. Best suited as a second unit player that can feast on backups.

18. Justin Patton, C Creighton (6-11¼, 229) Age: 19

Where He Fits: A project big man with a nice package of tools including soft hands and coordination, good length, and nice touch at and away from the basket. Patton isn't ready to contribute now but as he gets stronger and learns to harness those tools into consistent play, he could be a nice two-way big man that provides solid all around production.

19. OG Anunoby, SF/PF Indiana (6-7¾, 232) Age: 19

Where He Fits: Elite defensive prospect with long arms (7-2¼) and excellent athletic ability, can guard 1-4 now and even all five positions down the line. Basically a zero on offense at this point, will need to improve his three point shot become more instinctive a cutter and off-ball player. 

20. Tyler Lydon, PF Syracuse (6-9½, 215) Age: 21

Where He Fits: Lydon has the coveted combination of three point shooting (.398 career mark) and shot blocking (2 per 40). He has also shown the ability to attack closeouts at a power forward's size. Due to Syracuse's zone it is uncertain how he will do in man-to-man defense.

21. Ike Anigbogu, C UCLA (6-9¾, 252) Age: 18

Where He Fits: Gigantic man-child with tremendous strength and length, an NBA body. Will need a lot of seasoning to become a consistent contributor. No range outside the immediate basket area. Tools to be an awesome defender and rebounder but needs polish in those areas. High upside project.

22. Rodions Kurucs, SF Barcelona 2 (6-8, 190) Age: 19

Where He Fits: A slashing wing from Latvia, Kurucs probably won't come to the NBA right away but has the potential to be a solid contributor due to attacking style and a jumper that, while inconsistent, looks to develop into a weapon.

23. Semi Ojeleye, SF/PF SMU (6-6¾, 241) Age: 22

Where He Fits: A role player. Ojeleye is a chiseled combo forward with a jack-of-all-trades style of play. Potential as a small-ball four that can space the floor (.415% career shooter from three) and be effective as a switching defender. 

24. Luke Kennard, SG Duke (6-5½, 196) Age: 20

Where He Fits: A knockdown three point shooter that isn't lost creating with the ball in his hands. A crafty player that knowns how to ge,t to his spots and keep the ball moving if need be. Poor physical tools and likely to struggle as a defensive player. Kennard has a role as a three point specialist that can do a little more than the average at that position.

25. Ivan Rabb, PF/C California (6-10, 220) Age: 20

Where He Fits: Solid all-around big man that projects as a backup big that can do a little bit of everything. Rabb has shown some touch with his jump shot and can destroy smaller players in the post. He is a little bit stuck between the big man spots however and will need to either get stronger or more skilled to start at either.

26. TJ Leaf, PF UCLA (6-9¾, 222) Age: 20

Where He Fits: Leaf is a modern stretch four that really shot the ball well last season (.466% on 58 attempts) and can put the ball on the floor some. Completely lost on the defense end and will need to put in a lot of work to become competent in that area. A role player at this point, but one with a fair amount of upside. 

27. Jonathan Jeanne, C Le Mans (7-2, 207) Age: 19

Where He Fits: Painfully skinny, long armed (7-6½) big man with surprising three point touch. Needs to add a lot of strength and a lot of seasoning to be an NBA contributor but you cannot teach the length he has. Chances are slim, but Rudy Gobert with a three point shot is an extremely tantalizing prospect for any team, even if it is unlikely.

28. Isaiah Hartenstein, C Zalgiris (7-0, 225) Age: 19

Where He Fits: Skilled big man with a nice frame that teams might imagine could be the next Nikola Jokic. Not NBA ready at this point and will need time to develop, but he has the size, touch, and passing ability that modern NBA centers need.

29. Jordan Bell, PF/C Oregon (6-8½, 224) Age: 22

Where He Fits: Excellent, mobile defender that can guard on the perimeter, protect the rim, play the passing lanes, and cover a lot of ground. Mostly just a finisher at this point, Bell has shown some decent mid-range touch and will need to grow that at the NBA level. Best suited playing next to a stretch big that can make up for his lack of range.

30. Josh Hart, SG Villanova (6-5, 209) Age: 22

Where He Fits: Malcolm Brogdon 2.0, an experienced college player that knows what he is and plays to his strengths as a shooter, defender, and playmaker. Ready to come in from day one and play a role, though he may never advance beyond that role.

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Hoop-math.com draftexpress.com & sports-reference.com/cbb/ are all feature invaluable draft information used in this post.

2017 NBA Draft Rankings: Top 35 (2/23)

The NCAA and NBA regular seasons are slowly winding down so NBA teams out of the playoff race will start to turn their eyes towards the draft, as will their fans looking for hope in the future. Here's a look a 35 prospects that could hear their name called on draft night and perhaps turn around a Franchise if everything goes right. Measurements are college team listed and age is on draft night.

01. Markelle Fultz, PG/SG Washington (6-4, 195) Age: 19
After ascending to the top spot early in the year, Fultz has done nothing to lose a firm grasp on the top of prospect boards. Yes, his team is really bad but that doesn't matter when it comes to evaluation, he is just a cut above in terms of talent from the rest of this class. A clear number one in my mind.

02. Josh Jackson, SF/PF Kansas (6-8, 207) Age: 20
After Fultz, there are a number of players in the running for #2, but none match Josh Jackson's production, potential, and positional value. Jackson defense has been as good as expected, but it is his improved passing and 3-point shooting that have been most impressive. He still has a some rough edges to refine (consistency as a shooter, turnovers as a playmaker) but Jackson has a pretty impressive package of skills and plays one of the most sought-after positions in the league on the wing.

03. Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF Florida State (6-10, 210) Age: 19
Much that can be said about Jackson can also be said about Isaac. He isn't the same explosive level of player, but he is bigger and longer, to the point that he could possibly player center down the line. Know how many 6-10/11 players in the NBA have had a season where they have averaged 1.5 blocks per game, 1 steal per game, shot 61% from 2 and 36% from 3? Zero. Those are Isaac's stats through 25 games this season.

04. Dennis Smith Jr, PG North Carolina State (6-3, 195) Age: 19
After a slow start coming off a knee injury, Dennis Smith has found his stride and been the dynamic player he was pre-injury. North Carolina State has been a mess this season and Smith has certainly not been without fault, however Smith has still be incredibly productive and efficient. There are few more explosive point guards in College or NBA than Smith and it is easy to see just how much potential he has, with his current package pretty good right now. Think young Eric Bledsoe athleticism with older Bledsoe skills.

05. Lonzo Ball, PG UCLA (6-6, 190) Age: 19
Ball could easily be drafted second overall and it would be hard to argue with the choice. Ball is one of the most instinct and natural basketball players I have ever seen, he knows how to make the right play on both ends and does so much to help his team win. There are real concerns about his ability to create his own shot and penetrate defenses, but those are minor quibbles when compared to all he can do.

06. Jayson Tatum, SF/PF Duke (6-8, 205) Age: 19
Tatum has had a rollercoaster season, starting out hot before struggling in the middle of the season then bouncing back lately. There is no doubt that Tatum knows how to score, in the classic wing way of creating space for his mid-range shot. Though not a special athlete, Tatum will flash explosiveness and has good potential as a defender of multiple positions. The question isn't whether Tatum will score, it is if he can score efficiently as as part of a team concept, as he can become too mid-range/iso-heavy at times.

07. Frank Ntilikina, PG Strasbourg [FRA] (6-5, 170) Age: 18
Ntilikina has been out of sight, out of mind for the most of the season but he is one of the more intriguing prospects in this draft because of his size (6-5 plus with great length) and pure point guard ability. Ntilikina is an excellent pick-and-roll player who can also make shots off the dribble and make the correct plays. With his size and length, Ntilikina has the potential to be a really good defender of multiple positions. Like Ball, he isn't a sudden or super-quick athlete but Ntilikina is smooth and heady enough to create the separation needed.

08. Malik Monk, SG Kentucky (6-3, 200) Age: 19
Monk has been one of the most electric players this season but also one of the most frustrating. Basically, Monk can carry his team to victory if his shot is falling but provides very little when it isn't. Despite shooting .409% from three so far this season, Monk has shot less than 35% from three 15 times but more than 50% 11 times; basically he is really hot or cold most of the time. Beyond that, he doesn't pass the ball or get the rim well and is just so-so as a defender, especially considering his below average size and length for an off-guard. But again, he is an electric player that with consistency could be a really valuable scorer, one that can get his shot off no matter.

09. Lauri Markkanen, PF/C Arizona (7-0, 230) Age: 19
Markkanen has put together a special season shooting the ball, through 28 games he's nailed a blistering .457% on 4.6 attempts a game, a feat achieved only seventeen times in NBA history, and none of those players are anywhere close to seven feet tall. Obviously there are questions about his ability to defend and rebound, to do typical big man things, however even if he just reaches average levels in those areas, his shooting ability will make him a star.

10. Robert Williams, PF/C Texas A&M (6-9, 237) Age: 19
Williams has truly been one of the most impressive Freshmen this season and as such, he has seen his stock rise from second round to lottery accordingly. It's not hard to see why, Williams has an impressive build and athletic ability, with a long 7-4+ wingspan and a reach that makes playing center a real option for Williams. Add to that his incredible quick bounce, fluidity, and a surprisingly nice looking jumper and you can really dream on Williams potential, with a Myles Turner-like upside.

11. De'Aaron Fox, PG Kentucky (6-3, 187) Age: 19
While his teammate Malik Monk has been mercurial, Fox has been a much more steady contributor. What Fox is, is a tremendous defender and passer with the quickness to breakdown defenses and the vision to be a really good playmaker. However, Fox is also shooting .173% on threes and .311% on two-point jumpers, which is going to hold him back to Ricky Rubio level contribution until that improves (which, by the way, is not a bad outcome for a lottery pick).

12. Miles Bridges, SF/PF Michigan State (6-7, 230) Age: 19
Bridges will likely suffer from unfair comparisons to another undersized, strong forward from Michigan State (no, not Branden Dawson) but Bridges is a different type of player. Bridges is a tremendous, strong and explosive athlete capable of a multitude of highlight finishes well above the rim while also making .406% from three on 4.8 attempts per game. While that may oversell his true shooting ability somewhat, the fact that he can make a respectable percentage of threes while also being a such a threat finishing at that basket and providing defensive versatility makes Bridges a potentially valuable contributor.

13. Terrance Ferguson, SG/SF Adelaide [AUS] (6-7, 186) Age: 19
The big time recruit has been, like Ntilikina, out of sight out of mind playing overseas for a year before entering the NBA draft. Ferguson is a top level athlete with great size for a two guard and at least the length if not the bulk quite yet to play the three. Ferguson's shooting and defense should seamlessly fit into the NBA as a role player, and as a young guy with his athleticism there isn't a lack of upside for more. Think Terrence Ross with better defense and potential for more of and off the bounce game.

14. Justin Patton, C Creighton (6-11, 215) Age: 20
Patton came out of nowhere for Creighton, rising from unknown to potential lottery pick over the course of the season. Patton oozes potential just looking at him, with long arms and the kind of frame you can see filling out nicely. He runs the floor hard and has great hands and footwork, allowing him to convert around the basket at a ridiculous .817% shooting around the rim, a not insignificant number considering he does post up and isn't just a lob finisher. Patton has even shown some nice touch shooting the ball, though his poor free throw shooting numbers call that into question. Patton is more a collection of tools and skills than a finish product at this point, but oh boy are those skills impressive.

15. John Collins, PF/C Wake Forest (6-10, 218) Age: 19
One of the most productive players this season, John Collins is averaging a ridiculous 41 points and 20.8 rebounds per 100 possessions so far this season. Collins is the definition of bouncy and active, using his length and athleticism to finish at the rim, grab rebounds and block shots. Collins needs some refinement, he is still learning the intricacies of offense and defense, and there is some question of his feel, but even as a better rebounding Brandon Wright-type backup big man, Collins has some real value.

16. Jarrett Allen, C Texas (6-11, 235) Age: 19
Allen has flown under the radar this season, however for a freshman center, he has been very good, playing heavy minutes and being productive. Allen is far from a finished product, but prospects with his size, length (7-5+ wingspan), and athletic ability don't come along every day. Allen has shown nice touch on his jumper out to mid-range and it's not hard to dream on what he could become if that develops. Great hair too.

17. Ivan Rabb, PF/C California (6-11, 220) Age: 20
If you are looking for a solid all-around contributor as a backup big man, look no further than Rabb. Rabb has shown that he can score in the post, shoot it a little from the outside, and finish lobs at the rim while also posting strong rebounding numbers and being at least an average rim protector. Unless Rabb can really grow as a three-point shooter, his best role is probably as a backup center, where his lack of strength won't hurt as much but he won't have to defend on the perimeter (a weakness) like he would as a power forward.

18. Tyler Lydon, PF Syracuse  (6-8, 205) Age: 21
After a slow start, Tyler Lydon is all of a sudden shooting .415% from three and playing very well. Lydon isn't a potential star, but neither is he just a role player at the next level either. Power forwards that can make threes at an above-average rate, block shots, and attack close-outs don't grow on trees and those are all things that Lydon can do. He needs to get stronger and there are always the Syracuse/Zone questions, but the potential for what Lydon can bring is worth that risk.

19. Harry Giles, PF/C Duke (6-10, 240) Age: 19
What to do with Harry Giles? Pre-multiple knee injuries he was a top 5 pick at worst, now? He's averaging 11.9 minutes a game and looks tentative, lacking explosiveness and agility. Is he just working off the rust or is there long-term damage? Giles could declare and certainly be drafted in the first round (provided medical checks out) or return for another year at Duke and potentially be launched back in the top pick conversation, but also risk being permanently labeled damaged goods. Only time will tell what the correct decision is, hopefully whatever the outcome it involves Giles getting back to full strength.

20. OG Anunoby, SF/PF Indiana (6-8, 215) Age: 19
Anunoby is in a tough spot, after being considered in the top ten early in the year, his shooting slumped and then he injured his knee and is out for the rest of the season. He could still declare for the draft and would certainly be a first rounder, providing his knee is okay long term, However, like Giles, if Anunoby returns next year, improves his shooting while keeping up the elite level of defense, he could easily be a top ten pick but risk falling even further if he shows again his jumper hasn't develop as hoped. Anunoby is a tremendous defensive player who has shown he can score around the rim efficiently, however similarly to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, his upside will be determined how well his jumper improves.

21. Mikal Bridges, SF Villanova (6-7, 200) Age: 20
Try not to over think this, a wing with a 7-0+ wingspan, super athletic ability, who is shooting .402% from three, .716%(!) from two point range, and .913% from the line. A potential super efficient two-way wing player, sign me up.

22. Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C Zalgris [LITH] (7-0, 225) Age: 19
Similarly to Jusef Nurkic and to a lesser extent (at least skill wise) DeMarcus Cousins, Isaiah Hartenstein is a massive, skilled big man with some serious on-court attitude issues (which DraftExpress break down here). Hartenstein's skill level is high though, he can handle, pass, and shoot.

23. Justin Jackson, SF North Carolina (6-8, 193) Age: 22
Before shooting .396% on threes this season (197 attempts), Justin Jackson shot .297% (212 attempts), so there is a fair chance he shooting regresses as a near 22-year old. However, Jackson is a very smart player and that should serve him well as a ball-mover, cutter, and team defender. If the shooting is a for real, Jackson has an Otto Porter type upside.

24. Zach Collins, PF Gonzaga (6-10, 215) Age: 19
Collins is playing really well on a deep Gonzaga team and probably more of a 2018 prospect, however if he were to declare I think his combination of skill and athletic ability would be worthy of a first round pick, but he could go even higher in 2018.

25. Johnathan Motley, PF/C Baylor (6-9, 230) Age: 22
A somewhat skilled, athletic big man with center measurements, Motley looks like a solid bet as a backup big man that can contribute on defense and the glass while also not being completely lost of on offense, finishing strong and knocking down jumpers.

26. Donovan Mitchell, SG Louisville (6-3, 210) Age: 20
Stepping into a bigger role as a Sophomore, Donovan Mitchell has shown toughness as a driver, some playmaking skills, great defense, and he has really improved his jumper. He's an undersized two, likely to be relegated to a bench role, but he could be effective there.

27. Luke Kennard, SG Duke (6-5, 180) Age: 20
Despite playing with much more hyped players, Kennard has easily been Duke's best player this season and projects to a be a solid backup shooter in the NBA. Kennard is a knockdown shooter with tremendous smarts and a crafty off the dribble game.

28. Shake Milton, PG/SG SMU (6-5, 195) Age: 20
Milton is an ideal backup guard, one that can guard multiple positions, make plays off the dribble and shoot. He is a jack-of-all-trades type that can fill in at both guards spots and work in a multitude of different lineups, Milton isn't without upside either, as he is only 20 years old and has improved over the course of his career thus far.

29. T.J. Leaf, PF UCLA (6-10, 225) Age: 20
Like Collins, Leaf might be more of a 2018 prospect, though it is still very possible he declares for this draft. Leaf has shot the ball well from three this season (on low volume) but his real strength is his activity on the glass and skill with the ball, though it is important to remember that UCLA has amazing spacing and many capable guards to get him the ball. Right now Leaf is a negative defensively and his mediocre measurables will make journey to positive impact an uphill one.

30. Josh Hart, SG Villanova (6-5, 205) Age: 22
An All-American and National Champion, there isn't much more for Josh Hart to achieve in college, though that hasn't stopped his game from growing. Hart has become a much better passer and playmaker this year. Hart is essentially Malcolm Brogdon 2.0, a low upside guard that can shoot, make some plays, and defend, despite so-so physical gifts.

31. Caleb Swanigan, PF/C Purdue (6-9, 260) Age: 20
In some eyes, Swanigan is the favorite for National Player of the Year, so that gives you some sense of his production so far this season. Swanigan is a below the rim center with measurables and game eerily similar to Jared Sullinger. He is a high volume rebounder and post scorer with some range on his jumper, but also unathletic and slow-footed with serious question marks defensively.

32. Rodions Kurucs, Barcelona B [ESP] (6-8, 190) Age: 19
Kurucs is a one of the new breed of Euro prospects, an athletic slashing wing that loves to attack the basket. He needs to improve his defense and shooting, but down the line a team could reap the rewards of a patient development.

33. Dwayne Bacon, SF Florida State (6-7, 210) Age: 21
Besides a tasty name, Dwayne Bacon has the kind of strength that modern NBA wings need to work in switch heavy offenses. Add to that a decent off the bounce game with an improved jumper and Bacon has some potential as a solid backup two-way wing.

34. Bruce Brown, PG Miami (6-3, 200) Age: 20
Brown has the athletic profile you look for in an NBA point guard, though he will likely need some seasoning in terms of learning to run an offense and become a truly consistent shooter, particularly off the dribble. Brown seems like a perfect candidate for one of the new "two-way" contract that would allow him to develop in the D-League for a year or so before stepping in as a backup point guard.

35. Edrice "Bam" Adebayo, C Kentucky (6-10, 260) Age: 19
A couple years ago, Adebayo would be much more highly regarded when it comes to the NBA, but nowadays it's hard to find much more than a reserve role for him. He's huge and athletic, really good at finishing at the rim and sets solid screens, but... beyond that he has no range and is just and okay defender and rebounder. In the one-and-done atmosphere of Kentucky it'll be hard for Adebayo to return to school and work on his game, but it would probably be the best move.

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Hoop-math.com draftexpress.com & sports-reference.com/cbb/ are all feature invaluable draft information used in this post.