Top 12 Rookies: Preseason Edition

This list is based on three things: 1. current production, 2. role 3. long term outlook; in that order. All of these players are good and where they are ranked has nothing to do with whether I think they are "good" or not, it is simply an attempt at a snapshot of where they rookies stand right now.

01. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Simmons hasn't blown the doors off statically but it is obvious watching him that he is a step ahead of the rest of the rookies (and with good reason, Simmons has had a year more of adjustment) both physically and mentally. The defense and shooting concerns remain and likely will for a while, but Simmons ability to handle the ball, pass, rebound, and get to the basket at a legit power forward's size is beyond impressive, a kind of player that is fun to watch and hard to defend.
Preseason Stats
5 GP, 22.8 mpg, 11.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 5.4 apg, 1.4 spg, 0.8 bpg, 2 tpg, .489 FG%, 0-3 3P, .409 FT%

02. Dennis Smith Jr, North Carolina State
Like Simmons, Dennis Smith Jr. pops off the screen with an athletic ability that stands out even among NBA players. More importantly, he seems to be working well with the Mavs veteran laden roster already, a relationship that goes ways. With the decision to start Dirk Nowitzki at center, the Mavericks will have at least three capable shooters on the floor with Smith (four when Seth Curry returns) which is more than enough space for Smith to jet into the paint. Like with all rookies (even those with a good rep) defense will be a work in progress, but Smith has the look of a top level playmaker in a perfect situation. Smith rolled his ankle in the Mavs last preseason game, but appears to have escaped without serious injury.
Preseason Stats
6 GP, 19.1 mpg, 10.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 4 apg,0.3 bpg, 1.3 spg, 2.3 tpg, .416 FG% .451 3P%, .635 FT%

03. Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers
Ball has only appeared in two games this preseason nursing a fear of De'Aaron Fox hurt ankle, however when on the floor Ball has looked exactly as advertised, pushing the tempo and showing off his tremendous vision. It's hard to judge based on two games, so the jury is still out on how well his funky jumper will work in an NBA setting or if he will be able to run a halfcourt offense well, two of the main wrinkles Ball will have to smooth out if he wishes to reach his ceiling as a prospect.
Preseason Stats
2 GP, 28.5 mpg, 6.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 6 apg, 1.5 spg, 0.5 bpg, 2.5 tpg, .333 FG%, .250 3P%, 1-1 FT

04. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
After an explosive summer league, Mitchell has continued that into the preseason, popping off the screen in a similar way to Simmons and Smith Jr. What is most important to Mitchell's development is a disappointing one for the Jazz and NBA fans: Dante Exum might miss the entire season with a shoulder injury. This thrusts Mitchell into a bigger role as perhaps the first guard off the bench, playing both guards spots. If Mitchell gets minutes at point guard, it may be rocky at first but in the long term may really help his development.
Preseason Stats
3 GP, 27.3 mpg, 17 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.6 apg, 0.6 spg, 2.6 tpg, .410 FG%, .250 3P%, .875 FT%

05. Josh Jackson, Phoenix Suns
Despite being (apparently) the most sought after player in the 2017 draft, Josh Jackson has flown under the radar this preseason, going about his business out in Arizona. So far, Jackson appears to be exactly the same player he's always been: playing hard (occasionally too hard, he needs to be smart AND active), attacking the basket and, despite how ugly his jumper it looks, it keeps going in. He's even been making his free throws at a respectable rate! Through sheer effort, Jackson stuffs the stat sheet, however he still tries to do too much on both ends, resulting in turnover and unnecessary fouls. A key for the Suns will be getting Jackson to play under control, but without sacrificing the energy that makes him such a good player.
4 GP, 28.5 mpg, 15.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 spg, 1 bpg, 5 tpg, .470 FG%, .461 3P%, .777 FT%

06. Malik Monk, Charlotte Hornets
Injuries to Nic Batum and Michael Carter-Williams has opened up a bigger role for Monk, a door he has stepped through with abandon so far in the preseason. Monk is and likely always will be a streaky gunner, who will light it up one night and be unable to do anything the next, though he will still keep trying. Until he can become a more consistent scorer, Monk will need to add additional value through playmaking, which he has actually shown a little bit of this preseason, running at least a rudimentary side pick-and-roll well enough. Also encouraging for Monk, and something that could be key for him become a more stable option, he has been getting the foul line a little more often than he did in college.
Preseason Stats
5 GP, 28.2 mpg, 15.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 0.2 spg, 0.8 tpg, .356 FG% .325 3P%, .764 FT%

07. De'Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
A back injury has limited Fox's minutes a bit so far this preseason, but two things have been abundantly clear: Fox is the backup as of now but his quickness is translating well to the NBA. The Kings somewhat confusingly brought in George Hill to the be the starting point guard while relegating Fox to a bunch role. At least at the start of the season, this is the case. Hill could share the backcourt with Fox, but the Kings also have a bunch of young shooting guards they want to play, limiting Fox's minute to purely backup point guard. Perhaps, as the season spirals away from the Kings, Fox will be able to play more, but right now his options seem limited. When he has played Fox looks like he'll be able to break down defenses from day one and his floater/in between game looks as good as ever. There are still the worries about his shooting and whether he plays with enough force to be the kind of finisher and defender you'd hope for, though his ability to pressure ball handlers is exciting.
Preseason Stats
3 GP, 16.6 mpg, 10.3 ppg, 1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.3 bpg, 0.6 tpg, .520 FG%, 1-1 3P, .714 FT%

08. Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic
Isaac has been good, in his own way, coming off the bench for the Magic so far this preseason. He looks pretty comfortable and natural despite his massive height for a forward and his ability to be a game changing defender is evident. He's still adjusting when it comes to offense and it will remain to be seen if he can expand his game beyond role player status. Isaac appears to be in a solid role off the bench for the Magic, but without the potential for more unless there is a injury to the starters.
Preseason Stats
6 GP, 22.8 mpg, 7.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.8 spg, 1.3 bpg, 1.5 tpg, .395 FG%, .200 3P%, .538 FT%

09. Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers
Kuzma has been lighting it up throughout the preseason, as he did in the summer league as well. Despite being a late first round pick, Kuzma has shown enough to speculate on how he projects into the season. Kuzma is a good playmaker and shooter, there isn't ton of question that he can be a positive offensive player, the real question is where does he play? Kuzma is frankly bad at the big man things at this point (0 blocks in 167 preseason minutes), but he may be too slow footed to defend wings. This season will be key to see where he fits, but he doesn't really have much of a role right now. At power forward, the Lakers have Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr while at small forward they have Brandon Ingram and Luol Deng, both of whom can play at the 4 as well. Are the Lakers willing to bench the highly paid Deng to play Kuzma? Time will tell.
Preseason Stats
6 GP, 27.8 mpg, 17.3 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 0.6 spg, 1.6 tpg, .513 FG% .242% 3P%, .785 FT%

10. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
We knew that Tatum would have a reduced role compared to the other top rookies, the question is whether or not Tatum's tough shot/iso heavy style of offense will translate to efficient scoring in the NBA. So far, not so good. Obviously he is adjusting and it is very early but Tatum has struggled to score and to do so efficiently, most distressingly he has only taken five foul shots in 101 minutes. It will be interesting to monitor how Tatum scores this year. He is definitely talented, but there is nothing "easy" about his offense.
Preseason Stats
4 GP, 25.3 mpg, 8.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2 apg, 0.5 bpg, 1 spg, 1.3 tpg, .371 FG%, .333 3P%, .600 FT%

11. Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls
Injury has limited Markkanen's ability to get on the court this season, but when he has played you can see the potential offensive ceiling. Markkanen's jumper is a thing of beauty, basically unstoppable and perfect for pick-and-pop. He's also a better, more mobile athlete than he ever gets credit for, particularly running in transition. His defense will be an area to monitor this season and whether or not he can carve out a bigger role.
Preseason Stats
3 GP, 24.6 mpg, 11.6 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.3 spg, 0.3 bpg, 1 tpg, .400 FG%, .388 3P%, 4-5 FT

12. Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia 76ers
Fultz was the best prospect in the draft and would be tops of this list if we're talking long term and overall talent. However, Fultz has attempted to re-work his jumpshot and basically can't shoot anymore, which is very troubling considering one of his biggest strengths was his ability to create mid-range jumpers as well as threaten from three. By this time next year, Fultz will most likely be one of the two or three best players on this list, but right now it is hard to be optimistic about his right now.
Preseason Stats
2 GP, 23.5 mpg, 8 ppg, 2 rpg, 2.5 apg, 0.5 spg, 2.5 tpg, .291 FG%, 0-3 3P 3-5 FT

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Charlotte Hornets Draft Review

Current Roster
PG: Kemba Walker/Briante Weber
SG: Nicolas Batum/Malik Monk/Jeremy Lamb
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Dwayne Bacon/Treveon Graham
PF: Marvin Williams/Frank Kaminsky
C: Dwight Howard/Cody Zeller

2017 Free Agents 
Restricted
G Brian Roberts
G Ramon Sessions (team option)

Unrestricted
F Christian Wood

Who They Drafted
1-11 Malik Monk, SG Kentucky
2-40 Dwayne Bacon, SF Florida State

Portland trading up for Zach Collins pushed one of the top 10 tier of guys down a spot to where the Hornets were picking at 11 and they smartly reaped the benefits. With a pretty set starting five, the Hornets were in dire need of depth, particularly in the backcourt, and Malik Monk dropping to them is an ideal fit for the kind of skills they need. Outside of their starters, Nic Batum and Kemba Walker, the Hornets don't have any other perimeter players that are much of a threat to score, which is where Monk comes in. His main skill (some might argue his only skill) is the jumpshot, which he creates space for by utilizing a few quick dribbles and a step-back, even without space Monk is able to make shots. From the Hornets standpoint, that is what they will ask him to do off the bench early in his career; Monk is fairly mercurial, sometimes he can't miss, other times not so much, which will be ideally suited to coming off the bench, where he can help win games with a scoring outburst, but not be relied on too heavily to carry the team offensively. What will be more important for the team, from Monk's standpoint, is whether or not teams will respect Monk enough to guard him consistently, obviously he is a dangerous shooter should and provide valuable spacing for the rest of the team when he is on the floor. However, if he streaky nature gets the better of him and he is shooting in the mid to low 30% from three, teams might start helping off him more, and if he isn't making shots or spacing the floor, he really doesn't help you much. Though his poor defensive profile (6-3 with a 6-3+ wingspan) will be mitigated a some by coming off the bench, he does provide a bit of a conundrum for coach Steve Clifford's defense, though Clifford has shown an ability to constructed good defenses around questionable defenders. A Monk/Batum pair could work with the later playing as the primary distributor, as could potentially could Monk and Briante Weber, mainly because Weber is such a good, tenacious defender that he could guard backup shooting guards well. Still, long term the Hornets will be hoping that Monk can become more of well rounded player than he currently is, whether that be by becoming a better defender or ball-handler/distributor.
After some moving around some in the second round, the Hornets selected Dwayne Bacon from Florida State. Bacon will likely be a depth player only on this team, but there is a chance he can develop into something more, particularly if his future lies at power forward. Bacon is a strong player with a good body that, if he continues to add weight could work as a small-ball four off the bench, at least in certain match-ups. As a power forward, all of a sudden Bacon's shooting and driving ability all of a sudden works a lot more that it would on the wing. Defensively, he has the movement skills to switch and defend perimeter 4s, but don't expect much on the glass or protecting the rim, as Bacon averaged a pathetic 8.1 rebound percentage and blocked an even more pathetic 5 total shots in 1987 career minutes (that's one block every 397 minutes, an embarrassing number for a player with his physical profile.)

What They Need Going Forward
The Hornets have a pretty full roster, but they still have questions at backup point guard where Weber does some things really well, but is fairly unproven. Ramon Sessions should probably not be brought back and Charlotte could look for a bigger point guard to take a flyer on, such as Michael Carter-Williams or Langston Galloway. Christian Wood is an option to return and spend time in the G-League, but the Hornets should look at a reliable veteran power forward, someone like Ersan Ilyasova or Amir Johnson, just in case Marvin Williams doesn't bounce back.

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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.