Among big men in this draft, there isn't a better combination of physical gifts, skill, and production than Anthony Bennett. At only just 20, Anthony Bennett has an NBA body to go with great length and explosiveness. Bennett is very skilled, he can score from the post all the way out to the 3-point line as well as handle the ball, rebound and block shots. Bennett is one of the three best prospects in this draft and could end up being the best down the line.
2. Cody Zeller, Indiana So. (7-0, 230)
Over the course of the pre-draft process, Cody Zeller has remade himself from post-playing center to perimeter power forward. This change suits Zeller who has lackluster arm length, reach, strength and explosiveness (I don't care what the combine vertical tests say) and can really struggle with long, athletic and physical defenders. However, he is skilled and should be able to transition to the power forward position easily.
Tier 2: Mid-to-Late First Round
3. Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga Jr. (7-0, 234)
The most skilled big man in the draft, Kelly Olynyk could pass as a small forward, as well as he handles the ball and shoots. Olynyk is also a good finisher with a polished low post game. The concerns with Olynyk are defensive, he isn't a great rebounder and might struggle to defend some because of his lack of explosiveness and short wingspan. However, Olynyk's versatile scoring ability as a big should keep him in the NBA.
4. Tony Mitchell, North Texas So. (6-9, 235)
Tony Mitchell is one of the most talented prospects in this draft, he is very long, strong and athletic as well as relatively skilled. The reason Mitchell isn't a lock for the lottery is a disastrous Sophomore season in which he regressed in almost every statistical category. This can partially be explained by a change in coaching and a terrible situation at North Texas, though Mitchell is certainly to partially to blame. A risk certainly, but one that could pay of big time.
4. Livio-Jean Charles, France (6-9, 217)
Livio Jean-Charles blew up the Hoop Summit, registering 27 points and 13 boards against the top American High School Seniors. Perhaps even more importantly, Jean-Charles showed consistently in practices that he has the skill-set of a roleplayer: rebounding, defense, finishing, and a nice mid-range jumper.
5. Grant Jerrett, Arizona Fr. (6-10, 232)
I liked Jerrett as a sleeper before the season, but he hardly got many minutes as a Freshman, yet surprisingly declared for the draft. Though he has a lot of work to do, Jerrett could really turn into a valuable NBA player for two simple reasons: size and shooting. At 6-10 with a 7-2 wingspan, a 9-1 reach and good athleticism Jerrett is a very good shooter, and stretch 4s are all the rage in the NBA.
6. Jackie Carmichael, Illinois State Sr. (6-9, 241)
Big, strong, long, and athletic, Jackie Carmichael does all the little things you want from a back-up big man. He can rebound, defend, and finish close to the basket. At 23 and not particularly skilled offensively, Carmichael isn't likely to be much more than a back-up but he can still be a contributor.
7. Ryan Kelly, Duke Sr. (7-0, 228)
Like Jerrett, Ryan Kelly's path to the NBA lies solely on his shooting ability and size. Kelly shot 42% from 3 last season. He isn't very strong or athletic, nor does he rebound particularly well, but as a stretch 4 Kelly has a future as a role player.
8. Andre Roberson, Colorado Jr. (6-7, 206)
Roberson is an interesting case, he has tried to improve his draft stock by playing more on the perimeter last season, but he simply isn't skilled at that. What he does do however, is rebound and defend like crazy. Over the last two seasons, Roberson has averaged 11+ rebounds while also ,asking a ton of plays defensively and winning 2012's Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
9. Arslan Kazemi, Oregon Sr. (6-8, 228)
There isn't a prospect in this draft that plays harder than Arslan Kazemi, he goes full out every possession, hunting down rebounds on both ends and getting up into opponents on the defensive end. He has a 7-0 wingspan and solid athleticism, but it's his motor and defensive ability that will earn him a spot in the NBA.
10. Trevor Mbakwe, Minnesota Sr. (6-8, 236)
If you didn't know anything about him, you'd watch Trevor Mbakwe and think he was a top 10 pick. Physically dominant with strength, length, huge hands, and explosive leaping ability, which allows him to dominate in the paint. However, Mbakwe is 24 years old, has some serious character red-flags, as well as injury issues. Still, teams may take a chance on him as a backup.
11. Erik Murphy, Florida Sr. (6-10, 240)
Like Kelly and Jerrett, Erik Murphy is a stretch 4 who shot a blistering 45% from 3 last season. He also has value defending on the perimeter. However, he is a poor rebounder and interior defender that doesn't bring much more to the table than shooting and a high basketball IQ.
12. Brandon Davies, BYU Sr. (6-10, 242)
Like a lot of other prospects on this list, Davies is physically developed and strong, and should be able to find value as a back up big man who can rebound, block shots and battle in the paint. What's interesting about Davies is he has developed somewhat of a jumper, which should help him land on a roster.
13. Kenny Kadji, Miami Sr. (6-10, 242)
Kadji measured great at the combine, with a 7-3 wingspan and 38 inch vertical, he also shot 35% from 3 and and blocked over a shot a game. So why is he a borderline second round pick? He's already 25 years old, which means he lacks considerable upside.
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