I'll drop my top 15 SFs & PFs and my top 10 centers right quick. Have to finish cleaning up some things in my mock and I'll be good to drop that tomorrow.
Like usual, my rankings are based of current skill and how it will translate + potential. I don't think all of these guys will declare, but this is where I rank them either way.
Top 15 Small Forwards
1. Josh Jackson
2. Jayson Tatum
3. Jonathan Isaac
4. OG Anunoby
5. Miles Bridges
6. Mikal Bridges
7. Rodions Kurucs
8. Dwayne Bacon
9. Dedric Lawson
10. Devin Robinson
11. Semi Ojeleye
12. Vince Edwards
13. Justin Jackson
14. V.J. Beachem
15. Jaron Blossomgame
Top 15 Power Forwards
1. Robert Williams
2. Lauri Markkanen
3. Ivan Rabb
4. Caleb Swanigan
5. John Collins
6. TJ Leaf
7. Isaiah Hartenstein
8. Tyler Lydon
9. Harry Giles
10. Johnathan Motley
11. Cameron Oliver
12. Jordan Bell
13. Mathias Lessort
14. Jonathan Jeanne
15. Kyle Kuzma
Top 10 Centers
1. Justin Patton
2. Ike Anigbogu
3. Bam Adebayo
4. Thomas Bryant
5. Jarrett Allen
6. Anzejs Pasecniks
7. Tony Bradley
8. Viny Okouo
9. Amida Brimah
10. Michael Fusek
1. Boston Celtics (via Brooklyn): Markelle Fultz, G, Washington – Freshman
H: 6’4” W: 185 lbs
At this point it seems Ainge wouldn’t part with the draft picks acquired from Brooklyn even if it meant acquiring an All Star level talent such as Paul George or Jimmy Butler. This is unfortunate as Ainge using a pick is the NBA equivalent of driving a brand new car off of the lot but with a much higher depreciation rate. Luckily, there is almost no possible way that he can make a bad selection with the #1 overall pick in not only a historically deep lottery, but draft as a whole.
While Markelle Fultz is a great fit in Boston, he does not help fill Boston’s biggest need in a big man. Ideally, I think that Robert Williams is a great fit for this team, but as of right now #1 is just a little too high for him. Fultz however does enable Brad Stevens to have a lot more versatility with his lineups as Fultz excels on or off ball. He can be the lead guard and allow Thomas to continue playing more like a 2 while still matching up against point guards, or he can let Thomas fill the lead guard roll and use his improving spot up game to make opposing defenses pick their poison.
Fultz is also very deceptive when it comes to athleticism. His silky smooth game camouflages his explosiveness and bounce, and makes people forget about his elite body control, ability to make LeBron-esque chasedown blocks as a point guard and that he dunked from the free throw line while in high school. Fultz has the most complete game that I’ve seen out of any prospect since I began watching basketball, and he won’t turn 19 until just 25 days before the NBA draft.
The Suns have a very interesting roster filled with potential and athleticism. With the future, or lack thereof, of Eric Bledsoe and (a disappointing) Brandon Knight in Phoenix being uncertain, it’s highly unlikely (but not impossible, as McDonough is no stranger to stockpiling point guards) that the Suns decide to go after Dennis Smith or Lonzo Ball.
Josh Jackson would bring lineup versatility to Phoenix, just as Fultz would to Boston, by being an elite passing prospect for a wing player, perhaps elite is an understatement as he is the best I’ve seen since Evan Turner in that area. I could see him being a LeBron type playmaker at the small forward position which is definitely a great asset in today’s NBA. Dragan Bender also has a lot of potential to be a very good playmaker at his position, which would make almost every player on the floor for Phoenix a dangerous threat to setup teammates.
There is something to be desired still with Josh’s shooting consistency but that’s not what he’ll primarily be asked to do, so it shouldn’t cause many issues when he can hit Devin Booker for an open 3 or hit Chriss for a lob in transition.
3. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA - Freshman
H: 6’6” W: 190 lbs
With Magic’s return to the Lakers, and the Lakers need for a point guard, the local Lonzo Ball appears destined to become a backcourt partner to D’Angelo Russell in Los Angeles.
While I have more concern with Ball than I do any other lottery prospect, I do think this is the best fit for him as well as the Lakers, and will give him the best chance to succeed. Having, in my opinion, the lowest ceiling out of my top 6 point guards, is the biggest reason I don’t have him ranked higher (he is currently my #4 point guard). I had similar feelings about Ben Simmons last year and we have yet to see how accurate they were, but I feel Lonzo’s game will not translate as much (at least not as quickly as other guard prospects) to the next level as others think.
Ball has a lot of impressive attributes to his game, and no doubt will be a great addition to this team. Just because a player isn’t a superstar or doesn’t put up a HoF type resume doesn’t mean he was a bust, they might still be just as crucial to a team’s success as the best player on the squad. Lonzo has shown to make his teammates better and I think that will be his biggest asset to the Lakers.
4. Orlando Magic: Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona – Freshman
H: 7’0” W: 225 lbs
It appears that the Magic are not ready to give up on Payton as their point guard of the future, so it is likely that Orlando will go with a forward with the fourth pick. If the Magic keep Vucevic around he and Markkanen would form a good front court tandem to build around. Markkanen is not the most capable rebounder, but what he lacks on the boards he makes up for by being an elite scoring threat.
His current skillset most closely resembles that of a stretch 4, but his potential is much greater as a seven-footer that has shown the ability to guard the perimeter and even create off the dribble at times. Aaron Gordon will benefit the most from Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor, and a Vucevic/Markkanen pick-and-roll would be extremely difficult for opposing defenses to stop.
There is a lot of upside with this pick, and also more risk than the previous selections, but it could prove to payoff big for Orlando as Markkanen looks like he will have a very unique game for a seven footer, in time.
5. Philadelphia 76ers: Malik Monk, G, Kentucky – Freshman
H: 6’4” W: 185 lbs
The best SG in the draft by a longshot. Although 6’4” might be reaching just a tad, Monk makes up for his size with great bounce and athleticism. He has great work ethic and has completely bought in to playing defense at Kentucky and is improving every game.
Monk fills a much needed position in Philadelphia by adding elite scoring not only on the perimeter but also a great option for Ben Simmons to throw it up to above the rim in transition. Monk is still working on his point guard skills, but that is why this is such a great situation for him as his work in progress point guard skills are not as big of an emphasis as they would be for other teams because of Ben Simmons running the offense.
Ideally I think the best thing that could happen to Philly would be to get Fultz and Monk, but that is not too likely at the moment. Settling for just Monk isn’t too bad either.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jonathan Isaac, F, Florida State – Freshman
H: 6’11” W: 205 lbs
Perhaps the lottery pick who is the farthest away from being ready to contribute on the next level, Isaac also has one of the highest ceilings of any player in this draft. I personally feel returning to school for one year would benefit his development a little more, but that is not going to happen and he will be taken top 10.
Isaac is another player that can play a multitude of positions for Minnesota and while he is still very raw, he could be the piece that provides the elite defense KAT lacks. His game is very fluid for someone of his size and is a complete defensive mismatch on any level. His success depends on him gaining strength so Minnesota has to be willing to be patient for a few more years.
7. Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Smith Jr., PG, North Carolina State – Freshman
H: 6’3” W: 195 lbs
Despite the potential greatness from Markelle Fultz, Smith is the #1 player on my board. Unless Phoenix moves on with Bledsoe, or Orlando decides to give up on Payton, it is entirely possible that Smith falls right into the lap of the Dallas Mavericks.
Like Fultz, Smith is an elite athlete with the difference being Smith is in your face with it and Fultz makes you forget about it until he’s dunking on you. Like Malik Monk, Smith plays bigger than his height (which is not a problem as Smith has excellent size for the point guard position). Dennis is the most NBA-ready player in this draft and does a lot of things that are needed on the next level that other prospects lack.
His injury history might concern some, and that is another reason he could fall, but I feel confident in his ability to have a long career and live up to his potential.
8. New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina, PG, France
H: 6’5” W: 170 lbs
Ntilikina looks to be the perfect point guard for the Knicks to pair with Porzingis and the quickly emerging Willy Hernangomez. With great length and feel for the point guard position, Ntilikina is one of my favorite prospects in this year’s draft. He is a great defender, his ability on that end is only behind that of De’Aaron Fox at the point guard position.
Ntilikina is a good ball-handler and can pass over the top of smaller defenders due to his height and superior wingspan. The reason I rank him ahead of De’Aaron Fox is because of his length, shooting ability, and his age. Ntilikina is the only top PG prospect that will still be 18 years of age when draft day rolls around. Normally it is tougher to be confident with international prospects, but I am very confident that Ntilikina will pan out as a great player in the NBA.
9. New Orleans Pelicans: Jayson Tatum, F, Duke – Freshman
H: 6’8” W: 204 lbs
No disrespect to Buddy Hield, but Anthony Davis is in need of a legit second option next to him and that is exactly what Jayson Tatum is. He is a very polished player at this stage and is definitely up there with Dennis Smith in terms of NBA-readiness. I think this is a great situation for him as I don’t see him being very successful as the #1 option for a team.
The Pelicans might be a little more offensive than defensive, but with Anthony Davis on your team that won’t be too much of an issue.
10. Portland Trailblazers: Robert Williams, PF/C, Texas A&M – Freshman
H: 6’9” W: 237 lbs
Quickly rising up the draft ranks is an interesting prospect in Robert Williams. He is currently my #1 power forward and would be a great addition for almost any team. Despite being 6’9”, Williams has the ability to play the 5 due to his impressive 7’4” wingspan. Portland certainly could use all the defensive help they could get, and Williams is a good fit next to the newly acquired Jusuf Nurkic.
If the Kings end up keeping this pick (top 10 protected) I think they will also select De’Aaron Fox, an explosive PG who has been compared to John Wall due to his elite speed. Fox has some work to do still before becoming a quality starting point guard in the NBA, but what he can do currently is impressive, especially on the defensive end as he is more skilled on that end of the court than any other guard in this draft. Chicago is desperately in need of anything they can get, and the point guard position has been the most turbulent for them this season.
12. Charlotte Hornets: Justin Patton, C, Creighton – Freshman
H: 6’11” W: 215 lbs
Patton can’t hide much longer, an extremely promising big man who can run the floor and finish above the rim in transition. His frame needs more work than a guy like Robert Williams, but he is still just as promising. The most impressive aspect of his game to me is how efficient he is despite his age, and he is very fundamentally sound.
13. Miami Heat: Ivan Rabb, PF/C, California – Sophomore
H: 6’10” W: 215 lbs
Rabb decided to return to school after his freshman season despite being a likely lottery pick. Even though he hasn’t improved his game as much as I had hoped, he hasn’t done much to hurt his stock either and is still one of the top big men in the country. The Heat get a talented partner to put next to Whiteside, or a future replacement.
14. Milwaukee Bucks: Miles Bridges, F, Michigan State – Freshman
H: 6’6” W: 226 lbs
Ever since I began watching Miles Bridges play I’ve seen a striking resemblance to Josh Smith in his game. He definitely is a more polished player at this age than Smith was and can become what Josh should have. Milwaukee gets another combo forward who can run the floor with Giannis and make some plays. Depending on the future of Jabari Parker, Bridges could be a big piece for this Milwuakee team.
15. Denver Nuggets: John Collins, PF, Wake Forest – Sophomore
H: 6’10” W: 225 lbs
Collins is an extremely efficient player and tremendous rebounder. Despite being a sophomore, he is still younger than many freshman in this draft. He has a lot of work to do on both ends, but Collins could definitely be getting lottery looks come draft time.
16. Detroit Pistons: TJ Leaf, PF, UCLA – Freshman
H: 6’10” W: 220 lbs
Another name that not many people expected to be in lottery discussion is TJ Leaf out of UCLA. He is an excellent athlete who is very efficient from behind the 3 point line and is a decent playmaker. Leaf could continue rising as the season goes on, he still has a lot to work on however.
17. Chicago Bulls: Isaiah Hartenstein, PF, Germany
H: 7’0” W: 242 lbs
Hartenstein is a very talented big who can create his own shot on the perimeter and pass the ball exceptionally well. He has high upside on both sides of the ball if he can work out some issues with his basketball IQ and maturity.
18. Indiana Pacers: Dwayne Bacon, SF/SG, Florida State – Sophomore
H: 6’5” W: 202 lbs
The shooting guard position is a big issue for the Pacers this season and although I think of Bacon as more of a 3 than a 2, he is capable of playing there. Bacon can do everything that Monta Ellis can but better at this stage in their careers. A good mismatch against smaller guards, Bacon is a really good transition finisher and slasher. He is still a streaky shooter but if he can show the ability to finish consistently at the NBA level he will be a great addition next to Paul George.
Bacon is a good example of how staying in college can pay off, unfortunately for him this is a loaded class or he would be a lottery pick. I could see him developing into a smaller version of Marvin Williams.
19. Oklahoma City Thunder: Rodions Kurucs, SF, Latvia
H: 6’8” W: 190 lbs
He likely won’t be ready right away, but Kurucs is a great fit for OKC, providing some more defense plus the much needed ability to knock down the three, and he can pass the ball decently. He’s getting some quality experience in Europe and I wouldn’t be surprised to see his stock climb even higher.
20. Atlanta Hawks: Luke Kennard, SG, Duke – Sophomore
H: 6’5” W: 187 lbs
Kennard has greatly improved all areas his game following his freshman season at Duke. Currently my #2 shooting guard, Kennard is more than the typical 3 point shooter, he is a good rebounder, passer and can score from anywhere on the court with impressive efficiency. I wouldn’t be surprised to see someone reach a little for him with the lack of depth at the shooting guard position in this draft.
21. Toronto Raptors: Terrance Ferguson, SG/SF, USA
H: 6’7” W: 186 lbs
A player that I’m not very enamored with is Terrance Ferguson. Despite being very low on my board, I have the Raptors taking him at 21. Masai likes taking these raw players and developing them. At his best I see Ferguson as a very athletic 3 & D player, a replacement for the recently departed Terrance Ross, who won’t be ready for some time.
Before his injury, Anunoby was a lottery pick, luckily for the Blazers he could fall to them at #22. Paired with Robert Williams at #10 the Blazers get immediate help on the defensive end. Both players can guard multiple positions with Anunoby having the rare talent of being able to guard any position 1-5. He will be able to guard the opponent’s best player, which can help out a lot with the lack of defense from the Blazers’ backcourt. Anunoby brings more than just a traditional 3 & D skillset as he is very athletic, has a high IQ and has potential to be a very good rebounder, he also has a developing post game.
Tyler Lydon can come in for the Jazz and be a valuable forward off of the bench, capable of playing either the 3 or 4, he can backup Gordon Hayward or provide minutes behind Derrick Favors, especially if Favors can’t stay healthy. He has more of a stretch 4 skillset right now, but if he can work on guarding the perimeter that would help his versatility.
24. Washington Wizards: Bam Adebayo, PF/C, Kentucky – Freshman
H: 6’10” W: 250 lbs
Adebayo has fallen quite a bit since the season started but he still has tremendous upside. Already with an NBA ready body, Adebayo would fit in well with Washington and become an elite transition scorer with John Wall feeding him lobs.
Another pick that Toronto can afford to gamble a little with, Mikal Bridges is a very interesting player with a seven foot wingspan and a great all-around game. Bridges has taken a big leap in his second year while getting more minutes. He is shooting an extremely impressive 72% from 2 and over 40% from 3 on over three attempts a game. Bridges doesn’t get to the line a ton, but when he does, he knocks them down, shooting over 90% on a little over 40 attempts this season.
Not only is bridges an intriguing prospect on offense, but he is also an exceptional defender putting up 2.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per-40 minutes. He has a very good basketball IQ and doesn’t turn the ball over often. Many think he will return for another year at Nova, but I can see him rising even farther in this year’s draft.
26. Brooklyn Nets (via Boston): Harry Giles, PF/C, Duke – Freshman
H: 6’11” W: 222 lbs
A shell of his former self, Giles has been struggling during his freshman season at Duke. However, Brooklyn could use any assets they can get and as they showed last year with Caris LeVert, they aren’t afraid to take players with an injury history. It seems to have worked out taking a risk with LeVert, who was a lottery talent without injury concern, and they might try their luck again with Giles.
27. Houston Rockets: Thomas Bryant, C/PF, Indiana – Sophomore
H: 6’10” W: 241 lbs
On the other side of the coin is Thomas Bryant, who shows the downside of what can happen when you outstay your welcome in college. More in part to a disappointing Indiana team, Bryant has fallen from a lottery pick last year to a fringe first rounder this year. Bryant has elite length and could become a rim protector and great rebounder. He is a great fit in Houston as he can run the floor extremely well for a big man and hit the 3 point shot. There are a lot of unique aspects to Bryant’s game that other bigs don’t have, I wouldn’t be surprised to see his name climb back up as well.
Jawun Evans is a point guard with just as much potential as the lottery guards. He is a year older but his game has taken a great jump in his sophomore season. Even though he is a shorter guard, he makes up for it with an elite floater and an Isaiah Thomas-like finishing ability. He is a great passer as well, and can hit shots from anywhere on the court. He can be a very high quality backup to Lillard and add to an already impressive draft class for the Blazers – who are a very good drafting team.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Caleb Swanigan, PF/C, Purdue – Sophomore
H: 6’9 W: 247 lbs
San Antonio could do it again by getting a steal in Swanigan. He could be the next great Spurs big man if he manages to fall. He is leading the nation in double-doubles and is a player of the year candidate.
The first junior off the board, Devonte Graham is a player who has a lot of skills that will translate immediately to the NBA. He can contribute day one off of the bench for the Jazz.
1. Boston Celtics (via Brooklyn): Markelle Fultz, G, Washington – Freshman
H: 6’4” W: 185 lbs
At this point it seems Ainge wouldn’t part with the draft picks acquired from Brooklyn even if it meant acquiring an All Star level talent such as Paul George or Jimmy Butler. This is unfortunate as Ainge using a pick is the NBA equivalent of driving a brand new car off of the lot but with a much higher depreciation rate. Luckily, there is almost no possible way that he can make a bad selection with the #1 overall pick in not only a historically deep lottery, but draft as a whole.
While Markelle Fultz is a great fit in Boston, he does not help fill Boston’s biggest need in a big man. Ideally, I think that Robert Williams is a great fit for this team, but as of right now #1 is just a little too high for him. Fultz however does enable Brad Stevens to have a lot more versatility with his lineups as Fultz excels on or off ball. He can be the lead guard and allow Thomas to continue playing more like a 2 while still matching up against point guards, or he can let Thomas fill the lead guard roll and use his improving spot up game to make opposing defenses pick their poison.
Fultz is also very deceptive when it comes to athleticism. His silky smooth game camouflages his explosiveness and bounce, and makes people forget about his elite body control, ability to make LeBron-esque chasedown blocks as a point guard and that he dunked from the free throw line while in high school. Fultz has the most complete game that I’ve seen out of any prospect since I began watching basketball, and he won’t turn 19 until just 25 days before the NBA draft.
The Suns have a very interesting roster filled with potential and athleticism. With the future, or lack thereof, of Eric Bledsoe and (a disappointing) Brandon Knight in Phoenix being uncertain, it’s highly unlikely (but not impossible, as McDonough is no stranger to stockpiling point guards) that the Suns decide to go after Dennis Smith or Lonzo Ball.
Josh Jackson would bring lineup versatility to Phoenix, just as Fultz would to Boston, by being an elite passing prospect for a wing player, perhaps elite is an understatement as he is the best I’ve seen since Evan Turner in that area. I could see him being a LeBron type playmaker at the small forward position which is definitely a great asset in today’s NBA. Dragan Bender also has a lot of potential to be a very good playmaker at his position, which would make almost every player on the floor for Phoenix a dangerous threat to setup teammates.
There is something to be desired still with Josh’s shooting consistency but that’s not what he’ll primarily be asked to do, so it shouldn’t cause many issues when he can hit Devin Booker for an open 3 or hit Chriss for a lob in transition.
3. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA - Freshman
H: 6’6” W: 190 lbs
With Magic’s return to the Lakers, and the Lakers need for a point guard, the local Lonzo Ball appears destined to become a backcourt partner to D’Angelo Russell in Los Angeles.
While I have more concern with Ball than I do any other lottery prospect, I do think this is the best fit for him as well as the Lakers, and will give him the best chance to succeed. Having, in my opinion, the lowest ceiling out of my top 6 point guards, is the biggest reason I don’t have him ranked higher (he is currently my #4 point guard). I had similar feelings about Ben Simmons last year and we have yet to see how accurate they were, but I feel Lonzo’s game will not translate as much (at least not as quickly as other guard prospects) to the next level as others think.
Ball has a lot of impressive attributes to his game, and no doubt will be a great addition to this team. Just because a player isn’t a superstar or doesn’t put up a HoF type resume doesn’t mean he was a bust, they might still be just as crucial to a team’s success as the best player on the squad. Lonzo has shown to make his teammates better and I think that will be his biggest asset to the Lakers.
4. Orlando Magic: Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona – Freshman
H: 7’0” W: 225 lbs
It appears that the Magic are not ready to give up on Payton as their point guard of the future, so it is likely that Orlando will go with a forward with the fourth pick. If the Magic keep Vucevic around he and Markkanen would form a good front court tandem to build around. Markkanen is not the most capable rebounder, but what he lacks on the boards he makes up for by being an elite scoring threat.
His current skillset most closely resembles that of a stretch 4, but his potential is much greater as a seven-footer that has shown the ability to guard the perimeter and even create off the dribble at times. Aaron Gordon will benefit the most from Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor, and a Vucevic/Markkanen pick-and-roll would be extremely difficult for opposing defenses to stop.
There is a lot of upside with this pick, and also more risk than the previous selections, but it could prove to payoff big for Orlando as Markkanen looks like he will have a very unique game for a seven footer, in time.
5. Philadelphia 76ers: Malik Monk, G, Kentucky – Freshman
H: 6’4” W: 185 lbs
The best SG in the draft by a longshot. Although 6’4” might be reaching just a tad, Monk makes up for his size with great bounce and athleticism. He has great work ethic and has completely bought in to playing defense at Kentucky and is improving every game.
Monk fills a much needed position in Philadelphia by adding elite scoring not only on the perimeter but also a great option for Ben Simmons to throw it up to above the rim in transition. Monk is still working on his point guard skills, but that is why this is such a great situation for him as his work in progress point guard skills are not as big of an emphasis as they would be for other teams because of Ben Simmons running the offense.
Ideally I think the best thing that could happen to Philly would be to get Fultz and Monk, but that is not too likely at the moment. Settling for just Monk isn’t too bad either.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jonathan Isaac, F, Florida State – Freshman
H: 6’11” W: 205 lbs
Perhaps the lottery pick who is the farthest away from being ready to contribute on the next level, Isaac also has one of the highest ceilings of any player in this draft. I personally feel returning to school for one year would benefit his development a little more, but that is not going to happen and he will be taken top 10.
Isaac is another player that can play a multitude of positions for Minnesota and while he is still very raw, he could be the piece that provides the elite defense KAT lacks. His game is very fluid for someone of his size and is a complete defensive mismatch on any level. His success depends on him gaining strength so Minnesota has to be willing to be patient for a few more years.
7. Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Smith Jr., PG, North Carolina State – Freshman
H: 6’3” W: 195 lbs
Despite the potential greatness from Markelle Fultz, Smith is the #1 player on my board. Unless Phoenix moves on with Bledsoe, or Orlando decides to give up on Payton, it is entirely possible that Smith falls right into the lap of the Dallas Mavericks.
Like Fultz, Smith is an elite athlete with the difference being Smith is in your face with it and Fultz makes you forget about it until he’s dunking on you. Like Malik Monk, Smith plays bigger than his height (which is not a problem as Smith has excellent size for the point guard position). Dennis is the most NBA-ready player in this draft and does a lot of things that are needed on the next level that other prospects lack.
His injury history might concern some, and that is another reason he could fall, but I feel confident in his ability to have a long career and live up to his potential.
8. New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina, PG, France
H: 6’5” W: 170 lbs
Ntilikina looks to be the perfect point guard for the Knicks to pair with Porzingis and the quickly emerging Willy Hernangomez. With great length and feel for the point guard position, Ntilikina is one of my favorite prospects in this year’s draft. He is a great defender, his ability on that end is only behind that of De’Aaron Fox at the point guard position.
Ntilikina is a good ball-handler and can pass over the top of smaller defenders due to his height and superior wingspan. The reason I rank him ahead of De’Aaron Fox is because of his length, shooting ability, and his age. Ntilikina is the only top PG prospect that will still be 18 years of age when draft day rolls around. Normally it is tougher to be confident with international prospects, but I am very confident that Ntilikina will pan out as a great player in the NBA.
9. New Orleans Pelicans: Jayson Tatum, F, Duke – Freshman
H: 6’8” W: 204 lbs
No disrespect to Buddy Hield, but Anthony Davis is in need of a legit second option next to him and that is exactly what Jayson Tatum is. He is a very polished player at this stage and is definitely up there with Dennis Smith in terms of NBA-readiness. I think this is a great situation for him as I don’t see him being very successful as the #1 option for a team.
The Pelicans might be a little more offensive than defensive, but with Anthony Davis on your team that won’t be too much of an issue.
10. Portland Trailblazers: Robert Williams, PF/C, Texas A&M – Freshman
H: 6’9” W: 237 lbs
Quickly rising up the draft ranks is an interesting prospect in Robert Williams. He is currently my #1 power forward and would be a great addition for almost any team. Despite being 6’9”, Williams has the ability to play the 5 due to his impressive 7’4” wingspan. Portland certainly could use all the defensive help they could get, and Williams is a good fit next to the newly acquired Jusuf Nurkic.
If the Kings end up keeping this pick (top 10 protected) I think they will also select De’Aaron Fox, an explosive PG who has been compared to John Wall due to his elite speed. Fox has some work to do still before becoming a quality starting point guard in the NBA, but what he can do currently is impressive, especially on the defensive end as he is more skilled on that end of the court than any other guard in this draft. Chicago is desperately in need of anything they can get, and the point guard position has been the most turbulent for them this season.
12. Charlotte Hornets: Justin Patton, C, Creighton – Freshman
H: 6’11” W: 215 lbs
Patton can’t hide much longer, an extremely promising big man who can run the floor and finish above the rim in transition. His frame needs more work than a guy like Robert Williams, but he is still just as promising. The most impressive aspect of his game to me is how efficient he is despite his age, and he is very fundamentally sound.
13. Miami Heat: Ivan Rabb, PF/C, California – Sophomore
H: 6’10” W: 215 lbs
Rabb decided to return to school after his freshman season despite being a likely lottery pick. Even though he hasn’t improved his game as much as I had hoped, he hasn’t done much to hurt his stock either and is still one of the top big men in the country. The Heat get a talented partner to put next to Whiteside, or a future replacement.
14. Milwaukee Bucks: Miles Bridges, F, Michigan State – Freshman
H: 6’6” W: 226 lbs
Ever since I began watching Miles Bridges play I’ve seen a striking resemblance to Josh Smith in his game. He definitely is a more polished player at this age than Smith was and can become what Josh should have. Milwaukee gets another combo forward who can run the floor with Giannis and make some plays. Depending on the future of Jabari Parker, Bridges could be a big piece for this Milwuakee team.
Lauri Markkanen at 4th is real high for me...I don't think Orlando lets DSJ fall past them considering they keep benching Payton.
Rest of the mock looks pretty good to me...I think Tatum could also surge if he keeps hitting 3's like he did last game...shyt I wouldn't even be mad if the 76ers ended up with Tatum mainly because I expect Jrue or Lowry to be a 76er next year.
Dennis is my number one, but there's not really any spot that works except for Orlando, who think Payton is their point guard of the future. Check the spoilers for more info on the selections, I go a little more in depth.
Mitchell is a better player right now, but Mykhailiuk's potential + his current game beats out Mitchell for me right now. Him being undersized isn't a huge issue with me but Mykhailiuk's size is a definite plus. Like I said earlier, Mitchell was a lot lower for me originally with his inconsistent start to the year but he has been rising up my board. If he keeps it up I'll likely move him past Svi.
The thing with the SG position in this draft is that it is really weak, Monk is probably the only SG that will go in the top 20 right now.
mitchell while having nba athleticism, is too undersized and not a proven or reliable shooter. he shouldn't be higher than 10 on the list imo. svi has been having potential talked about for how many years now, but it doesn't translate on the court to me. he's basically terrance ferguson w/o the athleticism or potential defensive chops. His size is overrated when he's only good for shooting 3s, doesn't get to the foul line, isn't that explosive an athlete, and doesn't even make 70% from the stripe the rare times he gets there.
Grayson could be a little bit higher but his ranking of him isn't absurd. Dude is just a straight line driver and shooter..and he can't finish against NBA athletes and struggles to guard them.
grayson should be top 6-8 imo. the narrative about him finishing against nba athletes/length has been way overstated since he flunked in his play against UK last year. He plays in the toughest conference and put up around 23-24 a game in ACC play last year w/ no help other than ingram. He's been a lot better in terms of varying his drives this year and is still getting by people going straight line just off of a very quick first step and long strides despite playing out of position at point. He has great vision to find shooters or dump off to the bigs when he gets paint touches. His play has been trending up as of late until he fukked his ankles up. His %'s are down this year, but he has proven shooting acumen that few on this list have with clear range well past nba 3. His consistent FT % > 80% is encouraging interms of projecting him as a shooter. He plays similar to ginobili w/o the same handles imo, but likely a chance to be a better shooter at the nba level. defensive chops can be improved given his effort and workrate, i think you are underselling him there as well. kennard is a far worse defensive player.
Lauri Markkanen at 4th is real high for me...I don't think Orlando lets DSJ fall past them considering they keep benching Payton.
Rest of the mock looks pretty good to me...I think Tatum could also surge if he keeps hitting 3's like he did last game...shyt I wouldn't even be mad if the 76ers ended up with Tatum mainly because I expect Jrue or Lowry to be a 76er next year.
mikal bridges and moreso devonte graham don't belong in the first round. markannen is way too high and bacon is a bit high/overrated to me as well. I don't think patton will go that high. zach collins could be a sleeper as well if he decides to come out. i love swanigan and like bryant, but i don't think either of them make it first round.
Grayson's defensive issue is the fact he can't laterally guard NBA athletes. He's a junior that's not likely improving once he gets to the league. Look at how he struggled with Josh Jackson.
He could be a bit higher but he's a second round prospect imo. Which is around where str8up rated him.
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