Essential The Official ESPN Insider Thread (ESPN+)
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Which 2015 lottery picks can still become breakout stars?
Aside from Kristaps Porzingis and Karl-Anthony Towns, the top of the 2015 draft has been difficult to project through two NBA seasons.
Myles Turner and Devin Booker have turned out to be draft day steals, but elite high school class of 2014 prospects D'Angelo Russell, Stanley Johnson and Justise Winslow have had dramatic peaks and valleys during the early stages of their careers. (Jahlil Okafor, Emmanuel Mudiay and Mario Hezonja have also disappointed as they enter make-or-break seasons. We'll assess their futures in Pt. II).
How big of a role has team situation and infrastructure played in the lack of productivity and development of the once-heralded prep stars? Why exactly has each prospect stumbled thus far, and how much optimism should there be moving forward?
First-round picks from 2015 become extension eligible next July, making it imperative for teams to determine why these prospects have underwhelmed relative to expectations, and whether or not they should invest in them long term.
D'Angelo Russell | PG/SG | Brooklyn Nets
Player type: Smooth combo guard
Strengths that haven't translated
Transition: A creative, prolific open floor passer at Ohio State (35 percent of his assists came in transition), Russell has yet to push with as much aggression and lead an up-tempo offense at the NBA level as the Lakers finished 24th in open-court efficiency last season.
Shooting consistency: Russell's 35.1 percent rate from 3 (down from 41.1 at OSU) ranked 34th among 49 guards to start at least 50 games last season.
Pick-and-roll scoring: Produced 0.91 points per possession (91st percentile) at Ohio State, yet finished in the 41st percentile last season, largely due to his lack of explosiveness and streaky shooting.
Concerns that held up
Creating and finishing: Questions about his burst, leaping ability, off hand and physicality held true as he relied heavily on tough pull-ups and shot only 48.3 percent (20th percentile) at the rim last season.
Defensive intensity: Issues buying in on the defensive end continued in L.A., and Russell lacks the elite athleticism to make up for the lack of intensity.
Point guard polish: Lackadaisical nature, dribble-heavy style and struggles protecting the ball showed up against pressure, which begs the question: is Russell best on the ball?
Situational factor
Russell didn't do himself any favors in L.A. with his subpar work habits, but the Lakers were far from stable when the No. 2 pick arrived. Would Russell have had such a hard time adjusting to NBA life if he were drafted by the San Antonio Spurs? The same could be said for most any young prospect, but between Byron Scott's old-school style, the Kobe farewell tour, the Nick Young saga and the front office's dysfunction, the Lakers were far from the model of stability. Although Russell could have done much more to focus on development despite the distractions, the work environment was sub-optimal.
Reasons for optimism/pessimism
Russell still has immense offensive value, even if he may never be a two-way star. He's comfortable on or off the ball, plays with extreme savvy as both a scorer and playmaker in ball screens and has the shooting touch to become a more consistent factor from the perimeter, already having made 3.0 3s per 40 minutes last season. The fact that he's a below-average athlete and so reliant on contested pull-ups and difficult floaters makes his margin for error much slimmer, though.
The Nets want to play fast, and the developmentally focused Kenny Atkinson should be good for Russell long term. Playing next to a high IQ, veteran guard like Jeremy Lin will help cover up some of Russell's deficiencies. Finding ways to play with consistent vigor, limit careless turnovers and take on more of a leadership role on a Nets team still searching for direction will be key. He's too talented not to pop off for 40-plus on occasion or string together highlight-reel spin passes through traffic, but can he do it consistently and help Brooklyn win? Will the off-court distractions that slowed him in L.A. continue to impede his progress in New York?
How he answers those questions will determine his future value and how the Nets organization sees him moving forward. Even in a league loaded with gifted point guards, Russell remains a starting-caliber guard with the talent to develop into much more if he can buy into maximizing his potential.
Stanley Johnson | SF/PF | Detroit Pistons
Player type: Two-way combo forward
Strengths that haven't translated
Shooting: Although never a true shooter at the youth level, Johnson's 37.1 percent clip at Arizona was encouraging. But he has really struggled from the NBA line -- below 30 percent from 3 while finishing in the 29th percentile off the catch and 33rd percentile off the dribble last season.
Slashing: Once an aggressive downhill slasher, Johnson attempted 0.46 free throws per field goal at Arizona, but that number dropped dramatically to 0.16 last season, which ranked in the bottom 40 among NBA players to see at least 15 MPG.
Rebounding: Early in his high school career Johnson got on the floor as an energy rebounder (14.1 boards per 40 minutes in 2013 EYBL), but he has really tailed off in that area, grabbing only 5.5 per 40 last season.
Concerns that held up
Finishing: Below-the-rim athlete who shot only 43.8 percent at the basket with the Wildcats and 51 percent last season with the Pistons (27th percentile).
Decision-making: Johnson can become a quicker thinker on the floor, eliminating the catch-and-hold in his game and better playing within a flow, since he does have sound vision.
Defensive consistency: Can continue to develop more of a lockdown-defender mentality while letting his offense come to him.
Situational factor
Johnson had a rocky start to his NBA career. His mother, a former overseas pro and prominent figure in California basketball circles who wore every hat from mom to coach to mentor to disciplinarian, passed away the summer going into his rookie season. His up-and-down play and sometimes inconsistent approach has had him in and out of head coach Stan Van Gundy's doghouse. The former Mater Dei Prep star had been more or less "the man" at every level prior to the NBA, and Van Gundy's tough love approach didn't always sit well. The fact that the Pistons have played the 240-plus pound Johnson at almost exclusively the 2 and the 3 also hasn't done him any favors spacing wise, as the heralded youth star has more than adequate size to play the 4 in today's NBA.
Reasons for optimism/pessimism
Despite his up and down two seasons in Detroit, Johnson fits the mold of what every NBA team is looking for in a combo forward. Only so many 6-6, 240-pounders with a 7-foot wingspan exist, and very few have the offensive potential and defensive versatility that Johnson has shown flashes of. According to the DraftExpress database (dating back to 2000), Johnson is the only perimeter player under 6-7 to weigh at least 240 pounds with a wingspan greater than 6-11.
There's no question he needs to play with more steady toughness and shoot the ball better, but NBA teams would be wise to monitor Johnson closely moving forward, seeing him as more of a power wing and small-ball 4 than he has played in Detroit. He has shooting potential with sharp footwork and a fairly quick release from the corners. He's comfortable handling in ball screens, a capable passer in quick actions and has the physical profile that teams want in a stretch wing who can switch every screen and take a run at guarding power wings like LeBron. Johnson would struggle less with hard contests given his low release point if he played up a position.
Expect Johnson to take a big step in production and reliability with an increased role this season, likely starting next to Avery Bradley and Reggie Jackson. If Johnson can put his Ron Artest-like physical profile to use defensively and rediscover the traits that made him such a highly touted recruit at a young age while shooting the ball better, he could very well bounce back in a big way and become one of the more coveted 21-year-old combo forwards in the East.
Justise Winslow | PF/C | Miami Heat
Player type: Modern defend, slash and pass PF/C
Strengths that haven't translated
Spot shooting: Scouts still had major questions about Winslow's jumper, but his 25.7 career 3-point percentage is a far cry from his 41.4 percent mark while playing the 4 at Duke.
Finishing: Lighter and more explosive in Durham (55.5 percent at the rim), Winslow has bulked up considerably and struggled to adjust to NBA length and athleticism, shooting only 46.3 percent at the rim last season.
Rebounding: Winslow's rebounding percentage has dipped from 13.0 percent at Duke to 8.3 percent last season.
Concern that held up
Half-court scoring: Made only 1-of-20 inside the arc jumpers and 4-of-21 floaters at Duke and has had similar troubles scoring in the NBA, averaging 9.3 points per 40 minutes as a rookie and 12.5 per 40 last season.
Situational factor
Unlike his counterparts, Winslow landed in an excellent situation with a strong organization and a competitive team that featured a healthy blend of veterans and young players. With Erik Spoelstra willing to play Winslow at the 4 and 5, the former Blue Devil was able to focus on his ready-made skills to impact winning without worrying about scoring. However, Winslow is coming off a poor statistical season hampered by injuries in 2016-17 (18 games played).
Reasons for optimism/pessimism
Although he's no Draymond Green, there are very few players who can legitimately defend 1 through 5 and pass like a point guard on the other end. Winslow is in a great position to continue to learn from an excellent coach, grow with a fairly young group and develop his scoring while impacting the game in all of the same ways that made him a prep star years ago.
There's no doubt that Winslow's jumper needs a whole lot of work, and his confidence in it appears very fractured. Defenders help off of the strong side corner when he's spotting up, and go under every screen or dribble handoff when he's on the ball. Winslow finished last in the NBA in catch-and-shoot efficiency last season, going 9-for-45 in such situations. But even with his glaring scoring limitations, the Houston native may be the most likely of these 2015 draftees to maximize his potential long term.
He can grab and go in transition, playmake out of ball screens with an impressive handle, unique wiggle and excellent vision and check the intangible boxes as a cutter and offensive rebounder. Even if Winslow never becomes a reliable 3-point shooter, he'll still have value as a defend-everyone, slash-pass-and-cut style modern 4/5 as traditional centers have had trouble moving the rugged forward on the block. If he can become at least respectable from 3? Miami will be doing everything in its power to extend Winslow long term come July 1.
Scouting USA Basketball's best 2020, 2021 draft prospects
After scouting the top 2019 NBA draft prospects on Monday, let's move on to the younger standouts at the USA Basketball Junior National Team minicamp, which featured players who will undoubtedly emerge as NBA prospects down the road.
Here are the top 15 from the 2019 and 2020 high school classes -- making them eligible for the 2020 and 2021 NBA drafts -- in terms of their performance and pro potential.
James Wiseman | C | 2019 high school class
7-foot-0, 228 pounds | 7-foot-4 wingspan | Ensworth HS (TN) | 16.5 years old
The explosive 7-footer made his case as the most intriguing long-term prospect to take the floor in Colorado Springs, regardless of class. He's a run and jump athlete with strong legs, wide shoulders and soft touch around the rim and in midrange spots, despite an elongated release. The class of 2019 center is far from a finished product physically, having grown two inches and added 17 pounds since last year's minicamp. For reference, the 16-year-old Wiseman is stronger and longer than Myles Turner was at age 17 and Chris Bosh at 19. At 228 pounds, Wiseman still has a ton of room on his frame and could choose to stay light, like a LaMarcus Aldridge, or bulk up like a DeAndre Ayton.
Wiseman, who had a strong showing at the under-16 FIBA Americas this past summer, has an up-and-down motor, and is still very much a work in progress as a defender and rebounder despite his tremendous tools. With that said, he's an extremely coordinated rim runner, a dangerous lob-catcher, and a dynamic finisher who can acrobatically convert around the rim from different angles. He can stand to improve his passing and become a more consistent shooter, but overall, Wiseman should be able to put pressure on the rim as a finisher, space the floor occasionally, get to the rim on straight line drives, switch ball screens, protect the rim and rebound. His physical development has been rapid, and his skill set is ahead of most high-profile bigs his age. The soft-spoken Tennessee native is playing with more tenacity than in the past, and has all the tools of a future No. 1 pick if he continues trending in the right direction. -- Mike Schmitz
Players he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Myles Turner, Chris Bosh, Tyson Chandler
Jalen Green | SG | 2020 class
6-foot-5, 176 pounds | 6-foot-7 wingspan | San Joaquin Memorial HS (CA) | 15.6 years old
Having grown two inches and added 27 pounds since last year's USA minicamp, Green has blossomed into one of the top long-term prospects in all of high school basketball. He has an impressive physical profile, with high-level athleticism to match, and plays the game with an edge you love to see from young players, attacking opponents ferociously on both ends of the floor. He's at his best in the open court, but shows some potential as a shooter as well, getting very hot and knocking down a number of pull-up jumpers from beyond the arc at this camp. Green still has plenty of work to do as a shooter, as his mechanics aren't the most conventional, and his motor and extreme aggressiveness leads to some out-of-control moments at times. He's being billed early on as arguably the top prospect in the 2020 high school class, and he did nothing to discourage that notion in Colorado Springs. -- Jonathan Givony
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Zach LaVine
R.J. Hampton | PG | 2020 class
6-foot-4, 165 pounds | 6-foot-7 wingspan | Little Elm HS (TX) | 16.6 years old
Hampton was one of the smoothest and most fluid athletes in Colorado Springs, constantly changing speeds and getting to the basket with long and rangy strides. He's a natural ball handler and passer with outstanding body control who can also score in the paint skillfully or with his midrange pull-up. It's difficult to find players his size at this age who can create offense from a standstill without using a ball screen, and the fact he also sees the floor and can find teammates creatively at 6-foot-4 gives him significant potential to develop long term. The next step in Hampton's development will likely come as his body continues to fill out. He's extremely thin, even relative to his age, and seems to lack a degree of toughness and physicality with the way he handles contact around the rim. He's a good -- but not great -- shooter at this stage, something he can continue to improve over time. Hampton might be a candidate to reclassify to 2019 based on his age. -- JG
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Avery Bradley
Vernon Carey | C | 2019 clas
6-foot-10, 265 pounds | 7-foot-1 wingspan | University School of Nova (FL) | 16.6 years old
Carey, the son of a longtime NFL offensive tackle, has grown an inch and added nearly 20 pounds to his frame in the past year, making him one of the most physically imposing 16-year-olds you'll find at 265 pounds. He's more than just a physical specimen, also sporting an impressive feel for the game in terms of natural instincts. He's a strong rebounder who is quick off his feet and tracks the ball instinctively coming off the glass, and regularly makes impressive outlet passes to streaking guards for easy baskets. He can also step outside and knock down an occasional 3-pointer, sporting impressive touch for a player his size. He's simply a handful for opposing big men to contain in the low post with his chiseled frame and polished footwork. Defensively, he can also step outside the paint and move his feet nimbly when he's dialed in.
That's a necessary precursor for much of the scouting report on Carey, as he doesn't always seem to operate with maximum intensity, looking lethargic and seemingly going through the motions at times. All the mass he has added in the past year isn't necessarily good weight, as he looks a little heavier getting up and down the floor compared with what we've seen in the past. The NBA game is trending away from centers in Carey's mold to a certain extent, so he'll have to work hard on his conditioning and defensive intensity to maximize his long-term potential and outlook. -- JG
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Enes Kanter
Noah Collier | SF/PF | 2020 class
6-foot-7, 193 pounds | 6-foot-8½ wingspan | Westtown School (PA) | 15.8 years old
Not currently considered among the top prospects in his class at this stage, Noah Collier nevertheless had an impressive weekend in Colorado Springs, flashing intriguing versatility on both ends of the floor.
Collier has an excellent frame that will continue to fill out in time, as well as good athletic ability; he is quick off his feet, covering ground in agile fashion and sporting strong body control. He shows potential offensively in a number of key areas; he hit a handful of 3-pointers throughout the weekend and was a handful in the open floor, even putting the ball down and playing at different speeds in the half court. He has a good feel for the game that suggests he can continue to harness this versatility into a more polished and consistent skill set down the road. Until that happens, Collier looks happy making plays with his impressive energy, instincts and tools, and already gets quite a bit done defensively and as a rebounder, which you love to see from a player his age. One of the big keys for Collier's long-term development will be his ability to become a more consistent shooter. He is capable at the moment, but tends to shoot the ball differently when not in rhythm. He can also stand to improve his offensive polish as a whole, considering he doesn't have elite length relative to his height. -- JG
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Solomon Hill
Isaiah Todd | PF | 2020 class
6-foot-10, 199 pounds | 7-foot-0 wingspan | John Marshall HS (VA) | 15.9 years old
Todd is a very skilled class of 2020 power forward who can space the floor to midrange spots with a smooth stroke, shoot off the dribble with sharp footwork, and attack in a straight line, finishing with finesse. Physically, he has ample size for a power forward, and should be able to even slide up to the 5 at times given his 8-foot-11 standing reach. Although the 15-year-old is very gifted and a sound fit in today's NBA, he has struggled to consistently produce at times in areas of the game that impact winning. Only a few months after posting an 11.4 PER in the under-16 FIBA Americas, the Baltimore native had an up-and-down couple of days in Colorado Springs in terms of decision-making, physicality and defensive toughness. Todd is sometimes too determined to show off his polished -- yet often inefficient -- isolation skill set, which can lead to empty possessions.
Learning how to better use his abilities within the flow of the offense will be key for Todd, who has room to improve his body language and demeanor on the floor as well. Although skillful and very fluid, Todd doesn't yet have the freakish length, frame or explosiveness to coast defensively, meaning he'll have to rely more on timing, awareness and effort to add value on that end. Todd has plenty of time to improve his habits, and he's extremely skilled for a power forward his age. He has all the tools to become a consistent NBA 3-point shooter, mid-post threat and straight-line driver in space. With that said, if he's to maximize his potential and contribute to winning basketball, there are some shortcomings he must address. -- MS
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Darrell Arthur, Ed Davis
Xavier Foster | PF | 2020 class
6-foot-10, 211 pounds | 7-foot-1 wingspan | Oskaloosa HS (IA) | 15.4 years old
The youngest player in attendance at last year's USA Basketball minicamp, Foster has developed impressively in the span of 12 months, growing more than an inch, adding over 20 pounds, and significantly improving his athleticism. He was operating above the rim as frequently as any player on the second day of the camp, even shattering a backboard at one point. Foster is not just a bouncy athlete, he also has an intriguing skill level, especially considering how young he is. He can step out and make 3-pointers with good mechanics, and will knock down skillful turnaround jumpers out of the post. His athleticism helps him as a rim protector and on the offensive glass, but he's still very much a work in progress in terms of his awareness, experience level, and all-around feel for the game. He's still figuring out how to make a consistent impact defensively, which isn't surprising at his age, but he has some impressive tools that make him worth monitoring long term. -- JG
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Richaun Holmes
Isaiah Stewart | C | 2019 class
6-foot-9, 235 pounds | 7-foot-4 wingspan | McQuaid Jesuit HS (NY) | 16.3 years old
Stewart stood out as the most physically imposing prospect at the minicamp thanks to his long arms, big hands and mature, barrel-chested frame. He's a no-nonsense, hard-playing center prospect with a big personality and an impressive work ethic, having improved drastically both athletically and skill-wise over the past year. Stewart, a New York native whose dad hails from Jamaica, is relentless on the offensive glass, putting his mature 235-pound frame and 7-foot-4 wingspan to good use. He's a physical post defender who can also protect the rim in spurts due to his length and effort level. He plays mostly below the rim in traffic, and has a ways to go as a perimeter defender. But he continues to make strides as an athlete, which is a welcome sign given how physically developed he is. Although his feel for the game offensively needs work, he can make a 15-foot jumper with decent mechanics and shows flashes as an interior passer. His so-so athleticism and mature frame might limit his upside a bit, but Stewart has the mentality and approach to maximize his potential long term. -- MS
Players he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Noah Vonleh, Cliff Alexander
Greg Brown | SF/PF | 2020 class
6-foot-8, 185 pounds | 6-foot-10½ wingspan | Vandergrift HS (TX) | 16.1 years old
The high-motor Austin, Texas, native is a pogo stick athlete who can change the game with his athleticism and activity at 6-foot-8. His skill set is very unrefined at this stage, but Brown tends to stay in his lane more often than not when surrounded by talent, crashing the offensive glass, moving without the ball and flying around defensively. He has the game of an energy 4 and the frame of a 3, but the 16-year-old forward is making strides physically, having grown two inches and added 11 pounds to his rail-thin frame in the past year. His 8-foot-10 standing reach should also allow him to play a lot of minutes at the 4 as his frame fills out in time. Like his closest physical comparison, Corey Brewer, Brown plays with a reckless abandon at times and is a fairly erratic shooter, releasing the ball on the way down with regularity. It's not out of the question that Brown turns into a reliable shooter in time, however, and he's most certainly an NBA prospect worth tracking thanks to his blend of tools and activity. -- MS
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Corey Brewer
Wendell Moore | SF | 2019 class
6-foot-6, 211 pounds | 6-foot-11½ wingspan | Cox Mill HS (NC) | 16 years old
The 6-foot-6, 211-pound Moore is a 3-and-D-style wing who plays with toughness, can make an open shot, and is improving his ability to operate on the ball as a playmaker. Moore's physical profile closely resembles Justin Anderson, who stood 6-foot-6, 222 pounds, with a 6-foot-11 wingspan when he was a year and a half older than Moore is now. Moore is not as explosive as Anderson, but his strength and length allow him to defend both wing positions while taking charges and making high-intangible plays when off the ball. Moore, a starter on the under-16 team this past summer, can make a spot-up 3, is comfortable rising up in midrange spots, and is comfortable making basic reads while on the move. Although he's not the most dynamic athlete, and he's quite physically mature for his age, Moore has an extremely high floor as a competitive, heady defender and shot-maker with excellent tools for an NBA wing. -- MS
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Justin Anderson
Scottie Barnes | PF | 2020 class
6-foot-7, 200 pounds | 7-foot-1½ wingspan | University School of Nova SE (FL) | 16 years old
The 6-foot-7 combo forward is emerging as one of the more physically interesting 2020 high school prospects given his wide shoulders, long arms, big hands and huge reach. The 16-year-old is clearly still growing into his body and could very well eventually end up with a physical profile similar to Maryland's Justin Jackson -- 6-foot-7, 230 pounds, with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and 8-foot-11 standing reach -- giving him more than enough size to play the 4. Barnes isn't all that explosive at this stage, but he has long strides and some untapped athletic potential that should come as he continues to mature physically.
In terms of on-court play, Barnes is very unique. The simple, sometimes sleepy Florida native is a willing defender more often than not and can check up to four positions thanks to his range. Offensively, he's a strange fit, as he's at his best with the ball in his hands given his impressive court vision and ability to make plays in grab-and-go situations. On the flip side, he's a very limited shooter at this stage, and hasn't shown many signs of growth in that area with funky sidespin and limited confidence.
Barnes figures to struggle as a half-court scorer at higher levels, and will certainly have to improve as a shooter, but he impacts the game in all other areas and has the type of profile scouts look for in NBA prospects. Barnes, who finished second on the under-16 team in PER, should continue to rise in the 2020 rankings and could be a major sleeper prospect moving forward. -- MS
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Robert Covington
Zach Harvey | SG | 2019 class
6-foot-5, 180 pounds | 6-foot-6 wingspan | Hayden HS (KS) | 16.6 years old
Harvey has made strides in the past year, developing his skill level and becoming a fairly versatile shooting guard who can play on or off the ball. He is a smooth athlete who can operate at different speeds, even if his ballhandling skills are still a work in progress. He has a good feel for the game in terms of knowing how to get his teammates involved, and plays with a good pace, with an unselfishness that bodes well for his future. Harvey made shots from the perimeter fairly consistently over the course of the camp, as the ball comes out of his hand nicely with soft touch, but his low release point (from his chest) is something he'll likely have to work on over time, especially shooting off the dribble. His frame is on the narrow side, and he doesn't have great length (6-foot-6 wingspan), which mostly affects him defensively at the moment. It will be interesting to see how his ballhandling, shooting and toughness evolve over time, as he has a good framework to build on but has a lot of work to do to put it all together at the same time. -- JG
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Tyler Johnson
Lynn Greer III | PG | 2020 class
6-foot-2, 172 pounds | 6-foot-3½ wingspan | Roman Catholic HS (PA) | 15.4 years old
The son of former Temple star Lynn Greer Jr. and grandson of the 170th overall pick in the 1973 draft Lynn Greer, Greer III has basketball in his blood and is an extremely polished 15-year-old point guard prospect. Although not the most physically imposing guard, he's a shifty, smooth and creative ball handler who can play at different speeds, facilitate impressively, make shots off the catch or dribble, and finish with finesse. One of the youngest players in attendance at the camp, Greer III has an excellent skill base for his age and plays with a level of confidence you don't always see from a young player in this setting. Greer III is one of the more interesting point guard prospects to keep tabs on given his basketball lineage and already impressive skill set. -- MS
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Tyus Jones (17)
Josh Christopher | SG | 2020 class
6-foot-4, 201 pounds | 6-foot-8 wingspan | Mayfair HS (CA) | 15.8 years old
The younger brother of former Cal standout Patrick Christopher, Josh brings an intriguing blend of physical tools, defensive toughness and offensive versatility. At 6-foot-4, 201 pounds, with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, Christopher has great size for a 15-year-old off guard and is likely still growing, as his older brother measured 6-foot-6, 218 pounds as a 21-year-old. Christopher is a tough, willing defender who can check either guard spot and could eventually be a three-position defender in time. Offensively, he can make a spot 3, attacks the rim aggressively with a solid first step, and also welcomes contact at the cup. Christopher's serious-minded approach and grit will help him maximize his potential as a high-floor utility guard with the ingredients to develop into much more. -- MS
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Sean Kilpatrick
Dudley Blackwell | SF | 2020 class
6-foot-6, 194 pounds | 7-foot-1 wingspan | Westminster HS (FL) | 16 years old
Playing in his third USA Basketball camp, Blackwell continues to make incremental strides with his skill set. Now standing 6-foot-6 in shoes, Blackwell has exceptionally long arms (7-foot-1 wingspan) that will allow him to spend significant time at the power forward position in college and beyond, especially as his frame fills out. His ball skills are improving, as he did a great job in camp of finding teammates creatively out of the pick-and-roll, and he appears to have very good court vision that hint at good things to come from him down the road. Blackwell's shooting stroke is a work in progress, as he has a very low release point and shoots the ball stiffly and flat-footed, even though he makes just enough jump shots right now to leave room for optimism. He's not overly quick defensively, but his length and aggressiveness help him make a nice impact on that end of the floor. Just an average athlete, Blackwell will have to continue to improve his skill level to maximize his long-term outlook, but he has a few characteristics that make him worth tracking. -- JG
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Josh Howard
6-foot-8, 185 pounds | 6-foot-10½ wingspan | Vandergrift HS (TX) | 16.1 years old
The high-motor Austin, Texas, native is a pogo stick athlete who can change the game with his athleticism and activity at 6-foot-8. His skill set is very unrefined at this stage, but Brown tends to stay in his lane more often than not when surrounded by talent, crashing the offensive glass, moving without the ball and flying around defensively. He has the game of an energy 4 and the frame of a 3, but the 16-year-old forward is making strides physically, having grown two inches and added 11 pounds to his rail-thin frame in the past year. His 8-foot-10 standing reach should also allow him to play a lot of minutes at the 4 as his frame fills out in time. Like his closest physical comparison, Corey Brewer, Brown plays with a reckless abandon at times and is a fairly erratic shooter, releasing the ball on the way down with regularity. It's not out of the question that Brown turns into a reliable shooter in time, however, and he's most certainly an NBA prospect worth tracking thanks to his blend of tools and activity. -- MS
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Corey Brewer
Wendell Moore | SF | 2019 class
6-foot-6, 211 pounds | 6-foot-11½ wingspan | Cox Mill HS (NC) | 16 years old
The 6-foot-6, 211-pound Moore is a 3-and-D-style wing who plays with toughness, can make an open shot, and is improving his ability to operate on the ball as a playmaker. Moore's physical profile closely resembles Justin Anderson, who stood 6-foot-6, 222 pounds, with a 6-foot-11 wingspan when he was a year and a half older than Moore is now. Moore is not as explosive as Anderson, but his strength and length allow him to defend both wing positions while taking charges and making high-intangible plays when off the ball. Moore, a starter on the under-16 team this past summer, can make a spot-up 3, is comfortable rising up in midrange spots, and is comfortable making basic reads while on the move. Although he's not the most dynamic athlete, and he's quite physically mature for his age, Moore has an extremely high floor as a competitive, heady defender and shot-maker with excellent tools for an NBA wing. -- MS
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Justin Anderson
Scottie Barnes | PF | 2020 class
6-foot-7, 200 pounds | 7-foot-1½ wingspan | University School of Nova SE (FL) | 16 years old
The 6-foot-7 combo forward is emerging as one of the more physically interesting 2020 high school prospects given his wide shoulders, long arms, big hands and huge reach. The 16-year-old is clearly still growing into his body and could very well eventually end up with a physical profile similar to Maryland's Justin Jackson -- 6-foot-7, 230 pounds, with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and 8-foot-11 standing reach -- giving him more than enough size to play the 4. Barnes isn't all that explosive at this stage, but he has long strides and some untapped athletic potential that should come as he continues to mature physically.
In terms of on-court play, Barnes is very unique. The simple, sometimes sleepy Florida native is a willing defender more often than not and can check up to four positions thanks to his range. Offensively, he's a strange fit, as he's at his best with the ball in his hands given his impressive court vision and ability to make plays in grab-and-go situations. On the flip side, he's a very limited shooter at this stage, and hasn't shown many signs of growth in that area with funky sidespin and limited confidence.
Barnes figures to struggle as a half-court scorer at higher levels, and will certainly have to improve as a shooter, but he impacts the game in all other areas and has the type of profile scouts look for in NBA prospects. Barnes, who finished second on the under-16 team in PER, should continue to rise in the 2020 rankings and could be a major sleeper prospect moving forward. -- MS
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Robert Covington
Zach Harvey | SG | 2019 class
6-foot-5, 180 pounds | 6-foot-6 wingspan | Hayden HS (KS) | 16.6 years old
Harvey has made strides in the past year, developing his skill level and becoming a fairly versatile shooting guard who can play on or off the ball. He is a smooth athlete who can operate at different speeds, even if his ballhandling skills are still a work in progress. He has a good feel for the game in terms of knowing how to get his teammates involved, and plays with a good pace, with an unselfishness that bodes well for his future. Harvey made shots from the perimeter fairly consistently over the course of the camp, as the ball comes out of his hand nicely with soft touch, but his low release point (from his chest) is something he'll likely have to work on over time, especially shooting off the dribble. His frame is on the narrow side, and he doesn't have great length (6-foot-6 wingspan), which mostly affects him defensively at the moment. It will be interesting to see how his ballhandling, shooting and toughness evolve over time, as he has a good framework to build on but has a lot of work to do to put it all together at the same time. -- JG
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Tyler Johnson
Lynn Greer III | PG | 2020 class
6-foot-2, 172 pounds | 6-foot-3½ wingspan | Roman Catholic HS (PA) | 15.4 years old
The son of former Temple star Lynn Greer Jr. and grandson of the 170th overall pick in the 1973 draft Lynn Greer, Greer III has basketball in his blood and is an extremely polished 15-year-old point guard prospect. Although not the most physically imposing guard, he's a shifty, smooth and creative ball handler who can play at different speeds, facilitate impressively, make shots off the catch or dribble, and finish with finesse. One of the youngest players in attendance at the camp, Greer III has an excellent skill base for his age and plays with a level of confidence you don't always see from a young player in this setting. Greer III is one of the more interesting point guard prospects to keep tabs on given his basketball lineage and already impressive skill set. -- MS
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Tyus Jones (17)
Josh Christopher | SG | 2020 class
6-foot-4, 201 pounds | 6-foot-8 wingspan | Mayfair HS (CA) | 15.8 years old
The younger brother of former Cal standout Patrick Christopher, Josh brings an intriguing blend of physical tools, defensive toughness and offensive versatility. At 6-foot-4, 201 pounds, with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, Christopher has great size for a 15-year-old off guard and is likely still growing, as his older brother measured 6-foot-6, 218 pounds as a 21-year-old. Christopher is a tough, willing defender who can check either guard spot and could eventually be a three-position defender in time. Offensively, he can make a spot 3, attacks the rim aggressively with a solid first step, and also welcomes contact at the cup. Christopher's serious-minded approach and grit will help him maximize his potential as a high-floor utility guard with the ingredients to develop into much more. -- MS
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Sean Kilpatrick
Dudley Blackwell | SF | 2020 class
6-foot-6, 194 pounds | 7-foot-1 wingspan | Westminster HS (FL) | 16 years old
Playing in his third USA Basketball camp, Blackwell continues to make incremental strides with his skill set. Now standing 6-foot-6 in shoes, Blackwell has exceptionally long arms (7-foot-1 wingspan) that will allow him to spend significant time at the power forward position in college and beyond, especially as his frame fills out. His ball skills are improving, as he did a great job in camp of finding teammates creatively out of the pick-and-roll, and he appears to have very good court vision that hint at good things to come from him down the road. Blackwell's shooting stroke is a work in progress, as he has a very low release point and shoots the ball stiffly and flat-footed, even though he makes just enough jump shots right now to leave room for optimism. He's not overly quick defensively, but his length and aggressiveness help him make a nice impact on that end of the floor. Just an average athlete, Blackwell will have to continue to improve his skill level to maximize his long-term outlook, but he has a few characteristics that make him worth tracking. -- JG
Player he most resembles physically in the DraftExpress measurement database: Josh Howard
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Superstar
Most underrated NBA rookies, for this season and the future
Lonzo Ball and Markelle Fultz will likely occupy the 2017 rookie class headlines, but there is a handful of promising rookies set to prove their value both this season and down the road.
We've already outlined which rookies are most likely to outshine their draft slots, and here we'll dive into 10 of the most underrated short- and long-term first-year players heading into the 2017-18 season.
Short-term impact
Because of a combination of NBA readiness and opportunity, these rookies are likely to have more of an impact this season than most might anticipate.
Luke Kennard | Detroit Pistons | SG/PG
Player type: Versatile combo guard | Pick: No. 12
Kennard is the forgotten lottery pick, despite his finishing second in the ACC in scoring, with 19.5 PPG, as a 20-year-old. The 6-foot-6 lefty was the only 2017 draftee to average at least 20 points and 2.5 assists per 40 minutes while shooting greater than 50 percent from 2 and 40 percent from 3 and committing fewer than 2.0 turnovers per game. He's a tough-shot-maker with a strong feel for the game who can play more on the ball than your typical versatile shooter.
Kennard's initial value will come as a floor spacer with a quick trigger who can spot-up and sprint into catch-and-shoot 3s off of pindowns and staggers. When his defender trails him, Kennard can dribble into floaters with either hand, and when the big defender helps, he's more than comfortable hitting the slip man with pocket passes.
Will Kennard be given the freedom to play more on the ball in certain lineups under Stan Van Gundy? He finished second among Power 5 players in pick-and-roll scoring efficiency last season, generating 94 points on 85 possessions. He can pull up from deep when defenders go under, get to midrange spots or floaters when they fight over and make most basic reads as a facilitator. He has the size to see over the top of the defense and plays mistake-free basketball, turning the ball over on only 8.2 percent of half-court possessions last season.
Kennard will have to adjust to the size and length of NBA defenders both as a shot creator and as a finisher. He'll also have to improve drastically on the defensive end to play for long stints under Van Gundy. But on a Pistons team that finished last season 27th in 3-pointers made per game and 28th in 3-point percentage, Kennard is going to get minutes. His versatility allows him to play alongside Reggie Jackson, Avery Bradley, Langston Galloway and Ish Smith. He has made clutch shots in high-stakes ACC games and has the confident mentality to have a big impact right away on a team that badly needs his scoring and playmaking.
Derrick White | San Antonio Spurs | SG/PG
Player type: Versatile combo guard | Pick: No. 29
The Division II transfer turned All-Pac-12 first-teamer is no stranger to the underdog role and has the mature game to carve out a spot in San Antonio's rotation as the season progresses. With Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili toward the end of their careers and 21-year-old Dejounte Murray still developing, the 23-year-old White could be a contributor in Year 1. Danny Green and Patty Mills will continue to play considerable minutes, but White's ability to play on or off the ball at 6-foot-4 makes him an easy fit next to any of the Spurs' perimeter players. White screams Spurs with his pass-dribble-shoot skill set, and he was extremely efficient and prolific both in spot-ups (138 points in 105 possessions) and out of pick-and-roll situations (131 points on 138 possessions) at Colorado.
White was one of only two players in the NCAA last season to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per 40 minutes while shooting better than 50 percent from 2 and 40 percent from 3. The other? No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz. White does have a bit of a relaxed in-game approach and will have to adjust to the NBA 3-point line, but he's an underrated defender when locked in, a sound passer, a tough-shot-maker and a fairly skillful finisher. Like Patrick McCaw with the Warriors a season ago, White's feel for the game and veteran mentality are perfectly suited next to accomplished stars who play a winning brand of basketball.
Frank Mason | Sacramento Kings | PG
Player type: Change-of-pace guard | Pick: No. 34
NCAA Player of the Year Frank Mason might sit behind George Hill and De'Aaron Fox on the depth chart, but he has all the ingredients to make an immediate impact in Sacramento. As has been the case his entire career, Mason will scratch and claw his way onto the floor by way of defensive toughness, downhill penetration and an overall fearless mentality. While Fox is undoubtedly a supreme talent and the point guard of the future in Sacramento, poor shooting 1s tend to struggle early in their careers, and the 23-year-old Mason has the pedigree and shooting stroke to step in and impact winning right away.
Both Hill and Fox have the positional length to check some shooting guards, allowing Mason to play with either of them for brief stretches in small lineups. Thanks to a quick and compact stroke, Mason scored 1.55 points per possession on catch-and-shoot jumpers last season, second among Power 5 players, which makes him easier to shift off the ball offensively. Mason's size and so-so pick-and-roll playmaking might limit him to a backup role for the better part of his NBA career, but he's explosive, physical, scrappy and a greatly improved shooter, all of which make him a candidate to fill a role on the new-look Kings, despite a somewhat crowded backcourt.
Semi Ojeleye | Boston Celtics | PF
Player type: Two-way small-ball 4/5 | Pick: No. 37
The Celtics are in need of a power forward who can defend his position, switch everything and space the floor. Ojeleye fits the description. Although Marcus Morris figures to occupy power forward minutes and Guerschon Yabusele, Daniel Theis, Jayson Tatum and even Jaylen Brown could see some time there as well, Ojeleye has the strength, feet and stroke to see consistent minutes as a small-ball 4/5. GM Danny Ainge and coach Brad Stevens want as many 6-foot-6 to 6-foot-8 floor-spacing, versatile defenders as possible on the floor at once, and Ojeleye is a prime candidate.
At 6-foot-7, 241 pounds with 5.5 percent body fat, Ojeleye has the feet to switch and the strength to bang with 4s and power wings such as LeBron James. He plays in a deep stance, shifts his weight impressively for his size and isn't afraid to use his body to cut off penetration. He isn't a steals-and-blocks defender or a prolific rebounder, but Ojeleye certainly adds value stonewalling perimeter players and battling interior bigs. His laser-focused mentality, mature approach and praised work ethic figure to play well within the Celtics organization.
Offensively, Ojeleye is best as a catch-and-shoot guy, which he did quite prolifically last season, knocking down two 3s per 40 minutes at a 42.4 percent clip. He can make a one-dribble pullup as well, but is a bit limited in his arsenal as he isn't the most comfortable ball handler or a very dynamic finisher. His ability to read the game versus hard closeouts or scrambling defenders also remains a challenge. Despite his age (22), last season with SMU was really Ojeleye's first full year playing a consistent role at the NCAA level. Players with his attention to detail and work habits tend to improve sooner rather than later, and being in a strong Celtics organization should help expedite that process.
Damyean Dotson | New York Knicks | SG
Player type: 3-and-D off-guard | Pick: No. 44
Dotson emerged as a popular sleeper prospect among scouts and executives after winning Portsmouth Invitational Tournament MVP and impressing throughout the pre-draft process. The University of Houston standout answered lingering questions about his dismissal from Oregon in team interviews and eventually signed a three-year guaranteed deal with the Knicks.
Last season, Dotson made more 3s than any 2017 draftee (108) and did so at an impressive 44.3 percent clip. He shoots off movement, has excellent rise on his jumper, flashes good athleticism in space, rebounds his position and makes basic reads out of ball screens. Standing 6-foot-5½ with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, a solid frame and great feet, Dotson can guard both point guards and shooting guards adequately, which allows him to fit in a variety of lineups. Tim Hardaway Jr. (and his $71 million deal) will eat up minutes at the 2 -- and Dotson is a bit redundant to Courtney Lee -- but the rookie guard brings young legs, defensive toughness and proven shot-making to a Knicks franchise that could use more young pieces to get excited about.
Sterling Brown | Milwaukee Bucks | SG/SF
Player type: 3-and-D wing | Pick: No. 46
Brown's defensive toughness, shot-making potential, maturity and overall efficient play could make it tough for head coach Jason Kidd to keep him out of the rotation as the season progresses. The former SMU wing is more than comfortable making an impact by way of defense, high-intangible plays and timely 3s, which should fit well next to Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon and the rest of Milwaukee's young core. Tony Snell will clearly play a big role, but Brown has the two-way value to eventually surpass Milwaukee's other perimeter players such as Rashad Vaughn.
At 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Brown is more than physically ready to defend NBA wings, and the fact that he is used to the 3-and-D role from SMU will make the transition easier. He's still adjusting to the NBA line, but the NCAA career 43.4 percent 3-point shooter has compact mechanics with nice rotation and should be reliable in time.
Long-term impact
These four rookies might not have a big impact in 2017-18, but could turn into draft steals in a few years.
OG Anunoby | Toronto Raptors | PF/SF
Player type: 3-and-D small-ball 4 | Pick: No. 23
If it weren't for a midseason ACL tear, Anunoby would have likely heard his name called somewhere in the lottery of last year's draft. Although still fairly raw, he has a tremendous physical profile for a modern combo forward at 6-foot-8, 232 pounds with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and 8-foot-11½ standing reach. Only two of the 34 NBA players with at least those dimensions aren't traditional big men -- Kyle Anderson and Anthony Tolliver. Anunoby is light on his feet, explosive in space and quick-twitch defensively with the versatility to guard 1 through 4 in a pinch (and even 1 through 5 vs. some small-ball oriented opponents).
How much Anunoby will be able to help the Raptors this season remains to be seen, but the fact that he is already playing considerable preseason minutes is an encouraging sign. Offensively, Anunoby still has a ways to go, as he is a very rudimentary ball handler, occasionally rigid spot shooter and not the most natural decision-maker on the floor. He also blended in a bit too often at both ends during his year-and-a-half in Indiana and could stand to play with more consistent vigor. Still, the former RSCI No. 261 recruit is a worker, shows flashes as a spot-up shooter (career 36.5 percent 3-point clip) and landed in an excellent situation.
Jordan Bell | Golden State Warriors | PF/C
Player type: High-energy big | Pick: No. 38
Jordan Bell might not have a huge immediate impact due to the Warriors' talent level across the board, but as more opportunities arise down the road, he's very likely to prove his worth as a defensive-minded, elite-passing, modern big man. Bell is a perfect fit on a loaded team such as Golden State because he doesn't need to score to have an impact and is more than capable of playing a small-ball 4/5 role as a rim protector (3.1 blocks per 40 minutes), switch defender, offensive rebounder and facilitator. He isn't overly long or thick at 6-foot-8½, 224 pounds with an 8-foot-8½ standing reach, but he has tremendous feet with quick-twitch athleticism and explosiveness off the floor in space.
Although he doesn't stretch the floor as a shooter, Bell is very comfortable playing out of short rolls both as a passer and straight-line driver, which he showed regularly on a competitive Oregon team. Bell's big personality should fit right in with a loose Warriors bunch, and it isn't all that far-fetched that he earns spot minutes this season.
Ike Anigbogu | Indiana Pacers | C
Player type: Energy center | Pick: No. 47
Like Anunoby, Anigbogu would have likely been a borderline lottery pick if it hadn't been for medical red flags. The 6-foot-10 physical specimen battled knee troubles while at UCLA, and teams had legitimate concerns about his longevity and ability to play extended minutes, causing him to fall all the way to the Pacers in the middle of the second round. Those concerns still remain for the 18-year-old, whose monstrous, proportionate, 252-pound frame is a lot to carry, so it will be important for him to stay light as he matures. Anigbogu missed most of the summer but has been able to play at full strength during the preseason, showing flashes of talent as a rim protector and catch-and-finish center. It remains to be seen how his knee recovers, but if he is able to stay healthy, he has a chance to develop into one of the most imposing big men to come out of the 2017 draft.
The UCLA product stands 6-foot-10 with tree-trunk legs, a 7-foot-6 wingspan and a 9-foot-2½ standing reach. Only seven NBA players to see action in 40-plus games last season weigh at least 250 pounds with a standing reach greater than 9-foot-2: DeMarcus Cousins, Nikola Jokic, DeAndre Jordan, Brook Lopez, Nikola Vucevic, Al Jefferson and Jahlil Okafor. Although his offensive game is a major work in progress, Anigbogu has tremendous value as a shot-blocker, rebounder and lob catcher. He is strong, he is explosive in space and he knows his role. Jefferson is on the wrong side of 30, which could open up developmental minutes for Anigbogu this season behind Myles Turner.
Wesley Iwundu | Orlando Magic | SG/SF
Player type: Slash-and-pass defender | Pick: No. 33
The Magic have a lot of mouths to feed on the perimeter this season, but Iwundu has the physical profile, defensive versatility and passing ability to develop into a useful, role-playing wing down the road. Iwundu has excellent tools for an NBA wing at 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and an 8-foot-9½ standing reach. Only 10 non-big men with a wingspan of at least 7-foot-1 took the floor last season: Kawhi Leonard, Otto Porter, Kyle Anderson, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Trevor Ariza, Jerami Grant, Jeff Green, Kelly Oubre Jr., Brandon Ingram and Wesley Johnson. Length is king in today's NBA, and Iwundu's overall profile is quite similar to Andre Roberson's, though Iwundu is lighter at the same stage.
In terms of on-court impact, Iwundu in theory can check 1 through 3 and plays with a competitiveness on the defensive end that should earn him spot minutes down the road as the rest of his offense develops. Although a fairly limited shooter and half-court scorer, Iwundu has a solid feel for the game, having played a fair amount of point guard at Kansas State, averaging 4.4 assists per 40 minutes. He rebounds his position, shows solid straight-line athleticism and could carve out a role as a defensive-minded slash-and-pass wing.
It isn't out of the question that Iwundu eventually turns into at least a passable shooter as well. Although he was a virtual non-shooter for three years, he knocked down 37.6 percent of his 3s (only 85 attempts) last season. His slow and steady year-by-year progression at Kansas State suggests that it will take him some time to adjust to the NBA, but wings with his length, defensive potential and passing ability aren't easy to find.
These four rookies might not have a big impact in 2017-18, but could turn into draft steals in a few years.
OG Anunoby | Toronto Raptors | PF/SF
Player type: 3-and-D small-ball 4 | Pick: No. 23
If it weren't for a midseason ACL tear, Anunoby would have likely heard his name called somewhere in the lottery of last year's draft. Although still fairly raw, he has a tremendous physical profile for a modern combo forward at 6-foot-8, 232 pounds with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and 8-foot-11½ standing reach. Only two of the 34 NBA players with at least those dimensions aren't traditional big men -- Kyle Anderson and Anthony Tolliver. Anunoby is light on his feet, explosive in space and quick-twitch defensively with the versatility to guard 1 through 4 in a pinch (and even 1 through 5 vs. some small-ball oriented opponents).
How much Anunoby will be able to help the Raptors this season remains to be seen, but the fact that he is already playing considerable preseason minutes is an encouraging sign. Offensively, Anunoby still has a ways to go, as he is a very rudimentary ball handler, occasionally rigid spot shooter and not the most natural decision-maker on the floor. He also blended in a bit too often at both ends during his year-and-a-half in Indiana and could stand to play with more consistent vigor. Still, the former RSCI No. 261 recruit is a worker, shows flashes as a spot-up shooter (career 36.5 percent 3-point clip) and landed in an excellent situation.
Jordan Bell | Golden State Warriors | PF/C
Player type: High-energy big | Pick: No. 38
Jordan Bell might not have a huge immediate impact due to the Warriors' talent level across the board, but as more opportunities arise down the road, he's very likely to prove his worth as a defensive-minded, elite-passing, modern big man. Bell is a perfect fit on a loaded team such as Golden State because he doesn't need to score to have an impact and is more than capable of playing a small-ball 4/5 role as a rim protector (3.1 blocks per 40 minutes), switch defender, offensive rebounder and facilitator. He isn't overly long or thick at 6-foot-8½, 224 pounds with an 8-foot-8½ standing reach, but he has tremendous feet with quick-twitch athleticism and explosiveness off the floor in space.
Although he doesn't stretch the floor as a shooter, Bell is very comfortable playing out of short rolls both as a passer and straight-line driver, which he showed regularly on a competitive Oregon team. Bell's big personality should fit right in with a loose Warriors bunch, and it isn't all that far-fetched that he earns spot minutes this season.
Ike Anigbogu | Indiana Pacers | C
Player type: Energy center | Pick: No. 47
Like Anunoby, Anigbogu would have likely been a borderline lottery pick if it hadn't been for medical red flags. The 6-foot-10 physical specimen battled knee troubles while at UCLA, and teams had legitimate concerns about his longevity and ability to play extended minutes, causing him to fall all the way to the Pacers in the middle of the second round. Those concerns still remain for the 18-year-old, whose monstrous, proportionate, 252-pound frame is a lot to carry, so it will be important for him to stay light as he matures. Anigbogu missed most of the summer but has been able to play at full strength during the preseason, showing flashes of talent as a rim protector and catch-and-finish center. It remains to be seen how his knee recovers, but if he is able to stay healthy, he has a chance to develop into one of the most imposing big men to come out of the 2017 draft.
The UCLA product stands 6-foot-10 with tree-trunk legs, a 7-foot-6 wingspan and a 9-foot-2½ standing reach. Only seven NBA players to see action in 40-plus games last season weigh at least 250 pounds with a standing reach greater than 9-foot-2: DeMarcus Cousins, Nikola Jokic, DeAndre Jordan, Brook Lopez, Nikola Vucevic, Al Jefferson and Jahlil Okafor. Although his offensive game is a major work in progress, Anigbogu has tremendous value as a shot-blocker, rebounder and lob catcher. He is strong, he is explosive in space and he knows his role. Jefferson is on the wrong side of 30, which could open up developmental minutes for Anigbogu this season behind Myles Turner.
Wesley Iwundu | Orlando Magic | SG/SF
Player type: Slash-and-pass defender | Pick: No. 33
The Magic have a lot of mouths to feed on the perimeter this season, but Iwundu has the physical profile, defensive versatility and passing ability to develop into a useful, role-playing wing down the road. Iwundu has excellent tools for an NBA wing at 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and an 8-foot-9½ standing reach. Only 10 non-big men with a wingspan of at least 7-foot-1 took the floor last season: Kawhi Leonard, Otto Porter, Kyle Anderson, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Trevor Ariza, Jerami Grant, Jeff Green, Kelly Oubre Jr., Brandon Ingram and Wesley Johnson. Length is king in today's NBA, and Iwundu's overall profile is quite similar to Andre Roberson's, though Iwundu is lighter at the same stage.
In terms of on-court impact, Iwundu in theory can check 1 through 3 and plays with a competitiveness on the defensive end that should earn him spot minutes down the road as the rest of his offense develops. Although a fairly limited shooter and half-court scorer, Iwundu has a solid feel for the game, having played a fair amount of point guard at Kansas State, averaging 4.4 assists per 40 minutes. He rebounds his position, shows solid straight-line athleticism and could carve out a role as a defensive-minded slash-and-pass wing.
It isn't out of the question that Iwundu eventually turns into at least a passable shooter as well. Although he was a virtual non-shooter for three years, he knocked down 37.6 percent of his 3s (only 85 attempts) last season. His slow and steady year-by-year progression at Kansas State suggests that it will take him some time to adjust to the NBA, but wings with his length, defensive potential and passing ability aren't easy to find.
How can the Celtics move forward without Gordon Hayward?
Six minutes into his Boston debut, All-Star wing Gordon Hayward suffered a horrific injury to his left ankle when he came down awkwardly while going up for an alley-oop. While Hayward's health is the main concern, the Celtics must now figure out how to replace one of the centerpieces of their offseason makeover.
How can Boston fill in for Hayward? And what impact will his injury have on its 2017-18 record? Let's take a look.
Celtics' in-house options
Lottery pick Jayson Tatum, who started alongside Hayward on Tuesday because Boston coach Brad Stevens wanted to match up with the Cleveland Cavaliers' small starting lineup, will probably be his long-term replacement in the starting five. When forward Marcus Morris returns from sitting out to rest his sore right knee, that would give Stevens the option of going big with Aron Baynes at center and Al Horford at power forward or smaller with Horford in the middle alongside Morris.
Alternatively, Stevens could move Smart from his role as sixth man back to the starting lineup at shooting guard and slide Jaylen Brown from the 2 to the 3, bringing Tatum off the bench. Smart started 24 games last season when Avery Bradley was sidelined, though Stevens has preferred to use him as a reserve.
Either way, the Celtics' wing rotation is much younger, more inexperienced and thinner without Hayward. Smart, who's beginning his fourth season, is the veteran of the group. Brown has one year of experience. The other three Boston wings -- Tatum and second-round picks Abdel Nader (who spent last season in the G League) and Semi Ojeleye -- are all rookies.
In particular, the pressure appears to be on Brown and Tatum, drafted No. 3 overall the past two years. Brown was already set to start and serve as the Celtics' primary perimeter defender when Smart is on the bench, but now Boston will need him to supply more playmaking and shot creation -- things he wasn't asked to do as a rookie, when he largely played off the ball, though Brown averaged 19.0 points per 36 minutes in his one college season at California.
Shot creation has always been the strength of Tatum's game, but he'll need to create efficient shot attempts against superior NBA defenses. He struggled with LeBron James' athleticism in his debut. Both Tatum (a 34.2 percent shooter from the shorter college 3-point line) and Brown (who shot 34.1 percent as a rookie) will be called upon to supply outside shooting. Hayward's injury leaves All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving as the only Boston player projected to shoot better than league average from 3-point range.
Could Celtics add to the roster?
As ESPN's Bobby Marks noted in the aftermath of Hayward's injury, if Hayward is ruled out for the season Boston will be eligible to apply for a disabled player exception worth $8.4 million that can be used to sign a free agent to a one-year contract or acquire a player in the final year of his contract via trade or waivers.
While the disabled player exception is seldom used by teams, it could come in handy for the Celtics, who have an open roster spot and enough wiggle room to add a player using the exception without going into the luxury tax. Because Boston used cap space to sign Hayward, the team does not currently have any exceptions to pay players more than the minimum salary.
The most logical candidate for a trade looks like Will Barton of the Denver Nuggets, should the Nuggets decide they can get by with younger Malik Beasley and Juan Hernangomez as their backups on the wing. Barton is making $3.5 million in the final season of his contract and could become too expensive for Denver to retain next summer as an unrestricted free agent. Barton shot a career-best 37 percent from 3-point range last season and would be something of an upgrade as a floor spacer.
Other possible trade options who would fit into a Hayward disabled player exception include Vince Carter of the Sacramento Kings, Wayne Ellington of the Miami Heat and Tyreke Evans of the Memphis Grizzlies. Neither Carter nor Evans could be traded until Dec. 15 because they were signed as free agents this summer.
Projecting Celtics without Hayward
Even before Hayward went down, statistical projections suggested Boston might fall short of last season's 53-win total. The Celtics averaged 45.0 wins in simulations using ESPN's real plus-minus (RPM) projections, and 47 wins using FiveThirtyEight's CARM-Elo projections. Of course, there was reason to believe given the talent on hand and Stevens' coaching that Boston could beat those projections. I pegged the Celtics for 51 wins in my subjective picks.
Naturally, Boston's RPM projection drops further without Hayward. Giving heavy minute increases to Tatum (27 MPG), Ojeleye (15 MPG) and Nader (8 MPG) and smaller ones to Baynes, Brown, Morris, Smart and backup point guard Terry Rozier costs the Celtics nearly seven wins. That leaves Boston below .500 on average in RPM simulations, though if we start with 51 wins as a baseline it would put the Celtics around a 44-win pace without Hayward.
At this point, what we don't know about Boston exceeds what we do know. The Celtics might be able to upgrade their roster midseason, or see their young wings develop more quickly than expected with the additional minutes and responsibility. Still, Boston's hopes of getting to and winning the NBA Finals took a huge hit when Hayward was injured.
Which teams can compete for superstar free agents like LeBron?
Now that another NBA offseason full of high-profile transactions and spending is in the books, let's look ahead to the summer of 2018.
Which teams could and should have the cap space to sign top free agents such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Paul George, Chris Paul, DeMarcus Cousins, DeAndre Jordan and Jabari Parker?
Most of the franchises with projected cap space -- the Hawks, Nets, Bulls, Mavericks, Pacers, Lakers, 76ers and Kings -- are in the early stages of rebuilding.
After two seasons of excessive spending in free agency, players next summer will likely need to weigh signing with their current teams or a team years away from competing for a championship. Also, the current list of eight teams will not increase even if James, Cousins, George or Jordan leaves in free agency. Cleveland, New Orleans, Oklahoma City and the Clippers would still be over the cap if they were to lose their All-Stars.
Two max slots (but will need some help)
Los Angeles Lakers | Projected cap space: $68 million
The public perception is that L.A. is the leader in the clubhouse when it comes to cap space next summer. Although that theory could prove to be true, the Lakers have work to do if they wish to create two max salary slots.
Wiping out the $60 million in free agent holds of Brook Lopez, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Corey Brewer leaves the Lakers with $35 million in room, good enough for one max player. Crating another max slot will come with obstacles and some help (likely from a team in the East).
For starters, moving the contract of Jordan Clarkson and Luol Deng will be challenging based on both players' having two years (2018-19 and 2019-20) left on their deals. As evident with the salary dump of the Raptors' DeMarre Carroll to Brooklyn, Lakers management will probably need to attach an unprotected first-round pick to each player. Moving both Deng and Clarkson could create up to $64 million in room, including the $12.5 million free-agent hold of Julius Randle.
The Lakers also can take the approach of stretching the Deng contract and finding a new home for Clarkson. L.A. would have $68 million in room with Deng stretched, Clarkson traded and the Randle cap hold renounced. The Lakers would then be able to sign a $35 million max player and a $30 million max player on the open market.
One max slot (or the ability to get close)
Atlanta Hawks | Projected cap space: $25 million
Two years removed from spending significant cap space on Kent Bazemore and Dwight Howard, Hawks management has turned its attention to rebuilding and not a quick fix in free agency. That was evident this past summer, when Atlanta turned cap space into future draft assets.
Once the $23 million in combined free-agent cap holds of Ersan Ilyasova and Marco Belinelli is removed, Atlanta will project to have $33 million in cap space in July. Factor in a potential lottery pick and 2018 first-rounders from Houston and Minnesota, and the Hawks' cap space shrinks to $25 million.
Brooklyn Nets | Projected cap space: $12 million
Cap space has been a rude awakening for the Nets the past two years. Flushed with money to spend, Brooklyn has learned that building a roster with trades is more beneficial than the uncertainty of free agency (even at the risk of future cap space). The Nets did their 2018 free-agent shopping on the trade front this summer, when they acquired Timofey Mozgov, Allen Crabbe, D'Angelo Russell and DeMarre Carroll. All four players have $57 million in combined salaries for 2018-19.
If the Nets are going to have significant cap space, point guard Jeremy Lin will need to opt out of his $12.5 million contract. However, now that Lin is lost for the season because of a ruptured right knee patella, the likelihood of him opting-out is remote. Brooklyn currently projects to have $12 million in room, a figure that could increase to $24 million if Lin does opt out.
Chicago Bulls | Projected cap space: $23 million
The Bulls are in a similar position to Atlanta: a perennial playoff team that has moved from building a roster around veterans to short-term contracts and draft assets.
The third-youngest roster in the NBA projects to have $23 million in cap space next July. The room factors in the $9.6 million Zach LaVine free-agent cap hold, the $12.5 million team option for Nikola Mirotic and the $7 million first-round hold for a potential lottery pick. That room would increase to $35 million if the option for Mirotic is not exercised. If Chicago continues to follow the steps in rebuilding, expect the Bulls to take a conservative approach with cap space and sign LaVine to a long-term contract.
Dallas Mavericks | Projected cap space: $22 million
The Mavericks caught a break this summer when Nerlens Noel turned down a $75 million contract. Had Noel committed long-term, Dallas would likely have entered next summer with no cap flexibility. With Noel's $7.9 million free-agent hold, Dallas is projected to have $22 million in room -- a figure that could increase to $30 million if Noel signs elsewhere. The room factors in the Mavericks' first-round pick.
While Wesley Matthews is unlikely to opt out of his $18.6 million contract, Dallas does have flexibility with Dirk Nowitzki's $5 million team option and combined $5 million free-agent holds from Seth Curry and Yogi Ferrell. Both Curry and Ferrell factor into part of the Mavericks' future, and Dallas could sign either player with early bird rights instead of dipping into its available cap space.
Philadelphia 76ers | Projected cap space: $25 million
How Philadelphia handles the Robert Covington renegotiation or extension will dictate the Sixers' cap space. Philadelphia -- currently with $15.2 million in room -- can renegotiate or extend Covington starting Nov. 15.
After the Joel Embiid rookie extension, a projected $10 million salary for Covington, the 76ers' own first-rounder and possibly the Lakers' lottery pick, Philly's cap room shrinks to $25 million next season. (The Sixers get L.A.'s pick if it lands at No. 1 or Nos. 6-30; otherwise it goes to Boston). The room takes into account removing the $40 million in free-agent holds of free agents JJ Redikk and Amir Johnson and trading the $6.3 million Jahlil Okafor contract.
The Sixers could have $35 million if they elect to wait until the summer to sign Covington, but then they run the risk of the losing the unrestricted free agent to a new team.
Wait for the summer of 2019
Indiana Pacers | Projected cap space: None (but fluid)
Indiana will enter the offseason over the salary cap but with the flexibility to create room. The direction the Pacers choose with the non-guaranteed contracts of Bojan Bogdanovic, Darren Collison and Al Jefferson will dictate their cap space. All three players combine for $30 million in salary, with only $7.5 million guaranteed. If Indiana elects to waive each player, cap space will increase to $25 million. The room factors in a potential top-five pick.
The best approach for the rebuilding Pacers is to retain all three players and take advantage of the free-agent market in 2019. Indiana will have only four players -- Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis, T.J. Leaf and Myles Turner (cap hold) -- counting against the cap and could have up to $72 million in room.
Sacramento Kings | Projected cap space: $15 million
Sacramento projects to have $15 million in cap space next summer. However, with Vince Carter the lone free agent, look for the Kings to roll over room to 2019, when the contracts of Zach Randolph, Kosta Koufos, Garrett Temple and possibly George Hill are off the books.
By 2019, Sacramento could have $50 million or more in cap space.
In a holding pattern
New York Knicks | Projected cap space: None
The Knicks' cap situation in the summer of 2018 is based on the future of Enes Kanter (player option), along with veterans Joakim Noah and Courtney Lee.
Although stretching the Noah contract would save New York $10 million in cap room in 2018-19, the Knicks would have a cap hit of $7.5 million in each season until the summer of 2022.
Currently, the Knicks have $91 million in guaranteed contracts (factoring in all three of Kanter, Noah and Lee). The free-agent cap holds of Doug McDermott and a projected 2018 lottery pick have the Knicks at the cap.
Orlando Magic | Projected cap space: None
The restricted free agency of former lottery picks Elfrid Payton and Aaron Gordon has the Magic right at the salary cap.
Until there is a resolution with both players, Orlando will not have the flexibility to add a player outright next summer.
Phoenix Suns | Projected cap space: None
The recent TJ Warren extension has the Suns at $86 million in guaranteed contracts.
The $5.5 million Alan Williams non-guaranteed contract and $7.9 million Alex Len cap hold has the Suns over the cap, factoring in their own lottery pick and a first-rounder from Miami.
The Suns could create cap flexibility based on the trade package they eventually receive for Eric Bledsoe -- the disgruntled point guard is owed $15 million next season -- and Phoenix does have $23 million in the expiring contracts of Jared Dudley and Tyson Chandler to shed if it is looking to create room quickly.
The dark horse team
Houston Rockets | Projected cap space: None
Don't count out GM Daryl Morey when it comes to getting a seat at the free-agent table. Even without cap space in recent years, Houston has been at the front of the line when it comes to recruiting players.
For Morey to get an audience next summer, Houston will need to come up with a plan to shed salary. Houston is likely to be in the luxury tax with the pending free agency of Chris Paul and Clint Capela.
In order for Houston to clear its books, Ryan Anderson, Nene, Eric Gordon and PJ Tucker would need to be traded. All of those players have at least two years left on their contracts, and finding a home could be challenging. Just look at the Rockets' struggles to move Anderson this past offseason.
If the Rockets do pull off all those moves, $20.5 million in room would be available, with only the $30.4 million James Harden contract and cap holds of $35.7 million for Chris Paul and $7 million for Capela counting on their books.
The recent TJ Warren extension has the Suns at $86 million in guaranteed contracts.
The $5.5 million Alan Williams non-guaranteed contract and $7.9 million Alex Len cap hold has the Suns over the cap, factoring in their own lottery pick and a first-rounder from Miami.
The Suns could create cap flexibility based on the trade package they eventually receive for Eric Bledsoe -- the disgruntled point guard is owed $15 million next season -- and Phoenix does have $23 million in the expiring contracts of Jared Dudley and Tyson Chandler to shed if it is looking to create room quickly.
The dark horse team
Houston Rockets | Projected cap space: None
Don't count out GM Daryl Morey when it comes to getting a seat at the free-agent table. Even without cap space in recent years, Houston has been at the front of the line when it comes to recruiting players.
For Morey to get an audience next summer, Houston will need to come up with a plan to shed salary. Houston is likely to be in the luxury tax with the pending free agency of Chris Paul and Clint Capela.
In order for Houston to clear its books, Ryan Anderson, Nene, Eric Gordon and PJ Tucker would need to be traded. All of those players have at least two years left on their contracts, and finding a home could be challenging. Just look at the Rockets' struggles to move Anderson this past offseason.
If the Rockets do pull off all those moves, $20.5 million in room would be available, with only the $30.4 million James Harden contract and cap holds of $35.7 million for Chris Paul and $7 million for Capela counting on their books.
NBA draft rankings: Top 10 freshman prospects for 2018
Our preseason college basketball rankings roll on with the top 10 draft prospects and potential one-and-dones in the NCAA freshman class.
An astounding 16 freshmen were picked in the first round of the 2017 draft, easily the highest mark in league history.
The NCAA freshman class of 2018 won't enter the college season as highly touted, but the message sent by NBA front offices to young prospects has surely been heard loud and clear, which will make for an interesting pre-draft process at the very least.
In the 11 years since the NBA age limit was instituted, the DraftExpress database counts 100 players who could be considered one-and-done. ESPN Stats & Information has that number at 97, excluding Terrance Ferguson, Emmanuel Mudiay and Brandon Jennings, who all played overseas but were clearly products of the American high school system (and Thon Maker is in his own unique category). Either way, we're looking at around nine players per class on average over the past decade-plus, but closer to 11 if you look at only the past five years.
At the moment, we have 13 freshmen projected to be one-and-done in our latest mock draft, but we are usually a little more conservative than others early on with our projections. That could certainly change once the season starts and we get a better feel for how these young players' games translate from the high school level. Some will inevitably struggle early on, while other players we aren't even considering at the moment will flourish.
Note: You can find our updated list of the top 25 freshman NCAA prospects here throughout the year, as well as at the bottom of this piece.
1. Michael Porter Jr.
Missouri
Age: 19.3
SF/PF
Height: 6-foot-10 | Wingspan: 7-0
Porter is an exceptionally skilled, oversized wing player who is big enough to see minutes at power forward at 6-foot-10. He can get his shot off with incredible ease and put the ball in the basket from anywhere on the floor. He averages 33 points per 40 minutes in the 49 games we have in our database.
He is a good ball handler with polished footwork and feathery touch on his pull-up jumper, making him a dangerous threat in one-on-one situations. He has excellent instincts for blocks, rebounds and steals, and he should be able to develop into a solid defender in time as his frame fills out. While Porter's talent level is exceptional, he's still figuring out how to play within a team setting, as he isn't the most efficient prospect you'll find.
2. Marvin Bagley III
Duke
Age: 18.6
PF/C
Height: 6-foot-11 | Wingspan: 7-0½
Bagley skipped his senior year of high school to enroll in college a year early, expediting his NBA draft clock in the process and improving Duke's chances of winning the NCAA tournament, according to Vegas oddsmakers. The smooth and fluid 6-foot-11 big man is a very talented scorer who is highly skilled. He can handle the ball in the open floor, passes well and has shown the ability to make 3-pointers at times.
It will be interesting to see how Bagley is utilized defensively at Duke, as he's somewhat caught between big men positions in terms of his lack of length, average physicality and inconsistent motor. He showed impressive instincts as a rim protector and rebounder at the high school level, so there is plenty of potential.
3. Deandre Ayton
Arizona
Age: 19.2
C
Height: 7-foot-0 | Wingspan: 7-5½
Ayton has been drawing rave reviews early on from the Arizona coaching staff and NBA scouts who have attended practice in Tucson. Ayton is a physical marvel, standing 7-foot and 250 pounds with a 7-5½ wingspan and 9-3 standing reach. He's a tremendous athlete on top of that, capable of covering ground fluidly, playing quick off his feet and displaying high-level coordination. He is very skilled for a player his size, as he can step away from the paint and shoot 3-pointers, handle the ball in the open floor and finish with good touch around the basket. He makes his presence felt on the glass consistently and has excellent potential defensively with his agility and length.
Ayton hasn't always played with the type of intensity and passion scouts would like to see, preferring to float around the perimeter and not willingly embrace how impactful his tools could make him inside the paint.
4. Mohamed Bamba
Texas
Age: 19.4
C
Height: 7-foot-0 | Wingspan: 7-9½
Bamba has some of the freakiest measurements you'll come across, as his 7-9 wingspan and 9-6 standing reach will both rank in elite company historically immediately upon entering the NBA. Bamba also brings a degree of skill and feel, with soft touch and hands, the ability to move the ball with feel, and even make an occasional jump shot.
His frame will take some time to fill out, and he's not the naturally toughest or most intense player around, leaving some questions about his passion for the game. Bamba is one of the bigger boom-or-bust prospects in this draft class, and there will likely be a significant discrepancy among NBA front offices in how he's evaluated.
5. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Michigan State
Age: 18.0
PF/C
Height: 6-foot-10 | Wingspan: 7-4
The son of an NBA journeyman with the same name, Jackson was considered somewhat of an underachiever for much of his high school career, blowing up only at the very end of his senior season at the Nike Hoop Summit. He has tremendous physical tools at 6-foot-11, 240 pounds, with a 7-4 wingspan and 9-1 standing reach to go along with a budding skill level on both ends of the floor.
Jackson shows good instincts as a shot-blocker as well as the ability to make 3-pointers, put the ball on the floor, and finish with either hand around the basket. His basketball IQ and intensity level are still a work in progress, but his upside is extremely high, especially considering he's far younger than most of his class. He's also in the right place to work on his weaknesses at Michigan State.
6. Collin Sexton
Alabama
Age: 18.7
PG
Height: 6-foot-2 | Wingspan: 6-6½
Sexton has strong physical tools for the point guard position, with a solid frame, long arms and tremendous athleticism. He's an instinctive scorer who changes speeds impressively and can create offense in the blink of an eye, with or without a ball screen. He's also a very physical player who can really defend when he wants to, takes contact at the rim and competes hard.
Sexton's jump shot is a work in progress, as are his natural playmaking instincts and decision-making. It will be interesting to see what kind of impact he makes on the win column at Alabama, where he'll operate under former NBA point guard and head coach Avery Johnson.
7. Wendell Carter Jr.
Duke
Age: 18.5
C
Height: 6-foot-10 | Wingspan: 7-3
Carter has been considered among the top prospects in his class since he was 15 years old, as he was an early bloomer physically who always had a polished skill set and a strong feel for the game. Other players gradually caught up physically, but Carter has continued to add things to his game, becoming a better passer, adding a midrange jumper, and becoming a more versatile defender.
Carter's chiseled 257-pound frame, 7-3 wingspan and 9-0 standing reach will allow him to play the center position with ease. He's a good but not great athlete who lacks a degree of explosiveness; he needs to continue to hone his skill set outside the paint and improve his versatility as a shot-blocker and pick-and-roll defender.
8. Trevon Duval
Duke
Age: 19.2
PG
Height: 6-foot-3 | Wingspan: 6-9½
Duval has prototypical tools for a point guard, standing 6-foot-3 with a chiseled frame, 6-9 wingspan and tremendous athletic ability. He has an elite first step, plays above the rim regularly, and changes speeds powerfully to make a living inside the paint. Duval is nearly unstoppable in the open floor and has significant potential defensively due to his physical tools. He shows flashes of unselfishness and vision as a passer, but he's a poor decision-maker, preferring the flashy highlight-reel play over the substantive one too often.
His biggest downside is his jump shot, an area in which he appeared to make painfully little progress over the course of his high school career. Duval will be counted on heavily to make Duke's offense work this season, and he will have every opportunity to show scouts he has a better feel for the game and more polish than he has been given credit for. It's likely Duval will take some lumps early in the season, but it's important he show progress as the year moves on.