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2025 NBA Draft Thread
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by addict4sneakers,
- Start date
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Guess I just don't really see what the argument FOR Bates is. He's going to be an elite offensive player for sure, but only effects game on one side of the ball.
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Hoping the best for Bates, his rep is def taking hits. Whether self-inflicted or not, I tend to give him more leeway being a youngster and not knowing who's in his circle
Want to see how he handles everything up until '23
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Yeah I'm not gonna come down on a 17 year old. Especially when there seems to be a lot of variables in play.
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I think it's more of the fact that a few prospects have caught up...more so than Bates falling.
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Gotta see Bates away from his pops bubble 1st to make that decision
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Bates wit Team Final playing well loaded squad Derrick Lively II been rising also
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Yeah he kinda have to for his program i just forgot about
playing Peach Jam with Final would of been cool to see
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I have no idea what I'm doing.
1. Detroit Pistons - Cade Cunningham...Big time shot maker, will need to improve his passing to untap his potential.
2. Houston Rockets - Jalen Green...Could be Zach LaVine or Gerald Green, there's no in-between.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Evan Mobley...I think he's the most talented player, but being a big penalizes him.
4. Toronto Raptors - Jalen Suggs...Best player available, takes the spot left vacant when Lowry leaves.
5. Orlando Magic - Jonathan Kuminga...He's 6'8, so-so feel/bball IQ and athletic, so he's the quintessential Magic draft pick.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder - Scottie Barnes...Could see him being the best player out of the draft if he gets his shot right.
7. Golden State Warriors - Franz Wagner...Connecter type of talent for Golden State. German Nic Batum?
8. Orlando Magic - James Bouknight...Magic add to their stable of young guard with a scorer in Bouknight.
9. Sacramento Kings - Keon Johnson...Athletic guard, Buddy Hield may not be long for Sacramento.
10. New Orleans Pelicans - Corey Kispert...Best shooter in the draft to help Zion and Ingram.
11. Charlotte Hornets - Moses Moody...Graham is a free agent this summer, Rozier next, so need to add another guard.
12. San Antonio Spurs - Alperen Sengun...Kicked *** in Europe as an 18 year old.
13. Indiana Pacers - Chris Duarte...Pacers want to win now, look for immediate impact.
14. Golden State Warriors - Davion Mitchell...Bulldog point guard to backup Steph Curry.
15. Washington Wizards - Josh Giddey...Big guard with legit passing skills.
16. Oklahoma City Thunder - Isaiah Jackson...Thunder recently traded away Moses Brown, so they have a center vacancy.
17. Memphis Grizzlies - Jalen Johnson...Worth the roll of the dice, attitude issues be damned.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder - Cam Thomas...Never met a shot he didn't like.
19. New York Knicks - Kai Jones...Insurance if the Knicks hesitate on extending Mitchell Robinson.
20. Atlanta Hawks - Miles McBride...Hawks need a backup point guard with Lou Williams getting older and being a free agent.
21. New York Knicks - Sharife Cooper...Electric point guard that the Garden could fall in love with.
22. Los Angeles Lakers - Trey Murphy...A long needed shooter for this team.
23. Houston Rockets - Usman Garuba...Defensive big man, not sure he's much more than that.
24. Houston Rockets - Bones Hyland...Sharpshooting combo guard, lit up the Combine.
25. Los Angeles Clippers - Ziaire Williams...Thin build and inconsistent, but is 6'10* and shot isn't broken.
26. Denver Nuggets - Jaden Springer...Very young defensive oriented guard, can he improve his jumper?
27. Brooklyn Nets - Quentin Grimes...Insurance in case Dinwiddie/Brown leave in free agency.
28. Philadelphia 76ers - JT Thor...One of the biggest draft risers in recent weeks.
29. Phoenix Suns - Jared Butler...If his health checks out, he should go higher.
30. Utah Jazz - Herb Jones...Jazz need athleticism to supplement the aging and slow roster.
2. Houston Rockets - Jalen Green...Could be Zach LaVine or Gerald Green, there's no in-between.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Evan Mobley...I think he's the most talented player, but being a big penalizes him.
4. Toronto Raptors - Jalen Suggs...Best player available, takes the spot left vacant when Lowry leaves.
5. Orlando Magic - Jonathan Kuminga...He's 6'8, so-so feel/bball IQ and athletic, so he's the quintessential Magic draft pick.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder - Scottie Barnes...Could see him being the best player out of the draft if he gets his shot right.
7. Golden State Warriors - Franz Wagner...Connecter type of talent for Golden State. German Nic Batum?
8. Orlando Magic - James Bouknight...Magic add to their stable of young guard with a scorer in Bouknight.
9. Sacramento Kings - Keon Johnson...Athletic guard, Buddy Hield may not be long for Sacramento.
10. New Orleans Pelicans - Corey Kispert...Best shooter in the draft to help Zion and Ingram.
11. Charlotte Hornets - Moses Moody...Graham is a free agent this summer, Rozier next, so need to add another guard.
12. San Antonio Spurs - Alperen Sengun...Kicked *** in Europe as an 18 year old.
13. Indiana Pacers - Chris Duarte...Pacers want to win now, look for immediate impact.
14. Golden State Warriors - Davion Mitchell...Bulldog point guard to backup Steph Curry.
15. Washington Wizards - Josh Giddey...Big guard with legit passing skills.
16. Oklahoma City Thunder - Isaiah Jackson...Thunder recently traded away Moses Brown, so they have a center vacancy.
17. Memphis Grizzlies - Jalen Johnson...Worth the roll of the dice, attitude issues be damned.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder - Cam Thomas...Never met a shot he didn't like.
19. New York Knicks - Kai Jones...Insurance if the Knicks hesitate on extending Mitchell Robinson.
20. Atlanta Hawks - Miles McBride...Hawks need a backup point guard with Lou Williams getting older and being a free agent.
21. New York Knicks - Sharife Cooper...Electric point guard that the Garden could fall in love with.
22. Los Angeles Lakers - Trey Murphy...A long needed shooter for this team.
23. Houston Rockets - Usman Garuba...Defensive big man, not sure he's much more than that.
24. Houston Rockets - Bones Hyland...Sharpshooting combo guard, lit up the Combine.
25. Los Angeles Clippers - Ziaire Williams...Thin build and inconsistent, but is 6'10* and shot isn't broken.
26. Denver Nuggets - Jaden Springer...Very young defensive oriented guard, can he improve his jumper?
27. Brooklyn Nets - Quentin Grimes...Insurance in case Dinwiddie/Brown leave in free agency.
28. Philadelphia 76ers - JT Thor...One of the biggest draft risers in recent weeks.
29. Phoenix Suns - Jared Butler...If his health checks out, he should go higher.
30. Utah Jazz - Herb Jones...Jazz need athleticism to supplement the aging and slow roster.
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Unless it was a typo...Ziaire Williams damn near measured in @ 6'10
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Forgot he sprouted to nearly 6'10.
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Worst case scenario for Jalen Suggs?
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Jordan clarkson, no complexion
dacomeup
Supporter
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Average starting PG in the league
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I'm very not excited for Jalen Suggs to be a Raptor.
Im sure he will be a solid starting PG in the league. but not what you dream and hope for with the 4th pick.
Im sure he will be a solid starting PG in the league. but not what you dream and hope for with the 4th pick.
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Dejounte Murray
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An athletic, cerebral PG that doesn't quite have the polished skills to be elite. Not sure who exactly that is.
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I've been kind of high on him, but this seems odd...
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Best team fits for the 2021 NBA draft's most polarizing first-round prospects
While we tirelessly analyze what every team needs in each NBA draft, it's also important to see things from a player perspective, diving into which organizations will best maximize a prospect's potential. That's especially essential for the draft's most polarizing prospects -- those with the widest range of possible outcomes on draft night. With that in mind, where should six of the draft's most divisive prospects be hoping to land, and why?
Jonathan Kuminga | PF | 6-foot-8 | 220 pounds | G League Ignite
ESPN Top 100 ranking: No. 5
What makes him polarizing?
Few scouts question Kuminga's ability -- he's 6-foot-8 with one of the best frames in the draft, excellent length and potential as a shot creator that you don't always see from players in his mold. Put together a highlight tape from his 13 games in the G League Bubble and the average fan might think Kuminga should be the top pick -- which was the actual buzz among NBA scouts at the onset of the bubble. He has the tools to defend four positions, a projectable shooting stroke, a polished mid-post game and more upside as a ball-handler and facilitator than your prototypical 3-and-D style wing.
Yet for as impressive as Kuminga's highs can be, his lows have also raised questions, as his defensive motor fluctuates wildly, as do his shooting and decision-making. Kuminga's naysayers wonder: If he doesn't buy into becoming a lockdown defender or evolve into at least a league average shooter, what is Kuminga's elite NBA skill? Will he evolve into a future All-Star and franchise cornerstone like a Jaylen Brown, or is an NBA starter like Harrison Barnes a more realistic outcome? A bit of a stubborn player, Kuminga needs to land in a situation where he is known both on the court and off, where he can remain focused with a clear development plan in place.
Intriguing fit: Oklahoma City Thunder (6th overall)
For a prospect who hasn't had much stability since arriving in the United States from Congo as a 14-year-old, landing in a small market like Oklahoma City would be a dream scenario. Loaded with talent, Kuminga bounced around from high school to high school and would greatly benefit from finding a development-focused organization to help him maximize his immense ability.
With their treasure trove of draft picks, the Thunder are in no rush to turn into a playoff contender tomorrow, giving Kuminga ample time to take a calculated, layered approach in his growth as a player alongside an established young star like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a high-character veteran like Kemba Walker, should he remain on the roster. With key young pieces including Lu Dort, Theo Maledon and Aleksej Pokusevski, Kuminga fits OKC's timeline and would be in an ideal organization to help him evolve into the versatile defender and shot-creator that his talent suggests.
I've always considered the Brown template to be best for Kuminga -- perfect the '3-and-D' role first before unleashing his true potential as a shot-creator and mid-post scorer. In addition to giving him the platform to achieve exactly that, the Thunder also have found success helping shaky shooters like Dort become more reliable from beyond the arc, which will be key for Kuminga, who shot just 25% from 3 during 13 G League Bubble games. The situation he lands in could determine whether Kuminga becomes one of the league's premier two-way wings, or a volume scorer with a fluctuating motor.
James Bouknight | SG | 6-5 | 190 | UConn
ESPN Top 100 ranking: No. 8
What makes him polarizing?
Bouknight is an NBA-caliber scorer with the type of off-the-dribble game you see from NBA All-Stars. He's one of the draft's most effortless bucket-getters who fits the NBA game with his pull-up shooting and fluidity with the ball. With that said, his skeptics wonder what he'll be able to do at an NBA level other than score the ball.
We know he'll put up raw scoring numbers at the next level, but will he improve enough as a passer and defender to impact winning at a high level, at least enough to live up to his buzz as a potential top-10 pick? That's where the right situation comes in, as where he's drafted will likely play a big role in the type of passer and defender he becomes.
Intriguing fit: Golden State (7th or 14th overall)
Landing in a situation like Golden State would be huge for Bouknight's long-term development in the aforementioned key areas. One of the draft's most talented shot-creators, Bouknight could play a Jordan Clarkson-like role as a bench bucket-getter in year one, while learning how to add value in a more ball-moving style predicated on 0.5-second decision-making alongside stars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
Should he land in the wrong situation, there's a chance Bouknight gets labeled (rightfully or not) an inefficient "bad team scorer," which was largely Clarkson's reputation before he arrived in Utah. Not always given ample space to operate at UConn, Bouknight's efficiency numbers took a hit as he posted a sub-50% effective field goal percentage, a 0.64 to 1 assist-to-turnover ratio and a -5.3 pure point rating. Often having to turn touches into dribble-heavy isolation possessions, Bouknight's critics wonder how his style will fit within an NBA offense.
Going to Golden State, which desperately needs another perimeter scorer, would expedite Bouknight's growth as a more efficient quick-action scorer in the Bradley Beal mold, while also allowing him to be himself, given the need he fills for Steve Kerr and Co. Bouknight's combination of leaping ability, body control, shooting potential and shot creation gives him one of the highest upsides in the draft, which could come to light if he lands in a situation like Golden State, where he'll also be held accountable defensively.
Keon Johnson | SG | 6-5 | 186 | Tennessee
ESPN Top 100 ranking: No. 9
What makes him polarizing?
Johnson is a bit outside the box as a prospect given the fact that he's not the most advanced ball-handler or shot-creator at 185 pounds, but he will be one of the most explosive players in the NBA from day one and can impact the game all over the floor with his instincts and motor.
With that in mind, Johnson isn't the type of prospect you simply draft high, hand the ball to and ask to save the franchise. His incredible upside is most likely to be maximized if he goes somewhere that values the little things he does well right now -- finishing, cutting, rebounding, defending, moving the ball -- and gives him the necessary time to sharpen his skill.
Think of a guard version of Patrick Williams or Isaac Okoro. Neither prospect was overly polished on draft night, but the Bulls and Cavs bet on their athletic gifts and approach to the game when evaluating the type of player each can become. Johnson's serious approach and winning impact will surely buy him time to grow into his game, as long as he lands in the right situation.
Intriguing fit: Charlotte Hornets (11th overall)
The draft's bounciest leaper, Johnson would greatly benefit from a situation where he can stick to his strengths as a transition finisher, slasher, defender and ball-mover early in his career, giving him time to eventually tap into his incredible upside. While Toronto, Golden State and San Antonio would also be great fits for Johnson, Charlotte is an intriguing dark horse, in part because the Hornets aren't financially committed to any young guards not named Ball past next season, either.
Johnson would mesh perfectly alongside a transition playmaker like LaMelo Ball, who has played a huge role in re-energizing Miles Bridges, a rim-rattler like Johnson, with his full-court dimes. Head coach James Borrego has also shown a willingness to play three-guard lineups, which wouldn't put too much pressure on Johnson to generate the majority of a team's half-court offense, an area where he's still evolving.
Given Ball's size at 6-8, Johnson could defend point guards -- likely his best defensive position at 6-5, 186 with a 6-7 wingspan. An underrated spot-up shooter, Johnson would be able to add value as an occasional floor-spacer, straight-line driver, cutter and post-up scorer on offense, while learning from one of the best passers in the game in Ball. Given Charlotte's youth movement, Johnson would also have the necessary rope to play through mistakes and develop at his own pace.
Jalen Johnson | SF | 6-9 | 220 | Duke
ESPN Top 100 ranking: No. 12
What makes him polarizing?
The wide range of opinions about Johnson are largely a product of the inconsistencies during his 13 games at Duke, combined with his impressive talent and versatility at 6-9. Without the foundation of USA Basketball tournaments or high school all-star games that were wiped out by COVID-19, scouts struggle with what to make of the variance in Johnson's performances in Durham.
Can they expect the prospect who exploded for 24 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists against Pittsburgh? Or was a 7-point, 7-rebound showing on 3-for-10 shooting in a loss to Illinois more indicative of the player we'll see at the next level? The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle, but it's clear that finding the right coach and organizational structure will play a big role in the type of player Johnson becomes in the NBA.
Intriguing fit: San Antonio Spurs (12th overall)
Not only are the Spurs in dire need of a big forward to complement Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Keldon Johnson, Lonnie Walker and Devin Vassell, but Johnson could use a strong organization like San Antonio to help him show off his array of talents. Gregg Popovich could utilize the 6-9, 220-pound Johnson like a prime Boris Diaw, allowing him to push in transition, facilitate from different spots on the floor in the halfcourt and defend multiple positions without asking him to score too much early on in his career.
Johnson's clear swing skill is his shooting, so having a legendary coach like Chip Engelland to help him iron out his release would be a match made in heaven. Popovich's ability to connect with all different types of personalities yet hold players accountable should be desirable for Johnson, who was once ranked as high as No. 4 on our top 100 and averaged an impressive 20.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.1 steals and 2.3 blocks per 30 minutes at Duke.
Alperen Sengun | PF/C | 6-9 | 235 | Turkey
ESPN Top 100 ranking: No. 14
What makes him polarizing?
From a sheer productivity standpoint, Sengun did things few 18-year-old bigs have ever done in Europe. He averaged 19.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.6 blocks in just 28 minutes over the course of 34 games while shooting an incredible 67% inside the arc. He dominated opposing frontlines, drawing 9.3 fouls per 40 minutes, tracking down more than five offensive boards per 40 minutes, and finishing from all different angles with a combination of physicality, footwork and touch.
Yet at around 6-9 in a Turkish League that was quite down this year in the talent department, scouts aren't quite sure what to make of Sengun's unprecedented production. With the lateral quickness of a center yet the tools of a traditional power forward in the physical mold of a young Kevin Love, it will take a certain set of circumstances to bring out the best in Sengun, who also figures to be somewhat limited from a learning and communication standpoint as he doesn't speak great English quite yet.
Intriguing fit: Memphis Grizzlies (17th overall)
The basketball fit with the Grizzlies would be ideal for the 6-9 Sengun, who is at his best when playing alongside a floor-spacing big who can protect the rim and switch defensively. Enter Jaren Jackson Jr., whose perimeter-oriented style would allow Sengun to dominate the paint like Jonas Valanciunas -- a free agent after next season -- did for Memphis in 2020-21 as he continues to fine-tune his shooting stroke.
Sengun was one of the most prolific pick-and-roll finishers in all of Europe for Besikitas last season, and his soft touch, stellar hands and bounce would make him an excellent ball-screen partner with budding superstar Ja Morant. Given the success of Morant, Dillon Brooks and the potential of Jackson Jr., there wouldn't be pressure on Sengun to evolve into the face of the franchise right away. Even if he wasn't able to emerge as a starter, Sengun could use his post savvy to destroy second units as both an interior scorer and facilitator.
Some scouts compare Sengun to a smaller Marc Gasol, and the Spanish big man's successful career in Memphis could serve as an excellent template for Sengun. There's no guarantee that he'll be on the board at 17, but Memphis is a highly intriguing dark horse fit for the highly skilled Turkish big man.
Kai Jones | PF | 7-0 | 221 | Texas
ESPN Top 100 ranking: No. 20
What makes him polarizing?
I've often described Jones as a ball of clay who could be molded in a variety of different ways. His size, length, agility and motor are that of an energy big who adds value as a rim-runner, lob-catcher, offensive rebounder and switch defender, yet he's capable of stepping out and shooting 3s, handling the ball some and even making heady drop-off passes when he's not too sped up.
Yet for the glimpses of brilliance, Jones started only 14 games in his college career and is at a relatively early stage of his development in the feel and physicality departments (although he's now up to 7-0, 221 pounds). Jones' tools and talent are that of a top-10 pick in this class, yet given the fact that he needs some time to develop, what is an advantageous situation for him to add value as a run-and-jump big while eventually having the rope to explore some of his gifts in the skill department?
Intriguing fit: Sacramento Kings (9th overall)
The Kings haven't exactly been a hotbed for highly touted, springy bigs as of late given Marvin Bagley's struggles, but Kai Jones has the potential to thrive alongside a speed demon guard like De'Aaron Fox and a cerebral playmaker like Tyrese Haliburton. The Kings led the NBA in transition scoring efficiency last season, and Jones -- a former track star -- is arguably the most agile 7-footer I've ever evaluated from a coordination and rim-running standpoint.
Lobs from Fox and Haliburton would allow Jones to play to his strengths while continuing to evolve as a decision-maker on both ends of the floor. The Kings, who had one of the NBA's worst defenses last year, could also greatly benefit from his ability to switch onto the perimeter and provide at least some rim protection, even if he's still a few years from playing heavy minutes in the NBA.
While we tirelessly analyze what every team needs in each NBA draft, it's also important to see things from a player perspective, diving into which organizations will best maximize a prospect's potential. That's especially essential for the draft's most polarizing prospects -- those with the widest range of possible outcomes on draft night. With that in mind, where should six of the draft's most divisive prospects be hoping to land, and why?
Jonathan Kuminga | PF | 6-foot-8 | 220 pounds | G League Ignite
ESPN Top 100 ranking: No. 5
What makes him polarizing?
Few scouts question Kuminga's ability -- he's 6-foot-8 with one of the best frames in the draft, excellent length and potential as a shot creator that you don't always see from players in his mold. Put together a highlight tape from his 13 games in the G League Bubble and the average fan might think Kuminga should be the top pick -- which was the actual buzz among NBA scouts at the onset of the bubble. He has the tools to defend four positions, a projectable shooting stroke, a polished mid-post game and more upside as a ball-handler and facilitator than your prototypical 3-and-D style wing.
Yet for as impressive as Kuminga's highs can be, his lows have also raised questions, as his defensive motor fluctuates wildly, as do his shooting and decision-making. Kuminga's naysayers wonder: If he doesn't buy into becoming a lockdown defender or evolve into at least a league average shooter, what is Kuminga's elite NBA skill? Will he evolve into a future All-Star and franchise cornerstone like a Jaylen Brown, or is an NBA starter like Harrison Barnes a more realistic outcome? A bit of a stubborn player, Kuminga needs to land in a situation where he is known both on the court and off, where he can remain focused with a clear development plan in place.
Intriguing fit: Oklahoma City Thunder (6th overall)
For a prospect who hasn't had much stability since arriving in the United States from Congo as a 14-year-old, landing in a small market like Oklahoma City would be a dream scenario. Loaded with talent, Kuminga bounced around from high school to high school and would greatly benefit from finding a development-focused organization to help him maximize his immense ability.
With their treasure trove of draft picks, the Thunder are in no rush to turn into a playoff contender tomorrow, giving Kuminga ample time to take a calculated, layered approach in his growth as a player alongside an established young star like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a high-character veteran like Kemba Walker, should he remain on the roster. With key young pieces including Lu Dort, Theo Maledon and Aleksej Pokusevski, Kuminga fits OKC's timeline and would be in an ideal organization to help him evolve into the versatile defender and shot-creator that his talent suggests.
I've always considered the Brown template to be best for Kuminga -- perfect the '3-and-D' role first before unleashing his true potential as a shot-creator and mid-post scorer. In addition to giving him the platform to achieve exactly that, the Thunder also have found success helping shaky shooters like Dort become more reliable from beyond the arc, which will be key for Kuminga, who shot just 25% from 3 during 13 G League Bubble games. The situation he lands in could determine whether Kuminga becomes one of the league's premier two-way wings, or a volume scorer with a fluctuating motor.
James Bouknight | SG | 6-5 | 190 | UConn
ESPN Top 100 ranking: No. 8
What makes him polarizing?
Bouknight is an NBA-caliber scorer with the type of off-the-dribble game you see from NBA All-Stars. He's one of the draft's most effortless bucket-getters who fits the NBA game with his pull-up shooting and fluidity with the ball. With that said, his skeptics wonder what he'll be able to do at an NBA level other than score the ball.
We know he'll put up raw scoring numbers at the next level, but will he improve enough as a passer and defender to impact winning at a high level, at least enough to live up to his buzz as a potential top-10 pick? That's where the right situation comes in, as where he's drafted will likely play a big role in the type of passer and defender he becomes.
Intriguing fit: Golden State (7th or 14th overall)
Landing in a situation like Golden State would be huge for Bouknight's long-term development in the aforementioned key areas. One of the draft's most talented shot-creators, Bouknight could play a Jordan Clarkson-like role as a bench bucket-getter in year one, while learning how to add value in a more ball-moving style predicated on 0.5-second decision-making alongside stars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
Should he land in the wrong situation, there's a chance Bouknight gets labeled (rightfully or not) an inefficient "bad team scorer," which was largely Clarkson's reputation before he arrived in Utah. Not always given ample space to operate at UConn, Bouknight's efficiency numbers took a hit as he posted a sub-50% effective field goal percentage, a 0.64 to 1 assist-to-turnover ratio and a -5.3 pure point rating. Often having to turn touches into dribble-heavy isolation possessions, Bouknight's critics wonder how his style will fit within an NBA offense.
Going to Golden State, which desperately needs another perimeter scorer, would expedite Bouknight's growth as a more efficient quick-action scorer in the Bradley Beal mold, while also allowing him to be himself, given the need he fills for Steve Kerr and Co. Bouknight's combination of leaping ability, body control, shooting potential and shot creation gives him one of the highest upsides in the draft, which could come to light if he lands in a situation like Golden State, where he'll also be held accountable defensively.
Keon Johnson | SG | 6-5 | 186 | Tennessee
ESPN Top 100 ranking: No. 9
What makes him polarizing?
Johnson is a bit outside the box as a prospect given the fact that he's not the most advanced ball-handler or shot-creator at 185 pounds, but he will be one of the most explosive players in the NBA from day one and can impact the game all over the floor with his instincts and motor.
With that in mind, Johnson isn't the type of prospect you simply draft high, hand the ball to and ask to save the franchise. His incredible upside is most likely to be maximized if he goes somewhere that values the little things he does well right now -- finishing, cutting, rebounding, defending, moving the ball -- and gives him the necessary time to sharpen his skill.
Think of a guard version of Patrick Williams or Isaac Okoro. Neither prospect was overly polished on draft night, but the Bulls and Cavs bet on their athletic gifts and approach to the game when evaluating the type of player each can become. Johnson's serious approach and winning impact will surely buy him time to grow into his game, as long as he lands in the right situation.
Intriguing fit: Charlotte Hornets (11th overall)
The draft's bounciest leaper, Johnson would greatly benefit from a situation where he can stick to his strengths as a transition finisher, slasher, defender and ball-mover early in his career, giving him time to eventually tap into his incredible upside. While Toronto, Golden State and San Antonio would also be great fits for Johnson, Charlotte is an intriguing dark horse, in part because the Hornets aren't financially committed to any young guards not named Ball past next season, either.
Johnson would mesh perfectly alongside a transition playmaker like LaMelo Ball, who has played a huge role in re-energizing Miles Bridges, a rim-rattler like Johnson, with his full-court dimes. Head coach James Borrego has also shown a willingness to play three-guard lineups, which wouldn't put too much pressure on Johnson to generate the majority of a team's half-court offense, an area where he's still evolving.
Given Ball's size at 6-8, Johnson could defend point guards -- likely his best defensive position at 6-5, 186 with a 6-7 wingspan. An underrated spot-up shooter, Johnson would be able to add value as an occasional floor-spacer, straight-line driver, cutter and post-up scorer on offense, while learning from one of the best passers in the game in Ball. Given Charlotte's youth movement, Johnson would also have the necessary rope to play through mistakes and develop at his own pace.
Jalen Johnson | SF | 6-9 | 220 | Duke
ESPN Top 100 ranking: No. 12
What makes him polarizing?
The wide range of opinions about Johnson are largely a product of the inconsistencies during his 13 games at Duke, combined with his impressive talent and versatility at 6-9. Without the foundation of USA Basketball tournaments or high school all-star games that were wiped out by COVID-19, scouts struggle with what to make of the variance in Johnson's performances in Durham.
Can they expect the prospect who exploded for 24 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists against Pittsburgh? Or was a 7-point, 7-rebound showing on 3-for-10 shooting in a loss to Illinois more indicative of the player we'll see at the next level? The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle, but it's clear that finding the right coach and organizational structure will play a big role in the type of player Johnson becomes in the NBA.
Intriguing fit: San Antonio Spurs (12th overall)
Not only are the Spurs in dire need of a big forward to complement Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Keldon Johnson, Lonnie Walker and Devin Vassell, but Johnson could use a strong organization like San Antonio to help him show off his array of talents. Gregg Popovich could utilize the 6-9, 220-pound Johnson like a prime Boris Diaw, allowing him to push in transition, facilitate from different spots on the floor in the halfcourt and defend multiple positions without asking him to score too much early on in his career.
Johnson's clear swing skill is his shooting, so having a legendary coach like Chip Engelland to help him iron out his release would be a match made in heaven. Popovich's ability to connect with all different types of personalities yet hold players accountable should be desirable for Johnson, who was once ranked as high as No. 4 on our top 100 and averaged an impressive 20.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.1 steals and 2.3 blocks per 30 minutes at Duke.
Alperen Sengun | PF/C | 6-9 | 235 | Turkey
ESPN Top 100 ranking: No. 14
What makes him polarizing?
From a sheer productivity standpoint, Sengun did things few 18-year-old bigs have ever done in Europe. He averaged 19.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.6 blocks in just 28 minutes over the course of 34 games while shooting an incredible 67% inside the arc. He dominated opposing frontlines, drawing 9.3 fouls per 40 minutes, tracking down more than five offensive boards per 40 minutes, and finishing from all different angles with a combination of physicality, footwork and touch.
Yet at around 6-9 in a Turkish League that was quite down this year in the talent department, scouts aren't quite sure what to make of Sengun's unprecedented production. With the lateral quickness of a center yet the tools of a traditional power forward in the physical mold of a young Kevin Love, it will take a certain set of circumstances to bring out the best in Sengun, who also figures to be somewhat limited from a learning and communication standpoint as he doesn't speak great English quite yet.
Intriguing fit: Memphis Grizzlies (17th overall)
The basketball fit with the Grizzlies would be ideal for the 6-9 Sengun, who is at his best when playing alongside a floor-spacing big who can protect the rim and switch defensively. Enter Jaren Jackson Jr., whose perimeter-oriented style would allow Sengun to dominate the paint like Jonas Valanciunas -- a free agent after next season -- did for Memphis in 2020-21 as he continues to fine-tune his shooting stroke.
Sengun was one of the most prolific pick-and-roll finishers in all of Europe for Besikitas last season, and his soft touch, stellar hands and bounce would make him an excellent ball-screen partner with budding superstar Ja Morant. Given the success of Morant, Dillon Brooks and the potential of Jackson Jr., there wouldn't be pressure on Sengun to evolve into the face of the franchise right away. Even if he wasn't able to emerge as a starter, Sengun could use his post savvy to destroy second units as both an interior scorer and facilitator.
Some scouts compare Sengun to a smaller Marc Gasol, and the Spanish big man's successful career in Memphis could serve as an excellent template for Sengun. There's no guarantee that he'll be on the board at 17, but Memphis is a highly intriguing dark horse fit for the highly skilled Turkish big man.
Kai Jones | PF | 7-0 | 221 | Texas
ESPN Top 100 ranking: No. 20
What makes him polarizing?
I've often described Jones as a ball of clay who could be molded in a variety of different ways. His size, length, agility and motor are that of an energy big who adds value as a rim-runner, lob-catcher, offensive rebounder and switch defender, yet he's capable of stepping out and shooting 3s, handling the ball some and even making heady drop-off passes when he's not too sped up.
Yet for the glimpses of brilliance, Jones started only 14 games in his college career and is at a relatively early stage of his development in the feel and physicality departments (although he's now up to 7-0, 221 pounds). Jones' tools and talent are that of a top-10 pick in this class, yet given the fact that he needs some time to develop, what is an advantageous situation for him to add value as a run-and-jump big while eventually having the rope to explore some of his gifts in the skill department?
Intriguing fit: Sacramento Kings (9th overall)
The Kings haven't exactly been a hotbed for highly touted, springy bigs as of late given Marvin Bagley's struggles, but Kai Jones has the potential to thrive alongside a speed demon guard like De'Aaron Fox and a cerebral playmaker like Tyrese Haliburton. The Kings led the NBA in transition scoring efficiency last season, and Jones -- a former track star -- is arguably the most agile 7-footer I've ever evaluated from a coordination and rim-running standpoint.
Lobs from Fox and Haliburton would allow Jones to play to his strengths while continuing to evolve as a decision-maker on both ends of the floor. The Kings, who had one of the NBA's worst defenses last year, could also greatly benefit from his ability to switch onto the perimeter and provide at least some rim protection, even if he's still a few years from playing heavy minutes in the NBA.
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