2025 NBA Draft Thread



2023 NBA draft: How top prospects fared on the road to the Final Four

The 2023 men's NCAA tournament has reached its Final Four, with this past weekend's madness seeing the seasons of Alabama's Brandon Miller, Houston's Jarace Walker and Arkansas' Anthony Black and Nick Smith Jr. ending prematurely, leaving zero projected lottery picks remaining in the field.

ESPN's NBA draft expert Jonathan Givony was glued to the action all weekend, helping provide the latest observations on Miller, Black, Smith, UConn's Jordan Hawkins and other top prospects. Also, Givony's updated top 100 can be found here.

Brandon Miller | 6-foot-9 | SG/SF | Alabama | Age: 20.3 | Top 100: No. 3
MVP honors in the SEC tournament put Miller firmly in the mix for the No. 2 pick, as he led Alabama's high-powered offense and showed significant potential as a big playmaking wing with outstanding passing and shot-making.

A groin injury slowed down Miller in the NCAA tournament and might have contributed to Alabama having one of its worst offensive games of the season in its Sweet 16 loss to San Diego State. Miller shot 3-for-19 from the field with six turnovers, while the Crimson Tide were limited to 3-for-27 from beyond the arc.

Miller's shooting splits against elite competition are alarming. He converted 39% of his 2-pointers and 32% of his 3s in 19 games against top-50 opponents but shot 63% on 2s and 45% on 3s in his 18 other games, per Bart Torvik.

Miller's inability to create separation against San Diego State's defense raised many of the red flags previously identified, with his lack of explosiveness and reliance on difficult attempts around the basket and beyond the arc. Still, it was encouraging to see Miller's aggressiveness, extraordinary pass timing and creativity off a live dribble with his off-hand, having the type of vision and playmaking ability every NBA team would love to have in a 6-foot-9 guard.

Even when he wasn't scoring, Miller continued to bring impressive intensity on the defensive end, something that had been in question prior to this season.

Miller, a 40% 3-point shooter prior to the NCAA tournament, hit a slump at a bad time for Alabama, hitting just 3-for-19 in three games from beyond the arc. That shouldn't play a large role in how he's viewed as an NBA prospect considering his shot-making prowess and 86% free throw percentage. Instead, teams will wonder just how heavy a role Miller can shoulder as a half-court creator in the NBA, something his development as a passer, lack of explosiveness and still-developing frame will help determine.

Ultimately, the team that gets the No. 2 pick in the draft, what they have on their roster -- and what they are able to uncover regarding Miller's involvement in the shooting of Jamea Harris, for which he has not been charged -- will be deciding factors in whether its Miller or G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson who gets the call first on draft night. Miller's season as a whole was a resounding success, even if he's disappointed in how it ended.

Anthony Black | 6-foot-7 | PG/SG | Arkansas | Age: 19.1 | Top 100: No. 8
No one can fault Black for Arkansas' Sweet 16 exit as he had one of his best games of the season, showing vivid glimpses of what makes him one of the most versatile two-way prospects in this draft class.

On defense, he displayed intense ball pressure in the backcourt, fought over screens, recovered to protect the rim out of pick-and-roll and generated plenty of deflections and steals with his instincts, toughness and energy.

Black was similarly aggressive on offense, something that hasn't always been the case this season, taking the ball strong to the rim and finishing with 11 free throw attempts. UConn's defense prevented him from showing off his passing, one of his best attributes, as his unselfishness passing in transition, finding the rolling big man rolling and skipping the ball to the opposite corner gives him significant potential as a big playmaker. Black shot only 30% from 3 on the season, his biggest weakness, but it was encouraging to see him not shy away from open looks both pulling up off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations.

Black does have some things teams can nitpick, but there's no denying he's an outstanding all-around player with an excellent feel for the game who brings significant competitiveness and winning intangibles that should allow him to have a fruitful NBA career.

Nick Smith Jr. | 6-foot-5 | PG/SG | Arkansas | Age: 18.9 | Top 100: No. 14
An uneven season came to a disappointing end for Smith and Arkansas in the Sweet 16 with a blowout loss to UConn. Smith started the game hot but cooled, finishing his NCAA tournament shooting 6-for-23 in three games with two rebounds and an assist.

Smith never looked like himself relative to what we saw at the high school level and in his spectacular run to the Nike EYBL championship game (alongside Miller) in the summer 2021, which propelled him into consideration as the No. 1 prospect in his recruiting class. Multiple executives told ESPN they consider Smith the best NBA prospect in his class after the McDonald's and Jordan Brand Classic practices, scrimmages and JBC game, where he scored 24 points in 21 minutes.

NBA teams will want to learn more about the knee injuries Smith suffered in early November, which caused him to play just five games through mid-February. He's never been the most explosive driver or powerful finisher, even prior to his injuries, but shooting under 40% inside the arc was a surprising outcome this season after converting nearly 60% of his 2-pointers and living at the free throw line in previous settings.

Smith has always been at his best with the ball in his hands. His ability to change speeds, polished footwork, live-dribble passing, creative finishing and off-the-dribble shot-making shine through. Playing on a team with several teammates who are similarly ball-dominant in Black, Devo Davis and Ricky Council and not having the chance to grow through the season with his decision-making likely played a role in Smith's struggles.

He was usually relegated to standing in the corner and looked sped up when he was called upon to create in Arkansas' dysfunctional and poorly spaced offense, often settling for difficult floaters and pull-ups from outside the paint. Still only 18 years old, Smith has time to work on his frame and better channel his frenetic energy as he's nearly 18 months younger than his former teammate Miller.

Smith has looked frustrated with his struggles both on and off the floor in recent weeks, telling reporters "people don't know I've been through so much stuff this year," after Arkansas advanced in the Sweet 16, while having some emotional outbursts on the bench.

Most players in Smith's position would not have even been playing, as it was widely assumed among NBA teams that he would likely shut down his season and fully heal his injury once he was removed from the lineup for a second time. His decision to return might cost him on draft night, but it will be appreciated by some teams because of what it says about his character.

Getting back to 100% for private team workouts should help Smith show a different side of his game.

Jordan Hawkins | 6-foot-5 | SG | UConn | Age: 20.9 | Top 100: No. 15
Hawkins took his game to another level in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, dropping 44 points on 25 field goal attempts shooting 9-for-19 (47%) for 3.

Gonzaga failed to slow Hawkins down with him running off screens, ducking behind handoffs, making side-step 3-pointers and hitting spot-ups with a quick release and exceptional footwork. He has a coveted skill set he can hang his hat on from Day 1 in the NBA.

In the game against Arkansas, Hawkins showed there's more to his play than "just" being a sniper, as he got downhill attacking overplays, sloppy closeouts, handoffs and curls with both his left and right hand, going inside the arc and drawing nine free throw attempts.

He's shooting 44% inside the arc with more turnovers than assists, and although improved, doesn't offer as much resistance defensively with his light frame, limiting his ceiling. Nevertheless, Hawkins is the plug-and-play scorer many playoff teams seek, and the 20-year-old has additional versatility and upside left with more explosiveness than one would guess at first glance.

Andre Jackson | 6-foot-6 | PG/SG/SF | UConn | Age: 21.3 | Top 100: No. 40
Jackson's virtues as an NBA prospect were on display in UConn's four-game run to the NCAA Final Four, with spectacular plays highlighting his explosive physical attributes and defensive versatility. He had 31 assists, 28 rebounds and a barrage of winning plays in key moments.

Jackson's ability to ignite the break pushing in the open court and spray passes everywhere has factored into UConn's postseason success, as he regularly goes into the paint with outstanding speed to find shooters on the wing driving and kickout. He's a major connector in the half court with touch passes, lobs, dribble handoffs and timely cuts off the ball, especially when Gonzaga didn't guard him.

Jackson's lack of perimeter shooting (28% from 3, 65% free throws), average ballhandling in the half court, and overall struggles as a scorer haven't been as much of an issue the past two weekends as they were at points in the regular season, where his team often looked like they were playing 5-on-4 with the way opponents ignored him off the ball. Players in this mold can be difficult to hide in the NBA, but UConn has done everything it can to accentuate Jackson's strengths the past few weeks, giving him a stronger case as a first-round pick. He still has the runway of the Final Four and a potential national championship to continue to build his résumé.

Dillon Mitchell | 6-foot-9 | SF/PF | Texas | Age: 19.4 | Top 100: No. 41
Mitchell played 13 minutes for Texas but showed some of the things that make an intriguing pro prospect with his combination of mobility, explosiveness, defensive instincts and finishing ability. He rotated for two monster weakside blocks, demonstrating his quickness covering ground and getting off his feet and ran the floor for two emphatic leakout lob finishes as well.

After playing some of Mitchell's best minutes in some time, it was surprising to see Texas' best defender sitting down the stretch as the Longhorns were repeatedly gashed off the dribble by Isaiah Wong and Jordan Miller. It was clear the coaching staff lost confidence in Mitchell offensively as the season wore on, electing to play Brock Cunningham (24 years old) and Christian Bishop (22) instead, something that likely lowered the team's ceiling.

Mitchell ended the tournament shooting 3-for-3 from the field for six points in 45 minutes, and now has a difficult decision ahead for what his next move will be after a highly unproductive season that leaves question marks about what his role could be in the NBA. Mitchell will have a chance to rebuild his stock during the pre-draft process, but his experience at Texas appears to be a disappointment after the incredible promise he showed in other settings.

Keyontae Johnson | 6-foot-6 | SF/PF | Kansas State | Age: 22.8 | Top 100: No. 42
Johnson's NCAA tournament run was more inconsistent than one might expect relative to Kansas State's Elite Eight finish, sandwiching two average showings by his standards against Kentucky and Florida Atlantic with one strong performance against Michigan State, perhaps missing an opportunity to better solidify his standing as a first-round candidate.

There's a lot to like about Johnson's profile as a 6-6 combo forward who can stretch the floor (41% from 3), finish lobs or cuts with explosiveness at the rim and offer some multi-positional defensive versatility with his 230-pound frame, toughness and length. Every NBA team more or less is looking to add players in this mold to their rosters, and the fact he's turning 23 doesn't hurt him, considering he spent almost two years away from basketball dealing with a heart issue.

Johnson went just 3-for-11 on 3-pointers and 5-for-9 from the free throw line in four NCAA tournament games, settled for tough shots, made questionable decisions and had some costly lapses off the ball defensively in highlighting his average processing speed and feel for the game. He's a little more theoretical at times than one might hope for a fifth-year senior, but NBA teams will likely account for his time away from the game and consider he could very well still be shaking the rust off.

While Johnson might not have helped his cause to be considered a sure-fire first-rounder, he's a legitimate option in the second round and shows enough glimpses of ability on both ends of the floor to be a player for NBA teams to buy into at a position of need.

Baylor Scheierman | 6-foot-7 | SG/SF | Creighton | Age: 22.4 | Top 100: No. 46
Scheierman couldn't get his outside shot going for a third NCAA tournament game, going 1-for-4 from beyond the arc after shooting a combined 4-for-15 for 3 against NC State and Baylor. His best game came in the Sweet 16 against Princeton, in which he had a significant size advantage and was given the type of open looks he hadn't had for most of this season.

It's hard to find many 6-for-7 guards with the type of passing vision and creativity Scheierman offers, which is not surprising considering he played point guard for much of his college career. He's a maestro operating out of pick-and-roll or zoom actions, always having his head up looking to dish off with timely bounce passes, touch passes and over-the-top lobs to his big man running in full stride.

Shooting consistency has been hard to come by this season, though, as he hit 36% of his 3-pointers, a skill he would have to hang his hat on in the NBA if he is to carve out a niche.

Scheierman's defense is also somewhat of a mixed bag. He has great instincts as a rebounder or getting in passing lanes, plays with strong competitiveness and is alert off the ball. On the other hand, he has zero margin for error with his thin frame, short arms and average lateral quickness, something that was a real issue at times against a physical San Diego State team that made it difficult for him to fight over screens. While he has improved considerably in this area since South Dakota State, it could be an issue for him in the NBA because of his average physical tools.

Nevertheless, every NBA team is looking for big guards who can handle, pass, shoot and bring instincts, hustle and competitiveness, meaning he is someone who has a good chance to hear his name called on draft night, potentially early in the second round with a strong pre-draft process.

Ryan Kalkbrenner | 7-foot-1 | C | Creighton | Age: 21.1 | Top 100: No. 54
Kalkbrenner wrapped up a strong NCAA tournament with a solid showing in a loss to San Diego State, showing his virtues as a pick-and-roll finisher, drop defender and all-around energy big man, playing 37 minutes while expending an incredible amount of intensity on both ends of the floor.

Kalkbrenner, who is mobile and has a 7-foot-5½ wingspan, missed a few good looks around the rim, which highlighted his average strength and explosiveness. He had three defensive rebounds all game -- an area of concern for him all season. Improving his shooting range after making 6-for-19 attempts from beyond the arc (but 80% of his free throws) should be a priority for him moving forward if he returns for his senior year, something that might make sense as he adds bulk and improves his physicality. The Big East Defensive Player of Year had an outstanding season and has some fans at the NBA level, but he still has room to grow to become a lock among the top 40 picks next season.

Julian Phillips | 6-foot-8 | SF/PF | Tennessee | Age: 19.3 | Top 100: No. 56
Phillips went scoreless in Tennessee's Sweet 16 exit at the hands of Florida Atlantic. Phillips lost his starting spot because of an ankle injury in mid-February and ended up playing just 46 minutes in the NCAA tournament over three games, scoring five points on 2-for-8 shooting.

Phillips didn't have a very productive freshman season, struggling in a minor role to score with efficiency, shooting 47% inside the arc and 24% outside it. He doesn't have a consistent means of scoring, struggles to make open jumpers, lacks ballhandling ability and sees his best production via running in the open floor, crashing the offensive glass and cuts.

But Phillips' positional size, length and frame give him some long-term upside, which could be intriguing enough for a second-round flier. He looks the part of a big-time small forward prospect and sometimes plays like it, too, bringing good energy crashing the offensive glass and showing some multi-positional defensive versatility with his intensity and physical tools.

Workouts will play a key role in deciding how high in the second round Phillips could be picked, but there's a compelling case for him to return for another year in college.

Tosan Evbuomwan | 6-foot-8 | PF | Princeton | Age: 22.1 | Top 100: No. 86
Princeton's improbable NCAA tournament run ended in the Sweet 16 with a loss to Creighton, with Evbuomwan having the best game of his college career with 24 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds.

Evbuomwan, the Ivy League Player of the Year, is a unique player as he's usually the biggest player on the floor for Princeton, but sees most of the offense run through him on the perimeter. He's an outstanding passer who can beat slower-footed big men off the dribble, push the ball in the open court and can spray passes to open shooters on the move or find backdoor cutters with bounce passes.

Evbuomwan's frame wouldn't look out of place on a NBA floor, with long arms and room to fill out. But, he isn't the most explosive finisher and tends to shy away from contact at times.

He has good timing defensively, and has awareness and versatility to stay in front of perimeter players. He struggles to handle physicality inside and is an average rebounder despite seeing quite a few minutes at center.

Evbuomwan has gone 15-for-61 on 3-pointers (25%) in 81 college games, as well as 60% of his free throws -- the part of his game that will need the most work long-term. A somewhat similar player in Xavier Cooks just got his first crack at the NBA at age 27 after developing in Australia post-college, and it is possible Evbuomwan will need some additional seasoning as well to transition from the Ivy League to the next level. He's technically eligible for another year in college (but not in the Ivy league which doesn't allow fifth-year players), and there are already many Power 5 schools begging for his consideration.

Whatever Evbuomwan decides to do, he'll never forget the 10-day stint in March in which he led No. 15 seed Princeton to its first Sweet 16 since 1967.

Jordan Miller | 6-foot-7 | PF | Miami | Age: 23.1 | Top 100: No. 92
Miller had his best college game Sunday, leading Miami to a 13-point second-half comeback over Texas to make the school's first Final Four appearance. He had 27 points on 7-for-7 shooting and went 13-for-13 from the free throw line.

Miami repeatedly cleared out the floor and asked Miller to take Timmy Allen, Christian Bishop and Brock Cunningham off the dribble one-on-one, something he did with great success to get to the rim and finish with his left hand.

When Texas responded by sending help, Miller showed off his passing mettle with nifty bounce passes out of pick-and-roll or a jump-pass kickout for an open 3-pointer.

Miller's performance was impressive, but it's difficult to see how translatable his game is to what his role would be in the NBA. Miller is a career 33% 3-point shooter on a pretty low volume of attempts throughout his five-year college career, sporting awkward lefty mechanics that might not translate to the NBA line. He has versatility mirroring smaller players on the perimeter and staying in front of guards, but doesn't have much size or bulk at 6-foot-7 and 195 pounds to seamlessly play as a big man, and likely at 23 years old doesn't have much more physical development in front of him.

Miller's solid feel for the game, intensity and productivity will get him looks in the pre-draft process, but he'll have to prove he can make perimeter shots at an acceptable rate to carve out a role for himself as a likely undrafted player.
 
Jaquez has been prominent on draft radars since he helped lead UCLA to the 2021 Final Four as a sophomore, but now that he’s in his final year as a Bruin, the focus has justifiably increased. He will certainly be in this year’s draft, and the only question is where he gets picked.

He’s a tricky evaluation for scouts because he’s not hugely athletic and he’s not a particularly good shooter. The evidence for the latter point: He shot 32.8 percent from 3 and 73.7 percent from the line for his career at UCLA, and those numbers didn’t appreciably change over the course of his four-year stay in Westwood.

So what’s the case for him? Simply that players who can read, react and defend have a way of ending up sticking in the NBA one way or another. In addition to scoring, Jaquez fills the box score, averaging 14.7 boards, 4.2 assists and 2.8 steals per 100 possessions this season; he also sported a low turnover rate despite a high-usage role. UCLA was one of the best defensive teams in the country, and he was a big part of that result too. He’s just … good.

But mostly, I’ve listed Jaquez here this week because CAN WE TALK ABOUT THIS PASS?


Never mind that UCLA was forced to play its third-string center at the time and he flubbed the catch and finish. (Injuries to starting center Adem Bona and wing Jaylen Clark, both prospects in their own right, may have cost the Bruins the national title this year.)

Just look at that play: Jaquez dives on the floor to win a loose ball that he’s a half step behind, stays calm enough not to immediately it rifle it to the other team and start a fast break and somehow, on his keister, lofts a perfect in-stride pass to a cutting player. Had the shot converted, it would have been one of the plays of the year in college basketball.

Anyway, I’ve consistently been more bullish on Jaquez than the consensus, and his swan song on Thursday didn’t let me down: He had 29 points, 11 boards, three assists and three steals, leading an improbable comeback from eight down in the last 1:05 before the Bruins were beaten on a last-second shot by Gonzaga’s Julian Strawther.

Jaquez isn’t going to be a lottery pick, not with a likely role player ceiling. But I suspect I will have him rated above a lot of players with gaudier highlight reels and more impressive physical tools.
 
All 24 players selected to the 46th annual McDonald’s All-American game met in Houston at the Mi3 Center to showcase their skills to 50-plus NBA scouts and media members leading into Tuesday’s game (9 p.m. ET, ESPN).

As one scout said, “The real event is during the practices and scrimmages; the game on Tuesday is just an open-runs session.”

There has been plenty of talk coming in about Bronny James, from when he will make his commitment decision to how he would stack up against the best of the best in this type of an environment.

James, 18, was solid on both practice days as he made shots off the dribble and showcased his defensive capabilities. He operated well off the ball, playing alongside point guard Isaiah Collier (USC commit) and combo guard Jared McCain (Duke). They allowed him to play freely as a secondary ballhandler and create shots for himself or others. He has always competed on the defensive end, and the last two days were no different.

When I asked one NBA scout to rank the players from 1-24, he had James at No. 17. There remains considerable speculation about James’ future — at No. 35 in the Class of 2023 per the 247Sports Composite, he’s the top uncommitted prospect in the country. But James sat out Monday’s media day, so no insight was able to be gathered from what he said in that setting.

The MVP of the practice sessions was Texas commit Ron Holland. On Day 1, he went 5-of-8 from 3, was lights out defensively, and had the hottest motor. Holland separated himself this week in front of NBA scouts, and as one specifically put it, “He’s been the best player in the gym.”

Holland also spoke about Rodney Terry agreeing to a five-year contract to become Texas’ full-time coach.

“I’m really excited about that,” Holland said. “He really deserves that job … It’s a really good feeling for me because I get to stay committed to that team. Me and AJ Johnson. We get to go try to get us a national championship next year.”

Other standouts were Kentucky commits DJ Wagner Jr. and Aaron Bradshaw.

Another NBA scout said, “In my order, it was Ron Holland, DJ Wagner, and Aaron Bradshaw, then a sizeable gap from the rest.”

Wagner’s speed in a straight line is uncanny, and he made multiple 3s from all over the floor. He operated well in the pick-and-roll with patience and made the right decisions.

As for Bradshaw, he was the best big man in the gym. He showcased his expanded range, strong rebounding ability and timing as a shot blocker.

As one independent scout put it, “A year from now, he will be the first big taken in the NBA Draft.”

Other notes
• Collier’s vision as a passer is next level, and he continued to show why he is the best passer in the country regardless of class. He made several jumpers as a spot-up shooter or off the dribble, which was considered a knock on his game.

• Baylor signee Ja’Kobe Walter’s on-ball defense and shot-making ability stood out the most over the two practice sessions. He separated himself on the defensive side, applying consistent ball pressure and forcing turnovers. Offensively, he is one of the best knockdown shooters in the country.

• Jared McCain is one of the best one-on-one players in the country. The Duke commit made a variety of contested shots and tough finishes around the rim. As the primary ballhandler most of the weekend, he set his teammates up for easy baskets and commanded the offense well.

• Auburn commit Aden Holloway is one of the best playmakers in the 2023 class. He’s a crafty ballhandler who rarely turns it over, and his precision passing in the pick-and-roll is top-tier. He made scoring easy for Bradshaw and Michigan State commit Xavier Booker.
 
pmatic said:
All 24 players selected to the 46th annual McDonald’s All-American game met in Houston at the Mi3 Center to showcase their skills to 50-plus NBA scouts and media members leading into Tuesday’s game (9 p.m. ET, ESPN).

As one scout said, “The real event is during the practices and scrimmages; the game on Tuesday is just an open-runs session.”

There has been plenty of talk coming in about Bronny James, from when he will make his commitment decision to how he would stack up against the best of the best in this type of an environment.

James, 18, was solid on both practice days as he made shots off the dribble and showcased his defensive capabilities. He operated well off the ball, playing alongside point guard Isaiah Collier (USC commit) and combo guard Jared McCain (Duke). They allowed him to play freely as a secondary ballhandler and create shots for himself or others. He has always competed on the defensive end, and the last two days were no different.

When I asked one NBA scout to rank the players from 1-24, he had James at No. 17. There remains considerable speculation about James’ future — at No. 35 in the Class of 2023 per the 247Sports Composite, he’s the top uncommitted prospect in the country. But James sat out Monday’s media day, so no insight was able to be gathered from what he said in that setting.

The MVP of the practice sessions was Texas commit Ron Holland. On Day 1, he went 5-of-8 from 3, was lights out defensively, and had the hottest motor. Holland separated himself this week in front of NBA scouts, and as one specifically put it, “He’s been the best player in the gym.”

Holland also spoke about Rodney Terry agreeing to a five-year contract to become Texas’ full-time coach.

“I’m really excited about that,” Holland said. “He really deserves that job … It’s a really good feeling for me because I get to stay committed to that team. Me and AJ Johnson. We get to go try to get us a national championship next year.”

Other standouts were Kentucky commits DJ Wagner Jr. and Aaron Bradshaw.

Another NBA scout said, “In my order, it was Ron Holland, DJ Wagner, and Aaron Bradshaw, then a sizeable gap from the rest.”

Wagner’s speed in a straight line is uncanny, and he made multiple 3s from all over the floor. He operated well in the pick-and-roll with patience and made the right decisions.

As for Bradshaw, he was the best big man in the gym. He showcased his expanded range, strong rebounding ability and timing as a shot blocker.

As one independent scout put it, “A year from now, he will be the first big taken in the NBA Draft.”

Other notes
• Collier’s vision as a passer is next level, and he continued to show why he is the best passer in the country regardless of class. He made several jumpers as a spot-up shooter or off the dribble, which was considered a knock on his game.

• Baylor signee Ja’Kobe Walter’s on-ball defense and shot-making ability stood out the most over the two practice sessions. He separated himself on the defensive side, applying consistent ball pressure and forcing turnovers. Offensively, he is one of the best knockdown shooters in the country.

• Jared McCain is one of the best one-on-one players in the country. The Duke commit made a variety of contested shots and tough finishes around the rim. As the primary ballhandler most of the weekend, he set his teammates up for easy baskets and commanded the offense well.

• Auburn commit Aden Holloway is one of the best playmakers in the 2023 class. He’s a crafty ballhandler who rarely turns it over, and his precision passing in the pick-and-roll is top-tier. He made scoring easy for Bradshaw and Michigan State commit Xavier Booker.
Click to expand...

If Cal don't get it done w/ next year's team :smh:
 


NBA Mock Draft: Victor Wembanyama still on top; a lot at stake in pre-draft process

As we head into Final Four Week, with only three games left on the men’s college basketball docket, it’s worth an update to The Athletic’s 2023 NBA Mock Draft. As the college basketball season closes, draft season begins in earnest.

And this is a draft season NBA evaluators are eagerly awaiting, because this draft class remains in flux. I don’t remember a pre-draft process that promises to bring as much movement and excitement as this one. For instance, in last season’s Final Four mock draft, the six players I had in the top six ended up being selected in the top six, the 14 guys I had in the lottery were taken in the top 17 and all but two of the players I had as first-round picks ended up going in the top 41. This year, I can almost guarantee that type of accuracy will not occur.

Most of the players in the top 11 of this mock draft are seen as somewhat safe bets to be selected in that relative range, but it’s pretty much a free-for-all after that. NBA teams are all over the map on a ton of players this year because this is an extremely young class, even by the standards of the modern NBA Draft. Precious few upperclassmen with NBA-level athleticism and size emerged at the wing and guard positions this season. Because of that, NBA teams are looking closer at younger players as more interesting bets, some of which had very mixed results this season. South Carolina’s G.G. Jackson scored a lot and showed real shot-creation skills, but his maturity was lacking. Michigan’s Jett Howard is a terrific shooter who really struggled on defense. Arkansas’ Anthony Black was in a messy offense with zero spacing, in part because Nick Smith missed half of the year — though Black didn’t play well even when Smith was there.

NBA teams are desperate to see these guys outside of their collegiate situations to get a more holistic view of some of their weaknesses. How fixable is Black’s jumper? How will Jackson interview? Can Howard tighten up his frame and add quickness on defense? While college basketball has been fun this season, the fact that the Final Four includes a No. 4 seed, two No. 5 seeds and a No. 9 seed indicates that talent was balanced across the board. Many of the players with the most long-term upside weren’t quite ready to contribute to winning basketball yet, while many of the players who did contribute were older and even more flawed, partially as a result of gaining an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A few other notes:

• We’re in the middle of the pre-draft declaration process, which means we have some answers on what the pool looks like, but not all of them. If you don’t see a player here, it means I think it’s unlikely he ends up in the final pool, he hasn’t yet declared or he’s not quite there, talent-wise. The final player pool is a bit of a moving target right now.

• The draft order is based on league-wide rankings as of March 24. That’s when I started ranking players. The biggest difference between the current standings and the standings then is that Dallas lost back-to-back games to Charlotte and dropped down from No. 15 to No. 10. The reason that I couldn’t adjust on the fly here is…

• Team needs are accounted for in this mock draft. This is the first time I did so this season, so there is some movement up and down the draft order because of it.

(Ages listed are as of draft day, June 22.)

1. Detroit Pistons
Victor Wembanyama | 7-4 center | 19 years old | Metropolitans 92
Victor Wembanyama is going to go No. 1. The only drama is in which team wins the lottery to select him.

He’s a 7-foot-4 center who can create his own shot from all three levels in some regard. He’s a terrific pick-and-roll player as a ballhandler or screener. His handle is better than any teenage supergiant in history. Defensively, his near-8-foot wingspan changes the geometry of the game around the rim. And he’s ready to help teams win now. Metropolitans 92 is typically a mid-table team in France that rose to third last season before Wembanyama’s arrival. This season, they’re up to second in the league and are a real threat to win the league’s title, despite losing a couple of games recently.

The Pistons have expended a lot of resources at the center position recently, including cap space on Marvin Bagley in free agency, a 2022 lottery pick on Jalen Duren and a trade for 2020 No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman. Duran and Wiseman both have starting center upside, and Isaiah Stewart also looks like a valuable big in the rotation. But none of them should stop the team from selecting Wembanyama at No. 1, especially given that it might be valuable to play him next to another big if only to limit the physical pounding he will be subjected to early in his career.

2. Houston Rockets
Scoot Henderson | 6-2 lead guard | 19 years old | G League Ignite
As I wrote recently, the race for No. 2 is on in NBA front offices. Scoot Henderson didn’t close the season particularly well for the Ignite after the All-Star break, averaging just 14.9 points while shooting 39 percent from the field and 27 percent from 3 in those eight games. With that being the end of his second season with the Ignite, with nothing left to prove or to play for, I think Henderson put things in neutral to get him to the next stage of his career.

He is still among the best teenage lead guards I’ve ever evaluated. His first step is lightning quick, and he possesses a real blend of explosiveness and power. His handle is terrific, as is passing and playmaking vision. He’s comfortable pulling up from the midrange — almost too comfortable given how often he settles for those shots — but needs to work on his efficiency from those spots around the elbows and from beyond the 3-point line. Still, I’m expecting him to be an instant impact player and project him as a potential All-NBA guard down the road.

The Rockets desperately need an answer at the lead guard spot. Kevin Porter Jr. can be a useful sixth man, but he can’t be the guy running the show and initiating a team’s offense night after night. Jalen Green also needs someone who can set the table and make life easier for him on a night-to-night basis. Getting one of Henderson or Wembanyama would allow things to fall more solidly in place in Houston around the team’s young core, making these last three disastrous years worthwhile.

3. San Antonio Spurs
Brandon Miller | 6-9 wing | 20 years old | Alabama
I’ve talked to evaluators and high-level decision-makers who have Brandon Miller ahead of Henderson. They tend to fall back on the idea that the NBA is desperately looking for players with legitimate positional size and skill, along with shooting ability and defense. At 6-foot-9 with solid mobility, role flexibility and potential to create shots in space, Miller has a lot of the tools NBA teams look for in wing prospects. He also was the best player on what was the best team in the country for large swaths of the season as a freshman (albeit a bit of an older freshman).

Having said that, it’s hard to overemphasize Miller’s cold streak to finish the season. He ended up at 38 percent from 3 after making just 25 percent from distance in his final nine games. Over those last nine games as a whole, he had just a 47.5 true shooting percentage. Many of the issues Miller has creating his own shot were particularly on display in the Crimson Tide’s loss to San Diego State in the NCAA Tournament, during which Miller shot 3-for-19 and turned it over six times.

Still, expect Miller to go somewhere in the top five. Because of that intersection of positional size and skill, he’s seen as a safe bet to turn into a valuable player, and he does have All-Star upside if things break right. The Spurs could use another wing — especially one with Miller’s size given that Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell are more in the 6-foot-6 range. Miller would really fit this young core well and provide them with another creation option as the team looks to continue rebuilding the roster.

4. Charlotte Hornets
Amen Thompson | 6-7 lead guard | 20 years old | Overtime Elite
Amen Thompson is the best athlete in this draft class, an explosive 6-foot-7 lead guard who is all sorts of twitchy. He will enter the NBA as one of the five most athletic players in the entire league.

We know Thompson will thrive early in his career in transition. Amen is an aggressive rebounder who immediately starts fast breaks, attacking with reckless abandon in the open floor. He passes at a very high-level, seeing advanced reads easily on the court. Defensively, he is capable of generating steals and deflections with his aggressiveness, but still possesses rudimentary technique, standing straight up a bit too often.

Teams do still have real questions about how Thompson will thrive in the half court. Right now, Amen is a non-factor as a shooter, and it’s going to take some time for him to add that to his game — if he ever can. Additionally, he doesn’t have a lot of ball-screen reps against difficult competition in half-court settings because Overtime Elite games are often played at a breakneck pace.

Still, Amen’s upside is sky high. It’s almost impossible to find players this athletic at 6-foot-7 with long arms, high basketball IQs and professional mindsets. The Hornets could use an upside swing like this, and Thompson pairing with LaMelo Ball would create potentially one of the most interesting up-tempo attacking duos in NBA history.

5. Orlando Magic
Cam Whitmore | 6-7 wing | 18 years old | Villanova
Cam Whitmore is a polarizing prospect. Some love his potential as a shot creator, and I count myself among that group. He’s a terrific driver and above-the-rim finisher. Athletically, he’s a powerful 230-pound force; defenders bounce off him on his way to the basket. Away from the basket, his handle is relatively developed in terms of change of pace, and he can separate from his man to get to his stepback regularly. The jumper is a work in progress, but he did hit 34 percent of his 3s on a difficult shot diet that featured a ton of contested looks.

Having said that, the rest of Whitmore’s game won’t blow you away. He’s not a sharp passer, and his assist rate will be among the lowest in lottery history for a wing. Defensively, he didn’t quite figure out how to best use his tools this season after getting on the court late following a preseason thumb injury.

This one is all about weighing the upside of a potential high-level shot creator. Whitmore has all the tools necessary to become a 20-point-per-game NBA scorer, but can the rest of his game grow out? My bet is someone takes that shot between picks No. 4 and No. 10. The Magic would be an ideal landing spot, as they could use a play-finishing, scoring wing next to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. On top of that, Whitmore fits the organization’s emphasis on length and athleticism when making draft decisions.

6.Washington Wizards
Ausar Thompson | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Overtime Elite
There’s a case to be made that Ausar Thompson actually had a better season this year in Overtime Elite than his brother, Amen. That’s largely because Ausar’s game is a bit more polished at this stage. His footwork is a bit cleaner, his jumper is a bit more mature and his passing ability really stands out considering he plays like a wing as opposed to a point guard with wing size. Defensively, Ausar is a bit more sound with his fundamentals and off-ball rotations.

But Ausar doesn’t quite have that same quick-twitch, athletic upside that Amen does. Don’t get it twisted; Ausar will probably be a top-30 athlete in the NBA. He’s more than top-10 percent athlete league-wide. But he’s not quite a 1-percenter like Amen.

Ultimately, the big question with Ausar is similar to that of his brother: Is he a good enough shooter for the role he’ll have to play offensively? If he develops his jumper, he has genuine All-Star upside. If he does not, he might be more of a role-playing wing.

I get a lot of Andre Iguodala vibes the more I watch Ausar. He has great feel for the game, a professional’s maturity, high basketball IQ and elite athleticism. The Wizards could use all of that after years of drafting players you wouldn’t exactly define as high-level athletes across the board. He’d form a nice wing rotation with Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma and Corey Kispert.

7. Portland Trail Blazers
Anthony Black | 6-7 guard | 19 years old | Arkansas
Anthony Black is another eye-of-the-beholder type of player for teams. Some see him as a candidate to go as high as No. 5 because his feel for the game is incredible. He’s maybe the smartest, most reactive player in the class; a genuine point guard at 6-foot-7 who makes rapid decisions on the fly to keep the offense in flow. He’s also a very tough, switchable defender. Early in the season, when he had space to operate prior to Trevon Brazile’s injury, he also pressured the basket regularly and got downhill both in transition and out of ball screens. But later in the season, as Arkansas’ offense bogged down and he was surrounded by zero shooting, things became a slog, and he struggled. He’ll never play in a situation with that limited spacing again.

But questions have long persisted regarding his shot. Black averaged 13 points, five rebounds and four assists per game this season, but couldn’t consistently punish teams from the outside, making just 30 percent of his attempts from distance. These were often wide-open looks. Black has a funky-looking shot that will take some work. But teams really love the way he sees the game.

For the Blazers, this would be an investment in a big point guard with positional size who could give their backcourt more options. You could play Black next to either Damian Lillard or Anfernee Simons, with last year’s first-rounder Shaedon Sharpe on the wing. You could look at Black as the start of a long-term enormous backcourt combination with he and Sharpe alone if the team decides to pivot this offseason. Black has upside due to his feel for the game and athleticism, and would really help the Blazers move forward even if their most pressing need is up front.

8. Indiana Pacers
Jarace Walker | 6-8 forward | 19 years old | Houston
Jarace Walker is a fascinating proposition. On one hand, there may not be a player in this class other than Wembanyama with a higher defensive upside. Walker is switchable and reactive all over the court; at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and a chiseled 240-pound frame, he’s ready physically to play in the NBA right now and should be able to occasionally see some minutes as a small-ball center.

The more likely scenario is that he’s a physical four whose NBA career will be determined by what he becomes offensively. Walker is a really sharp processor of the game, especially excelling this season as a short-roll passer who can also put the ball on the deck. But teams have real questions about the shot. The numbers were fine on a limited basis, as he made 34.7 percent from 3. But the mechanics give some pause, as Walker has a bit of a hitch at the top of his shot. Teams also have some questions about his finishing, as he seems to not be above the rim often enough, instead preferring to settle for floaters. He has the tools to be an effective offensive player, and he was productive this season across the stat sheet. But he has some work to do.

The Pacers need defensive playmakers like this around guys such as Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedcit Mathurin moving forward. Walker would be a strong fit on the interior as well if Myles Turner sticks around for the long haul.

9. Orlando Magic (via CHI)
Taylor Hendricks | 6-9 forward | 19 years old | UCF
I mentioned in my most recent Big Board that Taylor Hendricks is the name I get most from scouts when I ask them which player will go higher than currently projected. So I’ve reflected that here. I’d expect Hendricks to go somewhere in the top 15.

The appeal of his game is easy to see. He’s a 6-foot-9 forward who can hit shots from distance, having made 39.4 percent from 3 this season on five attempts per game. He’s also a sharp defender who moves around the court well and is consistently sound with his help rotations. He blocked 1.7 shots per game, got about one steal per game and grabbed seven rebounds. Hendricks is still at a rudimentary stage of his development as an on-ball player, and he’s not the most impressive passer. But a terrific athlete at 6-foot-9 with real NBA length who can shoot and defend is a strong starting point for an NBA starter.

These are the kinds of players the Magic have coveted in previous drafts. While you can certainly make a case that they have other holes to fill, teams often stick to their previous inclinations and the value propositions they know and love. If the Magic believes in either Markelle Fultz or Jalen Suggs as a lead creator and also buys into Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner being able to initiate offense long term, they might actually be able to play four 6-foot-9 or taller guys on the court at once.

10. Toronto Raptors
Cason Wallace | 6-4 guard | 19 years old | Kentucky
Cason Wallace is ranked somewhere in the No. 8 to No. 20 range, depending on the evaluator. Some love his defensive ability and didn’t think we got a chance to see Wallace’s offensive game at Kentucky – playing next to Oscar Tshiebwe and Sahvir Wheeler often cramped the spacing around Wallace this season. His college numbers don’t look all that different from Tyrese Maxey’s, another combo guard who has exceeded his draft position after playing at Kentucky a few years ago. Wallace doesn’t quite have Maxey’s level of burst, but he’s already a better defender and was a more consistent playmaker in college. The closer stylistic comparison to Wallace is Jrue Holiday, although Wallace isn’t quite as skilled off the bounce as Holiday was as a one-and-done at UCLA years ago.

The Raptors will need some depth in the backcourt next season with Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. potentially hitting free agency if they decline their player options. Wallace would give them cover if either decided to depart, and his toughness defensively would likely appeal to this organization.

11. Utah Jazz
Gradey **** | 6-8 wing | 19 years old | Kansas
Gradey **** has a case as the best shooter in the class. He’s a teenager who drilled 40.3 percent from 3 in the Big 12 this season while averaging 14 points and taking nearly six 3s per game. He’s tremendous as a shooter with a quick trigger and a high release point at 6-foot-8.

But there is a bit more to ****’s game than meets the eye. He is smart at using the threat of his shot to drive and cut to the rim, and he’s a sharp processor of the game. He finishes at the rim and has plus positional size for his role. He’s also a useful team defender, with quick hand-eye coordination and reactivity, but he did have some issues navigating exchanges on and off the ball this season. Teams also have some general concerns that he might be a target for opposing lead ballhandlers.

It’s hard to imagine a better fit in Utah’s offense, which is based around all sorts of off-ball movement and dribble-handoff actions. **** would be a nightmare to cover. He’s seen as a very likely lottery pick.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder
Jordan Hawkins | 6-5 wing | 21 years old | Connecticut
Jordan Hawkins has been terrific throughout Connecticut’s run to the Final Four, but don’t mistake this as a spike up the board due to an end-of-season shooting surge. Hawkins was No. 15 on my pre-Tournament Big Board a month ago, and has been rising throughout the process this year because he’s the best movement 3-point shooter in the class. Connecticut has him fly consistently off screens to create 3s, and he reciprocates by catching quickly and firing with ease. Measurements will be important, but he has real size, and has even improved his ability off the bounce this season.

The issue right now is that he’s extremely skinny and does not maintain the advantages he creates going toward the basket due to his lack of strength. If an NBA team believes they can get him stronger and into the 200-to-210 pound range, he should probably go somewhere in the top-10. If not, he might project more like someone the Thunder currently have on their roster: Isaiah Joe. Joe was also skinny when he entered the NBA and couldn’t really do anything for his first couple of years, but he’s quickly morphed into one of the most lethal 3-point floor-spacers in the NBA, hitting 42 percent on over five 3s in just 18 minutes per game this season.

Hawkins has a little more game than Joe did entering the NBA, and Joe is cheap for another two years for Oklahoma City. But you can never have enough floor-spacing, especially if you’re Oklahoma City and building around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey moving forward.

13. New Orleans Pelicans (via LAL)
Jalen Hood-Schifino | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Indiana
Jalen Hood-Schifino embodies many of the characteristics teams currently search across the basketball landscape to find. He has great positional size as a 6-foot-6 guard. He can handle the ball and process the game at a reasonable level. He has potential to shoot a high percentage from deep and has a penchant for midrange shot creation already. Defensively, he’s terrific and switchable onto a variety of different player types. He’s one of those guys who is tough-minded and won’t take anything off the court for his team if his shooting translates to the next level. Hood-Schifino was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year this season and averaged 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game on his way to an All-Big Ten nod. He helped the Hoosiers to a second-place finish in the league as the second-best player on the team. He’s one of the few freshmen who positively impacted winning this season.

The Pelicans tend to love these kinds of players with plus positional size, great defensive acumen and the potential to be versatile positionally. If he shoots — Hood Schifino’s marks off the dribble should give real hope — I think he can play with someone like 2022 first-round pick Dyson Daniels in the backcourt.

14. Los Angeles Lakers (via NOP)
Dereck Lively II | 7-1 center| 19 years old| Duke
Dereck Lively had a monster end of the season that reminded scouts and decision-makers why he was so highly rated coming out of high school. By the end of the season, he was arguably the most impactful defensive player in the country, as a 7-foot-1 center with a 7-foot-6 wingspan who was an elite rim protector, a versatile ball-screen defender and contested rebound retriever. This culminated in a virtuoso performance in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Oral Roberts’ top-25 offense in the country, in which Lively and Duke held the Golden Eagles scoreless in the first seven minutes of the game on their way to a blowout. Lively’s offense needs work, but he’s a tailor-made defensive center for where the NBA is headed. Offensively, his game should be a bit better out in the space of the NBA, especially if he can get paired with a terrific guard who can feed him on rim-runs where he can use his athleticism and length to high-point the ball and dunk.

The Lakers have tried to fill a void in the middle next to Anthony Davis for a little while now. It’s why they took a shot on Mo Bamba at the trade deadline, a move that has so far backfired, as he wasn’t making all that big an impact prior to spraining his ankle. On top of that, the team’s other moves at the deadline to acquire players such as D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley have given the Lakers actual backcourt depth for the remaining years of LeBron James’ prime if they want to retain each this summer.

15. New York Knicks (via DAL)
Keyonte George | 6-4 guard | 19 years old | Baylor
We’re firmly into the range of players who are all over the map for teams. Some really like Keyonte George due to his creativity off the bounce. The name of comparison that comes up most often with George is Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy, who went in the second round last season, but has recently shown he should have been taken higher. I had Hardy at No. 20 last year and have George in a similar range. Having said that, George also shot 38 percent from the field and 34 percent from 3 this season, had a negative assist-to-turnover ratio and was all over the map with his defense and decision-making.

My bet is that George ends up somewhere in the top 20, but not all NBA teams love these high-usage, low-efficiency guards, even if they showcase tremendous talent at a young age. The Knicks could use another creative scoring guard to develop around Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. The Knicks’ offense has been terrific this season, but they are a bit short on supplementary offensive creation. The team’s offensive rating has plummeted when Brunson and Randle are both off the court.

16. Atlanta Hawks
Nick Smith Jr. | 6-4 combo guard | 19 years old | Arkansas
It’s hard to have a much worse ending than Nick Smith did after returning from injuries that held him out for a majority of the season before mid-February. He scored just 17 points in 68 minutes during Arkansas’ three NCAA Tournament games, and the team was often better with him off the court. In Smith’s 17 games, he averaged 12.5 points, but shot just 37 percent from the field and 33 percent from 3. His defensive play was consistently messy — something not all that surprising for a player who didn’t get any real time to mesh with his teammates and build cohesion.

Smith was one of the top recruits in the 2022 class and proved at lower levels that he can be a terrific tough-shot maker and instant offensive creator. Given his injuries, there are real, built-in excuses for why he struggled. But he has some work to do during the pre-draft process to rehabilitate his stock.

The Hawks could use more instant offense in the backcourt behind Trae Young and Dejounte Murray when the team staggers them off the bench, especially with Bogdan Bogdanović beginning to age. Smith’s ability to play as an off-ball cutter and mover would play well next to either of those two guards.

17. Utah Jazz (via MIN)
Leonard Miller | 6-10 forward | 19 years old | G League Ignite
NBA evaluators are all over the map on Leonard Miller. Some think his feel for the game is extremely limited – he’s a 6-foot-10 four who doesn’t really shoot it well enough yet and still is working through learning how to play defense. They often aren’t sure his game will translate to the NBA. Others around the league, however, see an uncut gem with terrific tools such as a 9-foot standing reach, an ability to grab-and-go to lead the fast break and skill to finish on the interior.

What’s undeniable, however, is the production. Over Miller’s final 13 games of the G League season, he averaged 20.3 points, 13 rebounds, 2.4 assists and a steal and a block per game while shooting 54 percent from the field. That made him a top-25 scorer and the No. 2 rebounder in the league over that time. The shot needs some work, and he needs to live in the film room for the next couple of years to improve his defensive reactivity. But it’s difficult to find teenagers with this kind of size who can play on the wing and produce.

The Jazz have a lot of first-rounders and can take a risk on the plus-positional-size, plus-skill intersection at which Miller resides.

18. Golden State Warriors
Kyle Filipowski | 6-11 big | 19 years old | Duke
Kyle Filipowski was Duke’s best, most consistent player this season. He’s a tough rebounder and has intriguing ball skills for someone who is nearly 7-foot tall. He can create his shot and has real coordination with the ball that has the potential to make him a matchup nightmare. I also think he’s an underrated defensive player; he plays upright, but he has agility and can slide his feet reasonably well. The issue for Filipowski is that he’s a big who is neither a rim protector or a shooter at this point (he made just 28.2 percent from 3 this season). But he has real upside as a shooter, with nice touch and some workable mechanical flaws.

The Warriors love guys like this who are smart and know how to move with and without the ball. If the shooting comes around, he could be something of an answer at the center position who actually fits well within what Steve Kerr asks of his big men.

19. Houston Rockets (via LAC)
Brice Sensabaugh | 6-6 wing | 19 years old | Ohio State
Brice Sensabaugh declared for the draft over the weekend, noting that he’d be retaining his collegiate eligibility. Much like all of the players in this range, he is a bit polarizing for scouts. Some worry about his lack of defensive acumen; Ohio State often had to remove him for critical possessions because of his struggles off the ball and issues when involved in on-ball actions. However, most scouts think his offense outweighs those concerns. Sensabaugh is a three-level scorer, as he averaged 16 points per game while shooting 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3 this season. He’s a terrific shot creator in the midrange already, with a deep bag of tricks to separate and get the extra space he needs to fire up a consistent look. The Rockets have tended to value scorers and guys who produce at younger ages under this Rafael Stone-led front office.

One note with Sensabaugh: He missed Ohio State’s final two games of the season with a knee injury from the Big Ten tournament, and there has not yet been a substantial update. Teams will want to confirm the injury is not serious in any way.

20. Brooklyn Nets (via PHX)
Kris Murray | 6-8 wing | 22 years old | Iowa
Kris Murray is considered one of the safer bets in this class to be a solid rotation player. He’s not his brother, Keegan – Kris’ shot isn’t quite as versatile and he’s not quite as fluid athletically as the current Sacramento Kings rookie. But Kris is 6-foot-8 and averaged 20 points, eight rebounds and two assists per game this season, plus has enough touch to where you should be able to project him as a solid spot-up shooter moving forward. Per Synergy, he made 41 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s this season. That’s a projectable skill, even if he’s not going to necessarily be running off wild actions and creating them himself.

The Nets love these big wings who have good positional size and can shoot. Murray will also bring some strength, rebounding and transition play to the equation as a combo forward as well. If Murray’s catch-and-shoot jumper translates like it should, it’s hard to see him failing.

21. Brooklyn Nets
Kobe Bufkin | 6-4 guard | 19 years old | Michigan
Kobe Bufkin rose up boards this season as he began to outperform most freshmen in college basketball. Bufkin is a sophomore, but he’s actually younger than his teammate Jett Howard and hit college a year earlier than necessary. That fostered some real growth, as Bufkin is in the process of becoming the kind of guard who can successfully play both on and off the ball regularly. He averaged 14 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists this season while shooting 48 percent from the field, 35 percent from 3 and 85 percent from the line. No freshman this season averaged at least 14 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists, and only Colorado guard K.J. Simpson joined Bufkin on this list among high-major sophomores. Bufkin needs to work on his frame, but he is becoming the preferred Michigan prospect between he and Howard.

The Nets have a couple of picks this year and already have a lot of younger depth players under contract, so they can afford to take a swing on a young guard who could become a starting-quality player in time.

22. Miami Heat
Dariq Whitehead | 6-6 wing | 18 years old | Duke
Dariq Whitehead had a strange, roller-coaster season for Duke that has left evaluators befuddled. He dealt with two injuries over the course of the season: a fractured right foot that kept him out for the first two weeks, and a lower leg injury midway through ACC play that initially looked like an Achilles tear, but turned out to be just a lower leg strain. The good news is that Whitehead showed the terrific touch that made him a top-five recruit in high school, making 43 percent of his 3s this season. The bad news? Whitehead really struggled in the paint and was a non-factor on defense. He didn’t quite look as athletic as he was in high school in his returns from injury and missed a lot of time that could have helped him improve his defensive cohesion.

More than anything else, the Heat need to find wings who can shoot around Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Whitehead would represent a good opportunity to pick up a potential buy-low draft candidate if his athleticism bounces back to pre-college levels.

23. Portland Trail Blazers (via NYK)
Rayan Rupert | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | New Zealand Breakers
Rayan Rupert has all of the tools teams look for in a superb defensive prospect. He’s 6-foot-7 with a ridiculous 7-foot-3 wingspan. He is exceptionally disruptive with his feet and length. He has quick hands to get into an opposing player’s dribble at the point of attack, can pressure ballhandlers 60 feet away from the hoop and gets through screens at a high level. Beyond that, he’s also tremendous off the ball, scrambling well due to his length and the way he sees the court. His anticipation for what’s happening around him is superb.

The issue is on offense right now. He’s not a great shooter, and while he’s a former point guard who sees the floor well, he isn’t quite strong enough on the ball yet to be able to take advantage of that. Rupert will be something of a project, and my bet is that the market will be more limited to teams with a proven track record of development. The Blazers have a real tendency to draft young since Joe Cronin has been a real voice in the front office, and assistant general manager Mike Schmitz is a terrific evaluator of international prospects. With this extra pick, a high-upside project could be a real investment for the franchise.

24. Sacramento Kings
Jett Howard | 6-8 wing | 19 years old | Michigan
Jett Howard is another player with a wide range entering the draft process. He was one of the most intriguing scorers for his age in college basketball this season. His father, Michigan coach Juwan Howard, did a terrific job actualizing his game, running him through pro-style sets that included a ton of dribble handoffs and off-ball actions. These situations allowed Howard to take advantage of his shooting ability, which is by far his best skill at this stage. Howard hit 37 percent from 3 this season, but a lot of those were tough looks off real movement he was creating. He also showed some ability to create pull-up midrange jumpers.

The issue for Howard is that he doesn’t impact the game in any way beyond scoring at this point. He’s not an awesome passer, and he can’t really defend anyone – guards are too quick and forwards are too strong. He needs to either add some quickness or live in the weight room to gain strength to hold his ground better.

Still, shooting is arguably the most translatable skill in the league right now, and Howard has that. Over the last year, shooting is the skill the Kings have prioritized above all to surround De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis

25. Memphis Grizzlies
Noah Clowney | 6-10 forward | 18 years old | Alabama
Some scouts love Noah Clowney’s mix of athleticism and length. At 6-foot-10 with something in the ballpark of a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Clowney has extremely intriguing tools for a modern big in the NBA. He moves well and plays on the perimeter defensively, sliding his feet and using his length to disrupt those around him. On the interior, he’s a sharp rotator who can protect the opposite side of the rim. He averaged 10 points, eight rebounds and a block per game.

But a big part of his offensive translation is the shooting, and Clowney shot just 28 percent from 3 this season. A team that takes Clowney will need to be patient, and there is no certainty at this juncture that he will even be in this class because of how raw he is. Memphis is a patient organization with a strong developmental track record, so the Grizzlies can afford to take a swing on his tantalizing tools and hope the jumper comes along.

26. Indiana Pacers (via CLE)
Gregory “G.G.” Jackson | 6-9 forward | 18 years old | South Carolina
G.G. Jackson’s range is about as wide as you’ll find for a prospect entering this process. Some evaluators are intrigued with his shot creation. Starting the season at just 17 years old, Jackson showcased some really intriguing tricks in his bag, using his advanced handle. He is a legitimate midrange weapon, and his jumper looks translatable long term. But everything else was all over the map. His defensive effort and intensity were not good enough and he was one of the worst playmakers for teammates among potential first-round picks of the last decade given how much he had the ball in his hands. There are some real questions about his maturity: his on-court body language was poor and he publicly questioned his coaching staff on Instagram Live earlier this season.

Jackson needs to land with a competent organization that has a strong G League program that can foster his development across the board. The Pacers will at least be patient and, with multiple picks, have the ability to take some chances.

27. Charlotte Hornets (via DEN)
Julian Strawther | 6-7 wing | 21 years old | Gonzaga
Julian Strawther worked his way back into the first round following a terrific finish to his season. In his final 16 games, Strawther averaged 17 points while shooting 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3 while helping Gonzaga to the Elite Eight. He is a terrific catch-and-shoot weapon, plus has a little more off the bounce than most realize due to his floater. Defensively, he’s not an impact player, but he worked through some issues throughout the season to became passable. He’s seen as likely to be picked somewhere in the 25 to 45 range. The Hornets continue to need better wing depth and shooting as they work to build around LaMelo Ball. Strawther would help fit those weaknesses.

28. Utah Jazz (via PHI)
Max Lewis | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Pepperdine
Max Lewis had a nightmare close to the season after such a promising start. Over his first 17 games, Lewis averaged 20 points while shooting 52 percent from the field and 42 percent from 3. Over his final 14, he averaged just 13 points and shot 39 percent from the field and 22 percent from 3. On top of that, Lewis struggled immensely on defense and is seen more as a project than a final product.

The things working in his favor are that he can shoot and has an NBA-style frame at 6-foot-7 with long arms and explosive athleticism. That might be enough to get him into the first round. But he’s not seen as a surefire bet to hear his name called there after his downturn while playing for a talented Pepperdine team that won just nine games this season.

With multiple first-round picks, the Jazz can afford to take a swing on someone like this.

29. Indiana Pacers (via BOS)
Colby Jones | 6-6 wing | 21 years old | Xavier
Colby Jones is seen as likely to be taken somewhere from in the 25-40 range. The key to his game is that he doesn’t necessarily take anything off the table. He’s worked his way into becoming a solid shooter off the catch. He can handle the ball and bring it up the court, making plays as a passer. He finishes at the rim. At 6-foot-6 with a strong frame, he defends as a solid level. He averaged 15 points, six rebounds and four assists this season, joining Penn State point guard Jalen Pickett as the only players in the country to do that while shooting at least 50 percent from the field or 37 percent from 3. Jones’ athleticism isn’t going to wow anyone, but he brings a lot of helpful things to the table as a rotation player.

The Pacers tend to value older, well-rounded guys.

30. LA Clippers (via MIL)
Marcus Sasser | 6-2 guard | 22 years old | Houston
I’m a touch higher on Marcus Sasser than this, but NBA evaluators believe that, at the very least, he is likely to be taken in the top 40 and is a good bet to be useful on both ends of the court. Sasser is a tremendous defender at the point of attack who should be particularly good at fighting through screens in a drop-coverage scheme. On offense, he’s a terrific shooter who will be able to space the floor for guards around him.

More than anything, he fits the Clippers’ mold perfectly. The team loves guys who are tough-minded and willing to play through contact. LA also could use another option at the lead guard spot after some of the issues the team has had this season. Sasser projects as a backup, but he’d be able to help the team as soon as next year.

Second Round
31. Detroit Pistons: Sidy Cissoko | 6-7 wing | G League Ignite

32. Indiana Pacers (via HOU): Jaime Jaquez Jr. | 6-7 guard | UCLA

33. San Antonio Spurs: Bilal Coulibaly | 6-7 wing | Metropolitans 92

34. Charlotte Hornets: Terrence Shannon Jr. | 6-6 wing | 22 years old | Illinois

35. Orlando Magic: Julian Phillips | 6-8 wing | Tennessee

36. Oklahoma City Thunder (via WAS): Jalen Wilson | 6-8 wing | Kansas

37. Boston Celtics (via POR): James Nnaji | 6-10 big | Barcelona

38. Sacramento Kings (via IND): Terquavion Smith | 6-4 guard | NC State

39. Washington Wizards (via CHI): Trayce Jackson-Davis | 6-9 big | Indiana

40. Toronto Raptors: Judah Mintz | 6-3 guard | Syracuse

41. Charlotte Hornets (via UTA): Jaylen Clark | 6-5 wing | UCLA

42. Denver Nuggets (via OKC): Jordan Miller | 6-7 wing | Miami (Fla.)

43. Los Angeles Lakers: Ricky Council IV | 6-7 wing | Arkansas

44. New Orleans Pelicans: Brandin Podziemski | 6-5 wing | Santa Clara

45. Denver Nuggets (via DAL): Zach Edey | 7-4 center | Purdue

46. Portland Trail Blazers (via ATL): Andre Jackson | 6-6 wing | Connecticut

47. Memphis Grizzlies (via MIN): Kevin McCullar Jr. | 6-6 wing | Kansas

48. Cleveland Cavaliers (via GSW): Ryan Kalkbrenner | 7-1 center | Creighton

49. LA Clippers: Olivier-Maxence Prosper | 6-8 wing | Marquette

50. Phoenix Suns: Arthur Kaluma | 6-7 wing | Creighton

51. Brooklyn Nets: Nikola Đurišić | 6-8 wing | KK Mega Basket

52. Boston Celtics (via MIA): Bryce Hopkins | 6-7 wing | Providence

53. Minnesota Timberwolves (via NYK): Coleman Hawkins | 6-10 big | Illinois

54. Sacramento Kings: Adam Flagler | 6-3 guard | Baylor

55. Memphis Grizzlies: DaRon Holmes | 6-10 big | Dayton

56. Milwaukee Bucks (via CLE): Colin Castleton | 6-11 big | Florida

57. Milwaukee Bucks: Kobe Brown | 6-8 wing | Missouri

58. Boston Celtics: Baylor Scheierman | 6-6 wing | Creighton

(Philadelphia and Chicago have forfeited picks due to free-agency tomfoolery and shenanigans)
 


Who are the Final Four’s top NBA Draft prospects? Jordan Hawkins, Donovan Clingan and more

Much has been made of how this 2023 Final Four, featuring a No. 4 seed, two No. 5 seeds and a No. 9 seed, does not quite have as much talent as many of the Final Fours we’ve seen in the past. That’s probably true to some extent.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth watching. Plenty of talent will still be on display. And as the person people come to for takes on players’ potential at the next level, I’ve got you covered if you’re tuning into these teams for the first time this year as an NBA fan.

Who do you need to watch in the two games this weekend? I wrote about 15 players below, all of whom I expect to play professional basketball in some capacity down the road. Although I only give two first-round grades — both to Connecticut players — I’ll break down how scouts and evaluators look at many of the other players. A number of fascinating prospects could pop in future years and just aren’t quite finished products yet.

Here are the 15 professional prospects worth at least keeping an eye on in this Final Four:

1. Jordan Hawkins | 6-5 wing | Connecticut
Stats: 16.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists; 40.5 FG percentage, 38.5 3P percentage, 88.6 FT percentage

Jordan Hawkins was seen as a potential first-rounder coming into the season after an intriguing freshman campaign that saw him display NBA-level athletic tools mixed with real movement shooting ability off complex actions. Connecticut has weaponized him even more in that regard this season. Hawkins is averaging those 16.3 points per game while firing up nearly eight 3s per game at a 38.5 percent clip. That might not look overly impressive on the surface, but it’s more the way that he goes about creating those 3s with his off-ball movement. Hawkins is constantly running off actions, trying to separate from his man to find that little opening. Here’s an example from the team’s game against Gonzaga. Look at Hawkins constantly running and moving, looking for the smallest opening that allows him to set his feet, rise up and fire to drill a 3. Even the smallest communication slip-up, like the one between Julian Strawther and Rasir Bolton, results in a 3.


This stuff is directly translatable to an NBA that is starved for floor-spacers around its stars. The most valuable thing a role player can do is create an efficient opportunity to score without needing the ball in his hands to do it. Hawkins is the epitome of that. I wouldn’t sleep on Hawkins potentially having some upside beyond that, though. He’s improved dramatically as a ballhandler this year, actually using the threat of his jumper to attack closeouts and find scoring chances. He’s made some solid, live-dribble passes on the move. And even defensively, Hawkins really battles and uses his quickness along with his 6-foot-5 frame to try to disrupt the opposition.

The main issue right now is that Hawkins’ frame doesn’t allow him to maintain the best advantages possible. He’s extremely skinny. As a driver, defenders can recover onto him. As soon as he gets bumped, his momentum gets stopped. He struggles to finish around the rim because of that lack of strength. On defense, it’s a little too easy to blow through his chest right now. But all of the tools are there for him to continue to improve with age as he grows more into his frame. If he gets stronger, I think you’re looking at a very high-level NBA starter. Even if he doesn’t ever quite grow into that frame, he’s still going to be a very useful rotation player as a floor-spacer around high-level players. That’s worth a top-20 pick, and it wouldn’t stun me if a team that feels it can really work on his body believes in him enough to take him in the lottery this summer.

2. Donovan Clingan | 7-2 center | Connecticut
Stats: 7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.8 blocks in 13.2 minutes; 65.5 FG percentage

Donovan Clingan has had a fascinating trajectory. He was identified early due to his immense size but ballooned up a bit in terms of weight during the pandemic and lost some of his athleticism. By the time he arrived on Connecticut’s campus in the summer, though, he was already back in shape and looked ready to make an impact early. And man, has he made an impact every single time he’s out there.

At 7-foot-2, Clingan is a mountain of a teenager out there. He physically towers over almost every opponent — something that will again be the case against Miami in the Final Four. Moreover, he’s strong and establishes his position at will. He has great hands, he catches and finishes with ease, and he even showcases some touch at times away from the rim. The production per minute is ridiculous for someone on a team with this many options. He’s averaging about 18 rebounds and six blocks per 40 minutes. But what makes him different from other super giants out there? Why is he a better prospect than, say, Zach Edey?

It’s the defense, coordination and mobility. Clingan can move out there at his size. He’s not moving like a wing or anything, but his short-area quickness is quite good, especially when mixed with his length. On top of it, his anticipation as a rim protector is excellent for a teenager. I don’t think he’s quite as good as Walker Kessler in terms of his positioning and coverage in the gaps in drop coverage, but he’s quite good at it for someone this big at his age. Clingan is someone you can buy anchoring an interior defense in drop coverage for teams that wish to run that scheme as he continues to age and mature into his frame. He swallows up everything around the basket by staying as big as possible and then contesting with his length. Here’s a great example of what a Clingan defensive possession looks like. He does a phenomenal job of managing two ball screens involving Drew Timme by playing in the gap but staying home on the ballhandler until his man recovers, then getting back to Timme on the block. After those two fail, Clingan has terrific recognition for the drive that’s coming. He takes two gigantic help-side steps across and swats Hunter Sallis all the way out of the paint.


At some point in the next couple of years, Clingan is going to be a first-round pick. It’s just a matter of when. Does he want to take over college basketball next year after only playing 13 minutes per game this season? Does he think there is more to gain from developing another year at Connecticut given how good of a thing the program has going? Or does he decide to capitalize on this run and go pro? There isn’t really a bad option here for Clingan.

3. Jordan Miller | 6-7 wing | Miami
Stats: 15.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists; 54.9 FG percentage, 35.6 3P percentage, 77.6 FT percentage

So far, Jordan Miller is the player who has helped his status with NBA personnel most in the NCAA Tournament. Teams were pretty interested in him as a potential two-way contract option heading into the tournament. But his play over the last two weeks has pushed him into being the kind of older player who might get a guaranteed contract and make a team’s 15-man roster. A transfer from Jim Larrañaga’s old stomping grounds at George Mason, Miller is something of a late bloomer who has turned into a really solid player on both ends.

It starts on defense with Miller. While the Hurricanes as a whole have struggled on that end, he’s been a shining light. He takes on tough assignments and generally does a good job. Using his 6-foot-7 frame, he stays in front of his man and cuts off angles well. He seems to play well in a team construct. Miller is the kind of solid, steady, reliable wing whom teams love to get into their developmental infrastructure. The real growth this season has come on offense. The Virginia native has gone from being an unreliable 3-point shooter who always made his free throws to now consistently knocking down the limited 3s he takes per game. Miller has made 35.6 percent from 3 this season. His lefty stroke isn’t the smoothest thing in the world, but it’s workable — especially when considering all of the other things he brings. Miller is a sharp slasher in straight lines and an extremely efficient finisher in the paint.

Part of why he’s great finisher is that he very rarely makes poor decisions. Miller is extremely unselfish in the way that NBA teams love from their potential role-player wings, and he also sees the floor very well on his drives. Miller is a smart passer, averaging nearly three assists per game with more than a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. He reads where the help is coming from at a very high level and makes the right choice on where to place the ball.

Over the back half of Miami’s season, there’s a case to be made that Miller was better than ACC Player of the Year Isaiah Wong. So why is someone like this not seen as a likely first-round pick? First, Miller is 23 years old, and analytically inclined teams on draft night won’t necessarily be enthused about taking him there due to a perceived lack of upside. Some teams appreciate drafting older, more NBA-ready players. Others don’t. Second, the shooting spike this season on a relative lack of volume is concerning. For Miller, going into NBA workouts and proving to teams that he can make a high percentage of 3s from beyond the NBA 3-point line at volume is the most important part of his pre-draft process. If he doesn’t shoot it consistently enough, Miller is going to have a hard time making it. Right now, I have Miller right on the edge of being a priority two-way grade and a guaranteed, 15-man roster contract grade. The shooting is just concerning enough that I would like a bit more information from his pre-draft workouts.

4. Andre Jackson Jr. | 6-6 wing | Connecticut
Stats: 6.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.0 steals

I’ve been very clear throughout the season that Andre Jackson is basically my favorite player in college basketball. I love everything about what he brings to the table. As much as anything, he just seems like a leader out there on the court through his actions. But moreover, he’s a player who does everything well outside of one glaring flaw.

Jackson is one of the best athletes in college basketball, an explosive leaper who also is quick-twitch and almost never seems to run out of juice. His energy bar at the top of the screen is consistently at 100 percent, and it allows him to be more reactive than other players on the court. This is the exact kind of play I’m talking about. Against Gonzaga, Jackson is sitting in the corner trying to space the floor as Adama Sanogo goes up to set a ball screen. As Connecticut adjusted to in the first half, Sanogo short-rolls into the midrange area after Gonzaga blitzes the ball screen. Tristen Newton throws an errant pass to the short-roller that should result in a turnover. But not on Jackson’s watch. He reacts faster than everyone on the court and sprints to the ball out of nowhere. But he also immediately processes that Julian Strawther has gone for the steal, and that Alex Karaban is sitting wide open on the wing . He throws a pristine pass on the fly to hit him for the back-breaking 3 before the half.


This is typical stuff for Jackson. He’s one of the smartest players on every court he plays on. He’s the epitome of a guy who makes winning plays. He averages almost five rebounds and five assists per game by being faster to the ball and smarter with it than everyone else. He’s also terrific on defense. He’s aggressive and takes on tough assignments. He flies around and wreaks havoc because he never runs low on energy. And then once the ball comes off the glass, he’s ready to grab the rebound and push the pace. Jackson is the guy who does all of the little things.

But Jackson does not shoot it well. The jumper, mechanically, looks very messy as he kind of leans forward and has a two-motion mechanic to it. He’s made just 30 percent from 3 in his career at Connecticut, and there isn’t a ton of evidence that he will shoot it long term. If there was, Jackson would be a no-questions-asked first-rounder. Jackson also isn’t the best ballhandler. He can get just a bit loose with it at times when trying to cover the space that opposing teams give him by not guarding him.

The equation for Jackson is kind of simple. If he shoots the ball, he will be an extremely valuable NBA rotation player. His feel for the game is outstanding, he’s an elite athlete, he defends, he passes, and at that point, you would be saying he also shoots. But shooting is so important in the modern NBA that Jackson is somewhere between being a guy on whom teams take a chance with a guaranteed contract and a two-way project. It’s hard to know where this one is going to fall. Much like me, teams want to love him. But the shooting is enough of a worry to where teams want to get him into their facility and really see how big of a project the jumper will be to fix.

5. Wooga Poplar | 6-5 wing | Miami
Stats: 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 48.3 FG percentage, 38.9 3P percentage, 86.7 FT percentage

Wooga Poplar is maybe the hardest player to rank here. There’s no circumstance where he should enter his name into the 2023 NBA Draft process, in my opinion. It wouldn’t be the best choice for him long term. I think it’d be really beneficial for him next season to step into an increased offensive role at Miami and showcase his skills. On top of that, I don’t think his draft stock is quite at its ceiling. There is a real chance he could grow into being a first-rounder next year. Poplar is the Miami player about whom scouts get the most excited long term, but he’s much more raw than either Miller or Wong at this stage. He got to the game later and is still developing into his skills.

Having said that, the 3-and-D potential is incredibly obvious. Poplar is a ridiculous athlete at 6-foot-5 with great length. He finishes above the rim and has real speed and quickness. Defensively, he works hard and tracks back all over the court. As a shooter, Poplar gets a lot of open opportunities, but he converts. He made about 39 percent of his 3-point chances this season, with almost all of them being of the catch-and-shoot variety. That’s all a great starting point, but Poplar doesn’t have a ton of ball skills yet that he can use in game. He doesn’t make mistakes and doesn’t overextend himself, plus Miami has a ton of other guys to handle the ball instead. Poplar’s role is very limited with this Miami core. It would help his development to get more of these reps in-game.

I think you could have Poplar as high as No. 3 on this list if you buy into the tools. His ceiling is that of a potential first-round pick if his development goes right over the next 12 months. I don’t know that I’d predict it given how limited he remains off the bounce still. But you can see the outlines of an incredibly valuable player because it’s harder than people think to find NBA-caliber athletes with size who can shoot and defend.

6. Alex Karaban | 6-8 wing | Connecticut
Stats: 9.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 48.5 FG$ percentage, 40.5 3P percentage, 83.7 FT percentage

Alex Karaban is one of the sneaky prospects about whom I get asked regularly. He’s not a 2023 prospect, but scouts see him as a legitimate prospect in the future for a few simple reasons. He’s a relatively mobile 6-foot-8 wing who hit 40.6 percent from 3 this season as a redshirt freshman on a lot of catch-and-shoot opportunities. He’s often the fifth option on court in this offense, leading to a lot of open chances. But the starting point here is almost exactly what NBA teams crave.

Positional size mixed with elite shooting is a combination of skills that leads to players being coveted. It also helps that Karaban is very responsible as a team defender. His communication is on point, and he can switch onto a variety of players without getting cooked unless he’s facing the fastest guards. He always rotates into the right spot and is available on the weak side as a rim protector occasionally, something that is sneaky valuable when he plays a lot of minutes with Sanogo. Over the next couple of years, he needs to improve his game off the bounce and become more confident as a passer and driver. He has a ways to go, but the upside certainly exists.

7. Isaiah Wong | 6-4 guard | Miami
Stats: 16.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 44.7 FG percentage, 38.1 3P percentage, 84.1 FT percentage

The ACC Player of the Year, Wong is a scoring guard through and through. He’s added a lot to his game over the years, but at the end of the day, it all comes back to his ability to get buckets. Wong has always had a terrific bag of tricks to separate from his man, but up until this season, he could be on the wrong edge of that efficiency line that you look for from a primary scorer. The key for him this season is two-fold. First, Wong is shooting better from 3. He looks much more comfortable pulling up from distance, and I think I would bet on him being a solid shooter long term. Second, he’s making better passing and playmaking decisions. Instead of trying to do it all himself, he’s seeing the court and finding his teammates at a solid level. Getting to share the on-ball load with Nijel Pack has certainly helped in this regard.

Wong projects as a potential two-way player this year who will be on the borderline of getting a G League Elite Camp and NBA Draft Combine invite. His confidence and ability to score from all three levels out of a variety of situations certainly appeals to teams, and I think he’ll get games in the NBA next season.

8. Adama Sanogo | 6-9 big | Connecticut
Stats: 17.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists; 60.3 FG percentage, 34.7 3P percentage, 77.6 FT percentage

One of the most productive players in college basketball this past season, Sanogo has helped his potential NBA outlook but hasn’t quite emerged into a top prospect. He’s physical and tough on the interior, bullying weaker bigs around and using his length and strength to crush the offensive glass in addition to score on the block. Beyond that, he’s also added the occasional 3-point jumper, having made 35 percent of 50 attempts this year. Having said that, he’s a 6-foot-9 center who is a bruiser in an era where this player type is a bit of a anachronistic style.

Sanogo is tough, but he’s not really a rim protector and doesn’t project as a high-level 3-point shooter in an era where those are the key things teams look for from centers who aren’t giants. He would best set himself up for success in the NBA by improving his mobility in space, showcasing more of the short-roll passing ability we saw in the Elite Eight against Gonzaga and continue to develop that jumper. Sanogo is probably a bit more likely to end up overseas than in the NBA, but he’s improved enough in important areas that he shouldn’t be ruled out and is a candidate for a two-way contract as an undersized center.

9. Lamont Butler | 6-2 guard | San Diego State
Stats: 8.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.5 steals; 41.8 FG percentage, 33.0 3P percentage, 72.3 FT percentage

How does Lamont Butler feature so highly here? It’s all about defense. He is one of the most dogged, tough, on-ball defenders in college basketball. A two-time All-Defense selection in the Mountain West, Butler is incredibly aggressive in the way he attacks opposing players on the ball. He clearly does a ton of film work and seems to always know exactly what opposing players’ tendencies are, then he preys on them. He’s ready to pounce if you even put a step out of line. Then off the ball, he shoots passing lanes and uses his length to attack. There are very few more disruptive perimeter defenders in all of college basketball.

Offensively, Butler shows flashes but is definitely a work in progress. He hits 35 percent of his catch-and-shoot jumpers. He needs to improve that a bit. Moreover, he needs to be better creating off the bounce. He needs to play with a little more shake out of ball screens and in isolation. It’s possible that getting into an NBA situation might help him a bit, as the San Diego State court is often cramped. But it does feel like for Butler to succeed at the next level, even with his elite-level defense, he needs a bit more juice off the bounce so that he can play some point guard. The goal for Butler should be new-era Patrick Beverley.

10. Norchad Omier | 6-7 big | Miami
Stats: 13.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 1.3 blocks, 57.9 FG percentage

Norchad Omier is your big, physical, Chuck Hayes-style undersized center. More than anything, he’s one of those guys who always seems to be around the action and the ball. He’s a killer rebounder. He’s versatile in defensive coverages with solid footwork and fundamentals, capable of using his lateral agility to hard-hedge or using his long arms and strength to sit in drop coverage. Offensively, he finishes well around the rim and passes well.

The issue for Omier is that it’s exceptionally hard to be a 6-foot-7 center. He doesn’t really have the ball skills to play the four in the modern NBA, where those players are more likely to be true wings. He doesn’t really shoot well enough at this stage to be a floor-spacing five. On defense, his rim protection at the highest levels this season has been a part of why Miami’s defense has struggled. He’s there and he’s very active, but he’s just not quite big enough to make a true impact against many of the biggest players. My guess is Omier gets a real crack at the NBA, and I think he’s worthy of that because the dude just knows how to play. But I’d assume he’ll be at Miami again next season before taking that shot.

11. Nijel Pack | 6-0 guard | Miami
Stats: 13.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 44.5 FG percentage, 40.2 3P percentage, 88.2 FT percentage

A former first-team All-Big 12 player, Nijel Pack transferred to Miami amid enormous amounts of publicity. He has been a critical get for the Hurricanes, and nobody would bat an eye at the price tag the Hurricanes’ NIL initiatives spent on him now. The key skill with Pack is shooting. There are few better shooters in the country, both off the catch and off the dribble. He’s had three straight years over 40 percent from 3, and he’s been a high-usage player in all three of those seasons. He can also initiate the offense as a point guard.

It’s just exceptionally hard to make the NBA at this size. Shooting gets you in the door, but it’s so hard to stick when you’re a 6-foot scoring guard. And many of Miami’s problems this season, in my opinion, stem from issues at the point of attack on defense, where Wong and Pack tend to struggle to contain dribble penetration. I see Pack as a terrific player overseas who will make a ton of money playing pro hoops. But he’d probably need to develop into the best shooter on Earth to stick in the NBA.

12. Johnell Davis | 6-4 guard | Florida Atlantic
Stats: 13.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 49.3 FG percentage, 36.6 3P percentage, 85.0 FT percentage

Johnell Davis has burst onto the scouting scene recently, posting the first NCAA Tournament game ever with at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals. But he’s been terrific throughout the season. Davis was first-team All-Conference USA. The numbers might look a bit pedestrian at 14 points per game, but Florida Atlantic really shares the wealth in its offense. Davis is an aggressive downhill slasher who can also pull up from all around the court. He made 37 percent of his 3s this season but still isn’t taking a ton of them after shooting pretty poorly last season. There are also just some real, inherent limitations regarding a combo guard with this kind of profile who rarely sets up his teammates for open shots. Davis should probably head back to school for another year to keep rounding out his game.

13. Nathan Mensah | 6-10 big | San Diego State
Stats: 6.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 53.5 FG percentage

Some quick love here for Nathan Mensah, who has been one of the best defensive players in college basketball for two years. He’s won back-to-back Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year awards and is the anchor inside who takes San Diego State’s defense from good to great. He’s one of the 10 best defenders in the country. His sense of anticipation rotationally around the rim is terrific, using his elite length to contest and block shots at at will. His sense of positioning in drop coverage is terrific in ball-screen settings. Offensively, he’s not quite skilled enough right now to play in the NBA. Mensah is just very limited on that end. Even someone like Christian Koloko at Arizona last year had a bit more reliability, and he’s really struggled to adjust to the speed of the NBA on offense. But if some team wanted to try to develop that side of the court for Mensah in its G League program, I’d completely understand it.

14. Tristen Newton | 6-5 guard | Connecticut
Stats: 9.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists; 37.5 FG percentage, 36.8 3P percentage, 80.4 FT percentage

The jewel of Connecticut’s transfer class this past offseason, Tristen Newton has had an up-and-down campaign as a 6-foot-5 lead guard. At East Carolina, Newton did everything. He was the No. 1 option, driving transition play and trying to aggressively collapse defenses. At Connecticut, there has been a bit of an adjustment. It took about half of the season, but he’s gotten to the point where he’s pretty reliable. He has become a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio guard who generally makes solid decisions in the flow of the offense. Connecticut similarly wants to push tempo, and he allows the Huskies to do that. The main issue is his overall scoring ability. Newton shot just 38 percent from inside the 3-point line this season, which is a catastrophic number. He should go back to Connecticut and keep developing that part of his game. Still, he’s 6-foot-5 with real ball skills and shooting ability, which will always get NBA looks.

15. Matt Bradley | 6-4 guard | San Diego State
Stats: 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 40.2 FG percentage, 35.8 3P percentage, 80.2 FT percentage

Above all, Matt Bradley is a professional scorer. A 6-foot-4 bowling ball, Bradley is a four-time all-conference performer, split twice each between Cal and San Diego State. This is actually Bradley’s lowest scoring output since his freshman year, but it’s coincided with wins. He’s not quite explosive enough athletically to play in NBA due to his lack of ability to separate, but he’ll make a killer living overseas as a bucket getter due to his terrific footwork, his well-displayed touch having hit 39 percent from 3 over his career and his aggressive driving game. There’s a good chance he makes more money than many of the guys above him on this list.
 
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