WASHINGTON 1.1 – AJ Dybantsa (F) – BYU – 6’9 217lbs
Dybantsa’s shot creating potential is through the roof. Boasting an explosive step, a knack for getting to the line, and a respectable mid range jumper. With a 7-foot wingspan, he projects high defensive upside upside to round.
The Wizards can put Dybantsa in a favorable slot with their strong new look roster that can elevate some early pressure.
UTAH 1.2 – Cameron Boozer (F/C) – Duke – 6’9 250lbs
With the rumors of Walker Kessler disgruntled over contract disputes, it may be in both parties best interests to split. With Kessler out the picture, Darryn Peterson’s lack of interest, and Carlos Boozer in the building, the stars have aligned for Cameron landing in Utah.
Although its clear Ainge is aiming for Dybansta, Boozer is not a bad consolation prize. With the highest floor, Boozer will be an immediate instant impact. His post scoring is unmatched, an elite rebounder, and brings a winning background to a team that desperately needs one.
MEMPHIS 1.3 – Darryn Peterson (G) – Kansas – 6’6 205lbs
Peterson has only worked out with Washington. While there is still a chance he could still be a wizard, if they stick at one, Dybantsa will be the pick. With or without Ja Morant, Peterson can find himself a role. His off-ball movement is near perfect. Always able to get open. He understands timing and moving within the flow of the offense. He can score nearly anyway he feels to. Defensively he won’t blow you away, but he won’t be a liability. With his offensive upside its hard to pass up. There is concern about his ability to be the primary ball handler. His playmaking leaves a lot of room to grow. On-ball he struggles to create space.
Teaming him up with a on-ball guard like Morant could be massive for his development. If Morant is out in Memphis, you may need to look in to a guy who can play alongside Peterson.
CHICAGO 1.4 – Caleb Wilson (F/C) – UNC – 6’10 215lbs
The top four guys in this class are pretty clear. Chicago will land whoever is left on the board. As good as a prospect Wilson is, he feels like the odd man out. Despite this, Chicago should be ecstatic about landing him. Wilson’s physical profile is scary. His athleticism is off the charts with size that is not to scoff at. His feet move quick. He can fly down the court. He can rise to the rim with ease. Defensively, he has the potential to be a menace. While with UNC he was labeled a lockdown defender and projects to reach that height at the NBA level.
There is not much downside to Wilson’s game until you reach the offense. By no means in Wilson a poor offensive player but when you compare him to the other top prospects, you can see why he falls to four. He shoots 26% from three in college. That will only dip in the NBA. To compensate, he attacks the basket… a lot. He leans heavy into a right shoulder fade away jumper that works well for him in college. NBA defenders will find it easy to shut down Wilson in the half court. His ball handling is loose and he is a predictable scorer.
If the Bulls can develop a shot in him, watch out. If they can’t, he projects to be an ALL-NBA level defender.
SACRAMENTO (via LAC) 1.5 – Darius Acuff Jr. (PG) – Arkansas – 6’3 190lbs
It is clear that the Kings want Acuff. Maybe that is at seven maybe thats not. It is hard to anticipate him falling past Brooklyn. If they Kings want him as bad as they are making it out to be, they’ll have to jump to get him.
Acuff is a ball dominate guard. His scoring is best-in-class with 23ppg on 44% from three. He creates his own shots with ease with immense confidence. Much like the current King of New York, Jalen Brunson, Acuff dictates the tempo of the game. Playmaking comes naturally. When the ball is in his hands, the game is his. He shoots a lot of shots with a lot of confidence. Occasionally, he can get over confident settling with difficult jump shot over applying rim pressure. Something he’ll need to work on to reach a high level of success in the NBA.
Like Brunson, there are doubts about his size. At 6’3 Acuff could be exposed on the defensive side of the ball at the NBA level. He was not a cone in college but the NBA is a different level.
The Kings desperately need something to watch. Acuff can be that lone bright light in a beamless city.
BROOKLYN 1.6 – Kingston Flemings (PG) – Houston – 6’4 190lbs
The Nets are in a weird position. Last year they drafted an NBA record five first round picks. Three of which were guards. This class is loaded with guard talent at the top of the board, leaving me lost at what Brooklyn is planning.
One thing they do need is talent and scoring. Fleming checks those boxes. Despite his smaller frame, he pressures the paint. Running downhill like a heatseeking missile. Avoiding all defenders finishing without a panic. He moves smooth. There is a glide when he shifts gears. The jump shot could use further development but the mechanics are there. Where he excels in movement he lacks in strength and handling. He will struggle to break down defenders with his handles as well as bully through bigger bodies.
Brooklyn has a lot to figure out, but Flemings upside is there. It’s hard to not take a guard here at six. Brooklyn has a lot to figure out but if they decide to stick and pick, Flemings upside is there.
LOS ANGELES C (via SAC) 1.7 – Keaton Wagler (G) – Illinois – 6’6 180lbs
The Clippers got through a bone this season. Acquiring the fifth pick from the pacers for Ivica Zubac as well as dropping ten years of age by swapping James Harden for Darius Garland. Now in a good position, the Clippers need to capitalize. Aquire more assets by moving back and still landing a top prospect in the draft.
Wagler is ready to be an impactful off ball guard right now. He is shockingly tenacious on the glass and provides excellent shooting. Wagler can score in the paint as needed. He shows strength when drawing fouls and converts his chances at an 81% rate. He can handle the ball if necessary but should not be a primary handler yet. With the right coaching he could slide easily from an off ball threat to the primary guy.
Defensively he needs some work. Screens through him off as he cannot seem to get around them at a productive rate. Constantly caught on poor angles leading to good looks. He lacks muscle and can be bullied by larger guys easily. The good side is this is all easily coachable.
Wagler’s fit in LA seems perfect and he can blossom to be much more than an off ball guard sooner than some think.
ATLANTA 1.8 – Aday Mara (C) – Michigan – 7’3 255lbs
Let me be clear I am not high on Mara. I do not think he has a great ceiling. His floor is not high enough for me to be happy taking him in the top ten either, but he will be selected high. His size is what lands him here.
Mara is seven foot three with a seven foot seven wingspan. He is huge. With that size he is well coordinated. He can move his feet, you don’t find him trapped by his frame like you do with many bigs of his size. Leading to excellent interior defense. Mara can anchor the rim, forcing rushed looks and blocked shots. Additionally he is not a bad passer given his position either.
That about wraps up my positives. I doubt his college scoring translates well. Often Mara got easy looks due to his size. Those will not be there in the NBA. As coordinated as he is, he is a poor outside defender. He can’t knock down a shot, that be at the line or from three.
Although I am not high on him, all signs point to Mara landing top twelve. The Hawks desperately need rim help, especially defensively, and Mara can provide that day one.
DALLAS 1.9 – Mikel Brown Jr. (G) – Louisville – 6’6 190lbs
There is a real chance Brown is not here for Dallas. Brown has little holes in his game: a good scorer who can shoot quickly and effectively, flashes defensive upside with good size and athleticism, he initiates and takes contact like a tenured vet, and can create for himself on and off the ball.
The only real concerns are his mental mistakes. Often opting to take a ill advised shots at the top of the shot clock. Bypassing opportunities for a highlight. Occasionally, He can lose track of his man on a defensive position. This makes Brown lack consistency but it is a behavior that can be coached out.
Not only is Brown the best player available, he is also the best fit for the Mavericks as well. Passing on him would be a mistake.
MILWAUKEE 1.10 – Nate Ament (F) – Tennessee – 6’10 211lbs
Ament is a swing. There is a lot to be worked on especially on the offensive side of the ball. Ament lacks creation, he lacks strength, his mechanics are inconsistent, he loves a contested shot, and lacks lateral quickness.
That being said, there is real big upside here. Ament can shoot. His frame needs to be filled out but he can be a rock. The most valuable part of his game is that he can be molded into whatever a team needs. He has the tools to become an amazing shooting forward with great size. There is just a long path to get there. Luckily the Bucks do not have much else going on and can focus on Ament’s development.
GOLDEN STATE 1.11 – Yaxel Lendeborg (F) – Michigan – 6’9 240lbs
Lendeborg, much like his teammate Mara, is ready for the NBA right now. His game mature and well rounded. There is not one spot he excels drastically in and there is not one spot that feels like a major hole. Lendeborg’s IQ is NBA ready. His frame is NBA ready. His offense is NBA ready. With the Warriors trying to squeeze anything they have out of the Curry window, they do not have time to waste on player development.
OKLAHOMA CITY 1.12 – Morez Johnson Jr. (F) – Michigan – 6’9 250lbs
Back to back Wolverines off the board. Johnson has been flying up draft boards recently. Good hands and footwork combine to an amazing inside scorer finishing 73% at the rim. He plays physical basketball with an high motor with a strong interior presence.
His weaknesses are easy for the Thunder to hide. He is not a self creator, something he will never have to deal with doing as long as SGA, JDub, McCain, or Mitchel are on the floor. He also lacks playmaking prowes. His only real hit is his shooting. We don’t know. His volume was so low at Michigan after not shooting a single three at Illinois.
MILWAUKEE (via MIA) 1.13 – Cameron Carr (WING) – Baylor – 6’5 15lbs
Giannis has not been moved. This pick could stay with Miami. It could be traded somewhere else. Who knows. From reports, it feels like the Bucks are acting if they have the pick. If so, they land Carr.
Another bet on upside by Milwaukee. Carr has an explosive touch with great length and the ability to knock down shots. Carr is a flamethrower out the gates who has the tools to develop into a decent defender too.
CHARLOTTE 1.14 – Karim Lopez (F) – New Zealand – 6’9 215lbs
Lopez has been playing in the NBL against professionals and has looked great. Another NBA ready prospect who’s versatility will keep him on the floor. He understands the game constantly making the right choice. He has all the tools to contribute this year and with some development can land as a top role player. All this at only 18.
CHICAGO 1.15 – Brayden Burries (G) – Arizona – 6’4 205lbs
Another off ball guard, Burries could make an immediate impact for the Bulls. His jumper is as polished as possible for a prospect, he plays physical and projects as a strong 3-and-D guard.
MEMPHIS 1.16 – Christian Anderson (PG) – Texas Tech – 6’3 178lbs
Ja Morant could be out of Memphis soon, if so Anderson could be a grab here. He excels in the pick-and-roll. He is a smart point guard who handles the ball well. The jump shot is strong, he works at a good pace. If anything, Anderson will be an good second-unit offensive initiator.
OKLAHOMA CITY 1.17 – Jayden Quaintance (C) – Kentucky – 6’10 255lbs
While this class does not have the greatest bigs, the Thunder are in need of some backend protection. That is what they get here. Quaintance can be a reliable rim protector that brings strong physicality and energy to the position.
CHARLOTTE 1.18 – Chris Cenac (C) – Houston – 6’11 240lbs
Cenac needs the most development out of the bigs takes so far. In trade, you get the highest upside as well. His size is great, 6’11 240lbs that can move pretty well. He is smart off the ball, could act as a rim running lob threat. With the right development he could be a nice offensive weapon at the five.
TORONTO 1.19 – Labaron Philon Jr. (PG) – Alabama – 6’4 185lbs
Toronto needs a point guard desperately. The situation got so bad they had to run Scotty Barnes at the one for part of the year. They get a real scorer who has already shown big leaps in his game while in college. Philon immediately fills a need and a glaring hole in the roster.
SAN ANTONIO 1.20 – Hannes Steinbach (F/C) – Washington – 6’11 248lbs
It’s unlikely Steinbach will wall this late in the draft but if he does, the spurs will be all over him. One of the best rebounders in the draft, Stienbach grabbed 11.8 rpg last season. He feels comfortable in the offense with real shooting upside but needs to be more NBA ready. Wemby cannot play every minute. That was clear in the Finals. As great as Kornet has been, it does not hurt to give him some help.
DETROIT 1.21 – Bennett Stirtz (PG) – Iowa – 6’4 190lbs
This guys is not flashy. He is not a big athlete. He is not explosive. Yet he is one of my favorite prospects. Stirtz is calm, he knows the game like the back of his hand. He can score at any level. He can play make at an elite level. He is an okay defender. Then why did he fall? He isn’t exciting. Detroit lands an initiator next to Cade, a huge need.
PHILADELPHIA 1.22 – Koa Peat (F/C) – Arizona – 6’8 235lbs
Peat is the biggest question mark of the draft. At first glance, he looks perfect. Perfect frame for a forward, strong, and powerful. He even moves very well. The question is: what does he do? He is kinda limited offensively, jump shot isn’t great, finishing leaves a lot to desire, and he isn’t the best decision maker. No one seems to agree on where he plays at an NBA level. However, if a team can figure something out, he has a lot of upside.
ATLANTA 1.23 – Isaiah Evans (WING) – Duke – 6’6 180lbs
Evans is just a bucket. At his peak he could be a Joe Johnson type player and a 6MOY contender. Outside of raw scoring, there is not much impact he makes.
NEW YORK 1.24 – Dailyn Swain (WING) – Texas – 6’8 220lbs
Swain is many peoples draft sleeper. He has the physcial tools and immense defensive upside. If you can lock down his shooting mechanic. Swain is an easy plug and play into any system.
LOS ANGELES L 1.25 – Alex Karaban (F) – UConn – 6’8 230lbs
Karaban is a shooter and a proven winner. He only works off-ball and can grab a few boards when needed. Could provide value in that Jake Laravia slot for the Lakers.
DENVER 1.26 – Ebuka Okorie (PG) – Stanford – 6’2 185lbs
Another straight Bucket. Okorie averaged 23.2 ppg for Stanford off a pure jumper and electric finishing. He also possesses a strong motor giving his all every possession.
BOSTON 1.27 – Allen Graves (F/C) – Santa Clara – 6’9 225lbs
A versatile defender who can do a bit of everything. Analytically he should be drafted higher but he lacks flare and a athleticsism. Nothing he does feels elite outside of his IQ, but everything feels impactful. Decent three-point shooter. Needs polishing but can be perfect role player.
MINNESOTA 1.28 – Meleek Thomas (G) – Arkansas – 6’5 185lbs
Could play very well next to Anthony Edwards. Thomas can shoot the ball as deep as anyone. He plays great defense especially in the passing lanes. He is an active mover off-ball but can still operate as the lead handler. Off contact he often struggles, that be at the rim or on a screen.
CLEVELAND 1.29 – Tarris Reed Jr. (F/C) – UConn – 6’11 265lbs
A rim protector and inside scorer. He will grab you boards when you need them just please don’t ask him to hit a three. Could be a solid back up behind Mobley and Allen.
DALLAS 1.30 – Joshua Jefferson (F/C) – Iowa State – 6’9 240lbs
High IQ and feel for the game, Jefferson always makes the extra pass to get a better look. He rotates well on defense and can guard many positions. He lacks athleticism and consistency when scoring the ball.