2017 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0

21. SF V.J. Beachem, Notre Dame

If there’s one thing V.J. Beachem is good at, it’s shooting the basketball. The Notre Dame stud stood out last season of one of college basketball’s most prominent threats on the perimeter, and seems to, at the very least, project as a solid 3-and-D player at the next level of competition.

Beachem hasn’t always played the largest role with Notre Dame, as he’s played alongside the likes of Jerian Grant, Demetrius Jackson, Pat Connaughton, and Zach Auguste over the course of the past couple of seasons. Despite not having the most prominant role in a loaded rotation, however, Beachem has consistently found avenues of production and been one of the Irish’s most valuable contributors, especially late in games.

As a lengthy 6-8 forward who shot over 44% from three during his junior campaign, Beachem will obviously have plenty of teams willing to give him a shot at the next level. He isn’t the strongest in terms of his frame and that hinders him in some areas, but he’s a solid athletic prospect for somebody with the touch he has shown from beyond the arc.

He doesn’t create too much off the dribble, but is a stellar spot-up shooter. With his feet set, there are few players who can match his proficiency at the college level. In addition, his length gives him a high release point that makes it difficult to contest his jumper effectively, and allows him to get of shots with less space than other shooters in his echelon.

Beachem also has a good feel for the game on the offensive side of the ball. He won’t run the offense by any means, but he keeps the ball moving along the perimeter when shots aren’t available and he’s intelligent in the manner in which he approaches the game. He should fit well into a number of different systems, and is the type of “glue guy” floor spacer that almost any team could feasibly benefit from.

Defensively, there are concerns, but Beachem has the lateral quickness and length to hang with multiple positions. There will clearly be some players that are stronger than him early on, but his ability to bother shots and cover ground with long strides gives him upside worth taking note of. 3-and-D players are at a premium, and Beachem is an excellent example of one.

Next: 20. Bridges