2017 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0

30. SF Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio State

Anytime you find a wing player who measures out at 6-7 with a 7-4 wingspan, there’s reason to be interested. Bates-Diop still has a while to go before he’s truly ready to produce at a high clip in the NBA, but he has all the physical tools needed to excel in a number of rotations in time.

Bates-Diop’s most prominent attribute early on will be his defense. He’s light on his feet and has the length needed to bother shots and get into passing lanes with ease. In a league that seems increasingly geared towards positionless basketball and having the rotational freedom to switch players between spots, getting somebody with the physical attributes that KBD could easily be a worthwhile investment long term.

Alongside his defensive versatility on the outside, KBD showcased a much improved 3-point shot during his sophomore campaign with the Buckeyes. With a high release points that’s tough to contest and a solid frame that is still maturing, knocking down upwards of 32% of his outside shots last year was a major positive for Bates-Diop, albeit in a small sample size overall.

Bates-Diop does still have a lot of work to do elsewhere on the offensive end, however. He attacks the basket well in a straight line, but struggles to change directions with the basketball is his hands and can often be turnover prone when attempting to create off the bounce in any capacity. His length also allows him to finish inside at a high clip, despite not being overly explosive with his vertical leaping.

In all likelihood, Bates-Diop would be labeled as a work in progress coming into the league, and rightfully so. He’s not ready to produce in major minutes yet, but has the upside of somebody who could develop into a very versatile wing at the next level under the right conditions.

Next: 29. Morris