8. PG De’Aaron Fox, Kentucky
In a loaded point guard class, Fox has made a name for himself as arguably the best two-way point that’s likely to enter the draft in 2017. The Kentucky commit could feasibly have some trouble finding consistency in what will be a loaded backcourt alongside Isaiah Briscoe and fellow freshman Malik Monk, but his ability to execute offensively in combination with elite defensive tools gives him a level of intrigue few prospects will garner.
There are certainly some gaps in Fox’s game that he will have to work through at U.K. and he’s far from a finished product, but his skill set is truly one that’s difficult to find on a yearly basis. Defense is going to be the focal point of the freshman’s game early on, as his anticipation on the perimeter is second to none.
Fox reads passing lanes at a level no other player in this draft class can, and his ability to get into the opposition’s space and use grit to force turnovers and get out in transition makes him an immediate asset. He measures well for the point guard spot at 6-4, albeit weighing just 171 pounds, and should be able to cover either guard spot with tremendous success once he fills out his frame just a bit more.
On the offensive end, Fox isn’t the most polished scorer, but he has all the tools to continue improving in that aspect of his game. He has a quick first step and gets into the teeth off the defense with ease, combining upper level court vision and a knockdown pull-up jumper to find methods of production on a fairly consistent basis.
He lacks the finishing touch some teams want around the basket, but he has little problem getting to the rack and should be able to help iron out that hitch as time wears on. Fox has a combination of speed and athleticism that is highly promising for the point guard spot, it just comes down to him putting the pieces together offensively at this point.
There aren’t many players that present the type of two-way upside that Fox does, and his stock could continue to see gradual growth as a result. His ability to find avenues of production alongside Briscoe and Monk is going to be critical in terms of assuring his draft appeal, but his status as a highly-touted NBA prospect seems to be unquestioned heading into next season.
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