Bryant has all the measurable components of an NBA prospect at the five spot, standing at a solid 6-10 with a massive 7-6 wingspan. The former All-American in high school put up a solid reshman campaign last season, and many were expecting a foray to the next level this year — but Bryant has disappointed in a handful of areas. While there is no denying the additions he has made to his all-around game (including a 38.6 percent clip from beyond the arc), Bryant stills tends to veer to far to the extremes on any given night in regards to his quality of performance.He has fallen flat against upper level competition on numerous occasions, and simply doesn’t have the consistency that most teams would dub ideal.
With that said, though, there’s something to be said for playing hard — and that’s what Bryant does. He rim-runs with impressive vigor, and moves around the court with mobility that could be incredibly valuable for a player of his size. The defensive potential is clear given his length around the basket, and his offense is coming along. It’s all about consistency moving forward at this point.
Evans is on the shorter side at just a mere 6 feet in height, but his scoring prowess is undeniable. The diminutive dynamo has been one of college basketball’s more reliable offensive weapons from the outside this season, using his quick first step and fluid shooting stroke to create space at will while hitting shots at all three levels. He changes speed with impressive ease, and is the type of relentless scoring spark who can energize almost any rotation.
The sophomore’s long arms also help him on the defensive end of the floor. While he’s far from elite on that side of the ball — and his lack of height does still hinder him — Evans’ 6-4 wingspan should prevent him from being totally outclassed when guarding the opposition’s lead guard. Defense, though, isn’t what will get Evans drafted. It’s his scoring, and the playmaking that comes in combination. We’ve seen players of his ilk (Brandon Jennings, etc.) find success as high-octane sixth men, and that may be where Evans tops out at the next level — but that’s okay.
Lessort has an NBA-ready body at 6-9, meaning he’s not necessarily a draft-and-stash should teams want to bring him over year one. He’s well built throughout and extremely explosive for his size, excelling in quick bursts to the rim and when operating in the pick-and-roll. There’s not much to the Frenchman’s game outside of the post offensively, but there seldom is for some of the more elite athletic prospects. He’ll bring his most effective production via endless energy in the post — but that’s as important as any in asset in today’s NBA.
Defense is going to be another strong suit for Lessort. That aforementioned energy translates to consistent success on the boards, while his strong core and high leaping gives him ample upside as a shot blocker. He’s versatile given his quickness and size as well, meaning he fits the modern trends of today’s league fairly well. This could be the summer he joins former teammate Clint Capela in the NBA.
Simmons has been a big riser for me, although he hasn’t quite drifted this far up in all circles. Offensively, Simmons is a blur at times when handling the ball. He’s an impressive athlete, and boasts a quick first step that allows him to penetrate the interior with ease at any given point. He has been known for settling too often in the past, but has done a better job in his freshman campaign of working his way into the painted area and taking it all the way to the rack.
At 6-4, he also has good size for the point guard spot, which should help translate to improved playmaking down the road. He can still get rushed into turnovers on occasion, but his tight handles and budding court vision have allowed him to make some pretty significant strides as the season has transpired. The freshman is also a quality defender at either guard spot, anticipating passes well and providing a constant irritant given his quick hands. There’s a lot to like and a lot of potential to bank on with Simmons if he decides to commit this season.