2017 NBA Draft Big Board 6.0

It’s March folks — time to look at the best talent the 2017 NBA Draft has to offer.

As the NBA season enters it’s final stages and the college basketball campaign trudges into March, it’s time for an updated look at the best prospects in the 2017 NBA Draft. In one of the most talent-laden lottery classes in recent history, the Philadelphia 76ers are looking more and more like a bottom-five team — with the Lakers’ pick and Kings’ swap still wholly possible to some extent.

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In a season now marred with injury, including a season-ending meniscus tear for Joel Embiid and a foot injury that has sidelined Ben Simmons for the entirety of his first NBA season, the Sixers will be gunning for major improvements next season. Philadelphia was already among the league’s best defensive units with Embiid on the floor this season, and Simmons figures to add a boost of offensive efficiency that they don’t currently possess.

That gives them the chance to further extend their ever-growing core of young talent without really limiting their capacity next season. Embiid, Simmons, and the right pieces around them can legitimately compete for a playoff spot, while still being able to place emphasis on the long-term development of one of the league’s more youthful rotations.

The draft’s excitement isn’t limited to Philly, either. There’s talent in this draft with the potential to shift power league-wide moving forward, as a handful of truly elite prospects grace the top tier of the class. There will be a handful of teams vying for pieces who can radically alter the direction in which their organization is heading, and that’s not always the case — especially when you consider weaker classes, like 2013 and 2016.

This is an exciting draft class, and one for which virtually everybody can harbor some level of anticipation, almost regardless of team. So, without further ado, here’s a long-form analysis of the top 60 prospects entering the thick of March Madness.

All stats via Hoop-Math.com, DraftExpress, or Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise stated.

Graham has helped man the helm of a veteran-led Kansas backcourt this season alongside Frank Mason, leading Kansas to the top of the standings for the time being. Playing largely off the ball in the Jayhawks’ guard-heavy rotation could signal a shift in style of Graham at the next level — as his 6-2 frame suits him best at point guard — but he boasts all the skills needed to make such a transition.

The junior has a quick first step and nice athleticism for his size, getting into the teeth of the defense and finishing through traffic at a fairly high clip. Some improved consistency as a playmaker would be the first hurdle to overcome in finding a role as the next level. Graham also moves well off the ball, running around screens and spotting up from 3-point range at a high level. His role will play a large part in determining how well that aspect of his skill set translates.

At 6-6 with a 7-foot wingspan, Bridges checks out nicely as a defender on the wing. His uses his ranginess to work his way into passing lanes and bother shots at a high level, and thus providing a necessary irritant in a well-rounded Villanova rotation. Bridges’ defense alone is something that gives him NBA potential, and the ever-growing need for 3-and-D-type prospects is only going to increase some of the buzz around him in the second half.

The sophomore’s 3-point shot checks out well (40.8 percent), but a lot of that comes via spotting up. His offensive game, albeit effective in certain areas, is vastly limited and relatively raw in most aspects. His upside isn’t overtly high, but he has all the tools to become a solid rotational piece down the road nonetheless.

Jeanne — at 7-2 with a 7-7 wingspan — is the type of physical freak that gets drafted for tools alone. He’s painfully thin and notably raw, but possesses the type of physical upside that some team is bound to gamble on come the second round.

His mobility, at his size, is extremely impressive, giving him excellent shot blocking potential underneath while allowing him to hold his own when stretched outside of the painted area. He still has a ways to go offensively, but is hitting threes at a 25 percent clip in the French league this year. It’s not a reliable facet of his game yet, but an intriguing trend that makes him tough to resist as a late flyer.

Iwundu is in the midst of a strong senior season, where he’s establishing his stock as a solid 3-and-D get in the second round. Iwundu is another wing with solid physical tools on the wing, standing at 6-7 with a wingspan that likely exceeds 7-feet. He shows great energy on the defensive side of the ball, and has been one of college basketball’s more reliable exterior defenders for the better part of this season. He has spent some considerable time shifting between positions as well, a promising sign in an increasingly versatile league.

Offensively, there are some rough spots in Iwundu’s game. His 3-point percentage measures out at 34.8, and his excellence as a slasher is sometimes counteracted by inconsistent finishing touch and a limited arsenal of moves around the basket. All the tools are there, he’s just more of a work in progress at this stage.

Mason has been playing the best basketball of any guard in college basketball not named Markelle Fultz or Lonzo Ball for the vast majority of this season. Without impressive physical tools, standing at just 5-11, Mason has flown under the radar more so than most Player of the Year candidates are capable of doing. Despite his meager measurables, though, Mason is too good not to carve out a spot in my top 60.

He’s hitting threes at a 50 percent clip on 4.5 attempts per game, while boasting a smooth mid-range and floater game that yields a 47.7 percent clip from the field in total. He’s scoring the ball at all levels, and breaking down collegiate defenses with rare ease. That will of course become more difficult at the next level, but Mason is playing at a level far too high to go unnoticed. He’s a better prospect than Yogi Ferrell was coing out, and that should provide — at the very least — a basis for how to gauge his stock moving forward.

I once imagined Vezenkov as a first round pick, and while some of that premature praise has worn off, he’s still a very solid get in a potentially-deep second round. At 6-9, he has shown flashes at both forward spots with Barcelona’s main team this season, boasting decent passing for his size and a solid 3-point shot, hitting at a 42.4 percent on 3 attempts per contest.

Although he’s a potential draft-and-stash guy, his age (21) and legitimate role on a top level program could give him the green light to make the transition if he fills an immediate need. A comboforward with upside as a small ball four, a solid outside stroke, and a high basketball I.Q. can fill a lot of holes for a bench, and that’s something that should generate some consistent looks.

Bolden’s stock derives from potential more so than production at this point, as he has been largely overshadowed by a deep and talent-rich Duke frontcourt this season. Standing at 6-11 with a 7-6 wingspan, Bolden provides checks all the proverbial boxes from a a physical standpoint. His presence on the low block holds some intriguing upside as a rim protector, while his rebounding and interior scoring — ideally — will come along in time.

There concern this season, though, is just how far away Bolden is. There’s a sizable chance we see him stay at least one more season, and his skill set’s lack of fit in today’s NBA solely complicates his situation. His defensive awareness is subpar and he is pushed out of proper positioning on the interior far too easily for a player of his size. The flashes are there — now we’re just waiting for his development to follow suit.

Blossomgame is enjoying a quality senior campaign, once again providing a strong two-way force on the wing for a Clemson team in desperate need of it. His 3-point shooting continues to have its woes (just 26.8 percent on the season), but his offensive utility has extended beyond that. He’s a quality slasher, and is moves the ball at a noticeably high level for a swingman. He won’t run the offense, but could fit well as a secondary initiator off the bench in spurts.

Defense, though, is Blossomgame’s calling card. His athletic tools translate favorably to that side of the ball, as his high energy and long wingspan allow him to guard multiple positions along the exterior. Cheap perimeter defenders are always an asset, and that — combined with intriguing athletic upside — is what Blossomgame brings to the table, even if he’s already 23.

Dozier is a quality wing prospect to bank on in the second round. At 6-6, he’s a quality athlete and has shown nice touch as a playmaker, and improvement that continues to up his stock significantly from where it stood last season. He’s still working out the minutia of his offensive game, but is a quality change of pace guard at the two-spot. He can help run the offense on occasion, and that’s a luxury that’s becoming ever-more important in today’s league.

His 3-point shooting could benefit from added polish (just 31.7 percent as of now), but the framework for a very solid NBA player is already in place. Secondary playmakers are an essential part of numerous offenses in the modern NBA, and Dozier has the ability to become that — if not a full blown point guard — at 6-6, while retaining ample defensive versatility, to boot.

Bolden is somewhat of a wildcard this season, but one that holds a great deal of upside. The former UCLA attendee has impressed overseas this season, with a blend of mobility and skill that — at 6-10 — could yield impressive returns down the road. He’s still on the thinner side at 21, but has an all-around game worthy of consideration throughout the second round.

He runs the court hard, and is and boasts sizable potential as a rim-runner in the pick-and-roll. He’s also an adept handler at the four spot, attacking closeouts and making solid passes off the drive on occasion. While that area of his game may not be ready to impact the game in a consistent manner yet, it’s the type of developmental tool that a number of teams — in today’s league — could be looking to cultivate.

Bradley was a relatively unheralded freshman coming into the season, but has nevertheless managed to carve out a solid niche in a deep Carolina frontcourt. While a lot of his offensive game is still in the early developmental stages, Bradley’s impact on the boards is something that NBA teams could look at should he commit to the draft this season. He’s averaging an impressive 14.2 rebounds per 40 minutes, and uses his well-developed frame to get positioning far better than most players his age.

There’s little to speak of when analyzing Bradley’s game outside of the painted area at this point, but he’s coming along at a far more rapid pace than expected. He has a handful of hook shots he can break out on the low block from time to time, and is shooting at 32.8 percent on two-point jumpers thus far. That leaves clear-cut room for improvement, but his mid-range game is evolving nonetheless.

The Oregon junior is having his best season to date, leading the team in numerous facets on both sides of the ball. At just 6-9, Bell’s athleticism is what stands out the most upon watching him play. He gets off the ground with impressive ease, and has the ability to play well above the rim on both sides of the ball. His shot blocking prowess will likely be his most useful attribute entering the league, and his high motor correlates to solid rebounding totals as well.

Offensively, Bell is still rough around the edges. His post game needs work, and he’ll likely be at his best with using his athleticism to rim-run in transition and operate in the pick-and-roll. Albeit in limited fashion, he is, though, hitting at a 23.1 percent clip from behind the arc. That won’t translate to immediate floor spacing at the next level, but could hint at some utility down the road in that regard.

As somebody I once considered a potential top 20 prospect, Sumner’s torn ACL has tanked his stock a fairly large amount. His long, lanky frame already boasts some clear injury concerns, and the semi-reckless nature of his play is something that will put him in harms way more than your typical point guard. That alone gives me some pause in slotting him back up towards the first round.

Sumner does have some very real promise should he return to full health — and retain it. His size gives him the advantage off of drives, and his ability to weave his way through traffic and get to the rim made him one of college basketball’s more dynamic threats off the bounce. His outside shot (27.3 percent from three) is still a massive work in progress, and a likely hindrance early on, but the tools remain in place. He’s got a solid athletic ceiling if he can get himself back to 100 percent.

Jackson has been thrust into the midst of a strong Duke rotation, but has emerged as their best true point guard — despite coming off the bench. The ultra-athletic freshman has diminished concerns about his ability to transition to more of a playmaking role coming in, and his ability to set up the offense and create for others at a high clip is an extremely promising development.

His offensive repertoire lacks an in-between game at this point, as most of his success comes from spot-up threes off the ball or direct cuts to the basket. That, however, still holds very real usefulness in today’s league. He has the size and defensive versatility needed to play off the ball when needed, and provides the type of low-risk backup point guard that a lot of teams could be looking for come the later stages of the draft.

Robinson’s strong season has catapulted him to the forefront of the second round discussion, as his long wingspan and solid outside shooting give him ample upside as a 3-and-D prospect moving forward. He’s hitting on 38.6 percent of his shots from deep this year, while shooting 3 per contest in a far more expansive offensive role than he has held in the past. With great responsibility bestowed upon him in the Gators’ offense, Robinson has also shown improvements as a slasher and — in brief forays — as an off-the-dribble creator. Spotting up will still be his most consistent form of offense, but the upside to extend it further remains.

Defense is what will get Robinson drafted, though. At 6-8 with a near-7-foot wingspan (if not beyond that at this point), he has the ability to cover multiple positions at a high level on the perimeter. There’s ample potential for Robinson to slide into a small ball four role as his frame fills out, and his ability to switch at will defensively is a massive boost in today’s league.

Swanigan’s NBA fit is a bit muddy, but his play has been too good to overlook this season. He’s still a bit short for the center spot and doesn’t have the physique you’d like heading into a pace-and-space driven league, but his improvement frame-wise and well-rounded skill set are enough to project in an NBA role. His outside shooting gives him the ability to space the floor offensively (hitting at a 45.5 percent), while his post arsenal has been among the more steady in the league.

He’s also averaging 12.5 rebounds per game, using his thick build to gain positioning and simply overpowering the vast majority of his competitiors in that regard. And while it will undoubtedly be tougher to do so at this next level, his strength isn’t a concern. A solid rebounder who can space the floor and operate as a small ball five is a very real commodity.

Bacon has been one of the leading offensive cogs for an explosive Florida State team this season, providing an ultra-athletic wing with improved shooting touch and an innate ability to slash to the basket. At 6-5 with a 6-8 wingspan, Bacon measures out well at the two-guard  spot, with excellent defensive tools in combination with his budding offensive game.

There’s no denying that Bacon’s scoring tends to come and go more often that I’d like, but every tool is there for somebody who could develop into a steal out of the second round. His quick first step allows him to beat his defenders both off of cuts and when handling the ball, while his outside shooting has jumped up to 37.2 percent on 4.9 attempts per contest this season. That’s a 9 percent jump from last season, and helps characterize some of the added polish he has flashed in his second season.

Beachem is having his best season yet, as the Notre Dame senior has thrived in a featured role. Although his 3-point percentage isn’t all that inspiring at just 38.7, that has to be taken with a slight grain of salt given V.J.’s expanded role this season. He’s attempting 6.7 shots from deep per game — an incredibly hefty load — and showing more off the dribble and cutting to the basket than he has in years past.

While his ceiling doesn’t rest overly high at this point, Beachem has the prototypical attributes of a 3-and-D contributor in today’s league. His length allows him to defend multiple positions at a high level, while his off-ball movement and improved slashing should allow him to fit into almost any system. The second round is about filling out rotations more so than finding stars, and that’s exactly what Beachem could do.

Anigbogu is a long-term project at this point, but one that could yield high rewards. At 6-10, the UCLA freshman has played a limited role for the Bruins this season (12.9 minutes per game), but is still their best rim protector when on the floor. His long arms and impressive bounciness around the basket allow him to bother shots without problem, and his mobility is something that — in time — could make him an absolute whirlwind on the defensive end.

Offensively, Anigbogu is still learning. He’s an easy lob target and viable pick-and-roll man, but he doesn’t score in consistent fashion when asked to create much of anything for himself. He’s heavily limited, and likely a few years out as a result. But betting on upside is easier as a late first, early second rounder, and that’s where Anigbogu will fall should he commit this season.

Peters has been one of college basketball’s best kept secrets this season, putting together consistently-impressive performances with a school that gets very little screen time in Valpo. Regardless, his NBA potential is clearly-defined. He’s a 36.9 percent shooter from deep on over six attempts per game, while boasting a smooth post-up game and excellent vision from the four spot.

There are some defensive concerns and his limited athleticism is a hurdle he’ll have to overcome, but it’s rare to stumble upon 6-9 players already as skilled as Peters currently is. His rebounding numbers (10.1 per game) are also a nice sign moving forward. He has all the makings of a quality role player from day one.

Mykhailiuk is finally breaking out of his shell this season, as the 19-year-old junior has finally established a consistent offensive role after struggling to earn playing time in his first couple of seasons. At 6-8, he boasts great size for the two-guard spot, and is one of the more underrated athletes you’ll find at his position. He’s shooting 39.5 percent from deep on 4.9 attempts per game (in 27.7 minutes), and should find ample success as a spot-up shooter at the next level.

Whether or not he’s able to fill out his frame to help battle defensively and continue to add layers to his offensive game are going to be the biggest determinants of how successful Svi is at the next level. His offensive utility stems directly from 3-point shooting, but if he’s able to continuing cultivating an off-the-drbble game and develops the ability to do more in isolation, his stock will rise tremendously.

Hart has dropped in recent weeks, but his stock is still derived from the same features that it always has been. There aren’t many holes in Hart’s game, and he plays the type of high I.Q., Malcolm Brodgon-esque basketball that could help a team off the bench from day one. While he lacks the greatest of athletic tools, somebody producing at Hart’s level, against the competition he’s facing, with the proficiency that he shows, is well worth a look.

He’s a strong outside shooter (39.9 percent) and makes smart passes as a secondary initiator, showcasing a strong understanding of how to play within his physical limitations. He moves the ball, and keeps moving himself, while never really overexerting himself on any one possession. He’s the consummate glue guy, and that’s something teams will always been looking to add.

Mushidi has fallen some in his own right, with some projections even foreshadowing a potential return to Europe  But, regardless, the German swingman brings all the physical tools needed to be a quality 3-and-D guy once he makes his way over the to the league. A la Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, he has found himself thriving in Mega Leks’ up-tempo system, pushing the pace in transition and executing at a high level as a slasher.

He’s a lengthy 6-5, with a solid build throughout — meaning he should have little problem guarding any of the three perimeter positions once he hits the NBA. His solid defensive upside will likely be his calling card upon entering the draft — if and when he does — but the offensive potential is worth noting. He’s still a bit streaky, but things are falling into place.

As a long, lanky 19-year-old on Barcelona’s reserve team, Kurucs presents a good deal of untapped potential on the wing. He needs to bulk up considerably heading to the next level and remains an all-too-streaky shooter for the time being, but has the tools to — likely — get drafted much higher than where I’m slotting him.

In short, this is a player whose stock boils down to upside. He’s not going to provide much utility early on, but is a viable stash for the next year or two — especially for teams who don’t need immediate aid in reserve. He boasts the tools, and has a slithery scoring arsenal that, in time, could flourish nicely. He’s a gamble, and one I’m hesitant to buy in on. Burt that’s the beauty of the draft. It’s a crapshoot, and playing your cards on the highest ceiling is seldom a bad idea.

Allen, all jokes and character concerns aside, is one heck of a competitor  He wants to win, and has let his emotions get the better of him in some cases when doing so — as made evident by his tripping incidents. He’ll need to learn to control himself better at the next level, but he has done a stellar job of doing so this season in lieu of his massive fallout during the Elon game. He’s avoiding retaliation and has handled himself like a pro. That’s an incredible positive to build off of.

The larger concern at this point would be the fact that Allen’s game has slipped this season. He’s shooting just 34.4 percent from beyond the arc (a traditional strong suit of his) and has seemed to fluctuate in and out of games more so than he has in the past. Part of that can be attributed to the emergence of Luke Kennard in the backcourt, but a solid portion of it likely stems from the external pressures of this season as a whole. He’s in a rough spot, but still showing more than enough to earn some consideration as high as the late first round. He’s a solid shooter, improved playmaker, and ultra-gritty defender. If everything pans out — which I have a feeling it might — then Allen is still a solid role player at the next level. Don’t count him out.

Milton, in terms of physical tools alone, is one of the more promising prospects in this draft. He was listed at 6-7  at the 2016 Nike Basketball Academy, and measured out with a wingspan under an inch shy of 7 feet. That’s a solid frame for a small forward entering the league, and gives Milton some unique advantages as he looks to make the transition to the next level.

There are still some hitches in his game, as his decision making remains in the devloping stages. He can get streaky on occasion, and still doesn’t create for others at quite the level that other high level point guards in this class can. But his assist numbers have nearly doubled this season, a trend that ideally continues, while his outside shot is falling at a more-than-respectable 42.2 percent rate. If he can continue to round out his game, there’s a lot of upside behind Milton’s physique-related versatility.

Collins has operated in a limited capacity for one of the nation’s best teams in Gonzaga this season, but his production — when in the game — has been among the best at the center position. The 19-year-old still has some strength to add, but possesses a level of explosiveness around the basket that makes him difficult to contain offensively. He’s a skilled roll man out of screens, and has combined that with a respectable jumper that stretches all the way out to the 3-point line, where he’s hitting 43.8 percent of his attempts — albeit in a small sample size.

The former high school All-American has been far more impressive than some expected coming into the season, and is steadily working his way into that first round conversation. It’s largely presumed that he will return to the Zags for an expanded role and additional polish next season, but he’s more than worth NBA looks should he decide to jump ship after year one.

Oliver is an undersized power forward at 6-8, but he can flat-out impress with his athletic tools on both sides of the basketball. He’s incredibly bouncy around the basket, and moves extremely well for a player boasting the strong frame that he does. He’s an easy pick-and-roll target, and combines that with slashing potential when working off the perimeter. In a league that thrives around versatility, his strength could warrant some time as a small ball five — a position where he has the potential to excel at an extremely high level.

Defensively, there are some reasonable concerns about Oliver’s rim protection, but the tools are in place nonetheless. He can stretch out to the perimeter without being a complete liability, and utilizes his solid core to gain positioning on the boards and contend with larger opposition. A quality energy guy of Oliver’s athletic caliber is worth a late first, early second round look.

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.

Lydon is a 6-9 sharpshooter, with floor spacing feing his foremost utility at the next level. While he’s still on the thinner side of things, his frame — assuming it fills out in time, — should allow him to play at both forward spots. He’s also an underrated athlete, with enough quickness to attack closeouts and create his own offense in the mid-range game from time-to-time. The majority of his contributions as of right now stem from spot-ups and cuts to the rim, but he has shown flashes — on occasion — of a more expansive arsenal.

Defense is the biggest concern with Lydon, as he’ll struggle strength-wise with bigger power forwards and get outmaneuvered by quicker threes. He has displayed good instincts on that side of the ball in Syracuse’s unique defensive scheme, but how his game translates to the NBA style of more man-focused defense could cloud his success. With that said, the offensive versatility a floor spacer of his ilk provides (40.7 percent from 3-point range on 3.8 attempts per game) is a highly valuable get in the late first round.

Adebayo is an incredible physical specimen, with a chiseled frame and strength that no 19-year-old should rightfully possess. Where the concerns stem from in regards to Adebayo is just how minimal his offensive game is at this point. He’s relegated almost solely to dunks at the rim, and given his less-than-desired size at the center spot, that puts a cap on just how far his bully-ball style of play underneath can carry him.

What gives Adebayo such relevancy in the draft, though, is his energy on the defensive end and on the boards. He can get off the floor extremely well for a player of his magnitude, and utilizes his thick frame to work his way into proper positioning underneath the rim with ease when rebounding the basketball. He’s also an imposing shot blocker, as he has been able to use his physical tools to simply overpower collegiate opposition throughout the season. He won’t be able to do so quite as often in the NBA, of course, but a player with his physical gifts doesn’t manifest itself often. He’s a very Tristan Thompson-y player, and that gives him a role in any rotation.

Collins has been the best big man in college basketball over the past couple of weeks. Per Deadspin, Collins has gone for 20-plus  points in every game since a January 11th loss to North Carolina, while averaging 24.3 points and 11.1 boards per game during that stretch. He has also shot 66.5 percent from the field while doing so. It’s safe to say, after a relatively unheralded freshman campaign, that Collins has turned the corner — and is becoming a clear first round talent as a result.

While he’s not overly long, Collins’ explosive athleticism at the rim and increasingly polished arsenal of moves in the interior have made him a handful for opposing teams. He’s a skilled pick-and-roll big, and has a nice set of hook shots and turnarounds he can use when stationed on the low block. That, combined with solid defensive instincts and a commanding presence on the boards, makes Collins someone worth watching — as a Wake Forest tournament push, should they get in, could up his stock even further.

Jackson has made considerable improvements thus far in his junior season, developing from an inconsistent slasher to one of college basketball’s more well-rounded scorers on the wing. His 3-point percentage is up to 39 percent this season, a near-10 increase compared to 29.2 last season. He’s scoring at a high volume, and doing so at a much more efficient rate than he has in the past. His long, lanky frame allows him to gain separation off the bounce as well, allowing him to get into the teeth of the defense and execute at a high level from mid-range.

While he still needs to add some strength, Jackson also has notable upside on the defensive side of the ball. He has the length and lateral mobility needed to cover multiple positions on the exterior, while his improving anticipation allows him to weave his way into passing lanes and force turnovers. He’s a solid 3-and-D prospect, with offensive potential that extends well beyond that. If he can continue to improve his isolation scoring, Jackson could be a late first round steal.

Pasecniks, at 7-2, has the type of athleticism and budding skill set that gets international players drafted in the first round. While he’s still in the process of filling out physically, Pasecniks has a rare combination of both size and mobility, as his movement is far more fluid than the vast majority of players who peak above 7 feet. He uses that quickness to make decisive moves to the rim, allowing him to excel in pick-and-roll sets while also setting him up to be a strong slasher from the elbow. He also has the semblances of a consistent 3-point shot, a trend that — if continued — makes his stock all the more intriguing.

Where the lanky Latvian is going to establish himself as a potential first rounder, though, is the defensive side of the ball. His lack of bulk will hurt him against NBA competition early on, but his size and ease of movement around the rim should allow him to develop into a quality rim protector down the road. In today’s pace-and-space league, rim protectors still remain as important as ever. Adding one who can shoot the basketball and boasts considerable upside elsewhere is worth a gamble.

Motley is — yet again — an upperclassmen rising up the ranks this season. As more of a 6-9 energizer than anything else last season, Motley’s game has evolved into one of Baylor’s most heavily relied on crutches this season. He has added a legitimate mid-range jumper to his arsenal, while attacking the rim off the bounce at a high level and showing massive improvement with his array of moves on the low block. He has the touch needed to hurt the defense from several spots on the floor now, and has even coupled that with some far-too-underrated passing out of the interior.

That improved offensive utility is combined with promising defensive versatility for Motley as well. He’s mobile for his size, allowing him to stretch out to the perimeter while still retaining the ability to stay with his man off the bounce and make solid weak side rotations. That, combined with the raw, competitive fire that Motley plays with on the defensive side,makes him a more than solid mid-to-late first rounder.

After forgoing the college experience in favor of playing professionally for a season in Australia, Ferguson — a former 5-star recruit — has almost assuredly found himself in the middle of the first round conversation. Despite a limited all-around game, Ferguson does a handful of valuable things at an incredibly high level, while also boasting the type of athleticism that in and of itself gives an extra layer to his upside. He has gone through the ebbs and flows of  a physical National Basketball League this season, but all in all, is showing the tools needed to make an impact at the next level.

Where the majority of Ferguson’s stock is derived from in regards to those tools is his shooting. He moves well off the ball, and is among the best spot-up shooters in this year’s class. He has a short, fluid stroke, and gets good separation when pushing around screens and finding room off the catch.  Ferguson couples that with strong instincts as a cutter, as well as more adept passing than many expected coming in. He won’t initiate the offense by any stretch, but he makes good reads from the perimeter and keeps the ball flowing when shot opportunities aren’t present. He’s also an high promising wing defender, covering both the two and three spots with effectiveness.

People shy away from bigs who don’t stretch the floor nor protect the rim at a high level, and rightfully so — but that shouldn’t be the end all be all when analyzing Rabb as an NBA prospect. When it comes to Rabb, he executes in a more cerebral, well-calculated manner than most bigs. He doesn’t beat you with raw athletic tools, but rather via excellent instincts and soft touch. That comes to fruition most clearly on the offensive end. He doesn’t push too hard at any one moment — at times, even to his detriment — and plays within the flow of the offense, rather than looking to overdo it in isolation. He’s a solid catch-and-score guy down on the low block, and has began to stretch his game out to mid-range areas with varied success.

Defensively, though, is where I’m most impressed with Rabb. He doesn’t block shots at a high clip, and playing vertically isn’t his strong suit by any measure. But what Rabb does do defensively, though, is position himself incredibly well. Whether that’s on the boards or sneaking into passing lanes, Rabb is able to put himself in the right place at the right time with impressive consistency. He forces turnovers, breaks up entry passes, and uses his length to bother shots, even when he’s not getting a hand on them. He’s an excellent glue guy and the type of prospect that can help a team win — even if he ceiling isn’t overly high.

Leaf has been far better than most people anticipated coming into the season and has thrown his name into the thick of the NBA Draft conversation earlier than expected as a result. The former high school All-American is an integral facet of college basketball’s most explosive offensive system at UCLA, and has meshed seamlessly with the pass-happy, up-and-down style permeated by Lonzo Ball at the one spot.

Standing in the vicinity of 6-10 with a mere 6-11 wingspan, Leaf doesn’t boast the greatest athletic tools compared to other upper echelon prospects at the floor. He doesn’t block many shots, and is still in the process of adding muscle, as are most players his age. But what sets Leaf apart is his intelligence. This is something I touched on with Rabb in the last slot as well, but Leaf takes it to a sightly different level on the offensive side of the ball.

He’s among the better interior passers in this year’s draft class, and provides all the intangibles that you’d want in a quality four man. Leaf does all the little things, from keeping the ball in motion to setting solid screens and finding his spots on the floor in order to help the offense execute at a high level. He spaces the floor, has versatility on the low block, and provides the stable glue guy that I could see starting for the foreseeable future if placed into the right situation.

Previous Ranking: 19

Leaf’s intelligence on the floor also leads to a highly efficient output on the offensive side of the basketball. He’s shooting at a 46.2 percent clip from beyond the arc on 1.7 attempts per game, while also knocking home 44.8 percent of his 2-point jumpers. He’s a viable pick-and-pop threat, and couples that an interior game that an relied on as well. Leaf’s true shooting percentage (67.2) is also the second highest of all big men in my top 30, just slightly behind Creighton center Justin Patton.

On the contrary, there are some very real defensive woes in Leaf’s game. While he’s intelligent enough to make strong rotations and prevent himself from becoming an outright liability, his lack of athletic prowess is going to hurt him substantially at the next level. That’s likely his most pressing weakness, and one that will play a large determinant in where he ends up falling on draft night, should he come out this year.

With that said, though, Leaf has the smarts and the tools needed to carve out a niche fore the foreseeable future. His package doesn’t necessarily scream “NBA star,”, but it’s apparent upon watching him that he possesses an innate understanding of how his style fits into the flow of everything else. He’s rarely overwhelmed, a and — while his ceiling may not be the highest — he should make whichever team drafts him very happy come next season.

Kennard’s emergence as one of the country’s most dominant offensive players is among the most unexpected revelations this season has brought us. After playing a largely complimentary role last last season, Kennard has seperated himself from a loaded backcourt as Coach K’s most reliable weapon on offense, scoring at all levels in an incredibly efficient manner while improving his all-around game in the process.

The sophomore doesn’t wield great athletic tools by NBA standards, but — as I’ve touched on with the last handful of big men — that doesn’t always signify the end of a prospect’s appeal. Kennard possesses a feel fore game that few swingmen possess, and provides the NBA-specific skills needed to carve out a significant role at the next level.

First and foremost comes Kennard’s shooting. He boasts a great sense of space  and has been able to find ample success both off the dribble and off the catch as the season has transpired. He makes quick, decisive moves off the ball, and is surprisingly crafty when searching for looks from midrange. He’s hitting from three at a 45.4 percent clip on over 5 attempts per game from deep, and ups that to 49.7 percent on 2-point jumpers. His shooting alone makes him an asset in a space-driven league, but his ability to move so fluidly both with and without the ball, and thus open upp more options around him is what vaults his stock this high.

Previous Ranking: 17

Here’s a prime example of such. He loses his man in the interior, using a screen to make a quick cut back out to the perimeter. He then uses a quick up-fake to clear out the oncoming defender and drills the wide open mid-ranger.

Alongside his scoring, though, Kennard is also a gifted playmaker. He likely won’t play outright point guard at any point given his utility as an off-ball scorer, but his ability to contribute as a secondary initiator is one that gives his stock a significant boost in today’s NBA.

He’s a skilled pick-and-roll threat, with the pull-up a[tmess and accurate passing touch needed to keep the offense off balance when doing so. He has emerged as the ACC’s most dangerous all-around threat thus far in 2017, and that’s an impressive feat given the talent level gracing that division.

Mitchell has rocketed up draft standings this past month, as his combination of elite athleticism and explosive scoring prowess have provided a catalyst for a rather extensive run of Louisville success. Although he’s somewhat undersized for the two-guard spot at 6-3, his ability to both initiate the offense on occasion, as well as utilize both his strength and athletic tools to outmatch larger opposition, helps counteract that.

Offensively, Mitchell has evolved from a streaky shooter to one of the NCAA’s most constant threats in recent months. He’s shooting 40.2 percent from 3-point range in conference play this season, compared to a mere 23.1 during his freshman campaign. The sophomore has also operated at the point guard spot at times this season — an attribute of his game that was almost nonexistent last season.

Previous Ranking: 25

He’s scoring at all levels offensively, accompanying that improved shooting with excellent prowess as a slasher. He utilizes his quick first step to make brisk moves to the basket, and on more than one occasion has showcased his leaping ability with brief — yet exhilarating — forays above the rim. He’s a dynamic scoring option, and the fact that he has been able to work that in with improved creation for others is a massive positive for his draft stock heading into March.

In case you were wondering about exactly how athletic Mitchell is, here’s a solid example:

The man has wings.

He also defenders both guard spots well, especially for a player of his size. He’ll always hold a slight height disadvantage against a number of natural two-guards, but his aggressiveness and solid core help him matchup far better than most.

It has been a rough season overall for Giles. Coming off of multiple knee surgeries and nearly two years of missed basketball, the former top recruit has needed rather a rather extensive adjustment period in a Duke frontcourt that is brimming with talent around him. The explosiveness that once made him an elite prospect a couple years back has dwindled, and he has been through a gauntlet of ebbs and flows that have dropped his stock tremendously over the course of the past few months.

With that said, though, the potential is still there. Giles was among the more supremely talented big men we’ve seen entering the draft conversation in recent years, and remains just two years removed from being considered a generational talent in the interior. While lost mobility and lingering injury concerns have certainly put a handicap on those expectations, it’s not unreasonable to believe that — if he can stay healthy — Giles can eventually return to some semblance of his former self, which would make him a more than productive asset at the NBA level.

Before coming to Duke, Giles left people in awe with his explosive bursts to the rim and incredibly well-rounded skill set at the four spot. He’s a well-built 6-11, and boasted both the physical tools and all-around talent need to overwhelm his opposition in nearly every facet of the game. There were comparisons to Nerlens Noel on defense, while DeMarcus Cousins was a name thrown around for his offensive upside. That’s a fairly promising mix.

Now, while those may not be the most accurate or reasonable of expectations — neither then nor now — it certainly alludes to just how high his ceiling was. With the Duke this season, though, his game has been radically transformed. He’s spending more time on the low block given his lessened mobility, utilizing post ups and the pick-and-roll to find the majority of his offensive production. He’s also handling the ball less than he has in the past, but still attacks closeouts with relative success when presented with the opportunity.

Previous Ranking: 13

I would suspect Giles fits — long term — as a center more so than a power forward at the next level, by virtue of both the league’s direction and his loss of bounce from his knees. But, that also comes with additional health concerns. Centers often garner more wear and tear than fours do, and may force Giles to remain at power forward because of it.

Giles is a clear cut risk. While he has shown flashes, they have been washed out at times by long stretches of mediocre play. He’s a couple years away from regaining any of his prior form, if that’s still attainable, but that may be worth the gamble for a late lottery or mid-first round team.

Anunoby suffered a season-ending ACL tear that put a damper on his surefire lottery campaign. After coming on strong in last year’s tournament and carrying it into this season as Indiana’s unquestioned defensive cornerstone, the added uncertainty is a major blow for someone whose tenure as an elite prospect was so brief. That doesn’t, however, mean that he shouldn’t be gaining some traction in the lottery conversation.

At 6-8 with a wingspan that — in some reports — measures all the way up to 7-6, Anunoby is a gifted physical specimen. He has the length and strong core needed to defend virtually any position at a high level in some capacity, and still carries the potential to be this class’ best perimeter defender. He can switch at will while also taking on the burden of defeding the opposition’s best player providing the type of versatility that has become imperative in today’s league.

With so many prospects lauded for their offensive potential, Anunoby has been able to fly well under the radar for much of the season. He’s someone who crept all the way up to 7th in my big board prior to the injury, yet never really got much notice in the discussion of best prospects in this year’s class. Elite defenders are an incredibly  valuable commodity in today’s league, and overlooking Anunoby due to the simply fact that his offensive game isn’t quite as plentiful as those mentioned ahead of him is — simply put — a mistake.

Previous Ranking: N/A

Anunoby’s offensive game isn’t a liability either, which further emphasizes that rationale. He was shooting 31.1 percent from threes, which isn’t a great number, but doesn’t display some improving utility in that facet of his game. He’s also an adept slasher, using his physical tools to finish through contact at the rim. His length also brings the intriguing possibility of sliding him to the four spot at times, further expanding a team’s offensive capacity, especially in transition.

He’s not going to be a star offensively — that’s just not how his game in wired — but he’s more than capable of producing on that side of the ball. He’s the ultimate combination of unicorn-like physical tools and 3-and-D upside, and should still be well within the mid-first round conversation regardless of his newfound injury concerns.

Jarrett Allen has been playing well as of late. Really well.

At 6-11 with a 7-6 wingspan and feakishly large hands, Allen’s physical tools come without question. He’s longer, quicker, and more explosive that the vast majority of competition he faces, and now — after a funky start to the season — is finally working himself into a rhythm on both sides of the basketball.

Offensively, Allen’s physical tools give him an incredible advantage. His post moves are far more advanced than he’s often credited for, as he makes nice spins to the basket and utilizes hook shots with impressive ease at time. His long frame — although still in need of additional strength — allows him to create space on the interior with ease,making his shots incredibly difficult to defend as a result.

Allen has also shown off a strong mid-range game this season, hitting on 49.7 percent of his 2-point jumpers. That allows him to pop out off of screens and space the floor a bit in that regard, while still wielding the ability to attack off the catch in straight line drives. His 3-point shot hasn’t translated to college ball yet, but his form is strong enough to where it could feasibly project down the line.

Allen still has his rough spots offensively. His strength — or lack thereof — still hurts him at times, and his lack of aggressiveness can hurt him on some occasions. But, that’s something that he has improved significantly over the course of the season, which is a wholly promising sign should he forego a second collegiate season.

Previous Ranking: 20

He also brings some fairly obvious potential on the defensive side of the ball. He makes strong rotations and is capable of covering a lot of ground with his lanky frame and excellent agility. He’s averaging 1.5 blocks per game in 31.9 minutes of play so far this season. He’s a bit further out than some, but the potential is too high to overlook.

Hartenstein is the most promising big man from the foreign ranks this season, boasting quality athletic tools and a well-rounded offensive game that mesh seamlessly with the trends of today’s NBA. At 7-feet, he measures out at 242 pounds with a 7-2 wingspan, a combination of both strength and length that’s difficult to find coming directly into the league.

Those physical tools are complimented incredibly well by Hartenstein’s skill set. His fludity of motion out to the 3-point line makes him incredibly difficult to defend, as he can out-maneuver traditional 7-footers while overpowering smaller fours. His strength could also allow him to switch over to the five spot at times, which could be incredibly useful in small ball rotations.

Previous Ranking: 14

Hartenstein’s offensive game does, however, haves it’s ups and downs at times. He’s a career 28 percent shooter from beyond the arc, and struggles with bouts of inconsistency on the offensive end. His odd release could also use some tinkering, but most importantly, his decision-making must become more consistent. He’s a crafty passer for a player of his stature, but can at times force the issue when doing so. Per Jonathan Givony’s report (linked above), he averaged 6.3 turnovers per 40 minutes in the u18 European championships. That’s ridiculously high for a big man, and offsets the potential his 5.3 assists/40 minutes hints at.

Here’s him showing off some of that passing potential as the ball handler in the pick-and-roll. He comes around the screen smoothly and makes a crisp entry pass the the cutter. That’s a rarity for a 7-footer.

All the tools are in place for Hartenstein to become a supremely talented offensive big man in the NBA, it’s just a matter of deciphering when the right time to make a play is, and on the contrary, understanding when it’s not. He can’t play reckless basketball and expect to maximize his upside at the next level — and that’s his biggest concern at this point.

Another point that Givony touched on was Hartenstein’s attitude, which is a worthwhile problem to discuss here. He stated that the German big man “blames teammates outwardly” at times, and has a short fuse that isn’t controlled as well as it should be. While a professional system and NBA-level leaders could certainly mend that situation, it’s still something worth noting as teams consider how he fits into their team-building plans.

Bridges is one of — if not the — most impressive athlete in this year’s athletically-blessed class. At 6-7, he’s built like a freight train, yet boasts the vertical leaping capability to compete with the likes of Malik Monk and Josh Jackson. He’s somewhat of a tweener postion-wise, but has made some significant improvements this season in regards to showcasing his prowess as a wing. His strength could allow him to spend some time as a small ball four (where he has been playing his entire career), but his biggest hurdle in transitioning to the next level will be getting comfortable as a key cog on the perimeter.

Although he has been playing power forward for Michigan State this season, Bridges has done some good work in terms of downplaying some of those concerns, starting with the strides he has made as a shooter. He’s currently hitting on 41.3 percent of his shots from deep on 4.7 attempts per game. That’s an incredible boost for somebody who was considered shaky at best coming into his first season of college ball, and something that has helped maintain his status as an elite prospect among a historically strong crop of freshman talent.

That improvement as a shooter also helps open up opportunities for Bridges to play to his strengths elsewhere on the floor. He’s a dangerous slasher given his explosiveness en route to the rim. Being able to keep defenders honest all the way out to the perimeter is going to allow him to move more off the ball, while not allowing defenders to back off him once he positions himself on the exterior.

Previous Ranking: 11

While this matchup with Lauri Markkanen is abnormally favorable for Bridges, notice how easily he’s able to get to the rim once he detects space. His athleticism and quickness — for his size — is simply uncanny.

Here, Bridges gets behind the defense in the pick-and-roll, allowing him to get to the rim and go up for this one.

An athlete of Bridges caliber who can space the floor with a reliable jumper is quite the asset for an NBA team. His mobility and versatile style of play should allow him to make that jump to small forward, it’s just a matter of him adjusting his game as such versus professional athletes — who will provide far greater resistance.

Bridges’ potential also extends to the defensive end, though, something that shouldn’t be affected much by his positional conundrum. He boasts the lateral quickness and strength needed to guard either wing spot effectively, and can use his strength to hold his own against larger fours which asked to. Once again, he’s better off on the wing, but in a league that thrives on flexible defensive schemes, allowing Bridges to switch around the floor is a valuable addition.

Fox is one half of Kentucky’s two-headed monster in the backcourt this season, pairing well with Malik Monk for the most explosive combination of perimeter talents we’ve seen in recent years. At 6-4, Fox is the quickest player end-to-end in this year’s class, pushing the pace in transition with John Wall-esque proficiency. He’s incredibly difficult for college-level defenders to keep in front of, and has sizable offensive potential based on his quickness alone.

But where Fox does fall a bit short is his shooting. Or, a lot short. He’s hitting on just 18.9 percent on his 3-point shots this season, and doesn’t excel all that much in the mid-range game either, hitting just 32.2 percent frame that range. Creating space isn’t a problem for Fox. He’s a shifty ball handler, and can blow by an opponent or shake free with a stepback sans resistance. It’s just a matter of him actually hitting shots — and he doesn’t do that well whatsoever.

And therein lies his most pressing issue, and the one thing holding him back from being in the top 5 or 6 conversation in regards to draft night positioning. In today’s NBA, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to exploit defenses without a perimeter shot. John Wall is the best case scenario for Fox, yet even he has established a semi-consistent shot over the years. And while there’s nothing definitive in saying Fox can’t do so, there’s little certainly. Wall is also a more polished playmaker, and was one coming out of college as well.

We’ve seen guys of his ilk — Elfrid Payton, most notably — experience wild inconsistency in recent seasons, and that’s what pushes Fox’s stock outside of that utmost highest tier.

Previous Ranking: 12

With that said, though, Fox’s game does possess some very clear positives. His ability to get into the teeth of the defense at will forces the defense to collapse, creating more open shots on the perimeter — and thus allowing Fox to find them. That allows him to be a killer in the pick-and-roll at times, while the general gravity of his rapid bursts to the basket makes him notably difficult to defend.

Here, Fox uses the dribble hesitation and quick blow-by to get to the rim with impressive ease.

Fox’s offensive potential is coupled with excellent defensive instincts as well. As his frame fills out, he should be able to cover both guard spots on a high level. He’s a consistent source of energy defensively, and uses his quick speed and aforementioned instincts to speed his way into passing lanes and kick-start transition opportunities as a result.

If Fox gets a jumper, watch out.

Williams was a virtual unknown coming into the season. As a lightly recruited freshman entering Texas A&M’s somewhat-deprived rotation, he wasn’t expected to make much of a splash this season. That narrative has changed pretty quickly.

Although he’s still raw in a number of areas, Williams’ defensive potential and gradually-improving offensive arsenal have locked him into the lottery conversation. He’s only in the 6-9 to 6-10 range in terms of height, but plays much bigger than that with a 7-4 wingspan and gifted athleticism. He’s college basketball’s most prolific rim protector this season, and figures to translate that to the next level as one of the draft’s better defensive stalwarts.

His length and mobility allows him to contest shots in a variety of different areas. I have yet to watch a Texas A&M game in which Williams didn’t get his hand on a 3-point attempt. Being able to stretch out to the perimeter, while still making smart rotations and solid instinctual plays on the interior is an impressive defensive asset in today’s league.

The ground he covers to switch off of Adebayo and block this 3-pointer is downright impressive.

Even with today’s focus shifting towards perimeter shooting on the offensive end, having somebody who can protect the rim is an absolute must. Somebody who can force the offense away from the basket and make them game plan around his presence is a rarity — and Williams boasts that kind of upside.

Previous Ranking: 16

Offensively, Williams is a mixed bag — but one with some real upside. He hasn’t polished off his interior game yet, but shows some nice touch around the low block nonetheless. He has also proven effective with his mid-range, jumper hitting on 41.3 percent of jump shots inside the arc. His form is a bit long and drawn out, but he gets the separation needed to make it work.

He hasn’t gotten much in the way of 3-point shots to fall (outside of one versus Kentucky), but his range is gradually increasing — and that’s a huge development nowadays.

Patton, like Williams, was largely unheralded entering the season. He took a redshirt last season during his first year on campus, and came into this season as a first-year sophomore without much in regards to expectations. The 19-year-old has since emerged as one of Creighton’s best players, while becoming one of college basketball’s most impressive physical forces on the interior, establishing himself as a legitimate fixture in the mid-to-late lottery conversation.

At 6-11, Patton doesn’t necessarily have any overly long wingspan, but boasts a lanky overall frame and impressive leaping ability that allows him to play above the rim in awe-inspiring fashion. His offensive game is still a work in progress in most circumstances, but  he’s arguably the draft’s most impressive rim-runner. He gets off his feet far more effortlessly than most players of his size, and showcases impressive mobility in setting screens and making quick cuts to the rim.

In terms of entertaining alley-oops, Patton also tops that list, to boot.

What has set Patton’s development apart, though, is the improvements he has made elsewhere as the season has dragged on. He’s becoming an effective scorer with his back to the back, using jump hooks and an improved arsenal of moves to carve out space, while displaying soft touch around the rim. He can get rushed at times still, which leads to the occasional errant shot off the low block, but the basics are already in place. As he continues to round that out, he should become a legitimate isolation threat in some capacity.

Previous Ranking: 10

He’s also showcasing a decent handle on his jump shot, which is an immense advantage for players of his stature. He’s hitting on 36.7 percent of his 2-point jumpers, and has hit a solid chunk (58.3 percent) of the few threes he has attempted (just 0.4 attempts per game). He likely won’t be stroking it from deep his first year in the NBA, but as his jumper trends upwards, his stock will continue to do the same.

Patton’s athleticism also sets up some promising potential on the defensive end. He fills a lot of space around the basket and is more than capable of making strong rotations to block shots. He’s still improving his feel and consistency on that side of the basketball, but his stature and tools alone make him a dangerous entity underneath the rim.

Patton has earned his spot here as the draft’s best center.

Ntilikina is the best foreigner in this year’s draft class, as the 6-5 Frenchman boasts a 7-foot wingspan and an incredibly well-rounded game on both sides of the basketball. Albeit functioning in a limited role with SIG Strasbourg this season, Ntilikina has shown plenty of flashes — both there and in the U18 European Championships — to establish himself as a top 10 prospect moving into the thick of March.

Offensively, Ntilikina quietly boasts one of the higher basketball I.Q.’s in this year’s class. He uses his height to see over the defense, and makes quality reads from multiple areas on the court. His pick-and-roll operation is of the highest degree, and his shifty change of speed skills allow him to weave his way through the defense and find holes that others can’t reach.

Ntilikina has also improved his scoring in recent months, as his off-ball role as Strasbourg has allowed him to further embrace his scoring prowess — something his coaches stress to him often. One of the more prominant knocks on Ntilikina’s game has been that he doesn’t play with enough aggression, often differing to others rather than exploiting opportunities for himself. And while his savvy, well-thought-out approach allows him to do so with success, his ceiling won’t be met without the proper maturation of his scoring tools to match it.

Ntilikina made some big jumps during the aforementioned European Championships, winning tournament MVP after leading France to a gold medal — topped off by a 31-point outburst versus Lithuania in the Finals. He hit 17 of 29 threes throughout the tournament, and was forced into a lead role alongside other kids his age — something he seemingly embraced.

Previous Ranking: 8

Here’s something scouts would love to see more of. He sizes up the defender off the screen, using a few dribbles to find rhythm and burying the pull-up three. While he obviously shouldn’t be forcing shots, being able to work himself into the offense is an absolute must for a player with his skill level.

Here Ntilikina shows off his ball handling skills a bit, using a couple of nice hesitation moves to break down his defender and get into the lane. He finishes it off with a crisp no-look pass to the cutter.

Ntilikina is also an excellent defensive prospect, which helps carry his stock to the next level. His length allows him to switch on the perimeter without being outmatched, while also allowing him to excel as a the free safety of sorts when given the chance to roam. He gets into passing lanes with quick bursts, and has even put some nice chase-down blocks to his credit.

The Belgium-born stud has all the tools to be an exceptional NBA player on both sides of the ball. It’s a matter of whether or not his maximizes his innate talent, not a matter  of whether or not it’s present.

There’s a chance that Lauri Markkanen is the best shooter in this year’s class — as a 7-footer. The Finnish native has more than exceeded the high expectations set for him coming into the season, as he has been the focal point of one college basketball’s more versatile offensive units in Arizona.

With the NBA trending in the direction that it currently is, Markkanen’s skill set is one that will be highly sought after come draft night. Not only is he hitting on an absurd number of threes (44.4 percent on 4.4 attempts per game), but he’s scoring efficiently from virtually every level on the offensive end. He’s a high I.Q. player who understands the flow of the offense, and can play within it while searching out opportunities for himself and clearing out space for others work around him.

Markkanen isn’t fleet of foot, either. He’s a relatively uninspiring athlete, with decent mobility but underwhelming length and a frame that still hasn’t filled out yet. But he still finds ways to beat his man in a variety of sets. He handles well enough to to outpace a traditional big on the exterior, and has the post-up game needed to take advantage of smaller defenders on the low block. He’s not Dirk — so get that comparison out of your head — but he is one of the more innately skilled bigs we’ve had in recent draft history, and someone whose offense alone gives him star potential at the next level.

Previous Ranking: 9

One of the simplest — yet most effective — ways for teams to integrate Markkanen into the offense is going to be the pick-and-pop. The gravity of his shooting could keep defenders from doubling or switching off the drive, leading to more opportunities en route to the basket for the ball handler. If the opposition does double off of Markkanen, his quick, fluid release makes it nearly impossible to recover in time.

He also has the versatility needed to handle the ball in the pick-and-roll, something few 7-footers can genuinely execute effectively. Like Hartenstein a few slides back, it ends with a solid dish in the interior.

Markkanen’s offensive game as all-inclusive as they come at his size, and he should only become more formidable as his frame continues to fill out.

Defensive woes, at this stage, are the one concern hounding Markkanen’s draft stock moving forward. He doesn’t show great lateral quickness or awareness on that side of the ball, and can often get drawn out of assignments or commit unnecessary fouls. He — simply put — doesn’t protect the rim much, and is easily outmatched outside. Some of that could obviously improve with NBA practice, but teams will likely have to take the bad with the extreme good he provides on the other end.

And, do so they will. Markkanen has unicorn-esque offensive potential, and somebody ought to jump on that in the middle of the lottery.

I’ve never been as conflicted in evaluating a player’s talent as I have been in watching Lonzo Ball play the game of basketball. He’s so innately skilled, yet has glaring holes in his game that provide an uncannily awkward mix of surefire talent and questionable NBA fit moving forward. He’s as polarizing as any figure you’ll find in regards to te draft, and one who — despite his admittedly stellar play this season — I’m not ready to buy into 100 percent.

Offensively, Ball’s strength’s have been well-covered throughout the season. He’s a gifted playmaker above all else, and carries looming star potential based solely on his passing touch alone — an incredible rarity considering the direction in which this league is heading. At 6-6 with a wingpsaspan a few inchees beyond that, Ball’s physical tools are obvious. He has tremendous size  for the point guard spot, uses it to his utmost advantage when making reads and gunning the ball through tight windows that otherwise might not be attainable.

Ball has completely revolutionized UCLA’s offensive system ths season, transforming it almost single-handedly into the most pass-happy, explosive offensive juggernaut in college basketball. For a freshman to be able to do something of that magnitude is extremely impressive. His outlet passes in transition are memorizing, and his basketball I.Q. when handling the ball  is among the highest we’ve seen in years coming out of the draft. Creating offense for others won’t be a problem, and gives him a more-than-solid floor at the next level. It’s what he can do outside of that, though, that limits my praise just a bit.

Lonzo doesn’t score the ball at a level high enough for me to comfortable with his offensive game translating fully to the next level. His long, slingshot-esque jumper takes far too long to get off, which limits any sort of reliable mid-range game against NBA defenses, while also making some of his isolation 3-point scores a bit more difficult to project. He struggles to transfer from his dribble to his jump shot in a fluid motion, and that’s a major hindrance for somebody who needs to keep the defense honest when probing the exterior.

Previous Ranking: 7

Notice how long it takes him to get into his shooting motion. He brings the ball down first, and that’s a rough habit to continue against more athletic, well-trained defensive opposition.

That lack of a fluid jumper also limits what he can do in the pick-and-roll, while the remainder of his offensive game is often inconsistent in the halfcourt setup as well. He doesn’t get enough dribble penetration at times, and lacks the general scoring prowess at all levels that other elite point guards (such as Dennis Smith and Markelle Fultz) possess.

With that said, he does have the arsenal needed to make it work offensively. He makes smart cuts off the ball and is a strong enough spot-up shooter from deep to function effectively in that capacity. He does a tremendous job of keeping the ball flowing within the offense, and should continue to do so at the next level.

If a team is able to surround Ball with ample shooting and allow him to push the pace in transition, there’s plenty of room for him  to excel in an NBA offense. Jason Kidd has been the comparison of choice, but Steve Nash may be an even better comparison in terms of which offensive philosophy he would excel most in. Getting up and down the court and moving the basketball for open shots is Ball’s specialty — and that’s how he’ll succeed at the next level, if managed correctly.

Once the second overall prospect on my big board, Tatum has regressed some since his hot start. That, however, shouldn’t be perceived as a slight against the Duke product , as the incredible depth of talent this season has made it more difficult than normal to hang onto top tier slots, even when boasting minor deficiencies. That’s the same proverbial boat that Ball finds himself in.

On the offensive end, Tatum is the most polished isolation scorer in this year’s draft. In eerily Paul Piece-esque fashion at times, he possesses a handful of nifty moves he can fall back on when breaking down his defender, while boasting incredibly precise footwork for a player of his age. The freshman has been heralded largely as a throwback-style wing, which like Ball, hurts his stock in a transforming league. But, there’s no denying the usefulness of somebody who can score with constant proficiency — and Tatum has that gene.

One area where Tatum excels most is in the post, especially against smaller defenders. At 6-8, he wields a quick turnaround and creates space with impressive ease with his back to the basket.

He also has some flashes of crafty finishing around the rim. He’s not an overly explosive athlete, but fluid in his motion, changing speeds nicely and getting to the rim for the finish.

There are some areas of improvement for Tatum, though, namely in regards to his consistency from deep. He’s hitting on just 35.2 percent of threes this year, and dealt with some more serious struggles earlier in the season The steady improvement he has shown is a nice sign, however, and his shot doesn’t have any overt hitches that need addressing.

Previous Ranking: 6

There’s also the issues stemming from Tatum’s athleticism. He’s not a bad athlete by any means — 6-8 frame with a 6-11 wingspan and solid mobility — but he’s not nearly explosive as some of the names he’s competing with for draft position. He doesn’t have the ability to simply take over possessions — or matchups — with his athletic tools alone, and that limits his upside some in comparison to the likes of Josh Jackson or Dennis Smith.

With that said, Tatum has also emerged as a far more well-rounded offensive piece than some expected at the beginning of the season. He’s a more capable passer than given credit for in his high school days, and has shown some real potential as a wing defender. He  makes good reads off of drives, often making solid kick-outs to the perimeter. He can also act as the ball handler in the pick-and-roll, showing nice touch in finding the cutter, as such.

There’s a lot to like with Tatum’s skill set on the offensive end, even if he doesn’t have the same overwhelming athletic presence as some of his counterparts. He’s a well-paced scorer, and has shown utility in other facets of the game that he wasn’t lauded for coming in. He’s well in the midst of the upper lottery conversation as a result.

Monk has been the personification of a flamethrower all season for the Wildcats. Shooting a total of 7.4 attempts per game, Monk is hitting on 41. 6 percent of his attempts — despite an unreal workload. His perimeter shooting has  emerged as the focal point of Kentucky’s offense all season long, and his development as an off-ball spacer is making him a near-perfect fit for the trends of today’s league.

In a draft class littered with elite guard talent, Monk is the best shooter of the group by a wide margin. Both off the bounce and off the catch, he boasts a quick, concise release that requires little space when getting his shot off, while his range extends far beyond that of the other upper echelon talents around him. He shoots with an impressive sense of confidence as well, boasting the type of on-court swagger that can lift an entire offense up. When he’s on, he’s on — and that almost always means the offense is going to get a sizable lift during such a time.

There are certainly limitations to Monk’s game. He doesn’t get to the rim much off the dribble, and hasn’t shown the full blown point guard skills needed to transition to the one spot at the next level — something that, in some cases, may be useful given his size (6-3). But there’s something to be said for scoring the basketball as well as Monk, and doing so in such a team-friendly manner in the process. He keeps a defender glued to him throughout the time in which he’s on the court, and is among the more relentless — and agile — off-ball runners you’ll find out of college.

Previous Ranking: 5

Monk also has a strong mid-range game, using the same quick release and agile movement he relies on with his 3-pointer to open up space inside the arc. He has an extremely quick first step, as well as some serious bounciness to his movement. He can create space on a virtual dime, and — like his shots in general — doesn’t need much in the form of space to fire them off.

Monk’s explosiveness also means there’s a solid chance he can improve his game en route to the basket. His speed allows him to get by defenders on the regular basis, and his handles are tight enough to evolve into a formidable weapon when driving the lane. He has shown flashes, it’s just a matter of him getting comfortable with attacking, rather than relying solely on the virtue of a red-hot exterior game.

Sure, there are going to be J.R. Smith comparisons for Monk — and that’s natural. He’s a shot-heavy, perimeter-based gunslinger who, at times, can seem as if he’s forcing the issue at times. But there are some very distinct differences. Monk is a skilled passer, and has point guard-level upside as a playmaker. That, combined with a slightly less chaotic approach than Smith, is a pretty sizable distinction on it’s own.

This is a league built on shooters, and Monk can shoot. A lot, and do so at a high level.

Quietly chugging along behind Dwayne Bacon and Xavier Rathan-Mayes in Florida State’s starting rotation, Isaac has been the victim of a deep rotation in some ways. He hasn’t had the same all-encompassing role as plays like Dennis Smith or Markelle Fultz, while the Noles’ inexplicable-tendencies to substitute in waves limits both Isaac’s playing time and consistency on the court.

To put that in perspective, Isaac is one of only two collegiate players in my top 10 not averaging over 30 minutes per game this season. As of now, he’s tallying 25.2 per game.

At 6-11 with a 7-2 wingspan, though, Isaac is a physical anomaly at the small forward spot, and one that provides plenty of upside in a myriad of different facets down the road. He’ll likely have to get stronger as he ups the level of competition, but he’s perfectly constructed to excel as a small ball four, with his switch-heavy prowess on defense and versatile scoring at all three levels giving NBA teams plenty to build off of.

Isaac has shown some extremely promising signs on the offensive side of the ball this season, and that starts with his basketball I.Q. He’s not a playmaker yet, and his self-creation isn’t of the most developed variety, but he plays well within the flow of the teams offense. He doesn’t force shots, and understands how to locate his spots on the floor at a high level. He takes advantages of mismatches when presented (quite often), and is the type of under the radar glue guy that can help tie an offense together, while still holding the potential to grow into much more than that down the road.

Previous Ranking: 3

Isaac has been a reliable source of production from deep this season, hitting on 36.7 percent of his shots, with improvement coming as he has gotten more comfortable. His mid-range game has also proven proficient, where he’s averaging 39.2 percent of 2-point jumpers, while also increasing his capability off the bounce as the season has gone along. He still doesn’t boast the same elite isolation game that some of his counterparts in this year’s class do, but his size and rapid developmental curve could shift that narrative in the foreseeable future.

This type of quick, fluid spot-up shooting will give Isaac utility in almost every rotation.

Isaac has also shown some nice moves in the post, taking on smaller defenders and showing nice touch on his short turnaround jumpers. He’s also an instinctive rebounder, using his length to weave his way onto the boards, even when outmatched by stronger players.

Isaac’s combination of mobility and size — simply stated — gives him a sizable advantage in numerous scenarios. He can attack more traditional fours off the bounce, often beating them to the rim on straight-line drives or creating easy separation for a jumper. He can also shoot over smaller defenders, finding solid post position or simply leveraging his high release point as a consistent advantage.

Defensively, the same is true, As mentioned prior, his ability to switch around the perimeter — at that size — is a massive benefit to any system, and his interior defense should only improve as his frame fills out. He’s already a capable shot blocker when positioned to do so.

There’s a lot to like with Isaac’s game, as he’s a pleasing combination of both upside and NBA-ready talent. His lack of bulk could make him more of a project than the remainder of his upper echelon competition, but his value as a high lottery pick is without question — and he’s well worth taking your time with.

Jackson has gotten progressively better as the season has gone along, finding his rhythm in veteran-heavy Kansas rotation and rounding into form as a Top 15 candidate for National Player of the Year as a result. The ultra-athletic freshman is among the more impressive athletes in this year’s class, and provides the type of two-way versatility that should have teams displaying extensive interest anywhere from the second overall pick down.

As special as Jackson’s upside is offensively, his stock is rooted in defensive excellence. Even though he doesn’t possess the greatest length (6-8 with a 6-10 wingspan), his lateral quickness and excellent instincts give him the ability to clamp down on virtually any perimeter player on the opposing side. He already has a well-built frame for a 20-year-old, and has plenty of space to continue filling out as the time transpires. Defense is something Jackson wields over the rest of the prospects in this tier, and something that could — and should — give him a nice boost on draft night.

Offensively, Jackson’s is a well-oiled machine with one slightly dysfunctional part — his jumper. Jackson’s special athleticism helps him in numerous other areas offensively, both as a slasher and in transition. He makes hard cuts to the rim and boasts the ability to play above it with uncannily graceful ease, while his ball handling skills and impressive speed make him an unnerving figure for opposing defenses on the fastbreak.

Jackson is also an incredibly advanced passer — a special skill for somebody of his stature with his physical tools to possess. He makes stellar reads when pushing the ball in transition and is a more than capable pick-and-roll threat, both as the ball handler and the roll man. He won’t be the outright facilitator in the same sense as a Ben Simmons, but he is more than capable of setting up plays — and teammates — when the opportunities present themselves.

Previous Ranking: 4

Here’s a gorgeous off-balance entry pass.

Jackson has all the makings of a star player at the next level, with that subpar jumper of his being the only real hurdle in terms of getting to that level. In a league built around spacing, it’s most certainly a noteworthy flaw — but one that can be improved, as we’ve seen with the evolution of guys like Otto Porter Jr. and Andrew Wiggins recently. Not to mention, he’s already ahead of them in some capacity, tallying a 37.7 percent clip from deep on 2.5 attempts per game this season. If he’s able to clear up some of the extra gunk in his form, per se, that could be a problem he easily mends.

Elite defenders with advanced basketball decision-making skills like Jackson, especially on the wing, are always going to emerge as prime prospects in any draft class — and this is no different.

It’s a rarity in which the top two talents on a draft board don’t make the NCAA Tournament, and although Smith as the two slot is far from unanimous, he has stood pat here for the past few months now. As one of colege basketball’s most explosive athletes, this season has been characterized by growing pains for Smith, as a rough start to the season triggered some legitimate concern about his draft prospects among the upper tier. Now, though, as the season comes to it’s rather uneventful close for the Wolfpack, he’s executing art one of the higher levels in college basketball.

The Smith versus Ball debate is one that very much highlights this big board, as well as the draft’s elite point guard conversation as a whole. Markelle Fultz has separated himself from the pack by a rather sizable margin, meaning thoe two — although Ball seems to be trending far higher at this point — will be the topic of much debate for teams searching for point guards outside of the the top overall spot, assuming Fultz comes off the board there.

Where I draw the line in that debate is scoring. And while that may seem like an oversimplification of things, the tendencies of today’s league and the nature of both their games gives Smith a rather substantial advantage when analyzing the best prospects for the next level. Point guards, nowadays, excel most when possessing more of a dual-threat skill set. Ball, as I mentioned earlier, boasts some massive potential based on his outwards creation alone, yet can’t quite match Smith in terms of putting pressure on the defense as a scorer, and thus opening up up the floor in other ways.

Previous Ranking: 2

Smith scores the ball at all three levels in impressive fashion. His 3-point percentage tallies out at just 36.9, but his early-season slump likely puts a damper on those numbers. He’s also explosive in the mid-range game, using shifty ball handling and quick bursts of speed to open up space and get shots off. On top of that, he gets to the rim well — heck, at will sometimes. That leads to plays like this:

Aside from his scoring, though, another aspect of Smith’s game that deserves recognition is his passing. Largely considered a score-first guard — which he is — coming into the season, it was largely assumed that Smith’s facilitation skills were a step behind the likes of Fultz and Ball, among others. And, while I’m not quite putting them on that level, Smith has dropped some impressive passes in his own right this season, showcasing excellent court vision and squeezing some bullets through extremely tight windows.

If there’s one area where I’m dissatisfied the most with Smith, it’s defense. He doesn’t have the greatest size nor length for the position (averaging out at a meager 6-3 with a wingspan not far beyond that), and his effort has been consistently inconsistent all season longer. While his quickness and high basketball I.Q. should allow him to create plays when available, Smith’s utter lack of drive this season has been my biggest concern. That could clearly change when placed on a better roster at a professional level, but it remains a problem worth noting heading into draft season.

To make this both short and relatively simple, not much has changed in regards to Fultz’s standing — and not much will. In a draft filled with premier talent, Fultz has proven himself to be a cut above the rest, with a combination of control, basketball I.Q., and mistake-devoid basketball that is rarely seen from somebody  who’s just 18 years of age.

Despite being plagued by a horrid roster and a less-than-ideal record with Washington, none of that can be attributed to Fultz. He’s averaging 23.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game this year, while doing so on shooting percentages 47.8 and 41.7 from the field and the 3-point line respectively. Those are historically great numbers, and he’s doing so while surrounded by talent that provides minimal aid in the process.

Fultz’s dominance starts physically, and branches out through one of the more savvy and mature approaches in the collegiate realm. At 6-5, he boasts great size for the modern day point guard, while wielding a rangy wingspan that measures in the vicinity of 6-11. That helps him gain extra separation on his shots that other guards may not get, while also allowing him to see over the defense and have more freedom in how he angles his passes.

Wrap-around passes like these are where that comes into play most visibly.

Perhaps what is most impressive upon watching Fultz play, though, is how collected he is on seemingly every trip down the floor. He seldom appears rushed, and handles the ball with an innate ease that is rarely seen at such a young age. He weaves through defenders, utilizing gorgeous hesitation moves and quick bursts of speed, yet never appears labored in doing so. He has a sense of control that feels almost generational. He operates on a different plane than his competition at times, and that puts him atop my draft board in relatively decisive fashion.

Watch how easily he knifes through the defense here, getting all the way to the rim in two steps and dishing it off for the assist:

Like Smith, Fultz has had some defensive concerns in regards to his effort on that end of the floor, but the similarities end there in that regard. Fultz’s length allows him to make impressive bursts into passing lanes on occassion, as well as giving him some entertaining shot blocking ability when acting as the metaphorical free safety in transition. He has all the tools, and has flashed them more than a handful of times. It’s simply about execution at this point.

Next: An Exciting Justin Anderson Comparison

There’s really not much against Fultz in this case, which is a true testament to just how talented he is given the magnitude of talent concentrated towards the top of the lottery in this year’s class. This is the best draft class — potentially — since 2003, when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony, among other studs, entered the league. Fultz has made himself the clear-cut top prospect in this class. That says something about how special the kid is.