19. Jarred Vanderbilt, PF, Kentucky
Kentucky freshman, Jarred Vanderbilt, will not be making his Wildcat debut until late December-early January due to a foot injury that he suffered during team skill instruction in late September. Vanderbilt has a history of foot issues that dates back to his high school playing days. This is a fairly big red flag.
When Vanderbilt is healthy, however, he is one of the most talented players in this draft class. The forward can do it all — pass, rebound, defend and score. Perhaps Vanderbilt’s shot leaves a little to be desired but everyone has a flaw to their game. Every night, Vanderbilt poses the threat of putting up a triple-double, his high school stats show this — as a senior last season, Vanderbilt averaged 28.5 points per game, 13.4 rebounds per game and 8.8 assists per game.
Vanderbilt has drawn comparisons to Brooklyn Nets third-year player, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Both are forward who can do it all, except for shooting the basketball at a respectable rate. It’s tough to predict Vanderbilt’s draft stock to rise due to his injury history, but he will be a quality pickup should he stay healthy.