As the college basketball season begins, it’s time to take a look at the top 30 players in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Since my last NBA Draft Big Board, a lot has happened regarding Luka Doncic. The Slovenian showed his wide variety of skills at the 2017 FIBA EuroBasket and led his nation to the win in the final against Serbia.
It’s still up in the air whether or not this draft will be as stacked as that of last years. The potential is certainly there, however, the top players in this class must perform. They’ll all have a reason to perform to the best of their abilities every game because of the tight race for the number one pick.
There’s no consensus number one pick in this draft, unlike recent years. Markelle Fultz had the number one spot wrapped up after his MVP performances at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship. Ben Simmons was the number one prospect for years and was the only player with star potential from his draft class.
So far there are five players who are in the conversation for the top pick: Michael Porter Jr., Marvin Bagley III, Luka Doncic, Mohamed Bamba and DeAndre Ayton. All of these players possess the potential to be perennial All-Stars and the cornerstones for whatever team drafts them.
Every year there seems to be a top prospect who drops off during the season. In past years these players included Harry Giles III, Skal Labissière and Kelly Oubre Jr. The odds are that one of the top players in this class’ draft stock will plummet, but who will it be? Only time will tell.
(All information via sports-reference.com, DraftExpress or RealGM).
30. Quade Green, PG, Kentucky
As per usual, John Calipari is entering another season with arguably the most stacked team in all of college basketball. Quade Green will be tasked with leading this team to the National Championship. Kentucky has always had a reliable floor general; De’Aaron Fox was the man last year, with Tyler Ulis the year before him.
At the EYBL Circuit, Green showed his elite playmaking ability and his ability to get his teammates involved by averaging 10 assists per game. Additionally, Green scored a decent 14 points per game. Also, Green’s leadership was in full effect as he led his team to the Peach Jam Finals.
Green, however, won’t be tasked with taking on a large scoring role. Instead, the 6-foot-1 guard’s job will be to facilitate the ball, finding the open man and getting his teammates on fire. Moreover, since Green isn’t a fantastic athlete, we may see Calipari run similar plays that he ran for the now-Phoenix Suns guard, Tyler Ulis.
Along with incoming four-star point guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the ball-handler duties will be split between the pair. Ultimately, I see Green winning the starting job and earning more playing time than Gilgeous-Alexander. If Kentucky can make a run for the National Championship under the guidance of Green, his draft stock may take a rise, similar to Tyus Jones of Duke back in 2015.
Kentucky stands a great chance at winning the National Championship this year. Green will have to be at his best for the team to achieve their main goal of cutting down the nets next year.
29. Kostja Mushidi, SG/SF, Germany
Kostja Mushidi has been on the NBA radar for what seems years now. He’s dropped out of the last two drafts, but this is a common practice for international prospects. I think that this will finally be the year where Mushidi keeps his name in the NBA Draft. Due to how stacked this class looks to be on the surface, Mushidi may hear his name later than he may have in previous years.
The German offers a high two-way potential, similar to Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot of the Philadelphia 76ers. The potential of the shooting guard makes him a very attractive draft-and-stash option in the late first round for the contending teams.
One area where Mushidi could work on would be the consistency of his three-point shot — he definitely has range but is far too streaky. Also, at times Mushidi can be a little erratic with the ball, making him prone to turning the ball over.
Conversely, Mushidi is a great defender, his length really helps him in putting up the straps against the opposition. Moreover, Mushidi excels at scoring on the move and off the dribble; this is down to his above-average athleticism. Despite his erratic nature, Mushidi has shown flashes of potentially being a solid playmaker.
If Mushidi can find the consistency on the offensive end, he could most definitely be one of the steals of the draft. Even if that doesn’t happen, Mushidi’s defensive capabilities should be enough to find him a home on an NBA roster.
28. Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Villanova
Incoming junior, Mikal Bridges, will be tasked with taking on a lead role for Villanova. With Josh Hart leaving for the pros and Kris Jenkins graduating, Bridges will have to make the step up and become a go-to option for the Wildcats. Bridges will play a pivotal role in Villanova’s success this season.
Last season, Bridges really improved in terms of his three-point shot — going from 29.9 percent in his freshman season to 39.3 percent in his sophomore season. Additionally, Bridges’ became extremely reliable at the charity stripe — knocking down 91.1 percent of his attempts. Bridges, however, must get to the line more often as he only attempted 1.6 free throws per game.
On the defensive side of the ball, Bridges showed he is a pesky defender. The shooting guard stole the ball an average of 1.7 times a game last season. Moreover, Bridges’ projects as a solid defender at the next level due to his great athleticism and length; Bridges reportedly has a ridiculous 7-foot-1 wingspan.
Bridges can be sloppy with the ball sometimes, he possesses a 2:1.3 assist-to-turnover ratio. It’s likely that Bridges will enter the NBA next year, it’s imperative that Bridges works on an improves his handle. Moreover, Bridges must become more of a reliable shooter, at times we went invisible from behind the arc.
Due to Bridges’ role increasing, he’ll have more time to show the NBA just how good he can be. It’s a great chance to boost his draft stock, similar to how many upperclassmen have boosted their draft stock in recent years because of more playing time.
27. Killian Tillie, PF, Gonzaga
A depleted Gonzaga team means Killian Tillie will be the number one option. This summer, Gonzaga lost 60 percent of their starting lineup; Zach Collins went to the NBA, Przemek Karnowski is now playing in Andorra for MoraBanc Andorra and Nigel Williams-Goss is playing in Serbia for Partizan NIS.
In Tillie’s extended role for the Bulldogs, he’ll be able to show his outstanding stretch potential. Despite only playing 12.2 minutes per game last season, Tillie showed enough flashes to warrant being the team’s go-to option for the upcoming season.
Furthermore, Tillie averaged 4.2 points per game, but he was tremendously efficient. The Frenchman shot 51.1 percent from the field and 47.8 percent from behind the arc. That three-point percentage is extremely encouraging due to the fact that everyone in the NBA has to be able to shoot threes if they want to stick around in the league.
Additionally, Tillie proved to be a solid rebounder; he averaged 10.6 rebounds per 40 minutes. This is down to Tillie’s terrific motor, and the relentless effort that he regularly plays with. Tillie’s playmaking skills went under the radar last season; he averaged a decent 0.6 assists per game. In only 12.2 minutes per game, that assist number isn’t too bad.
Tillie, however, can be undisciplined at times on defense. The forward committed an average of 1.8 fouls per game, this number will have to drop this season. Moreover, Tillie will have to prove he’s back to full health, after undergoing an ankle injury late last season.
26. Jaylen Hands, PG, UCLA
The high-flying UCLA point guard will be in charge of following on from the success that the team had last season under the leadership of the now-Los Angeles Laker, Lonzo Ball. Ball completely transformed the prestigious program, but it’s Jaylen Hands’ job to maintain the high level of play. This won’t be easy as Bryce Alford graduated and Isaac Hamilton left for the pros, leaving a lot of empty spots left on the roster. Who will step up for UCLA?
Hands will bring a different type of game to the court to his predecessor but the Hands will definitely maintain the level of excitement. The 6-2 guard’s ability to score is as good as any other incoming freshman, Hands is a walking bucket. Moreover, Hands can score in an abundance of ways; whether that’s splitting the defense and jamming it home, of a mid-range pull-up.
You could argue that Hands is in a similar mold to that of former UCLA guard, Zach LaVine. Hands possesses the same freakish athleticism as LaVine but is still a little raw offensively. When Hands gets to the pros, I don’t think he’ll make an immediate impact — he’ll be more of a project, similarly to Dejounte Murray.
One area where Hands could improve would be his shot selection. He, at times, settles for highly contested mid-range shots when there are other options available. Hands will need to learn how to slow the game down, he doesn’t need to play fifth gear for the whole game. If Hands can prove he can run a college offense at a good enough standard, his draft stock may take a big rise.
25. Andrew Jones, PG, Texas
With Jarrett Allen leaving and Mohamed Bamba taking his role, the Texas Longhorns may be in for an exciting season. The success of the Longhorns weighs on the shoulder of sophomore combo-guard, Andrew Jones. After an exciting freshman camping, Jones will be looking to take his game to the next level, whilst leading Texas to the National Championship.
Last season for the Longhorns, Jones averaged an encouraging 11.4 points per game as well as 3.5 assists per game. Jones’ combo guard potential was in full effect last season. When playing the point, Jones is a mismatch nightmare with his 6-foot-7 wingspan.
Following on from this, Jones proved to be a solid rebounder (3.9 per game) for someone of his size. Moreover, Jones was able to steal the ball an average of 1.2 times per game in 28 minutes per game. Given how Jones can fill up the stat sheet, he’s one of the top candidates for breakout out player of the year.
Jones, however, could work on limiting his turnovers, he averaged 2.5 per game last season. Also, Jones’ three-point shot was a little shaky at times throughout the season. The guard only shot 32.8 percent from behind the arc last season. Since Jones is a ‘tweener’, he may struggle to find a role in the NBA. Players like Lou Williams has never been able to be a huge difference maker since he isn’t built for a specific position, similarly to Jones.
This season will be huge for Jones, he is in a great position to boost his draft stock.
24. Isaac Bonga, PG/SF, Germany
Isaac Bonga is a 6-foot-9 point forward, with an exceptionally unselfish approach to the game. This season, for the Fraport Skyliners in the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), Bonga has averaged 6.67 points per game, 2.33 assists per game, 3.5 rebounds per game and is shooting 50 percent from behind the arc, all in 22,4 minutes per game.
Bonga offers a high upside but he is extremely raw right now. The German has a lot of work to do before he can start playing with the big boys in the NBA. Bonga isn’t a great athlete, he’s just kinda average in that regard. Additionally, Bonga must add some weight to his frail 175 lbs frame or he will get bullied in the NBA.
The German follows a short line of absurdly tall point guards who have recently taken the NBA by storm. He’s of course absolutely nowhere near the talents of Giannis Antetokounmpo or Ben Simmons, but his play style is of a similar mold. Bonga has the potential of being a mismatch nightmare if he can add a bit of muscle.
There’s no standout area of Bonga’s game where he needs to work on, he just needs to work on everything. Bonga needs to refine his ball handling since he has had issues with turning the ball over throughout his whole professional career. The most important thing for Bonga is to get stronger and put on some weight before he enters the NBA.
If Bonga does get drafted in the first round, it will be mainly off of the potential he offers. Also, the German will likely stay overseas for a year or two.
23. Rui Hachimura, PF, Gonzaga
Despite finding regular playing time hard to find in his freshman campaign, Rui Hachimura has shown flashes of potential. If he can exceed expectations and lead a depleted Gonzaga team to March Madness, his draft stock could skyrocket.
In just 4.6 minutes per game, the Japanese native put up 2.6 per game. That’s a solid return given how little time he had to find his shots. More impressively, Hachimura’s per 40 stats are insane — 22.5 points per game and 11.7 rebounds per game. With more time for Hachimura this season, and taking on a larger role, he could really become one of the most dominant players in college basketball.
At the FIBA U19 Championships, Hachimura led Japan to their first tournament win since 1999. Hachimura put up godly stats: 20.6 points per game, 11 rebounds per game and 2.4 assists per game in 31.4 minutes per game. He was a dominant force throughout the tournament.
Hachimura struggled to stay in rhythm last season due to the lack of playing time; due to this, he only shot 28.6 percent from behind the arc. However, Hachimura’s long frame and big hands give him unlimited potential on the defensive end.
22. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, PG, Virginia Tech
The 6-foot-6, Canadian guard has flown under the radar this summer. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has rarely been mentioned with the top point guards in this class. With fairly low expectations for the incoming freshman, he’ll be in a position to ball-out, and thus attain gain the attention from NBA scouts.
Alexander-Walker is a terrific shooter of the ball, it was on great display at Adidas Nations where he shot 57.4 percent. Furthermore, the Canadian put up 17.4 per game at the U18 Americas Championship. This scoring talent will be on show this upcoming season, expect Alexander-Williams to put up a lot of shots for Virginia Tech.
I’m sure Alexander-Williams will stuff the stat sheet for the Hokies this year. His frame, including his 6-10 wingspan, will be and around the paint to grab rebounds to push the ball forward, similar to how Ben Simmons is used for the Philadelphia 76ers in that regard. If Alexander-Williams can impress scouts enough, he may hear his name called in the first round of next June’s draft.
21. Dzanan Musa, SF, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnian forward, Dzanan Musa is one of the most talented international prospects in this draft class. Musa is an above average shooter of the ball. For Cedevita this season, Musa has shot 35.8 percent from three, including shooting 42.9 percent from three in the Eurocup.
Moreover, Musa has upped his points per game from last season — from 9.13 points per game last season to 12.33 points per game this season. Additionally, Musa has rebounded the ball very well this season, he’s averaged 4.83 rebounds per contest. This increase in production will definitely catch the attention of NBA scouts.
For Musa to succeed in the NBA, he must add muscle to his 190-pound frame — the NBA is a different beast compared to international basketball. Considering Musa isn’t a fantastic athlete, he must become stronger to last in the league. Musa’s intangibles and IQ will definitely help him in the pre-draft process.
20. Gary Trent Jr., PG, Duke
Gary Trent Jr. is another five-star incoming freshman for the Duke Blue Devils. The plethora of talent on the roster will mean there won’t be a standout star. Similarly to the 2014-15 Kentucky Wildcats, every player will have to make the most of there playing time as they may not get as much as they’d like.
Given that Grayson Allen is one of the leaders of the team and Trevon Duval will be running the point, Trent may have to settle for a sixth-man role on the team. The Ohio native may not be too happy with that given his talent and pedigree but he will have to put his ego aside and make it work for the good of the team.
Trent’s ability will be perfectly suited for a sixth-man role as he can spark from life into the game when the starters come out. Moreover, Trent could dominate if he goes up against second units, he’ll be far more talented than a lot of the players that he could match-up against. I’m sure Trent will be given the green light in this situation.
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.
18. Hamidou Diallo, SG, Kentucky
Hamidou Diallo is another stud from Kentucky who has first-round potential. The shooting guard was contemplating whether or not to enter the 2017 NBA Draft but ultimately opted to return to Kentucky. Diallo was likely going to be a first-round pick in that draft, but now he has the chance to raise his draft stock in what looks to be a slightly weaker draft class.
The first thing that comes to mind when watching Diallo play is his unmatched athleticism — he ma be one of the most athletic athletes in America. Diallo’s athleticism was on show at the 2017 NBA Combine where he posted the second-highest vertical jump of NBA Combine history; 44.5-inches.
To avoid being a one-trick-pony, Diallo must work on his shooting mechanics, which will lead to a more reliable jump shot. Without a jump shot, he’ll struggle mightily in the NBA. Diallo, however, is an aggressive scorer that excels at getting buckets on fast breaks. Moreover, Diallo is also a decent defensive player that has the instincts to potentially be a lockdown defender at the next level.
17. Kevin Knox, SF/PF, Kentucky
Surprise! Here’s the fourth Kentucky Wildcat in this big board: Kevin Knox. The scoring ability of the small forward will be key if the Wildcats wants to get their eight National Championship. In the preseason, Knox has shown that he is talented enough to score at will against lower opposition — he scored 27 points in his preseason debut against Division III Thomas More College.
Knox mainly operated around the paint against Thomas More College as he was just so dominate. The forward also went an encouraging 10-10 from the charity stripe. Knox, however, missed three of his four three point attempts. I’m sure Knox’s shot will improve as he plays more and more for the Wildcats.
Since high school, it does look like Knox has put on a few pounds, but he needs to continue to do this before he enters the NBA. If he fails to add muscle to his skinny frame, he could end up being another Brandon Ingram. However, it’s been a very positive start for Knox to his collegiate basketball career.
16. Rodions Kurucs, SF, Latvia
For the past few years, Rodions Kurucs has kept his name in the draft right up until the deadline. I do, however, think that this is the year where the FC Barcelona forward will finally keep his name in and enter the NBA Draft. Kurucs has the talent and potential to blossom into a lottery pick, however, he may not be able to contribute greatly right from the off.
On the offensive end, Kurucs can do it all — but he’s still very, very raw. The Latvian has shown that he can shoot adequately — last season he shot 32 percent. That percentage is nothing write home about, but it’s a decent building block. I can see Kurucs starting out in the NBA similarly to Orlando Magic player, Mario Hezonja. There’ll be very rough patches, but the selection of Kurucs could pay off in the long-run.
Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 190-pounds, Kurucs must put on a lot of weight before he enters the NBA. Also, Kurucs is very raw, he has a lot of work to do to reach the heights set for him. In terms of international prospects, Kurucs is a million miles away from Luka Doncic’s ability.
15. Nick Richards, C, Kentucky
Enter the fifth Kentucky player on this list. Jamaican center, Nick Richards, follows in a long list of Kentucky big men who specialize in protecting the rim, grabbing rebounds, and having a very basic offensive game. Since 2013, Kentucky has had centers similar to Richards, such as Nerlens Noel, Willie Cauley-Stein, Dakari Johnson and Bam Adebayo.
Richards was a strong finisher around the rim during his high school career. Weighing 235-pounds, collegiate players may also struggle to stop him around the paint. Additionally, collegiate players will likely struggle in scoring over Richards as the center will probably send the shot into the stands. How active Richards is in the paint — getting blocks, rebounds and dunks — will play a big role in how successful Kentucky is this season.
Similarly to past Kentucky centers, Richards lacks a variety of post-moves. Richards isn’t like Jahlil Okafor, from his Duke days, offensively, there’s a lot of work to be done. Moreover, Richards must improve his face-up game before he enters the NBA.
14. Troy Brown, SG/SF, Oregon
Since Oregon’s starters, Dillons Brooks, Jordan Bell, Tyler Ennis, Tyler Dorsey and Chris Boucher, have left, it appears that Troy Brown will have to carry the program this upcoming season. A National Championship may be out of the question for Oregon, but as we saw with Markelle Fultz last season, putting up impressive stats on a poor team could boost your draft stock.
Brown will likely take much of the burden on the offensive end. The shooting guard is capable of leading an offense with his playmaking abilities. Additionally, perhaps Brown’s strongest point on offense is his ability to attack the rim. Moreover, Brown is a pest on the defensive side of the ball — he has great two-way potential at the next level.
Conversely, Brown isn’t a reliable shooter from behind the arc. The ability to shoot threes is imperative in today’s NBA. Also, Brown’s leadership will most definitely be tested throughout this season, if he passes, that will only mean good things for his draft stock. It’s fair to say that Brown is in a position to put stats up and showcase his talents.
13. Bruce Brown, PG/SG, Miami
Miami sophomore, Bruce Brown, will be looking for a breakout season after turning down the pros to return to college. Had he entered the 2017 NBA Draft, Brown would’ve likely been a lottery pick, but he opted to bet on himself improving his draft stock. It’s a risky move, but one that could definitely pay off in the long-run.
Brown had a very solid freshman year for the Hurricanes, he averaged 11.8 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game and 3.2 assists per game. The shooting guard showcased his entire arsenal of skills — scoring off the dribble, playmaking, rebounding, athleticism and motor. Brown is in a prime position to be one of the best players in college basketball this season.
To become the best players in college basketball, Brown must prove he more than a streaky shooter. Brown had spells where his shot just refused to fall through the hoop. More consistency for Brown will absolutely go a long way for him in the draft process.
12. Trevon Duval, PG, Duke
In a stacked Duke backcourt, Trevon Duval may not get as much of playing time as most of the other top prospects — he’ll have to split time with fellow draft prospects Grayson Allen and Gary Trent Jr. Against Northwest Missouri State, all three guards began the game in the starting lineup.
In Duke’s first preseason game against Northwest Missouri State, Duval was okay, not bad, not great. The point guard scored seven points and went 0-2 from behind the arc in 21 minutes of action. Duval, however, did get five assists, on top of this, he got two steals, this is extremely promising for Duke. An all-around game is valuable for any team.
If only Trevon Duval had a jump shot, he’d be a much more desirable prospect — some see him as a more athletic Elfrid Payton. Duval’s shot isn’t pretty at all, he may need to change his mechanics to become a reliable shooter; this also affects Duval at the free-throw line. However, Duval does possess athleticism that is hard to find, it allows him to get anywhere on the court.
Note: Duke suspended Duval for their first exhibition game due to a “violation of team standards”.
11. Lonnie Walker, SG, Miami
Lonnie Walker will likely be sitting behind Bruce Brown this season, but he offers sky-high potential. In his first preseason game against Newberry, Walker had a solid game, he put up eight points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. As Walker gets the rust off after returning from a torn meniscus in his right knee suffered in July of this year, he should soon start lighting it up.
Where Walker lacks in size, 6-foot-4, for a shooting guard, he makes up for with his elite level athleticism. Walker is strong at finishing at the rim, as he is very physical and crafty around the rim. Also, Walker doesn’t shy away from contact in the paint, this is encouraging as his game is centered around driving to the hoop.
Conversely, Walker still needs to shore up his handles. He can be a little reckless at times, leading to silly turnovers. Additionally, Walker’s shot isn’t fantastic, it’s okay, but he can still work on it before the draft in July. NBA teams will be attractive to Walker due to his athleticism and high ceiling.
10. Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C, Michigan State
Michigan State freshman, Jaren Jackson Jr., struggled in his first preseason game. That was somewhat expected though as he was facing up against Georgia and their senior center, Yante Maten. Jackson was only able to put up four points and five rebounds in 16 minutes — Jackson went a disappointing 0-2 on field-goal attempts.
The young Spartan, however, has all the tools to be a dominant force in college basketball this season. The 6-foot-10 big man possesses an absurd 7-foot-4 wingspan, making it near impossible to shoot over him. Additionally, this length helps him on the offensive end, more specifically, when grabbing offensive rebounds and catching lobs.
One issue Jackson struggles with foul trouble — it’s the reason he got little playing time in his preseason debut. Moreover, Jackson’s offensive game is limited, when outside the paint Jackson can’t do all too much. Jackson’s ceiling is what will get him drafted this high in my opinion, however, he is still one of the better big man prospects in this draft.
9. Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
Collin Sexton plays every game like it’s his last — his fire and passion is unmatched. If your team needs an emotional leader on the court, the Alabama product is your guy. Nicknamed ‘The Young Bull’ for a good reason, Sexton is relentless when on the court, as he goes at is opponent all night long. In a closed scrimmage against Baylor, Sexton scored 15 points. Is this a sign of things to come? I think so.
Sexton is an athletic combo guard who can get to the rim at will. Moreover, Sexton can draw free-throws better than anyone else in this draft class. Due to Sexton’s aggressive play style, he’s a pest on the defensive end — Sexton is great at playing the passing lanes. At the 2016 FIBA U17 World Championship Sexton was awarded the MVP award after averaging 17 points and 4.2 assists.
Similarly to Markelle Fultz, Sexton came out of nowhere; he wasn’t ranked or on any recruiting radars, now he’s one of the most highly touted point guards in all of college basketball. This shows the extreme work ethic of the Georgia native.
Still, however, Sexton has plenty to work on. Firstly, Sexton’s passion can sometimes lead him to play irrationally and out of control — Sexton needs to learn how to slow the game down. Additionally, this can lead to silly turnovers and questionable shot selections.
8. Wendell Carter, PF/C, Duke
Already built like a pro-player (6-foot-10, 260-pounds), Wendell Carter will be looking to dominate college basketball this season for the Duke Blue Devils. In his first preseason game for Duke against Northwest Missouri State Carter was as good as advertised. The big man scored 11 points and grabbed nine rebounds, going 5-7 from the field and 1-1 from behind the arc.
If Carter’s three-point stroke can maintain itself to a good standard this season, Carter will enter the draft seemingly being able to do it all. In today’s NBA, big men have to be able to shoot the ball. Carter, however, excels banging down in the low-post, he has his way down there with other defenders.
Carter isn’t polished defensively, he has moments of brilliance but he also has lapses in concentration. The big man has the tools to be a defensive stopper, it’s just a case of putting it all together. On the boards, Carter is elite, perhaps one of the best rebounders in this draft class. However, Carter sometimes sacrifices his positions on defense in order to grab rebounds, this can be detrimental.
7. Robert Williams, PF/C, Texas A&M
I’m sure many people were shocked to see Robert Williams returning to Texas A&M for his sophomore season. Williams was a lock for the lottery had he entered the 2017 NBA Draft, however, Williams returned to achieve a certain goal: to win a National Championship. I’m not sure how likely that goal is, but props to him for bypassing the pros to give it another shot.
The Texas A&M power forward is one of the most athletic big men in this draft. Additionally, Williams is an exceptional low-post defender. Possessing a 7-foot-5 wingspan, Williams is one of the most intimidating defenders in the nation, his blend of length and athleticism allows him to excel in this area.
Moreover, Williams is very active and energetic around the rim. If Williams’ teammates miss a shot, he will always be there for the put-back dunk, or to give his team a fresh 24 seconds on the shot clock.
Offensively, Williams is still very raw. The big man doesn’t have a variety post-moves in his locker, he relies on his athleticism to get points. Additionally, Williams doesn’t have a reliable three-point shot, he only shot 11.1 percent from there last season. This is just nit-picking, but Williams will have to improve his deep shot to excel in the NBA.
6. Miles Bridges, SF/PF, Michigan State
Similarly to Robert Williams, it was very shocking to see Miles Bridges return to Michigan State for his sophomore season. Bridges was a projected top-10 pick for the whole season, his draft stock was rising throughout the season. It was a baffling choice for Bridges to return, even his mother, Cynthia Bridges, tried “anything and everything” to convince him to go pro.
Despite playing last season out of position at power forward, and battling with ankle issues, Bridges still managed to put up an impressive 16.9 points per game, whilst shooting 38.9 percent from the three-point line. Moreover, Bridges is a terrific athlete, a posterizer is always on the cards when he drives to the hoop. Additionally, Bridges has a great motor, he’ll battle with his opposition all day long.
Due to weighing in at roughly 230-pounds, Bridges does lack an explosive first step off the dribble when driving inside. Also, he doesn’t draw enough free-throws, he only attempted 3.3 free-throws per game last season.
The obvious issue with Bridges is what position does he play in the NBA? Standing 6-foot-8, he’s the perfect height for a small forward, but his play style is suited to playing a power forward role. Let’s see how this plays out for Bridges this season.
5. Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
Mohamed Bamba possesses all the tools to be one of the most skilled centers in all of college basketball. Ability to protect the rim? Check. Can run the floor? Check. Can shoot threes? Check. Can score in the low-post? Check. He can do it all, and the potential for Bamba is limitless.
In the preseason against Texas A&M, Bamba scored 15 points on an efficient 7-11 shooting from the field. Also, Bamba grabbed 10 rebounds, got two steals, as well as two blocks. This stat-stuffing game is most definitely a sign of things to come from the New York native. In addition to this, Bamba showcase his defensive skills by holding fellow draft prospect, Robert Williams, to just 4-11 shooting from the field.
Bamba has the potential to be a Rudy Gobert-esque lockdown defender. The center has an absurd 7-foot-9 wingspan — this makes him a constant threat to grabbing offensive and defensive rebounds, as well as swatting shots into the stand.
Moreover, throughout the preseason, Bamba has shown he can shoot the ball. His range even stretches out to beyond the three-point line. Now that’s something Rudy Gobert cannot do, it’s very impressive to see Bamba launch the ball consistently. His rare skill-set will make him a hot commodity come draft season, don’t be surprised to see his draft stock rise.
4. DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona
In his preseason debut against Eastern New Mexico, DeAndre Ayton looked like the dominating force we all thought he would be — he looked like a man amongst boys. The 7-foot center scored a spectacular 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds along the way. Albeit against poor opposition, Ayton straight dominated the game.
Ayton is difficult to stop in the paint. His 7-foot, 250-pound frame often lets him overpower the teams opposing big man. Additionally, Ayton is an athletic freak, he possesses a preposterous 43.5-inch vertical jump, with a 7-foot-5 wingspan. It’s fair to say that Ayton is the epitome of being someone who’s impossible to score over.
Despite this, Ayton does have his concerns, most notably his motor, or lack of one. Ayton is often seen taking plays off in games, he lacks the drives to really make an impact if his team is down big. If Ayton is drafted to a rebuilding team, this could develop into a really big issue.
Nevertheless, Ayton is one of the premier players in this draft class for a reason: he’s really talented. Ayton will likely be a top-five pick in June’s NBA Draft.
3. Michael Porter Jr., SF/PF, Missouri
To me, the top three players in this class could be ranked in any which way and I’d be okay with it. They are all extremely talented, who all possess the potential to become franchise cornerstones for whichever team draft them.
Since Porter will be the number one option on his team, and the only potent threat, he’ll be able to showcase every single skill in his arsenal. Markelle Fultz was able to do this and was rewarded with being the number one overall pick, unfortunately for Porter, volume scoring won’t be enough as there are many candidates for the number one overall pick.
Porter could’ve been is an identical situation to Fultz since he originally committed to the University of Washington. After the firing of Lorenzo Romar, however, Porter’s father joined the Missouri Tigers, and the 19-year-old followed suit.
Don’t be surprised to see Porter averaged 25 points per game this season for the Tigers. Missouri doesn’t have a lot of NBA talent on their team and will rely on Porter to win them games. Offensively, Porter doesn’t really have any glaring weaknesses, he looks comfortable in any situation. Standing 6-foot10 with a 7-foot wingspan, Porter can shoot over almost every other small forward in college.
Porter’s offensive prowess was on show against Kansas Jayhawks in a charity relief game. The forward scored 21 points in 23 minutes, however, he wasn’t all too efficient as he went 6-20 from the field.
If Porter could improve on anything, it would be his defensive abilities. Porter’s length would lead you to believe he is a solid defender, however, that is not the case. Porter has lapses in concentration when defending. Also, he doesn’t like to be physical, leading to the other player pushing right by Porter.
It will be interesting to see if Porter can do enough to take the top spot home, it will be tough but most definitely doable.
2. Luka Doncic, PG/SG, Slovenia
Luka Doncic is the number one player on many people’s big boards, but he just doesn’t have that elite level athleticism that teams desire. Despite this, Doncic is perhaps the most skilled player in this draft Well, he has been playing professional basketball for Real Madrid since he was 16 years old.
In today’s NBA, Doncic fits the new mold of a forward playing like a point guard. Doncic has a great eye for a pass, his vision is top-notch. However, Doncic does a lot more than passing; he’s a gifted scorer who can score at every level.
More from Draft
- Philadelphia 76ers Ten Biggest Mistakes of the Last Ten Years
- The Sixers sign four undrafted players after the NBA Draft
- Players the Sixers should target in undrafted free agency
- How to Watch the 2023 NBA Draft as a Sixers Fan
- 2023 NBA Mock Draft: 5 wing prospects 76ers could target
This season in the Euroleague, Doncic is performing amazingly. The Slovenian is averaging 21.6 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game and 3.6 assists per game. Additionally, Doncic is shooting 50.8 percent from the field, 41.4 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line.
For Slovenia in the 2017 FIBA EuroBasket, Doncic averaged 14.3 points per game, 8.1 rebounds per game and 3.6 assists per game. Doncic played an integral role in Slovenia winning the tournament.
The lack of athleticism may limit Doncic’s potential on the defensive end; he won’t be able to guard players who are quicker than him. Also, this lack of athleticism can give Doncic a tough time finishing in the paint against athletic defenders.
Given the competition that Doncic is facing at such a young age, his performances could be enough to warrant being selected first overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.
1. Marvin Bagley III, PF/C, Duke
Doesn’t it tell you how talented Bagley is that he is a player who was supposed to be a high school senior this year and is the number one ranked player on my big board? Marvin Bagley III spent last year as a high school junior and was destroying all competition, where he averaged 24.6 points per game and 10.1 rebounds per game. Bagley made the choice to forgo his senior year of high school and reclassified to the 2017 class.
Against Northwest Missouri State, Bagley scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds in 23 minutes of action. Bagley didn’t disappoint, he showed his ability to shoot the ball, rebound the ball and pass the ball. More performances like this and Bagley will secure the number one spot in the draft.
In an interview, Bagley revealed that he is modeling his game around Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Perhaps Bagley sees himself as a point forward when he reaches the NBA — that’s a scary sight. Bagley has a long way to go to master his handles and have the passing instincts of Antetokounmpo. However, it’s not hard imagining Bagley pushing the ball up the court and setting up an offense. Anything’s possible in today’s NBA.
Next: Who should be on the Sixers' early 2018 draft board?
To be honest, in my opinion, Bagley doesn’t have any weaknesses to his game. His development will just be a case of fine-tuning his game and adjusting it to the pace of the NBA.