We’re entering a new year and conference play is upon us, so let’s rehash the top prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft.
The 2018 NBA Draft class has the potential to be special. We raved about the depth last season, but this year it all comes down to the top six — all of whom have elite upside at the next level.
The lottery is loaded, and that alone should peak the interest of Philadelphia 76ers fans who are watching the Lakers struggle.
On top of that, we’re finally getting into conference play at the collegiate level. The competition is rising for a lot of those lottery guys, which means some stocks will start to rise (and fall) in the coming weeks. This is a pivotal moment in the season for most high-level prospects who have things left to prove.
With the top-heavy nature of this class comes some question marks in the middle as well. The first round is WIDE OPEN, with plenty of prospects in that conversation. It’ll be a fun handful of months leading up to June.
So, without further ado, here are my top 50 prospects as of Jan. 6, 2018:
50. Devonte’ Graham, PG, Kansas
After playing off of Frank Mason III for most of his collegiate career, Graham has done a nice job stepping into the featured role as a senior. He’s pacing Kansas’ offense with 17.4 points per game while drilling 45.4 percent of his shots from deep, doing more off the dribble and thriving as a pick-and-roll threat.
49. Tyus Battle, SG/SF, Syracuse
Battle has all the tools you want in a second or late-first round wing. He’s not overly consistent from deep, but has proven himself to be a capable shot-maker, both in catch-and-shoot scenarios and off the bounce. He’s also a promising athlete, standing 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan.
48. Keita Bates-Diop, SF/PF, Ohio State
KBD has really broken out in his senior year, averaging 18.7 points per game while shooting 38.7 percent from deep, a career-high mark since becoming a regular starter for the Buckeyes. He obviously has a killer defensive profile at 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, and should fit nicely as a capable spot-up shooter and slasher offensively, with the ability to hit some tough shots around the rim.
47. Jaylen Hands, PG, UCLA
Hands probably isn’t a one-and-done, but he has the tools needed to become an NBA lead guard down the line. He’s a quick-twitch athlete who can get to the rim, while his 46 percent success rate from deep is extremely promising. He’s also on the younger side of 18.
46. Killian Tillie, PF, Gonzaga
Tillie has had some ups and downs this season, but projects as a versatile 6-foot-10 defender who can space the floor and score around the basket, whether it be touch shots or short-range jumpers. He’s also a plus rebounder.
45. Brian Bowen, SG/SF, N/A
Bowen was a five-star recruit who got caught up in the FBI scandal at Louisville, which inevitably led to his departure. He won’t be playing for a while and doesn’t seem like a none-and-done kind of prospect, but has good size on the wing (6-foot-7) and plenty of shot-making ability.
44. Daniel Gafford, PF/C, Arkansas
In some ways similar to Justin Patton last season, Gafford is an under-the-radar freshman who is quickly rising up draft boards. At 6-foot-11 with long arms and plenty of athleticism, Gafford can finish above the rim offensively while cleaning up the glass and protecting the rim on the other end. He could be a steady riser all year.
43. Austin Wiley, C, Auburn
Wiley doesn’t have much of a perimeter game, but has all the physical tools you can ask for in the post. He’s 6-foot-11 with a wingspan around 7-foot-5, while his mobility, post touch and effectiveness on the glass gives him a clear role at the next level.
42. Lagerald Vick, SG, Kansas
Frank Mason’s departure also opened up a bigger role for Vick, who’s averaging 17.4 points per game and shooting over 49 percent from deep. That’s obviously not sustainable, but he’s a plus athlete who defends well and can score at a high clip on the other end.
41. Chandler Hutchison, SF/PF, Boise State
Hutchison has shot up draft boards this season with a nice combination of physical tools and skill. He’s not the most explosive athlete, but stands at 6-foot-7 with long arms and plenty of fluidity in transition and straight-line drives. He’s also a 36 percent shooter from deep with a projectable stroke long term.
40. Isaac Bonga, PG/SF, Frankfurt
Bonga is a unique prospect, standing a 6-foot-9 with lackluster athleticism and the skill set of a point guard. His shot has improved this season, which is big for him, while he continues to flash special instincts as a playmaker. His spot defensively is the biggest question mark.
39. Allonzo Trier, SG, Arizona
Trier has upped his game again this season, showing more awareness as a passer while continuing his high-octane scoring. His NBA role isn’t all that expansive, but he’s somebody who can hit threes and fill it up in bunches on the wing.
38. Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA
Holiday, alongside the aforementioned Hands, has been tasked with filling the shoes of Lonzo Ball and Bryce Alford at UCLA — something they’ve done an admirable job with, albeit not quite on that level. Holiday is averaging 18.4 points and 5.6 assists per game this season after operating as a score-first sixth man last year.
37. Justin Jackson, SF/PF, Maryland
Jackson will miss the remainder of the 2017-18 season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder, a brutal blow for somebody whose stock was already falling. He’s still an NBA caliber athlete, standing at 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, but his 25 percent clip from 3-point range (compared to 43.8 percent last season) was disconcerting.
36. Khyri Thomas, PG/SG, Creighton
Thomas is having a standout junior season for the Jays, averaging 14.8 points per game while emerging as one of college basketball’s most effective perimeter defenders. He lacks advanced handles offensively, but makes smart passes and shoots the ball well in spot-up scenarios.
35. Rodions Kurucs, SF, Barcelona
Kurucs was a potential mid-first round pick last season, making his decision to drop out of the 2017 draft look like a mistake at this point. He’s still a skilled wing at 6-foot-8, but has shown minimal improvement across the board.
34. Arnoldas Kulboka, SF/PF, Capo D’Orlando
Kulboka is one of my favorite under-the-radar prospects from the international ranks. He isn’t getting much first round love at this point, but boasts a nice mix of athleticism, shooting and skill at 6-foot-10. If his frame fills out, he could be a promising stretch four with draft-and-stash value.
33. Brandon McCoy, C, UNLV
McCoy doesn’t do much of anything outside the paint, but has dominated college ball from the interior. He has a strong frame at 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, while his interior scoring and motor on the boards has made him a potential one-and-done prospect.
32. Chimezie Metu, PF/C, USC
Metu shows flashes of mid-range prowess and touch around the paint, but tends to mix that with ugly stretches on offense. He’s a bouncy athlete with plenty of upside at 6-foot-9, but has seen his stock drop rather significantly this season.
31. Gary Trent Jr., SG, Duke
Trent is pretty average athletically, but has nice size for his position at 6-foot-5 and plenty of shot-making ability on the wing. He needs to improve his feel as a passer, but can fill it up on the perimeter and has a nice bag of tricks when driving the lane and scoring around the paint.
30. Nick Richards, C, Kentucky
Despite starting, Richards’ role has been somewhat limited this season, as he’s only playing 16.9 minutes per game. Nonetheless, his combination of physical tools and defensive upside is enough to leave the frosh inside the top 30.
Richards’ frame is still filling out, but he’s 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and quick feet for his size. He moves well out to the perimeter, while his length and athleticism should allow him to protect the rim at the next level. He’s averaging 3.2 blocks per 40 minutes.
Offensively, Richards is still a work in progress. He hasn’t shown much out to the perimeter, but can finish above the rim and competes on the offensive glass.
29. Jalen Hudson, SG, Florida
Florida has struggled as of late, but Hudson continues to boost his draft stock as somebody who can provide an instant scoring punch at the next level.
Hudson has already doubled his scoring average from his sophomore year, averaging 16.9 points per game while taking on an expanded role in his first year with the Gators. The Virginia Tech transfer is also shooting 43.7 percent from deep while boasting a nice pull-up game inside the arc.
He projects as a solid defender too, standing 6-foot-6 with the potential to defend multiple positions. That kind of 3-and-D skill set is something NBA teams value.
28. Landry Shamet, PG, Wichita State
Shamet burst onto the scene late last season, coming alive during the Shockers’ tournament run. Now he’s taking on an even larger role and building on that momentum in his junior year. He is, quite simply, the best player on one of the best teams in college basketball.
While he doesn’t impress with his athleticism, Shamet has good size for the point guard spot at 6-foot-4. He’s a smooth ball handler with ample quickness, while his 3-point shoot continues to fall at an advanced rate.
Where Shamet really earns a first round grade, however, is defense. Smart two-way playmakers are at a premium, so expect his stock to continue rising as the season goes on.
27. Jarred Vanderbilt, PF, Kentucky
Vanderbilt remains sidelined with a foot injury, but his recovery efforts are ramping up. If all goes as planned, he shouldn’t need a full year of basketball to garner first round consideration.
At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Vanderbilt’s athleticism and playmaking potential make up for his lack of a jumper. If he does eventually get back on the court, it’ll be interesting to see how he meshes with Kentucky’s frontcourt-heavy rotation — especially considering their spacing issues.
Defensively, Vanderbilt stacks up favorably at the next level. He’s long with mobility out to the perimeter, giving him a solid floor even if his offensive development doesn’t pan out. It’s tough to drop him outside the top 30, even with the injury concerns.
26. V.J. King, SF, Louisville
King is easily one of the most overlooked prospects in college basketball, which could be partially due to Louisville’s struggles as a program. Nonetheless, he’s a long wing whose offensive game is only growing with Donovan Mitchell in the NBA.
While he doesn’t have the advantage of a high-usage role, King has a lot of nice tools offensively. He’s hitting threes at a 41.9 percent clip, while his work coming off of screens continues to impress. He’s a dangerous pull-up threat, to boot.
Defensively, King’s lengthy frame and energetic approach should translate well. He’s a 3-and-D wing who thrives in transition and has some upside as a shot-maker. He might not commit this year, but he should inevitably work his way into the first round discussion at some point.
25. Shake Milton, PG/SG, SMU
Milton has been on the radar for a while and he’s trending towards a late-first round selection. At 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot wingspan, Milton is a fluid athlete with potential at either guard spot.
He isn’t the most advanced ball handler, but Milton’s feel has really shined this season. He makes nice reads in the pick-and-roll, while his ability to get to the rim and finish is aided by his long strides.
On top of that, he’s a capable spot-up shooter who can play off the ball when needed. He’s currently shooting 39.1 percent from deep, which is actually a slight dip from his career average. That can likely be chalked up to an increase in volume, which is normal.
24. Hamidou Diallo, SG, Kentucky
Diallo has some major question marks offensively. He’s an inconsistent shooter who can’t do much else in the halfcourt setting right now. There’s some upside as a cutter, but he’s not much of an isolation threat and lacks in the playmaking department.
If his offensive polish doesn’t improve, Diallo will need to prove he can defend at the next level. He has plenty of tools — 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot wingspan — but his efforts have been variable on that side of the ball.
A freakish transition threat with plenty of hops, Diallo’s stock has always been tied to his athleticism. If the rest of his game doesn’t come around, though, he could drop down this board.
23. Grayson Allen, SG, Duke
Allen has emerged as the vocal leader for an otherwise young Duke squad, an encouraging development considering his character issues in years past. He’s also the best senior in the 2018 class, which normally translates to immediate production — even if his ceiling is lower than his freshmen counterparts.
As a skilled shot-maker with plenty of range, Allen’s value is rooted in shooting. He’s somebody who can come off the bench and fill it up on the perimeter, which has a lot of value for a competitive team looking for ready-to-go talent late in the first round.
We’ve also seen some point guard skills from Allen over the years, although I doubt he transitions there full-time. His energy on defense is a positive as well.
22. De’Anthony Melton, PG/SG, USC
The FBI’s investigation into Melton continues, although the evidence we’ve seen suggests he should be playing. Even if he ends up sitting out the whole year, though, expect Melton to still get some first round looks.
At 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, Melton’s defensive profile is impressive. He’s capable of guarding multiple positions on the perimeter, while his energy on that side of the ball has always impressed. He has a solid floor with defense alone.
Offensively, Melton has some obvious potential. He’s a smart passer who thrives in transition, but cleaner handles and a better 3-point shot remain points of emphasis. He shot just 28.4 percent from deep last season.
21. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, PG/SG, Virginia Tech
Much like Melton, Alexander-Walker is a talented comboguard with some obvious appeal on both ends. He might end up returning to school for another year, but shoulder get the attention of scouts if he decides to leave this summer.
At 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, it’s not hard to see where his potential lies defensively. He already has some pretty good instincts, allowing him to get into passing lanes and get the offense moving in the other direction.
Offensively, Alexander-Walker could do well alongside another capable ball handler. He has a projectable stroke on spot-ups, while his long strides help him get to the rim in pick-and-rolls. He shows some nice flashes as a passer, but he’s not playing much of a point guard role at this point.
20. Dzanan Musa, SF, Cedevita
Musa is 6-foot-9 and gets buckets, putting up impressive numbers relative to his situation with Cedevita. He’s quickly emerging as the clear-cut No. 2 prospect from the international ranks.
A slim frame, sometimes-awkward stature and short arms all hurt Musa’s stock. He’s a crafty scorer who can hit shots at all three levels, but how his game will translate against NBA-level athletes is a valid concern.
On top of his offensive contributions, Musa is a fiery competitor. He can let his emotions get the best of him, but he’ll grind on defense and look to make winning plays when possible.
19. Mitchell Robinson, C, N/A
Robinson could have benefited from a year of college ball, but he left Western Kentucky after an odd series of events this summer. Now, he’ll look to go straight from high school to the draft, with a year of training in between.
At 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Robinson should get mid-to-late first round looks on physical tools alone. He has clear upside as a rim protector, while his mobility — at his size — is a rare bonus.
Robinson won’t do quite as much offensively. He has shown some signs of a jumper in the past, but will function mostly as a roll man and lob-catcher at the next level. There’s some skill to work with, though, so the ceiling is high.
18. Anfernee Simons, SG, IMG Academy
Simons is spending a post-Graduate year at IMG Academy, meaning he’s capable of jumping straight to the draft. He originally commited to Louisville next season, but that doesn’t seem to be his plan at this point.
While young and inexperienced, there’s a lot to like with Simons’ upside. He’s an advanced scorer, boasting tight handles and quick-twitch athleticism at 6-foot-4. He generates space well in isolation and is plenty explosive when driving the lane.
He’s still filling out his frame, so defense will be a struggle, but he has the tools with a 6-foot-7 wingspan. Like every high school prospect, he’d be a work in progress. That shouldn’t dissuade a competitive team that can afford to take it’s time developing him.
17. Troy Brown, SG/SF, Oregon
Standing 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, there’s a lot to like with Brown’s game — even if he’s further behind that some anticipated. He’s a skilled passer for his size, working well in the pick-and-roll and making impressive reads for an 18-year-old wing.
Brown has always been lauded for his defensive upside as well. He has a solid frame that should continue to fill out, allowing him to defend multiple positions while filling a versatile role on the other end as well.
He’s also looking more comfortable as a spot-up shooter, hitting on 36 percent of his 3-point attempts. That’s a solid improvement over his early-season struggles.
16. Wendell Carter Jr., PF/C, Duke
Al Horford was always the comparison of choice for Carter and it’s not hard to see why. At 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, he’s a skilled post scorer with underrated passing skills and some defensive potential at the five.
Carter hasn’t been featured much in Duke’s offense, but that’s mainly due to the talent around him. He has shown an impressive motor on the offensive glass, though, allowing him to clean up easy looks while giving Duke and insane advantage in that department alongside Marvin Bagley.
Shooting is a question mark at this point. His shot looked good in high school, but he hasn’t had the opportunity to shoot much at Duke. That’s something that will be stressed in pre-draft workouts.
15. Bruce Brown Jr., PG/SG, Miami
Brown entered the season as a potential top-10 talent, but is in severe danger of tumbling down these rankings after a rough start to the season. He’s 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, so the athleticism and physical tools are all there, but he seems to have lost some of his luster offensively.
Perhaps the most glaring example of Brown’s recent struggles was Miami’s loss to Georgia Tech on Wendnesday. He was out of sync all night, missing easy looks and struggling to find any sort of rhythm — all why his primary matchup, Josh Okogie, thrived on the other end.
His physical gifts and defensive ceiling should keep Brown firmly in the first round conversation, but he’s an older sophomore (21) who’s showing minimal growth.
14. Lonnie Walker IV, SG/SF, Miami
Walker has been coming off the bench for the Hurricanes, but has earned the edge over Brown for the time being. He’s 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, enticing physical tools for a two-guard who has shown some impressive instincts on the defensive end.
Offensively, Walker relies mostly on spot-ups at this point. He’s a capable slasher who can play well above the rim, but he hasn’t had much of a featured role in Miami’s veteran-ladden rotation. He’s only shooting 31.3 percent from deep, but his stroke projects well long term.
An upper-echelon athlete with a nice 3-and-D skill set, Walker should have enough to keep himself in the lottery discussion this summer. I expect his role to grow as the season goes on, so he should get more opportunities to show his stuff as well.
13. Miles Bridges, SF/PF, Michigan State
It’s tough for me to move Bridges any higher than this. He’s obviously as insane athlete, but his margin of growth from last season to this season has underwhelmed. Up to this point in the season, he just hasn’t improved much.
Bridges’ 3-point percentage has dropped to 34.9 perecent. That’s higher than it was earlier in the year, but he still hasn’t shown enough consistency for somebody who, as an undersized stretch-four, relies heavily on that aspect of his game.
Aside from Bridges’ shooting, his offense has come in flashes more than anything else. He’s a dangerous cutter and an obvious transition threat, but hasn’t shown much as a passer and struggles to create his own shot at times.
12. Robert Williams, PF/C, Texas A&M
In a class loaded with talented bigs, Williams remains one of the best defensive prospects. His offense hasn’t taken a step forward like many had hoped, but his unique physical gifts should allow him to impact the game immediately at the next level.
At 6-foot-10, Williams’ 7-foot-4 wingspan and springy athleticism allows him to protect the rim at a level few collegiate bigs can match. He’s also mobile out to the perimeter, moving his feet well when switched onto smaller players.
Offensively, Williams is mainly an at-rim finisher. He showed some flashes of a mid-range jumper last season, but hasn’t done much to establish (much less extend) that range this season. Again, that’s one of those skills that will be heavily monitored in pre-draft workouts.
11. Trevon Duval, PG, Duke
Duval can’t shoot the ball, and that’s obviously an issue. But he’s also really good everywhere else, starting with his 6-foot-3 frame, which is complimented by a 6-foot-9 wingspan and elite athleticism.
While Collin Sexton gets a lot of praise for his defensive effort, Duval is on that same level as a two-way prospect. He grinds out every possession, using his length and quick hands to bother passing lanes and rack up steals.
His non-shooting is an issue, but he’s still a highly adept faciliator with an advanced feel for the game. Combine that with his ability to get to the rim and push the pace in transition, and you have somebody who should be a solid NBA point guard.
10. Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
I’m cooling off on Sexton, mainly due to his inconsistency. For somebody whose passion and aggressiveness is so heavily praised, his tendency to fade in and out of games is baffling. He’s too gifted to defer in Alabama’s offense.
Nonetheless, he’s still the most high-usage player in the SEC, with the Tide running just about every offensive set through him when able. His shot is off and on, but he’s shooting 39.1 percent from deep — a promising sign when you consider the concerns over his shooting before the season.
That improved shooting, combined with his strong finishing around the basket and improved feel as a playmaker, leaves Sexton in the top 10.
9. Kevin Knox, SF/PF, Kentucky
Knox remains in the top 10 despite some obvious flaws. He’s 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, a versatile athlete at the forward positions — something NBA teams crave. He’s currently shooting 33.3 percent from deep, something he’ll need to keep building on to stay this high.
The Wildcats are severely lacking when it comes to spacing, so Knox’s ability to knock down shots is important. He’s still rough when it comes to creating his own offense in isolation, though, so that shooting is equally as important to his draft stock.
His physical tools bode well on the defensive end. He can defend on the perimeter while making smart plays around the interior, giving his coaches at the next level plenty of options. He’s the best stretch-four in this draft outside of Michael Porter Jr.
8. Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Villanova
A Philly favorite, Bridges has taken a massive leap forward this season. His 3-and-D potential has always been there, but his ability to take on a featured role in Villanova’s offense is something many people questioned before the season.
He’s still not much of a creator, so his combination of spot-up shooting and cutting will be his bread and butter at the next level. But he’s at least showing some promise off the bounce, handling himself better when he’s forced to put the ball on the floor.
Defense, of course, remains Bridges’ calling card — and moves him into the top eight. He’s 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and crazy instincts, working his way into passing lanes, making weakside blocks and proving effective against the opposition’s best players in most cases.
7. Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C, Michigan State
As somebody I was high on entering the season, Jackson has done nothing but live up to that hype. He’s easily the best prospect on Michigan State, emerging as a high-level defender and a capable stretch-big offensively.
At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Jackson’s length and mobility allows him to cover a lot of ground on the defensive end. He’s perfectly capable of sliding his feet on the perimeter, while he continues to show impressive instincts around the basket.
Jackson also has his shot falling offensively. His mechanics are funky, but the shot has worked since high school. He’s currently shooting 43.2 percent from deep, thriving in pick-and-pops and as the trailing big in transition. Add some fluid post moves to that, and you have a top-seven talent.
6. Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma
Young has been out of his mind this season, averaging 29.4 points and 10.6 assists per game. He’s the (undisputed) best player in college basketball, and he wasn’t even considered a top-20 freshman a few months ago.
From a physical standpoint, NBA teams might have concerns. He’s only 6-foot-2, while his athleticism isn’t exactly great. But that shouldn’t hurt his stock much, because he’s too dang skilled to drop any lower than this.
Aside from his limitless range, Young is also an advanced facilitator. He uses his quick first step and excellent change of pace to work his way into the teeth of the defense, while his vision continues to impress. Stephen Curry comparisons are dangerous, but he’s really (really, really) good.
5. Michael Porter Jr., SF/PF, Missouri
Porter’s stock will naturally fall due to injury concerns. He has said he might return this season, but a clean bill of health is the most important factor in just how high (or low) he’ll go on draft night. He doesn’t fall too far, though, since he was a viable No.1 candidate entering the season.
At 6-foot-10, Porter is one of the best bucket-getters we’ve seen in a while. He’s a smooth operator in isolation, boasting an impressive pull-up and plenty of tricks with the ball in his hands. That ability to be the offense’s go-to option is something NBA teams (especially those in a rebuilding phase) will value.
He’s also a plus defensive prospect, with his combination of size, mobility and length benefiting him on that side of the ball. Still, his health is the biggest factor.
4. Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
After a middling start to the season, Bamba has shot back up draft boards. A 7-foot frame, topped off by a 7-foot-9 wingspan, made it difficult for him to fall too far in the first place.
Even though there are some elite defensive bigs in this year’s lottery discussion, nobody’s ceiling reaches as high as Bamba’s. His length allows him to alter shots that normally go uncontested, and evidenced by his eight blocks against Kansas last week.
Somebody with a standing reach that rivals Rudy Gobert brings a lot of intrigue, even if his skill set isn’t polished at this point. He’s probably the most raw player in the top 10, but his defensive upside is something teams will have a tough time passing on.
3. Marvin Bagley III, PF/C, Duke
Bagley continues to dominate college basketball with his athleticism alone, using an insane motor and plenty of tricks around the basket. His skill is still catching up to his physical tools, but he’s also an 18-year-old who entered college a year early.
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Currently averaging 21.9 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, Bagley would be running away with National Player of the Year if it wasn’t for Trae Young’s slightly-more-ridiculous productivity. His ability to put up big numbers on a nightly basis is something scouts will have to respect.
An elite athlete for a 7-footer, Bagley’s defense should come around with further development. He’s mobile out to the perimeter and has plenty of hops around the rim, but he still struggles on that end right now. Part of that could be the general disregard for defense that Duke tends to show.
2. Deandre Ayton, C, Arizona
Ayton is a cyborg sent to destroy earth. At 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, his frame is already NBA-ready — and then some. That, when paired with his offensive skill set, slides Ayton into the top two.
At this point, Ayton already has the tools needed to be a team’s focal point on both ends. He’s extremely skilled offensively, showing a consistent stroke from mid-range while using his strength and advanced footwork to carve out space and score around the rim. He’s also a good passer out of the post.
The defensive end presents some odd difficulties for Ayton. With his tools, he should become an elite defender — something that NBA coaching, ideally, unlocks. He doesn’t really try right now, though, and that lackluster effort can lead to some pretty brutal mistakes.
1. Luka Doncic, PG/SG, Real Madrid
Producing at a historic rate on an elite European sqaud against the best non-NBA competition in the world is tough. Doing it as an 18-year-old is unheralded, and Doncic has done so with ease. There’s little argument against him being the no. 1 prospect at this point.
At 6-foot-8, Doncic makes up for his average athleticism with skill beyond measure. He’s an incredible passer, quickly emerging as the next high-I.Q. playmaker in an increasingly long line of prospects, starting with Ben Simmons and Lonzo Ball. His feel for the game is miles ahead of anybody else in this class.
On top of his obvious passing skills, Doncic has also grown as a scorer. He’s not an elite isolation guy, but can use his change of pace to find room and knock down shots when opportunities are available. He’s also improving his 3-point stroke, to boot.
I dove into Doncic’s potential in Philadelphia here, which gives you more in-depth reasoning behind why he’s worth the top pick.