The Sixer Sense
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2018 NBA Draft Big Board 7.0

By Christopher Kline

Real Madrid's Slovenian Luka Doncic reacts during the Euroleague Final Four finals basketball match between Real Madrid and Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul at The Stark Arena in Belgrade on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images)
Real Madrid's Slovenian Luka Doncic reacts during the Euroleague Final Four finals basketball match between Real Madrid and Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul at The Stark Arena in Belgrade on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NJ – FEBRUARY 28: Villanova Wildcats guard Jalen Brunson (1) during the first half of the College Basketball Game between the Seton Hall Pirates and the Villanova Wildcats on February 28, 2018, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ – FEBRUARY 28: Villanova Wildcats guard Jalen Brunson (1) during the first half of the College Basketball Game between the Seton Hall Pirates and the Villanova Wildcats on February 28, 2018, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The reigning National Player of the Year is one of the steadiest hands in the draft, seldom making careless mistakes with the ball. He doesn’t have elite athleticism, but is a knockdown shooter who can break down defenders with shifty ball handling and change of pace.

For competitive teams looking for an immediate contributor, Brunson makes sense. He spent his college career in a pro-style offense at Villanova, while his basketball I.Q. and feel for the game exceeds the vast majority of rookies.

As somebody who can spend time both on and off the ball, Brunson brings nice versatility on the offensive end. His measurables limit his defensive ceiling, but he competes hard on that side of the ball. He’s a ready-made NBA backup.