Ranking the top 60 prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft.
The 2018 NBA Draft goes down on Thursday, June 21 at 7 PM ET. The Philadelphia 76ers will go into the evening with six picks (10th, 26th, 38th, 39th, 56th and 60th), giving them several opportunities to add to the depth chart and make long-term investments.
In non-Sixers news, the storylines at the top of the draft are beginning to catch fire. It seems like every top-five team outside of Phoenix wants to trade their pick, while several surprise names might be rising (or falling) in that range.
This year’s draft class is another talented group, especially toward the top. There are several bigs, but all of them are capable of finding their niche and thriving in the modern NBA. Luka Doncic is the best international prospect of all-time and he might fall out of the top three.
As always, this big board is my personal set of rankings. Rather than projecting where certain players might land like our mock drafts, this board serves as analysis of each players’ skill set and how NBA teams should value their abilities.
Clark projects as a high-energy role player, defending multiple positions, crashing the glass and diving to the rim. He hit on 43.5 percent of his threes last season, but has clunky mechanics that may not translate to the NBA. At 6-foot-7, Clark is on the smaller side for his projected position.
Mykhailiuk is a 6-foot-8 wing who could play some small-ball four once his frame fills out. He’s also a knockdown spot-up shooter, giving him a high-level NBA skill to work with. He improved incrementally in all four years at Kansas.
At 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, Carr has excellent defensive tools for a point guard. He can also fill up the score sheet in bursts, hitting tough shots both off the bounce and off the catch. His three-point mechanics worked in college, but the form is highly unconventional.
Spalding projects as an athletic rim-runner with upside on the defensive end. At 6-foot-10, he boasts a 7-foot-5 wingspan and the ability to switch onto the perimeter, intriguing tools for a late second-round prospect.
Sanon is a big point guard with crafty ball skills, using shifty dribble moves to work his way into the lane and score. He’s still raw and one of the youngest players in the draft, but he has very real NBA upside.
A microwave scorer who shoots the ball at a high level, Newman projects as an instant bucket-getter off the bench. He has shown flashes of lead guard skills in the past, but his NBA success will be derived from scoring.
Carter was one of the best defenders in college basketball last season. He lacks elite physical tools, but plays a hard-nosed brand of basketball and can defend opposing point guards at a high level. He also shoots the ball well.
Antetokounmpo is a long, versatile athlete who should be able to play both the four and five long term. His he has the coveted ability to switch onto the perimeter, as well as tremendous upside as a slasher.
Spellman will need to work on his conditioning at the next level, as he doesn’t have a clear defensive position at this point. With that said, he’s an excellent spot-up shooter who could bring value as a small-ball four (or five) on the offensive end.
Hall is a strong-bodied 3-and-D wing who can hit spot-up jumpers on one end and defend at a high level on the other. He’s not a great athlete, but plays within himself offensively and makes an impact defensively with his effort.
Metu is an ultra-athletic lob-catcher who has upside as a defender due to his bounciness and lateral quickness. He’s still raw offensively, but has shown flashes of touch around the painted area.
A long 6-foot-8 forward who can score at all three levels, Hervey flew under the radar at UT-Arlington. If it weren’t for injury concerns, Hervey would be far higher on this list.
Once a first-round prospect, Jackson missed most of last season with a shoulder injury. He’s an extremely versatile defender who projects as a decent shooter, but he needs to improve his consistency on the offensive end.
Diallo is one of the best pure athletes in the draft, right up there with Zhaire Smith and Miles Bridges. Where he falls short is the skill department — he’s a wild shooter, poor ball handler and inconsistent finisher. His physical tools give him some defensive upside, though.
Once a five-star recruit and projected lottery pick, Duval struggled in a complimentary role at Duke. His glaring lack of a jumper kills his value as a point guard, but his defensive tools and passing chops are enough to appeal to teams in the second round.
Essentially a 6-foot-9 point guard, Bonga presents some intriguing upside as a draft-and-stash candidate. He struggles with his shot, but has excellent feel in the pick-and-roll and is one of the youngest players in the draft. His defensive versatility is another bonus.
Graham was one of the best point guards in college basketball last season. He projects as a backup point guard who can work both on and off the ball due to his shooting prowess. While not an elite athlete, Graham is also an extremely aggressive defender.
With good size for the wing and one of the purest three-point strokes in the draft, It’s easy to see where Trent fits into the modern NBA. He’ll have to become a smarter player on both ends to maximize his talent at the next level, though.
Kurucs was largely considered a first-round talent in 2017 before opting to take his name out of the draft. Now he projects as a draft-and-stash in the second round, giving teams a fluid 6-foot-10 scorer to develop overseas.
Vanderbilt has one of the highest ceilings outside the top-20. He’s a non-shooter, but can handle the ball and make high-level passes at 6-foot-8. He’s also a versatile defender with the potential to guard all five positions. Severe injury concerns are the only reason his stock is so low.
Kulboka is another draft-and-stash guy. Standing around 6-foot-11, he’s a fluid scorer off the dribble who already shoots the ball at a high level. The biggest thing for him will be adding muscle, as he’s entirely too thin for the NBA game right now.
Brown struggled during his sophomore season, partially due to injury. He’s an explosive athlete with a strong frame and long arms, making him one of the more intriguing perimeter defenders in the draft. He can also attack the lane with an explosive first step and hit open threes.
Thomas is an elite perimeter stopper on the defensive end, using his 6-foot-11 wingspan to deny passing angles and irritate opposing ball handlers. He’s also a solid role player offensively, making smart passes and knocking down spot-up jumpers.
Milton is another comboguard who should find success on both ends. He has some impressive physical tools, while his shooting and feel in the pick-and-roll are promising traits. If he can clean up his handles, there is legitimate point guard upside.
Holiday shoots the ball at a high level, allowing him to play with an without the rock. He’s also a crafty playmaker in the pick-and-roll, using his slick handles and pull-up threat to beat opposing defenses. He puts in solid effort on the defensive end.
One of the best shooters in the draft and a high-I.Q. playmaker, Shamet should be able to carve out a role at the next level. He’s not an elite athlete and will need to add strength, but his ability to play with and without the ball makes him an easy offensive fit.
Wagner is among the best spot-up shooters in the draft, which is rare for a 7-footer. He won’t make much of an impact defensively, but his ability to space the floor and attack closeouts brings plenty of value offensively.
Alkins’ long, strong frame should allow him to defend multiple positions on the perimeter. He’s a hard-nosed player who can hit open shots and create off the dribble offensively, using his strength to absorb contact and get to the rim. He’s an excellent passer for a second-round wing.
There are some off-court concerns with Robinson stemming from his decision to leave Western Kentucky last summer. Still, his elite physical tools will get him looks in the first round. He’s an excellent rim-runner while boasting arguably the highest defensive ceiling in the 30+ range.
Simons spent a post-graduate season at IMG Academy, making him eligible for the draft out of high school. An explosive athlete with smooth handles and shot-making ability from anywhere on the court, he presents an intriguing upside play late in the first round or early in the second.
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.
Allen has reportedly been impressive in workouts, which isn’t too surprising. The four-year man out of Duke fared well in the combine’s athletic testing, while his perimeter shooting is an elite skill that NBA teams covet.
Running around screens and positioning himself off-ball, Allen projects as one of the best pure shooters in the draft. He can also put the ball on the floor and act as a secondary creator of sorts, running the pick-and-roll and showing legitimate point guard instincts.
Defense will be Allen’s biggest issue, as he lacks the quickness needed to hang with the league’s elite guards off the dribble. Shooters of his caliber almost always find ways to bring value, though.
Robinson is an electric scorer coming off one of the best individual seasons in ACC history. He’s already a dynamic pull-up threat, possessing a quick trigger and the ability to create space with tight handles at 6-foot-5.
He can also function without the ball, coming around screens and knocking down spot-up jumpers with similar success. There are questions about his athleticism, but he seems to have the craft needed to find success against NBA defenders.
Defense will be the swing skill of sorts for Robinson. In his current state, he projects best as a bench scorer who can run the offense from time to time. He has nice size for a comboguard, but will need to prove he’s capable of becoming a league-average defender.
Musa can get buckets, plain and simple. He’s also having an extremely productive season in Croatia, which is uncommon for 19-year-olds. He doesn’t seem like a draft-and-stash piece either, which could make him a prime target for teams looking for bench scoring in the late-first round.
At 6-foot-8, Musa is already a fluid shooter who thrives off the bounce. He falls victim to tunnel vision at times, but does an excellent job of combining shifty dribble combinations with a natural feel for changing speeds. His pull-up shooting and handles could make him a pick-and-roll ball handler down the line.
Boasting a negative wingspan, Musa doesn’t project as much of a defender. He’ll need to add weight in the NBA, but even then his instincts and effort level simply aren’t great on that side of the ball. Perhaps that can change at the next level, though, given his perception as a fiery competitor.
Evans fills a valuable 3-and-D archetype on the wing, playing to his strengths offensively and defending multiple positions on the other end. Average athleticism limits Evans’ upside, but he should be a productive role player from day one.
Despite a low release point, Evans should be a reliable spot-up shooter on the offensive end. He’s also capable of attacking closeouts and making quality passes on the move. He’s one of the smartest players in this range, always making the right play and keeping the ball in motion.
On the defensive end, Evans in 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, allowing him to guard twos and threes with ease. He can spend some time on point guards as well, although his limited quickness hurts him in that regard. Nonetheless, Evans should be an excellent defender at an important position.
Fraizer helped himself with a strong combine showing and excellent measurements, standing 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. One of the best athletes in this range, he projects as a versatile defender who can function in a complimentary role offensively.
Despite playing on a subpar Tulane team, Fraizer flashed the kind of defensive upside that teams would be wise to bet on. His length allows him to cut off passing lanes and force turnovers, while his energy level impresses on a nightly basis.
He’s still raw, but Frazier does have the basic traits needed to find his niche offensively. He has an awkward, head-level release point, but Frazier is a capable spot-up shooter. He can also leverage his athleticism as a cutter and finisher around the rim.
Okogie is one of the better athletes in the draft and another versatile wing defender hovering around the mid-20s. Standing 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot wingspan, his strong frame should allow him to check positions one through three at the next level.
Much like Fraizer, Okogie does an excellent job of staying engaged on the defensive end. He fights through screens, explodes into passing lanes and is an absolute dog in isolation, often taking on the task of guarding the opposition’s best player.
On the offensive end, Okogie showed upside as a difficult shot-maker while at Tech. He’ll take on more of a complimentary role in the NBA, but is already a spot-up threat who can attack closeouts and knock down dribble pull-ups. He’s another strong off-ball cutter.
Melton is one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft. His instincts are insane, while his measurables — 6-foot-3, 6-foot-9 wingspan — compare favorably to any comboguard on the board.
Despite sitting out his entire sophomore campaign due to the FBI investigation, Melton should receive serious first-round looks. He was one of the best performers at the combine last month and he showed more than enough during his freshman campaign.
Albeit limited as a ball handler, Melton can attack the rim on drives and make solid reads in the pick-and-roll. He was an iffy shooter during his one season at USC, but has showed off a much-improved stroke during pre-draft workouts. That’s a positive progression.
Bates-Diop is a crafty isolation scorer who should attract some mismatches as a small-ball four. His spot-up shooting allows him to space the floor, while advanced footwork and soft touch allows him to score in a variety of ways around the paint.
At 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Bates-Diop also projects as a multi-positional defender, spending time on just about every position. He’ll need to add strength to defend stronger frontcourt players in the NBA, but his versatility and floor spacing is a valuable combination.
The reigning Big 10 Player of the Year has been on draft radars for a while, but it wasn’t until his senior year that he finally broke out. Bates-Diop carried the load on both ends for Ohio State, leading them to an unexpected NCAA Tournament run.
Hutchison was among the most productive players in the country last season. At 6-foot-7, he projects as a versatile wing who, albeit in a more refined role than what we saw at Boise State, can contribute across the board offensively.
He isn’t much of an isolation scorer, but Hutchison thrives in straight-line drives. With long strides and silky touch around the rim, he’s able to absorb contact and finish in the lane consistently. He also flashed some nice passing skills on the move.
Assuming his spot-up shooting translates, Hutchison should be an effective role player from day one. He’s arguably the best senior in the draft class, and should give whichever team selects him NBA-ready production on both ends.
Sexton has worked out for teams picking as high as the Magic at No. 6, and there seems to be a more-than-solid chance that he comes off the board in the top 10. Teams love his shot-making and competitiveness. I just don’t see it.
There are definitely positive traits in Sexton’s game. He’s a strong, explosive athlete who is a handful when working downhill. He has a quick first step and is an absolute terror in transition, with the strength needed to absorb contact and finish at the rim.
Where Sexton falls short is efficiency. He’s not a great shooter and he doesn’t create for others at a high level, something you want from a top-10 point guard. He feels more like an inefficient, volume-based scorer than a perennial All-Star.
Okobo has been shooting up draft boards after a strong run in France, and for good reason. A dynamic lefty shot-maker, he’s capable of scoring in variety of ways, both with and without the ball. His playmaking has improved drastically as well.
Using shifty dribble moves, Okobo is able to work his way into shots at all three levels. He has a fluid step-back from deep, while his athleticism debunks the typical European sterotypes. He can play above the rim when given the opportunity to do so.
Long arms should help Okobo defend both guard spots at the next level. He isn’t known for his defensive prowess, but has the tools needed to become a quality two-way guard in time. He’s the kind of gamble teams should consider in a point guard-deprived class.
I’m all-in on DiVincenzo’s skill set, even if it serves him best in a sixth man role. He’s one of the best shooters in the draft and he can create at a high level off the bounce, a rare combination outside the lottery.
There’s a good chance that DiVincenzo can make the transition to point guard full-time if needed, which should help his stock. His pull-up shooting serves him well in the pick-and-roll, while his feel for shifting gears and changing speeds makes him difficult to defend.
On the defensive end, DiVincenzo lacks ideal measurements. With that said, he’s a hard-nosed, high-energy defender who can feasibly spend time on either guard spot. He gets after things in isolation and doesn’t get caught sleeping off the ball, which can’t be said for everyone.
Williams didn’t build on his stock in year two, but he still projects as an elite defensive prospect at the five. Standing 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, he’s a mobile athlete with the ability to switch onto the perimeter and reject shots at a high clip.
Adding to his offensive game will be Williams’ primary focus, but he’s already capable of doing damage as a rim-running big who can catch lobs with ease. He played out of position at A&M, so NBA spacing should open up his game in new ways.
One of the biggest points of emphasis for Williams at the next level will be his shooting. He showed flashes during his freshman campaign, but didn’t really improve last season. His clunky release will need some work, but it’d be highly beneficial for him to add some range to his game.
Knox has been on the rise recently, potentially into the top 10 on some draft boards. He didn’t get to showcase the full extent of his skill set at Kentucky, but we can still get a good feel for what the 6-foot-9 forward brings to an NBA floor.
More spacing should help Knox quite a bit. He’s a decent spot-up shooter himself, while his off-ball cutting and straight-line drives are some of his best attributes. He attacks the lane in long, fluid strides, finishing with touch around the basket or hitting the short-range pull-up. He has some upside as a passer.
There is very real go-to scoring potential with Knox, even if his role at Kentucky failed to embrace it. He needs too polish his handles, but somebody who combines his athletic tools and shot-making upside is understandably appealing to late-lottery teams.
Huerter is the best off-ball shooter in the draft, filling a role similar to that of J.J. Redick on the perimeter. At 6-foot-7, he’s an absolute marksman coming around screens, quickly setting his feet and knocking down off-balance shots consistently.
His gravity as a shooter will open up any offense while also opening up the rest of his game. Huerter isn’t an especially creative ball handler, but he aggressively attacks closeouts, either getting to the rim or stepping into mid-range pull-ups.
He has the size and smarts needed to defend well, but will need to add some more muscle at the next level. Until then, the bulk of Huerter’s good will come on the offensive end, where he fits one of the most valuable complimentary archetypes in the NBA.
Smith is probably the best athlete in the draft. He’s one of the least-refined prospects in the lottery discussion, but his defensive upside and athletic ceiling are two things that NBA teams will covet. His high basketball I.Q. alleviates a lot of potential concerns as well.
At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Smith has the tools needed to defend one through three. He’s also an impressive off-ball defender, bursting into passing lanes and making the occasional high-flying block on the weak side. He also rebounds supremely well for a wing.
Where Smith needs to work on his game is the offensive end. He’s an explosive cutter and smart passer, but doesn’t project all that well as a shooter or ball handler. He hit threes at a solid rate in college, but they were standstill, spot-up threes that gave him enough time to get off his lengthy release. That won’t always cut it in the NBA.
Brown is one of the most unique prospects in the draft, blending defensive versatility and playmaking like few others. He was out of the national spotlight at Oregon, but put together a solid campaign that’s worthy of lottery consideration.
At 6-foot-7, Brown has a 6-foot-10 wingspan and a sturdy frame, giving him the potential to defend one through four. He’s somewhat short on lateral quickness, but he has strong instincts and competes hard every possession.
Inconsistent shooting mechanics hurt Brown, but he should at least become a reliable spot-up shooter. He ability to playmake off the bounce, whether it be running the pick-and-roll or finding teammates off drives to the rim, gives him intriguing upside on the offensive end.
Bridges put up similar numbers to his freshman campaign, but took on a bigger role and made a handful of key improvements in year two. Perhaps the biggest revelation this season, though, was his shooting. He showed that his shooting totals from the year before weren’t a fluke.
Aside from his spot-up shooting, Bridges flashed more potential off the bounce. He’s still a limited ball handler, but is capable of attacking the rim in straight-line drives, making passes on the move and hitting the occasional dribble pull-up. His strength and explosiveness make him one of the better cutters as well.
On the defensive end, Bridges is in an interesting spot. He’s 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, but many consider him a small-ball four more than a true wing. He’s quick and strong enough to guard one through four in spurts, but we’ll see if his limited length has any negative effects.
Bridges is a high-character guy who epitomizes the 3-and-D wing archetype. He needs to strengthen his frame, but he projects as arguably the best perimeter defender in the draft long term.
Standing 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Bridges’ length allows him to play the passing lanes and disrupt opposing ball handlers. He can feasibly guard one through three at a high level, fitting the switch-friendly nature of the modern game.
On the offensive end, Bridges is limited. He’s an elite shooter with a near-flawless release, but he lacks the ball handling needed to create off the dribble. With that said, he’s a decent passer who can attack closeouts and finish in the lane. There’s room for him to improve his handles long term.
Walker is one off the smartest players you’ll find in interviews, which is always a positive sign. He’s also a plus athlete whose length makes him an effective defender, whether it be choking off passing lanes or soaring in for the occasional weak-side block.
On the offensive end, Walker can already function without the ball. He has solid footwork coming around screens and boasts compact shooting mechanics off the catch. Assuming his handles continue to improve, he also flashed some go-to scoring upside off the dribble.
Walker’s athleticism also helps as a cutter and slasher, where he can hang and contort his body to finish around the rim. He might take a few years to peak, but he has more upside than Mikal Bridges and is over two years younger.
Gilgeous-Alexander is quietly one of the better perimeter defenders in the draft. He’ll need to add more muscle, but his measurements are borderline unfair for a point guard. His length rivals that of most wings, standing 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot wingspan.
While not an elite athlete, Gilgeous-Alexander can deploy a number of crafty dribble moves to get where he wants offensively. Not many players have a superior feel for changing pace and keeping defenders off balance, whether it be on the fastbreak or slithering his way to the rim in the pick-and-roll.
Shooting will be a point of emphasis for Gilgeous-Alexander, and he’ll definitely need to quicken his release and prove he can hit NBA threes. With that said, his soft touch around the rim and ability to hit mid-range pull-ups should give optimism that he can improve as a shooter.
Porter Jr. was the consensus No. 1 prospect last summer before Marvin Bagley III reclassified. He only played three games at Missouri, developing severe injury concerns in the process, but he has one of the highest ceilings in the draft. That’s why his stock is rising.
At 6-foot-10, Porter is a fluid athlete who can score competently at all three levels. He’s a dynamic pull-up threat out to the three-point line, while his ability to shoot and finish over smaller defenders drew comparisons to (the discount version of) Kevin Durant in high school.
Go-to scoring at his size is always valuable, especially when that player can space the floor. Porter also projects as a versatile defender given his size and athleticism. If everything checks out medically, Porter going in the top-five isn’t as crazy as some make it sound.
Aside from Luka Doncic, Young is unquestionably the best point guard in the 2018 class. There are always defensive concerns with smaller point guards, but he possesses the kind of offensive upside that should get serious looks anywhere outside the top two.
He’s the most dynamic shooter in the draft, hitting shots from well beyond the NBA three-point line. His quick release allows him to shoot with minimal space, while his passing chops make him especially dangerous due to his ability to attack closeouts and create.
In the pick-and-roll, Young is one of the better passers we’ve seen in recent years. He has an advanced understanding of angles, whipping on-time passes with an impressive blend of velocity and accuracy. He can play the role of set-up man as well as anyone in the draft.
Carter was overshadowed by other five-star talent at Duke, but he remains one of several elite bigs in a frontcourt-heavy lottery discussion. Given the versatility of his skill set offensively, it shouldn’t be hard to build around him (or have him fit next to others) on that side of the ball.
Standing 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, Carter has an NBA-ready body and an elite post-up game, combining high-level footwork and soft touch on the block. He’s also a solid passer, earning him comparisons to Al Horford. He projects as a capable spot-up shooter from three-point range.
Defensively, the primary concern with Carter is his lateral quickness. He struggled to defend in space at Duke, which is an issue in the spaced-out version of today’s NBA. He’s a plus athlete and one of the highest-I.Q. bigs in the draft, though, so there’s reason to believe that part of his game can improve.
Jackson is arguably the best defensive big in the draft, with impressive instincts as a shot-blocker and the ability to contain quicker guards on the perimeter. He fits the modern game and is 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, giving him all the requisite physical tools.
He also projects as an important contributor offensively, setting hard screens and either rolling to the rim or popping out for a three-point shot. His shooting mechanics are odd, but they work — he’s already an elite pick-and-pop threat.
There is also some untapped potential with Jackson in the post. He didn’t really play enough at Michigan State, but he’s an apt passer who displays nice touch on the block. Some folks question his ability to develop into a go-to option, but he has the versatility and skill needed to get there.
Bagley’s motor is the first thing that stands out to you upon watching film. He just gets after things, especially on the glass. That’s part of the reason why his floor is so high — he projects as the best rebounder, offensive and defensive, in the 2018 class.
On the offensive end, Bagley’s athleticism also gives him some unique upside. He can hit spot-up jumpers and attack in straight-line drives , finishing with a variety of moves around the rim. He’s also a lob threat in the pick-and-roll who can occasionally handle and pass the ball.
Where Bagley’s primary concerns come into play is on the defensive end. He’s quick enough to switch onto the perimeter, but lacks the instincts and shot-blocking prowess needed to be elite on that end. He’ll need to make major strides as a team defender.
Bamba has always been praised for his work ethic and willingness to learn. He’s a smart player who has already shown off some significant improvements during pre-draft workouts, especially with his jumper. Oh, and his wingspan is 7-foot-10.
While Jaren Jackson Jr. is probably the more ready-made defensive prospect, Bamba’s ceiling is unmatched. He’s longer and quicker than Rudy Gobert, and far more skilled than the Frenchman was at 19. He can block shots exceedingly well and use his length to stick with quicker players off the bounce.
He still needs to add more to his game offensively, but Bamba projects as a rim-runner who can finish with excellent efficiency around the rim due to his soft touch and long arms. He showed flashes of spot-up shooting and seems to be working on that this summer, but there’s no guarantee that it’s a reliable weapon at this stage in his development.
Ayton is a physical specimen in the mold of Thanos, standing 7-foot with a 7-foot-5 wingspan and endless athletic gifts. He’s strong enough to compete with Joel Embiid underneath, but also has the versatility needed to score and facilitate from the perimeter.
Using his strength and advanced footwork, Ayton is already a polished scoring threat who can make high-level passes from the post. He has also shown the ability to step out and drain mid-range jumpers, with the potential to stretch his shot to the three-point line.
Defense has been a major talking point with Ayton. His numbers were historically bad in college, but it’s important to understand the context. He was playing out of position all season, defending the four next to a slow-footed five. He can also stick with guards on the perimeter, which is insane given his size and muscle mass. There is more than enough defensive potential under the right NBA coaching staff.
Doncic is the best European prospect of all-time, bar none. He recently won Euroleague MVP before leading Real Madrid to the championship, where he earned Final 4 MVP. He also paired with Goran Dragic to lead Slovenia to their first Eurobasket title last summer. He’s only a few months into his 19th year of life.
At 6-foot-8, Doncic is an elite playmaker who can attack defenses in a variety of ways. He’s not an elite athlete, but makes up for that by utilizing changes in speed and shifty dribble combinations to keep his defenders off balance and get where he wants.
In the pick-and-roll, Doncic is capable of making just about every available pass. He can see over the top of defenders and throw accurate dimes with the perfect velocity every time. He should be able to play off the ball as well, making him an impact piece in just about any system.
The fact that Doncic might slip to the fourth spot on draft night is almost disappointing.