The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2019 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0

By Christopher Kline

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 28: Nassir Little #10 of Orlando Christian Prep drives against Zion Williamson #12 of Spartanburg Day School during the 2018 McDonald's All American Game at Philips Arena on March 28, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 28: Nassir Little #10 of Orlando Christian Prep drives against Zion Williamson #12 of Spartanburg Day School during the 2018 McDonald's All American Game at Philips Arena on March 28, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Many were surprised by Gafford’s decision to return to Arkansas after a strong freshman campaign. There are always inherent risks in returning to school, but there could be advantages in Gafford’s case.

The 2018 draft was riddled with elite bigs. Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley, Jaren Jackson Jr., Mohamed Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr. all went in the top 10. Gafford would have been vastly overshadowed.

Now he enters a 2019 class with limited frontcourt depth, setting him up as one of the premier center prospects. His elite athleticism and tantalizing physical tools have already caught the attention of NBA teams, and he has the chance to build on that next season.

Gafford is an elite lob-catcher and rim-runner, using his athleticism to play above the rim with ease. He’s also an excellent rim protector with decent mobility in space. If he can add more to his offensive repertoire, Gafford should get some lottery love.