There’s still a solid chance Duke ends up with the top three picks in the draft, which speaks to the recruiting Coach K has done in recent seasons. The preseason favorite to go No. 1, R.J. Barrett has shown some unsettling tendencies. Even so, he’s a clear top prospect who teams will fawn over.
At 6-foot-7, Barrett is an aggressive slasher with an improving three-point stroke. He can score at all three levels, finishing with finesse at the rim and showing craftiness off the bounce. Tunnel vision is an issue, but he’s also capable of dropping nice passes. Hopefully the latter becomes more frequent and the former fades away under NBA coaching.
Barrett is also an excellent defender who plays with rare intensity for a top-level prospect. He has the “killer instinct” so many pundits rave about, looking to win individual matchups and play hard on every possession. The Suns don’t need wings, but this pick is Best Prospect Available. He fits with Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.