The 2020 NBA Draft picture is starting to take shape.
There is no telling when the NBA will return. The coronavirus pandemic still has a strong foothold in America, and it’s clear the league and its players want a safe, sustainable path forward. As a result, it’s unlikely the 2020 NBA Draft will happen on time.
The pre-draft process has therefore been muddied up. We don’t know whether teams will get to physically interact with prospects in a one-on-one environment, not to mention group workouts. Even if practice facilities are open, whether or not teams will have the time or the safety measures in place to invite potential draft picks is unknown.
A lot may change between now and whenever the draft takes place. Conversely, things may stay relatively the same, especially if teams are forced to rely on tape, not workouts. With all that uncertainty fresh in mind, I’ve decided to update my 2020 big board.
My last big board came before the season, so for me, a lot has changed. My No. 1 prospect has changed, my top-10 has undergone a complete overhaul, and several new names have entered the mix. As always, this big board does not take into account team fit. It is meant to convey my top-30 prospects overall.
The Philadelphia 76ers currently possess the No. 22 overall pick.
30. ISAIAH STEWART, Big, Washington
The “traditional center,” however you choose to define that term, is a dying breed. It’s therefore difficult to peg Isaiah Stewart much higher than this, even if his college production is indicative of a higher-ranked prospect. His ceiling is simply too limited.
A hulking 7-footer with enough brawn to compete with the NBA’s most physical centers, Stewart should have no trouble holding his own inside. He’s a nifty post scorer, and equally adept post defender, and his skill set is fairly well-rounded. He can hit a jumper every now and then, and he’s a willing passer.
The question for Stewart is his fit defensively. A good post defender simply isn’t enough to insure a positive impact in the modern NBA. Stewart didn’t defend in space a ton at Washington, so his ability to hold against spread-out NBA offenses is a valid concern. He also won’t get as many post-up opportunities at the next level. He will need to make his jumper a reliable option and do more as a roll man.
29. DANIEL OTURU, Big, Minnesota
Daniel Oturu averaged 20.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game as a sophomore, transforming himself into one of college basketball’s top centers. He’s also a potential first-round pick, which was not the case after his freshman campaign.
A long, springy athlete who can swat shots as well as anyone in this class, Oturu fills a clear role on defense. He can function as a catch-all backstop — the kind of shot blocker who covers large swathes of ground inside. He’s mobile for his size, and should survive NBA pick-and-roll coverage.
Where Oturu struggles is his complementary skills. He can score, rebound, and block shots, but the rest of his game is unpolished. He’s averse to passing and his basketball I.Q. is underdeveloped. He will need to improve across the board as a decision-maker to become more than an eye-popping backup.
28. CASSIUS STANLEY, Wing, Duke
A surprisingly effective freshman season saw Cassius Stanley rocketing up draft boards. Once considered a potential long-hauler at Duke, Stanley ended up going one-and-done, and he has a realistic chance at the first round.
Stanley is easy to root for. He’s a gritty, hard-nosed wing defender who plays for the betterment of his teammates, not personal achievement. He’s truly selfless in context of the team, and he fills the “glue guy” label rather comfortably. He plays his tail off, he passes often, and he does the little things to help win basketball games.
Both versatile and explosive as an athlete, Stanley should have little issue carving out a role at the next level. He’s not the cleanest shooter and his offensive repertoire as a whole needs some major overtures, but on the whole, he’s the type of high-ceiling athlete and hard worker teams should bet on.
27. TRE JONES, Guard, Duke
A high-floor lead guard with a wide array of NBA skills, Tre Jones showed a lot in his two seasons at Duke. While not an elite athlete by any stretch, he does too many good things on both sides of the ball to not earn a first-round grade.
Jones is a one-position defender, but he’s an extremely good one. He’s light on his feet and extremely aggressive at the point of attack, hammering opposing point guards with a blistering intensity. His quick hands also result in steals aplenty.
On the other end, Jones is a well-rounded player tailor-made for the role of backup point guard the next level. He keeps mistakes to a minimum and is capable of some high-level passes. He has been an inconsistent shooter at times over the course of his career at Duke, but Jones should have no trouble playing within a scheme and creating for others.
26. DEVON DOTSON, Guard, Kansas
A twitchy 6-foot-2 athlete, Devon Dotson makes up for his slight frame with plenty of talent. He’s a dynamic shot-maker on the perimeter, both pulling up and off the catch. He can create space on a dime, he’s electric in the pick-and-roll, and he profiles as instant offense for whoever drafts him.
While there are questions about Dotson’s effectiveness as a playmaker for others, his ability to break down defenses and generate points has inherent value. He will put pressure on a defense, and in due time, he should have no problem leveraging his shot-making threat to create for teammates.
He’s a crafty finisher at the rim, a blue chip point guard defender, and the type of player who can provide a serious boost in the second unit. He is small and there are concerns rooted in his slender frame, but his effort and skill should help him overcome physical limitations.
25. KILLIAN TILLIE, Big, Gonzaga
Health is the key for Killian Tillie, who missed large portions of both his junior and senior years. He currently profiles as a second-round pick because of those health concerns, but at his peak, Tillie has more than enough talent to warrant first-round consideration.
Tillie is a flamethrower at 6-foot-10 — arguably one of the better pure shooters in the 2020 class. He’s also incredibly smart, both as a passer and as a scorer. He knows his spots, he shares the ball, and he can fit flexibly into a wide number of schemes and lineup combinations. He’s the perfect modern big.
He’s not a bad defender, and his mobility is a big plus as a prospective center, but Tillie could stand to add some weight to his frame — an obvious problem for someone with a lingering injury history. If he can stay on the court, expect Tillie to make it in the NBA. He’d probably get closer to a lottery grade if he came with a cleaner slate.
24. THEO MALEDON, Guard, ASVEL
At 6-foot-4, Theo Maledon has good physical tools for the point guard position. He’s not bursting at his muscular seams, but he is light on his feet and should capably defend either guard spot. He also has a decent track record as an 18-year-old professional, which counts for something.
He’s not an elite shooter, but Maledon has workable mechanics and promising percentages. He can work either on-ball or off-ball, which increases lineup flexibility for whoever drafts him. All in all, it’s not difficult to picture his fit in a more postionless NBA that prioritizes playmaking above all else.
Though to a much lesser degree than Tillie, Maledon also comes with some recent bugaboos on the injury report. He recovered fine in Europe and finished the abbreviated season strong, but teams are always cautious and will probably want a close look at his medical records.
23. NICO MANNION, Guard, Arizona
A whip-smart playmaker and one of the most highly touted five-star recruits in this year’s class, Nico Mannion‘s freshman season was, in all honesty, a disappointment. He laid bare some very real flaws and there is concern about his NBA ceiling.
Mannion’s main draw is his skill level. There are no qualms over his ability to create for others. He sees the floor as well as anyone in this class, except for maybe LaMelo Ball, and he’s an efficient three-point shooter with workable mechanics. In that sense, he should have no trouble adjusting to the mental gymnastics of NBA schemes.
The primary concern for Mannion is his athleticism. He simply lacks a degree of explosiveness common to high-level NBA guards. He doesn’t have a great first step, and his finishing at the rim is subpar. It’s fair to question how much pressure he can truly put on a professional defense.
22. PRECIOUS ACHIUWA, Big, Memphis
Precious Achiuwa is a top-tier athlete who has a lottery-type ceiling, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see teams interested in that range. He’s a burly 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and ample quickness, which should allow him to defend all over the floor.
Probably a natural four in the modern NBA, Achiuwa’s skills could function especially well as a small-ball center. He can defend in space, but he’s also a bouncy rim protector. He covers a lot of ground defensively and has the husk to handle the more bruising middlemen of yesteryear.
On offense, Achiuwa has promise as a rim-runner who can sprint up court and thrive in transition. He’s not inept as a ball handler, and he’s an aggressive straight-line driver who can punish smaller defenders at the rim. His wonky shot mechanics are the main hang-up.
21. JALEN SMITH, Big, Maryland
After a lackluster freshman campaign and a rocky start to his sophomore season, Jalen Smith came around in a big way. He finished the season with averages of 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. As the cherry on top, he shot 36.8 percent from deep.
7-footers who can space the floor, move on the perimeter, and protect the rim are exceedingly rare, even in a modern NBA that covets them. Smith checks all three boxes, and that alone makes him one of the most intriguing bigs in the 2020 class. He’s still a tad thin for a true center, but his versatility trumps concerns over positional fit.
Smith has long held promise as a prospect, and he finally delivered on it this season. He needs to work on his frame in order to fully realize his defensive potential at the next level, but Smith is a talented player deserving of first-round hype.
20. TYRELL TERRY, Guard, Stanford
Tyrell Terry might be the best shooter in this year’s draft. He’s elite in every respect — on the move, standstill, pulling up. It doesn’t matter. He has deep range, sexy mechanics, and should have no problem operating behind the NBA three-point line.
He’s also much more than a shooter. While Terry is undersized for someone traditionally considered a two-guard, he does have some playmaking chops at his disposal. He can attack closeouts, work inside, and hit open teammates on the perimeter. He’s an unselfish player.
As talented as Terry is offensively, his excessively frail frame — he’s listed at 160 pounds — is an unavoidable red flags. Teams will target him relentlessly at the next level. He is presently a defensive liability, which cannot go unremarked in pre-draft evaluations.
19. LEANDRO BOLMARO, Wing, Barcelona
Leandro Bolmaro has struggled to find a consistent role in Euroleague play, but he has gotten extended run with Barcelona’s B-team. There are flaws to pick apart, and Bolmaro is certainly a work in progress, but in a class light on top-end talent, he has a mix of skills that is difficult to look past.
Listed at 6-foot-8, Bolmaro has great size for a potential playmaker. He’s a slippery athlete, he has a taste for advanced passes, and he’s fairly skilled all-around. In the increasingly positionless NBA, someone who can transition seamlessly between positions has real value.
Bolmaro needs to improve as a decision-maker. His negative assist-to-turnover ratio is a major negative, even if his passing chops are evident on tape. Flash and craft as a passer can only take you so far if you cough up the basketball on a regular basis. He will also need to prove his merits as a shooter.
18. JOSH GREEN, Wing, Arizona
One of, if not the best athletes in this class. Josh Green‘s stock fluctuated a bit over the course of his freshman season, but the explosive wing has all the tools NBA front offices salivate over. He’s a high leaper, a versatile defender, and a decent spot-up shooter. He has the base tool kit of a useful 3-and-D wing, with plenty of room for positive progression.
Green can already defend across multiple possessions on the perimeter. He’s 6-foot-6, has long arms, and is light on his feet. He can body up bigger wings, chase smaller guards around screens, or sneak backdoor for the occasional blocked shot. The effort and the physicality to thrive on that end.
The main concerns for Green pop up on offense. Sure, he profiles as a great transition threat who can run the floor and catch lobs, but his skill set is otherwise unpolished. He can shoot decently well, but he’s not a pull-up threat and his handles are rudimentary. He may struggle to look truly comfortable in a slowed-down setting.
17. R.J. HAMPTON, Guard, New Zealand
R.J. Hampton started the season is most analysts’ top 10. His potential draft range now spreads much further, as he lacked both consistent production and consistent health in his lone season overseas. Hampton doesn’t have the prettiest resume in a point guard-heavy class.
A quick-twitch athlete who can put the ball on a string and create his own shot, Hampton has undeniable appeal. He should function as either a one or a two, and his upside as a shot creator has major appeal for someone who can straddle the line between both positions.
Where the issues for Hampton arise is his actual productivity. While Australian competition is admittedly tougher than college basketball, his lack of productivity, poor shooting numbers, and abysmal defense are all red flags. He simply wasn’t very good. He will need to prove his ceiling at the next level, which starts with ironing out his jumper.
16. SADDIQ BEY, Wing, Villanova
At 6-foot-8, Saddiq Bey is a uniquely versatile defender who slides perfectly into the NBA’s coveted 3-and-D mold. Bey was a standout for Villanova, transforming from afterthought to potential lottery pick. He has the added bonus of playing for a program with a commendable NBA track record.
Bey is one of the better shooters in this draft. He’s not a super versatile shooter — he won’t fly around screens and hit off-kilter shots — but he’s a deadeye spot-up shooter, which is plenty useful. He will have no problem plugging into a system and helping to space the floor.
On defense, Bey makes up for limited athleticism with a great frame. He’s long, strong, and is quick enough to defend up and down the positional chart. He’s not explosive and he’s probably not a full-time point guard defender, but he can switch screens, body up bigger forwards, and make his presence felt in a variety of ways.
15. PATRICK WILLIAMS, Wing, Florida State
He’s not the most polished prospect in the top-20, but Patrick Williams can aptly contribute on both sides of the ball. He’s 6-foot-8 and versatile, and he projects as a useful player offensively. He can spot up from three, hit the occasional two-dribble pull-up, and he’s an effective rim runner.
Williams is built to last. His hamstrings are chiseled from stone, and his frame is strong enough to defend either threes or fours comfortably. He can switch screens, survive in space, and he has a real nose for the ball — especially when it comes to weak-side blocks.
It will take longer for Williams to come around on offense, but his shot mechanics project nicely and he’s not as helpless as some profiles make him out to be. He improved greatly as the season progressed, and his work ethic is indicative of someone who can take steps at the next level.
14. KIRA LEWIS JR., Guard, Alabama
The buzz around Kira Lewis Jr. is growing. He’s one of my favorite prospects in this class, and he has a genuine chance to crack the lottery if his pre-draft process is a productive one. He’s lightning quick — probably the fastest player in the class — and boasts a well-rounded skill set to accompany his speed.
Lewis mixes his speed with excellent court vision and feel. He’s a smart playmaker who can run the pick-and-roll and leverage the pressure he puts on the rim. He’s also a much improved shooter, and should have no trouble playing off-ball when necessary. After a quiet freshman season behind Collin Sexton, he evolved into one of college basketball’s premier lead guards. He deserves major credit.
The main concern for Lewis is his slight frame. He’s listed at 170 pounds, and the Russell Westbrooks of the world will bulldoze through him if he can’t bulk up. He can also stand to improve as a finisher. He settles too often for floaters, in part due to his lack of strength.
13. AARON NESMITH, Wing, Vanderbilt
Aaron Nesmith will challenge the aforementioned Tyrell Terry for the title of best shooter in this year’s class. He’s an absolute sniper, and shot over 50 percent on a healthy volume of threes before his season prematurely ended 14 games in. He’s the real deal.
At 6-foot-6, Nesmith has a solid frame for his position. He’s not only a good shooter, but a versatile one — standstill, on the move, it doesn’t matter. That alone should instantly give him a role at the next level. He has a clear and translatable NBA skill, which cannot be said for everyone on this list.
One of the biggest concerns for Nesmith is his recent injury history. He was knocked out after 14 games because of a foot injury, which are sometimes tricky. He’s also a fairly limited player beyond his honey-sweet stroke, but then again, elite shooters are valuable enough as is.
12. JAMES WISEMAN, Big, Memphis
The consensus No. 1 prospect in high school, James Wiseman‘s freshman campaign was a strange one. He initially got suspended for accepting “financial assistance” from his coach, and he was then asked to pay money to charity as repentance, despite not making any money under the NCAA’s strict rules. He eventually dropped out with three games on his college resume.
As a result, the tape on Wiseman is limited. In the end, the ambiguity probably hurts his stock more than it helps. Still, Wiseman is a towering presence at 7-foot-1, boasting a 7-foot-6 wingspan and a muscular frame. He should have no trouble developing into a capable rim protector, which is still the most valuable defensive role in the NBA.
Wiseman will need to prove he can defend in space, but he’s a mobile athlete. Most concerns around Wiseman’s defense are rooted in feel, not ability. He’s also an efficient interior scorer who has shown signs of expanding his repertoire on offense. He will go higher than this on draft night.
11. OBI TOPPIN, Big, Dayton
While it’s not always an indicator of professional success, there is something to be said for productivity in the college ranks. Obi Toppin was the National Player of the Year, despite playing for a small-scale school in Dayton. He transformed Dayton into a genuine title contender, which is no small accomplishment.
Toppin provides tremendous versatility on offense. He’s a bit of a tweener positionally, but he should have no trouble adjusting in the NBA. He can score in isolation, he can space the floor, and he’s one of the most explosive finishers in the draft. He can conform to whatever his team needs.
The main concern for Toppin is defense. He lacks a degree of lateral quickness, and has a tendency to chase turnovers, which leaves him compromised against quicker opponents. Even so, he’s not a zero on defense, and he should provide enough offensively to contribute right away in the NBA.
10. TYRESE MAXEY, Guard, Kentucky
Tyrese Maxey‘s freshman campaign at Kentucky was one of ups and downs. He wasn’t terribly consistent on offense, and mustered an unsavory 29.2 percent success rate from deep. And yet, despite a number of flaws, he still cracks my top-10.
It’s difficult to categorize Maxey as anything other than a winner. He lacks elite-level athleticism, but he’s still has juice in his knees. He dominates the point of attack on defense, he competes hard to force turnovers, and he’s a skilled offensive player who, in the right situation, could blossom it a very good one.
Maxey is billed consistently as an A+ kid who plays smart and wants to improve. He already scores effortlessly inside the three-point arc, and a slight tweak to his three-point mechanics could yield impressive results from range. If the jumper comes around, Maxey has the competitive edge and the all-around talent to earn his place in the lottery.
9. ONYEKA OKONGWU, Big, USC
Onyeka Okongwu was the surprise of this year’s draft cycle. He went from a relative unknown to a potential top-five pick. He’s arguably the top big in 2020, and he’ll battle Wiseman for that title up until the final whistle blows. For my money, the title is his.
At first glance, Okongwu is a shade undersized for his position at 6-foot-9. He makes up for it, however, with elite athleticism and supreme efficiency around the basket. He converted on 61.6 percent of his shots from the field this season, and he’s already a vaunted lob threat in the middle.
The other side of the ball is what cements Okongwu’s status as a top-10 prospect. He’s a monster defensively, devouring shots at the rim and using his springboard athleticism to his advantage. He’s well equipped to defend in space, and he has all the makings of a premier modern center. He will make a team very happy.
8. TYRESE HALIBURTON, Guard, Iowa State
A lanky 6-foot-5 guard who can toggle between either guard spot, Tyrese Haliburton delivered on the hype and then some as a sophomore. He went from a potential first-round pick to a potential top-five pick, and someone who a lot of lottery teams on the verge of contention will value.
Haliburton plays a mistake-free brand of basketball. He limits turnovers, he’s highly efficient, and he plays smart. He doesn’t overextend himself or force the issue, and he has tremendous poise for a college guard. He should adjust nicely to the pace of NBA basketball.
Where Haliburton’s issues come to light is his athletic profile. He’s a slender 175 pounds, and he’s not terribly explosive. His jumper is effective, yes, but he’s not a bonafide pull-up threat due to some strange mechanical quirks. He’s too smart, too efficient, and too well-rounded not to find a role in the NBA, but his ceiling may not reach as high as his other lottery counterparts.
7. ISAAC OKORO, Wing, Auburn
Few college players had a defensive presence comparable to Isaac Okoro last season. He’s a menace on that side of the ball, whether it’s playing free safety and siphoning off passes, or hounding the opposition’s lead scorer. He’s a versatile, explosive athlete at 6-foot-7, and he uses every ounce of his athleticism on defense.
Okoro does a lot of good things on offense as well. He hustles and plays smart. He moves the ball early and often, and he cuts hard to the basket when opportunities arise. A complete overhaul of his jump shot is necessary — and that’s certainly his biggest flaw — but on the whole, Okoro has a high floor and a desirable set of skills in a shallow lottery.
On his defense alone, Okoro should bring value to an NBA floor. He covers large swathes of ground and his nose for the ball is impeccable. He can fit into any scheme, and guard just about anyone outside the frontcourt. He will need to add a reliable three-point stroke to unlock star potential, but there’s immense value in a top-notch defender who plays unselfishly.
6. DEVIN VASSELL, Wing, Florida State
More comfortably in the 3-and-D category than Okoro, Devin Vassell has been a steady riser all season. He helped to anchor an elite Florida State defense from the wing, accumulating a healthy collection of blocks and steals. He also shot 41.5 percent from deep on decent volume.
At the bare minimum, Vassell is a rangy defender who can hit spot-up jumpers at a high level. That alone virtually insures a job at the next level. He also has some underrated dynamism to his game. He’s by no means a gifted shot creator, but he can attack closeouts and hit the occasional pull-up jumper. He’s not hopelessly one-dimensional.
Vassell is the most readily gifted 3-and-D wing in this class, which earns him a high mark. He’s not a liability on either end, and especially not on defense. His ability to not only defend on-ball, but to turn the ball over at such a high rate, bodes well for his future.
5. COLE ANTHONY, Guard, North Carolina
This season was a disaster in many respects for Cole Anthony. He was hit by the injury bug, he shot a lowly 38 percent from the field, and his hopes of becoming the No. 1 overall pick vanished. His NBA bloodline will only stretch so far in pre-draft evaluations.
And yet, he still earns a top-five mark in my book. Not because he’s without flaws — anyone who shoots so poorly from the field has something to prove — but because his skill package is one every NBA team covets. There are few things more valuable in the NBA than a dynamic lead guard, and Anthony has the potential to become a true team-leader.
Anthony has compact shooting mechanics and athleticism to spare. He’s shifty with the ball in his hands, and creating space is a non-issue. If he can get his feet under him, Anthony projects as a deadly pull-up threat in the future. His at-rim finishing is better than the numbers indicate, and he’s not a bad passer. On talent and upside alone, I’d still take a swing on Anthony early in the lottery.
4. DENI AVDIJA, Wing, Maccabi Tel Aviv
Deni Avdija has carved out a real role on Maccabi Tel Aviv, an impressive feat for any teenage. The early, and frankly undeserved, comparisons to Luka Doncic have died out, and we have since gotten a good feel for Avdija’s probable draft range. He won’t fall much further than the top five.
At 6-foot-8, Avdija is a polished playmaker with the instincts of a lead guard. He’s not particularly explosive, but he’s not a stiff either. He can navigate pick-and-rolls, probe inside the defense, and effectively create for teammates. There is tremendous value in Avdija as a supersized secondary playmaker next to a more explosive lead guard.
Avdija will need to prove himself as a defender and as a shooter, but he should have the tools to succeed on both fronts. He’s mobile enough to defend multiple positions, and his shooting mechanics are clean. He can check a lot of boxes in the NBA.
3. ANTHONY EDWARDS, Wing, Georgia
Anthony Edwards is the prohibitive favorite to go No. 1 on draft night, and while he’s certainly not guaranteed the honor, it’s not difficult to understand why his stock is so high. He’s a powerful athlete at 6-foot-5, and depending on your stance, could profile as the highest-upside player on the board.
A freight train is the common metaphor for Edwards. He can steamroll smaller guards en route to the basket, and at times, he can steamroll bigger guards as well. He’s a powerful athlete, and it shines through on tape. He’s also a talented scorer on the perimeter, capable of making high-difficulty shots on a regular basis.
In order to unlock his star potential, Edwards will need to grow as a decision-maker in the NBA. He has a tendency to settle for bad shots, although he may deserve a slight pass due to the nature of UGA’s roster. He’s a good defender, but not a consistent one. He has the tools to improve in that respect.
2. KILLIAN HAYES, Guard, Ulm
At 6-foot-5, Killian Hayes has fantastic tools for a point guard. He’s long enough to defend both guard spots, and he’s athletic enough to operate comfortably as the lead initiator for an NBA team. In fact, he has a real chance to become the best lead initiator in this class.
Hayes is a crafty ball handler who can effectively break down defenses. He’s one of the best passers on the board and possesses a special feel for the game. He’s elite in the pick-and-roll, and can deliver passes from a variety of different angles. There are few players who have the upside Hayes has, in large part due to his dynamism as a playmaker.
In addition to his immaculate playmaking chops, Hayes has real upside as a scorer. He’s already adept at finishing inside, and his mid-range game is solid. He’s not a great shooter, at least not historically, but the numbers are trending in the right direction. His high free throw percentage is a good sign, not to mention his silky step-back maneuver behind the three-point line.
1. LAMELO BALL, Guard, Illawarra
The race for No. 1 is a tight one. Hayes and Edwards are effectively 1B and 1C on my board, if such demarcations were possible. In the end, by a small fraction of some ambitious and undefinable measuring tool, the nod goes to LaMelo Ball, who encapsulates the idea of “star power” more than anyone in this class.
Ball does have that star quality to him. It’s impossible to deny. He’s flashy, he’s easily the biggest name, and he’s immensely watchable. He’s the most fun prospect on the board, and while that doesn’t really matter, it could factor into the decision-making process for teams who want a marketing advantage (I’m looking at you, New York).
In terms of actual talent, Ball still deserves this spot. He’s an immensely gifted playmaker, and the only person who can surpass Hayes for the title of best passer in this year’s class. He can whip passes from any place and any angle on the court. His penchant for quick reads and laser-sharp decisions is irrefutable, even if he’s prone to one or two turnovers too many.
Ball will need to make strides as a defender at the next level. He has the tools, but a skinny frame and a general apathy for the concept have hurt him in the past. He has to want it, or his defense will become a major liability. There are also questions about his shooting mechanics, but unlike his brother, LaMelo has feathery touch that’s hard to look past.