2021 NBA Draft Big Board: Top 60 prospects

2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 36. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Villanova

Someone who inspires a lot of confidence as a role player, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl should stick around at the next level. He doesn’t have much upside — he’s too heavy-footed — but for teams seeking a useful, plug-and-play role player late in the first round or early in the second round, then the Villanova prospect is a natural fit.

At 6-foot-8, Robinson-Earl can provide some level of positional versatility in spite of his athletic shortcomings. He possesses a high basketball I.Q. and great self-awareness. He knows his strengths and plays to them, always within the context of his team’s system. He can hit spot-up 3s, make timely cuts to the rim, and provide some playmaking from the elbow.

2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 35. Brandon Boston Jr., Kentucky

Before the season, a lot of people had Brandon Boston projected in the top five. He struggled mightily at Kentucky, and there’s reason to believe he may fall flat on his face again at the next level. That said, it’s rare to get a raw talent of his caliber in the second round (or even late in the first round), which could be enough justification to take the plunge and hope you strike gold.

Boston’s NBA prospects have always rested on perimeter shot-making. He was very inconsistent in that department at UK, but with a wiry 6-foot-7 frame and plenty of flashes offensively, there’s enough to persuade a team to invest in his pedigree. If the shots start falling and he continues to grow as a decision-maker, Boston could seriously outperform his inevitable draft slot.