2021 NBA Draft Big Board: Top 60 prospects
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 26. Usman Garuba, Real Madrid
Usman Garuba has a chance to become the best defender in this draft. At 6-foot-8, 229 pounds, he has the strength and agility to guard all over the floor. He’s great at the point of attack, where he can wall off ball-handlers and absorb contact, but he’s also excellent off the ball. His motor runs hot, and he imposes his will at every opportunity.
The offense suffers from his lack of a 3-point shot — a common theme in literally every draft class — but if he can improve his jumper, then the pieces should fall into place. He’ll never be a go-to scorer, but he’s an acrobatic finisher at the rim, and a smart ball-mover who understands how to elevate teammates and play unselfishly.
player. 469. . G. Mountaineers . Miles McBride. 25
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 25. Miles McBride, West Virginia
Very few players offer more tenacious point-of-attack defense than Miles McBride, who will smother opposing ball-handlers as soon as they cross halfcourt, and take great pride in doing so. He’s a lockdown on-ball defender, with awareness off-ball and a relentless disposition. That alone will give him value considering his 6-foot-9 wingspan, which hints at positional versatility.
On offense, the 6-foot-3 McBride has all the hallmarks of an NBA lead guard. He shot over 41 percent from deep as a sophomore, and is plenty comfortable nailing pull-up jumpers out to NBA range. He’s a smart, measured playmaker out of the pick-and-roll, and has room to improve as a finisher at the rim. He’s going to make a contender very happy.