2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 56. Yves Pons, Tennessee
After four years lingering on the outskirts of draft boards, Yves Pons will finally enter the NBA ranks this month. He’s no guarantee to get selected, but the 6-foot-6 forward is truly one of the draft’s unique athletes. His trampoline legs and strong frame are enough to get him noticed, even if he’s not much more than an athlete.
Pons will get ignored offensively until he can prove his 3-point shot deserves more than ignorance. That said, he shot 78.9 percent from the free-throw line as a senior, which could indicate positive growth. His calling card is defense, and he has all the tools of a great wing defender. He was SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 — now he just needs to figure out what to do offensively.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 55. Luka Garza, Iowa
The 2021 AP Player of the Year and Wooden Award winner, Luka Garza was the consensus best player in college basketball last season. That doesn’t always translate to NBA success — and there are plenty of reasons to doubt his future at the next level — but he’s a skilled enough big, with enough productivity under his belt, to get looks in the second round.
Garza shot 44.0 percent on 3.2 attempts per game from deep last season. He can stretch the floor, or use his massive 6-foot-11, 265-pound frame to dance around the post for buckets inside. He’s a skilled scorer and passer, but will need to prove he can defend against NBA athletes.