2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 52. Kessler Edwards, Pepperdine
3-and-D. It’s the wing archetype every team strives to find, in some form or another. The only problem for Kessler Edwards is that he is only 3-and-D. He doesn’t have much juice as a ball-handler, and his offense comes almost entirely from tough jumpers and 3s. That can work, but it does put a cap on his upside. He was a career 39.5 percent 3-point shooter at Pepperdine.
On the other end, Edwards has a long, nimble 6-foot-8 frame with the potential to provide real impact defense on the wing. He’s switchable, aware, and energized. He’s not an elite run-jump guy, but he has the strength and mobility to defend at a high level. That should get him drafted.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 51. Charles Bassey, Western Kentucky
Once a five-star recruit, Charles Bassey has fallen a long way from top-5 projections and premature coronations. That said, three seasons at Western Kentucky have kept Bassey on the NBA radar. He imposed his will against lower-level competition, and has the raw physical tools to garner interest at the next level.
Bassey is listed at 6-foot-11, 235 pounds, with a 7-foot-3 wingspan. He takes up a lot of space inside, whether it’s protecting the rim on defense, or finishing plays on offense. Bassey blocked 3.1 shots a night last season, and has the motor to succeed at the next level. His 3-point shot is rough around the edges, and he won’t defend in space at a high level, but Bassey has enough athleticism and pedigree to get picked.