Well the combine came and went. This is my favorite part of the draft process as I feel it separates the real pros from the guys who aren’t quite there. Official measurements are in, so no more guessing about size and athleticism. The scrimmages offered useful information (when the broadcast actually showed us the game) on which guys are ready for action and which are behind the curve. So with the influx in new data, I decided to start this big board from scratch. No tiers, just pure rank ‘em how I see ‘em.
Alex Sarr - PF/C, NBL (France)
Sarr has started to separate himself from the pack as the clear-cut number 1 prospect. He measured in at legit 7’1” in shoes with a 7’4” wingspan and his athletic testing backed up what I’ve seen on tape. He’s simply too big, athletic, and skilled to not be the number 1 guy in this class.
Pro Comp: Jermain O’Neil
Rob Dillingham - G, Kentucky
The combine measurements proved what we already knew about Rob. He’s a small guard who needs to put on some weight and get stronger if he wants to avoid being targeted on defense. None of this is new information. The fact remains that Rob is just an excellent basketball player. Despite all of his physical limitations, he can still compete with the best of the best.
Pro Comp: Allen Iverson, Lou Williams
Donovan Clingan - C, UConn
Once again the measurements confirmed what we already knew: Clingan is absolutely massive. The offensive development will be the key with him, but he has legitimate DPoY potential.
Pro Comp: Steven Adams+, Modern Mark Eaton
Reed Sheppard - G, Kentucky
Again, the measurement confirm what we already knew about Reed. The vertical was impressive, but I think he cheated a little by shortening his arms on his standing reach. Either way, he still has at least a 40in vertical. His lateral quickness is a concern and could limit his upside. But once again, Reed is really good at basketball. The shooting was historic for a freshman and if anyone is going to join outliers such as Curry and Lillard, it’s him and Rob.
Pro Comp: Steph lite
KyShawn George - G, UMiami (Switzerland)
George has been one of my favorite players in this class for good reason. He measured in at 6’7” without shoes, which is tremendous for a guard with his abilities. George has his question marks around his scoring inside the arc, but he has the size to improve drastically in that area. His shot from beyond looks pure and the numbers support this. Add in his strong defensive play and flashes of lead ball handling skill, and you have a potential star in the making.
Pro Comp: Khris Middleton
Stephon Castle - G, UConn
Castle figures to be one of the safer picks in this class. His size, guard abilities, willingness to do the little things, and contribution to a championship team point to him having a solid pro career. He wants to be a point guard at the next level, but he’ll need to show more as a shooter and lead ball handler in order to reach his full potential.
Pro Comp: Jalen Suggs, Justice Winslow
Zaccharie Risacher - F, JL Bourg (France)
Risacher saw his stock fall after a spring slump, but he has bounced back to end the season strong. I buy his ability to be a high quality 3 and D+ player at the next level. I don’t think he’ll ever be a top creator, but there’s nothing wrong with being a high level play finisher.
Pro Comp: Rashard Lewis
Jared McCain - G, Duke
I really like McCain. Like a lot of the small guards in this class, the kid can just hoop. He showed the ability to thrive both on and off ball, which sets him apart from some of the other guys in this class. He’s strong enough to handle most NBA guards, and is ultra-competitive on the defensive end. One of my favorite parts of his game is his footwork and self-creation ability. He’s just such a mature player, it’s hard to see him not being successful.
Pro Comp: Andrew Nembhard
Devin Carter - G, Providence
Carter just fits the mold of a modern plug-and-play combo guard. He has good size and strength, and a feistiness that lets him play bigger than he is. His shot is a little long, but he showed deep range that pairs well with his strong driving ability. I’m very confident in Carter becoming a high impact role player at the next level.
Pro Comp: Alex Caruso
Jamal Shead - PG, Houston
Shead is the best true point guard in this draft. But sadly, the league doesn’t seem to value that anymore. Shead’s going to make a lot of teams look silly for passing on him. His leadership, IQ, defensive instincts, and intensity are off the charts. Even though he didn’t shoot the ball that well in the scrimmages, his impact was simply undeniable. He’s simply too good of a player to be overlooked.
Pro Comp: Rajon Rondo, Kyle Lowry
Zach Edey - C, Purdue
Edey had a great combine, showing that his improved mobility is legit. He even showed off some deep shooting ability in front of scouts, something that was hinted at during the college season. I’ve been very impressed with Edey’s work ethic and desire to prove doubters wrong. I don’t know if he’ll be a star, but I think he’s going to carve out an impactful role in the league.
Pro Comp: Ivica Zubac, Jonas Valancuinis
Cody Williams - F, Colorado
Everyone already knew Cody Williams needed to put on weight and strength, but weighing in at 178lbs was pretty shocking. I still like his skill, size, and potential, but I think he’s at least 2 off-seasons away from being an impactful player. He could very well end up being the best player in this class if he is a late-bloomer like his brother, but right now his body just isn’t ready.
Pro Comp: Paul George, Ziaire Williams
Matas Buzelis - F, G-League Ignite (USA/Lithuania)
Buzelis is a tough prospect to place. He’s got great size, can handle the ball, has good feel, and has shown shooting potential. But he’s pretty weak, doesn’t have a big wingspan, and didn’t shoot the ball consistently at all. I’m confident he’ll figure out a role in the league, I’m just not sure whether that’s as a star or as a high-end role player.
Pro Comp: Hedo Turkoglu
Isaiah Collier - PG, USC
Collier is another high upside point guard in this class. His wide frame, strength, ball handling, and athleticism could make him a real force on both sides of the ball. However, the shooting inconsistency and turnovers are hard to overlook. Some of the blame can be put on that USC team being a mess, but as the leader of that team he also has to share in that blame. I don’t think he’ll be a star, but he could make a good career for himself as a serviceable point guard.
Pro Comp: Eric Bledsoe
Tidjane Salaun - F, Cholet (France)
Salaun has had a very strong finish to the season in France. He’s flashed some serious potential as a shooter and athletic finisher. His biggest problem right now is just his awareness and understanding of the game, which is understandable for someone who picked up basketball later than most. He seems most comfortable shooting from the top of they key and cutting from the weak side baseline, so he’ll need to gain confidence in more areas on the court. The upside is high, but so is the risk.
Pro Comp: Jerami Grant
Ron Holland - F, G League Ignite (USA)
Having Holland this low is controversial, I know. But, I’m really uncertain of what his role will be in the league. Is a team going to give him the same offensive freedom he was allowed in the G-League? Can he be effective off-ball? Ultimately, I think Holland can find a good role in the league if he embraces being a high-energy slasher/defender.
Pro Comp: Patrick Williams, Josh Smith
Ajay Mitchell - PG, UCSB
Another point guard. Get used to it. I’ve been high on Mitchell for a while, but the combine really showed his ability as a passer and creator. His defense was a question mark, but he held up well against prospects of all different sizes. He has the steady game to be a impactful guard at the next level.
Pro Comp: Malcolm Brogdon
Daron Holmes II - PF/C, Dayton
Holmes measured very well at the combine and showed his bounce and mobility in the athletic testing as well. All of this just reinforces support for Holmes as a quality modern big man. He can protect the rim, switch onto the perimeter, active on the glass, lob threat, and can space the floor. You can’t ask much more from your big in today’s game.
Pro Comp: Myles Turner lite
Yves Missi - C, Baylor
I really like Missi’s background. He comes from a great family and after picking up basketball pretty late, has turned into a legit prospect. His size and athleticism are the biggest selling points, as he projects to be a very impactful defender and rebounder. The offense is a work in progress, but it’s hard to rule out him taking big strides on that given how new he is to the sport and his work ethic. Even without a shot, he should still be a big time lob threat.
Pro Comp: Clint Capela
Tristan DaSilva - F, Colorado
Normally I’m not a big fan of good-at-everything-but-master-of-none type players, but DaSilva has an important superpower: consistency. His consistency as a shooter, defender, and rebounder should make him a solid role player for years to come.
Pro Comp: Trevor Ariza
Jaylon Tyson - G/F, Cal
I would’ve loved to see Tyson play in the scrimmages as I think he could’ve solidified himself as a top 20 guy. I still love his versatility though and think his smooth offense and well-rounded overall game should help him become a valuable player at the next level.
Pro Comp: Joe Johnson
AJ Johnson - PG, Illawarra Hawks (USA)
Johnson was a big winner from the combine, measuring in as a legit 6’4” without shoes and a 6’8.5” wingspan. He’s light and will need to put on muscle, but he showed the ability to handle contact and physicality during the scrimmages. He was aggressive on both ends and remained calm even while being pressured by some of the best defenders in this class. He wasn’t given a big role in Australia and he still needs time to develop, but he’s a lot further along than most people expected. Kid could be very special.
Pro Comp: The LaMelo Ball of NAWs
Carlton Carrington - PG, Pitt
Bub measured well, but definitely lacks the strength to be a day 1 contributor. Still, the size and skill level really pops. He has a sophisticated off the dribble game, good feel as a passer, and a competitive edge. He’ll need time, but he’s shown a lot of potential.
Pro Comp: D’Angelo Russell
Pacome Dadiet - F, Ratiopharm Ulm (France)
Dadiet has a very mature game for his age. He shows nice self creation ability of the dribble with deft footwork in the midrange. His jumper looks pure and he’s shot a good percentage this year. His size and length should translate into him being a versatile and impactful defender. It’s early but he could be really good.
Pro Comp: Nic Batum
Nique Clifford - G/F, Colorado State
Clifford wasn’t the most standout guy during scrimmages, but he played his role to a T. Hitting spot up 3s, getting to the basket, making the right reads, being a disruptive defender, and rebounding at a high level for his size. He’s not going to grab the headlines, but he’s going to be very impactful in the league.
Pro Comp: Danny Green
Jalen Bridges - F, Baylor
Bridges showed off his steady 3&D game during the scrimmages. With his size, ability to guard multiple positions, and knockdown 3s, he could carve out a long career.
Pro Comp: Robert Covington
Johnny Furphy - F, Kansas
Furphy is a project, but his size and skills are just too valuable in today’s NBA to not take a chance on him. He’s got the size, shooting, and positional versatility to be a high-end role player
Pro Comp: (don’t say it, don’t say i…) Bigger Dick
Adem Bona - C, UCLA
Bona isn’t a great offensive player. He’s an inconsistent decision maker who is best at catching lobs and grabbing put backs. But his defense is simply too good to be a 2nd rounder in a draft this uncertain. He has the size, strength, and mobility to be an impactful defender from day 1. He can handle bulkier centers while still being able to switch onto perimeter players and protect the rim. If he can improve offensively, he’ll be a massive steal.
Pro Comp: Poor Man’s Bam
Nikola Topic - PG, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)
Topic has a lot of appeal tied to his size and production at a young age. But after a ripping hot start, injuries and moving to a better team have seen him come down to Earth. He has good feel and is fast with the ball in transition. But the lack of strength, athleticism, shot consistency, and midrange game make him a gamble. His low release is going to make it harder for him to create his own shot. I could see him really struggling during his first few months in the league, which will be a big test of his mental fortitude.
Pro Comp: Quicker Vasilije Micic
Tyler Smith - F, G-League Ignite (USA)
Smith has two of the most important traits in modern basketball: size and shooting. The problem is everything else. While he has the size and athleticism to be a great defender, he doesn’t show it very often. His spot up shooting looks very good, but the rest of his offense needs development. He could be a great role player at the next level, but he needs to round out his game.
Pro Comp: Bobby Portis, Nemanja Bjelica
Melvin Ajinca - SG, Saint-Quentin (France)
Ajinca is one of the best shooters in the class, with a smooth lefty stroke and ability to create his own shot off the dribble. He has the size and athleticism to be a versatile defender on the other end. If he can be a good defender and hit his 3s at a high rate, he’ll have a long career.
Pro Comp: Malik Beasley
Baylor Scheierman - G/F, Creighton
Scheierman was one of the biggest winners of the combine, showing off his versatile offensive game. He can create for himself and others, knockdown 3s, and handle the ball. His defense will be tested, but his offensive game is very enticing.
Pro Comp: Bojan Bogdanovic
Ja’Kobe Walter - SG, Baylor
The more I watch Walter, the more I sour on him. He can certainly shoot the ball and is a good athlete with good size. But I’m just not sure if he’s good enough to see an NBA floor right now. If he can be a real knockdown shooter and positive defender, he’ll find a role. But, he’ll need to work a lot on the rest of his game if he wants to see the floor consistently.
Pro Comp: Aaron Nesmith
Trey Alexander - G, Creighton
Alexander wasn’t the most impressive guard during the combine scrimmages, but he showed the versatility that NBA teams love out of combo guards. I’m pretty confident in his shot making ability and defense, but adding strength and consistency will be key for him.
Pro Comp: Poor Man’s Derrick White
KJ Simpson - PG, Colorado
KJ was another big winner from the combine, showing the ability to confidently make shots and make the right passes. His size limits him, but he can carve out a role due to his mature game.
Pro Comp: Payton Pritchard
Kel’el Ware - C, Indiana
Ware has all the talent and skill to be a great NBA center. But the concerns about his motor and attitude are major red flags. He could mature into a special player, but could fall out of the league entirely if he isn’t willing to work hard.
Pro Comp: Deandre Ayton
Kyle Filipowski - PF/C, Duke
Flip is very skilled offensively for a big man, but he’ll need to become a more consistent shooter and more versatile defender in order to carve out a significant role in the league. The negative wingspan isn’t good for his defensive potential, but ultimately I think he’s still a solid, if unremarkable, big man.
Pro Comp: Kelly Olynyk
Alex Karaban - F, UConn
Karaban was an important contributor on a dominant championship team. His shooting, versatility, and size make him an ideal plug-and-play wing.
Pro Comp: Kris Murray
Dalton Knecht - G/F, Tennessee
The more I watch Knecht, the more worried I get about his defense. For someone with great size, strength, and athleticism, he gets torched on defense way too much. I don’t know if it’s a quickness issue or positioning problem, but whatever it is, he needs to improve otherwise it’s hard to see him getting the opportunity to show off his shooting ability.
Pro Comp: Brent Barry
Hunter Sallis - SG, Wake Forest
Sallis looked great for Wake this year, but he lacks elite size on the wing. This means he’s going to have to be a lights out shooter if he wants to stick in the league. The numbers say he’s a pretty good bet to take though.
Pro Comp: KCP lite
Dillon Jones - G/F, Weber State
Jones is a bowling ball who measured in very well at the combine. He has a really unique game as a ball handler who also rebounds and scraps at a high level. He’ll need to shed some weight in order to cover quicker guards, but he has a unique skill set that could be very valuable if he’s used correctly.
Pro Comp: Dillon Brooks
Nikola Djurisic - SG, MEGA (Serbia)
Djurisic really popped off at the end of the season, but only after MEGA basically just gave him the reins and let him do whatever he wanted. He’s an impressive scorer, but he needs to be a much better decision maker on both ends if he wants to make it in the legaue.
Pro Comp: More Erratic Buddy Hield
Trentyn Flowers - G/F, Adelaide 36ers (USA)
Flowers was also a combine winner as he showed off his size and athleticism in the scrimmages by getting out in transition and playing with energy. His shot looked good though the percentages were not good in Australia. He’s a boom or bust project, but could become a solid contributor.
Pro Comp: Kelly Oubre
Enrique Freeman - F, Akron
Freeman was probably the biggest combine riser. I didn’t have him on my radar at all, but his size, athleticism, and shooting really popped at the various showcases he attended.
Pro Comp: Jabari Walker
Jonathan Mogbo - F/C, San Francisco
Mogbo has one the most interesting backgrounds of anyone. He has the handles and passing of a guard but mainly scores around the basket through post-ups and lobs. His shot looked pretty good in workouts, but it will be important for him to knockdown shots consistently. He didn’t measure as the tallest, but his strength and wingspan means he could be a small ball 5. If a team can make a role for him, he could be very good.
Pro Comp: Xavier Tillman
Izan Almansa - C, G-League Ignite (Spain)
Almansa measured in well at the combine, but his shot is still very rough. He’ll need time to work on that as well as polish up the rest of his game.
Pro Comp: Teenage Al Horford
Tyler Kolek - PG, Marquette
I was really surprised that Kolek didn’t participate in scrimmages. He probably is very confident that he’ll be picked mid to late first round, but a lot of guards were big winners at the combine. Is he really that much better than Shead, Mitchell, and Alexander? IMO, he’s not and those guys put in strong performances that could see them leap frog him on draft night.
Pro Comp: Cam Payne
Tristen Newton - PG, UConn
Newton not participating in scrimmages is more understandable seeing as how the last time we saw him play he was the Final 4 most outstanding player. But again, in a very strong guard class I’m not sure where he fits in. He’s going to have to show a lot in workouts to be given the opportunities he was afforded at UConn.
Pro Comp: Spencer Dinwiddie
Cam Spencer - G, UConn
Spencer did participate in scrimmages, but didn’t ease many of the questions surround what his future position will be. He wasn’t very impressive on the ball and didn’t look as dynamic off of it as he had at UConn. His work rate and skill set are very attractive, but he has to prove he can do it outside the UConn system.
Ulrich Chomche - C, NBA Africa Academy (Cameroon)
Chomche participated in scrimmages and confirmed what most scouts have seen. He’s very big and athletic but also very raw. He’s the classic “2 years away from being 2 years away” big man. Maybe he works out, maybe he doesn’t.
Pro Comp: Serge Ibaka
Trevon Brazile - PF/C, Arkansas
Brazile has the ideal skill set for a modern big, but the questions around his strength and shooting consistency remain. He looked a little lost during the scrimmages on defense, but so did a lot of the bigs. He’s rough, but the idea is there.
Pro Comp: Chris Boucher
Pelle Larsson - G/F, Arizona
A well rounded player who could fill a number of roles off the bench. Not sure what is NBA calling card will be.
Pro Comp: Smaller Christian Braun
Bobi Klintman - F, Cairns Taipans (Sweden)
Klintman has size and shooting, but the rest is largely hypothetical. Unimpressive on tape, has the tools but will need to start making big improvements.
Pro Comp: Jonas Jerebko
Harrison Ingram - F, UNC
Ingram has the size, versatility, and 3 point shooting to be a great role player. However, the shooting numbers are really weird with him being a 40%+ 3 point shooter but a 60% FT shooter. That makes me worried about putting him too high, but he could easily carve out a 3&D role at the next level.
Pro Comp: Grant Williams
Ryan Dunn - F, Virginia
Dunn is one of the best defensive prospects in recent memory. But the offense is just non-existent. He’s not a reliable shooter, ball handler, or passer. He’ll have to play as a slasher/dunker early in his career. If any offense can develop, that would be great. But right now, he looks like a liability on that end.
Pro Comp: Andre Roberson
Kevin McCullar Jr. - F, Kansas
McCullar had a good year at Kansas but the shot is still unreliable from deep. He’s a good defender, ball handler, and passer, but just being good isn’t enough in the NBA. A 5th year without a reliable shot or signature trait is not someone I want to take very high.
Pro Comp: Wendell Moore Jr.
Eric Dixon - PF/C, Villanova
Dixon was one of Jay Wright’s favorite players and it’s clear to see why. He’s strong, good rebounder, great post game, good passer, and can shoot 3s, even on the move. The post Jay Wright era has been poor for Villanova, but that’s in no way Dixon’s fault. He’s a surprisingly mobile perimeter defender as well.
Pro Comp: Marreese Speights
Coleman Hawkins - C, Illinois
Hawkins had a great showing at the combine, flashing his abilities as a ball handler, facilitator, and shooter. If he can consistently perform at that kind of level, he could be a steal.
Pro Comp: Kirkland Brand Jokic
Oso Ighodaro - C, Marquette
I think it’s fair to assume that no matter how good his touch is, the shot’s not going to come around any time soon. He’s a very good passer and post up player, but is an underwhelming defender. He can be very passive and disappear in games.
Pro Comp: Orlando Robinson
Keshad Johnson - F, Arizona
Johnson is a great athlete and defender, but needs to become a much more consistent shooter on offense.
Pro Comp: Obi Toppin
Payton Sandfort - G/F, Iowa
Sandfort has a solid offensive game with the ability to be a shooter or create off the dribble. He’s not very physical though and that hurts him as a driver and defender.
Pro Comp: Nik Stauskas
Mark Sears - PG, Alabama
He’s a really good offensive player, but sadly he’s just way too small to not get victimized at the next level. He’ll be a great professional in a foreign league or the G League.
Pro Comp: Tyler Ulis
Bronny James - G, USC
Bronny measured in at 6’1” which isn’t great, but his wingspan measured at 6’7” which gives me some hope. He’s a good shooter with his feet set, plays hard, makes the right passes, and is a great athlete. He seems to have a very high work ethic as well. I see no reason why he can’t go on to have a decent career in the league. It just might take a while for him to be good enough to see the floor consistently.
Pro Comp: Aaron Holiday
Justin Edwards - F, Kentucky
Edwards was a big loser at the combine. He didn’t look in great shape and performed extremely poorly in the athletic testing. He could be successful in the future, but he needs a serious wake-up call.
Pro Comp: Marcus Morris
PJ Hall - PF/C, Clemson
Hall is going to have a hard time making it in the league if he can’t make his smooth shot go in. He’s a lackluster defender who isn’t very switchable and doesn’t protect the rim at a high level (nor does he project to). I have a really hard time seeing him being a success at the next level.
Pro Comp: Kris Humphrey