Great looking draft class this year! Lots of talent and potential superstars will be on the board, and the NBA has a ton of trade rumors going on that could seriously shake things up. Let's dive right in!
Players you need to know/Projected top-picks:
1. Karl Anthony-Towns (PF/C - Kentucky): Towns didn't have the flashiest freshman year in terms of numbers/production but then again, neither did Anthony Davis. Towns has great size/length that made him a defensive force for Kentucky and he's shown some offensive skills during his pre-draft workouts that scouts weren't able to see as much of during his year in college. In terms of upside, Towns has the most of anybody in the draft but don't get too excited, he still needs some polishing/growing before becoming an All-Star.
Best Case Scenario/Player comparison: Tyson Chandler's defense w/ Brook Lopez's offense
2. Jahlil Okafor (PF/C - Duke): Another top prospect coming out of Duke, shocker! The nation saw plenty of Okafor this year thanks to the Coach K spotlight but Jahlil is worth the hype. Fantastic footwork and low-post skills, Okafor can flat-out score the rock. He's also a bully for rebounds and finishing plays close to the rim. His defense is a small concern, Okafor doesn't run the floor particularly well and could get easily gassed guarding faster NBA size. Okafor's offense alone should get him by for now, but he needs some NBA conditioning/training to become elite.
Best Case Scenario/Player comparison: Demarcus Cousins w/o an attitude problem
3. D'Angelo Russell (PG/SG - Ohio State): Regarded by scouts as the most NBA-ready point guard, Russell has all of the physical/mental tools you look for in a starting PG. His high basketball IQ contributes to his passing, shooting and scoring ability. There are some athleticism concerns but Russell should be a lock as a Top-5 pick.
Best Case Scenario/Player comparison: Klay Thompson w/ point guard handles/passing
4. Kristaps Porzingus (PF - Latvia): The top prospect coming over from Europe is Porzingus. KP is freakishly tall/long at 7'1 and is also only 19 years-old. His offensive skills are very impressive for someone his size/age, he loves dunking on/over defenders but what stands out most is his shooting stroke. Knock-down 3 point shooters over 6'10 are extremely rare and highly coveted. KP is a euro however, so he is automatically a question mark for American hoop and his skinny frame can get pushed around very easily right now. Boom or Bust.
Best Case Scenario/Player comparison: Timofy Mosgov w/ a Dirk-jumper/shooting stroke
5. Emmanuel Muiday (PG - China): Took the unusual path of going to play in China professionally rather than pick a college, which some criticized, especially after his stay in China wasn't as dominating or healthy as Muiday wanted. Muiday has flashed jaw-dropping talent on occasions however, his size (6'5), handles, passing and speed for a PG is off the charts. He excels in the fast break and can jump through the roof. His shooting ability isn't as strong as scouts like it to be and his trip to China could also scare people off but don't be surprised if Muiday turns into a ROY candidate.
Best Case Scenario/Player comparison: A slightly taller/faster Russell Westbrook
Potential Sleepers: Willy Caulie-Stein (Kentucky), Miles Turner (Texas), Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin), Cameron Payne (Murray State), Montrezl Harrell (Louisville) and any other Duke/Kentucky player's
Teams to Watch Closely for crazy Trades/Picks: Kings, Knicks, Lakers, Celtics, Nuggets, Suns
By: El Mijo
Players you need to know/Projected top-picks:
1. Karl Anthony-Towns (PF/C - Kentucky): Towns didn't have the flashiest freshman year in terms of numbers/production but then again, neither did Anthony Davis. Towns has great size/length that made him a defensive force for Kentucky and he's shown some offensive skills during his pre-draft workouts that scouts weren't able to see as much of during his year in college. In terms of upside, Towns has the most of anybody in the draft but don't get too excited, he still needs some polishing/growing before becoming an All-Star.
Best Case Scenario/Player comparison: Tyson Chandler's defense w/ Brook Lopez's offense
2. Jahlil Okafor (PF/C - Duke): Another top prospect coming out of Duke, shocker! The nation saw plenty of Okafor this year thanks to the Coach K spotlight but Jahlil is worth the hype. Fantastic footwork and low-post skills, Okafor can flat-out score the rock. He's also a bully for rebounds and finishing plays close to the rim. His defense is a small concern, Okafor doesn't run the floor particularly well and could get easily gassed guarding faster NBA size. Okafor's offense alone should get him by for now, but he needs some NBA conditioning/training to become elite.
Best Case Scenario/Player comparison: Demarcus Cousins w/o an attitude problem
3. D'Angelo Russell (PG/SG - Ohio State): Regarded by scouts as the most NBA-ready point guard, Russell has all of the physical/mental tools you look for in a starting PG. His high basketball IQ contributes to his passing, shooting and scoring ability. There are some athleticism concerns but Russell should be a lock as a Top-5 pick.
Best Case Scenario/Player comparison: Klay Thompson w/ point guard handles/passing
4. Kristaps Porzingus (PF - Latvia): The top prospect coming over from Europe is Porzingus. KP is freakishly tall/long at 7'1 and is also only 19 years-old. His offensive skills are very impressive for someone his size/age, he loves dunking on/over defenders but what stands out most is his shooting stroke. Knock-down 3 point shooters over 6'10 are extremely rare and highly coveted. KP is a euro however, so he is automatically a question mark for American hoop and his skinny frame can get pushed around very easily right now. Boom or Bust.
Best Case Scenario/Player comparison: Timofy Mosgov w/ a Dirk-jumper/shooting stroke
5. Emmanuel Muiday (PG - China): Took the unusual path of going to play in China professionally rather than pick a college, which some criticized, especially after his stay in China wasn't as dominating or healthy as Muiday wanted. Muiday has flashed jaw-dropping talent on occasions however, his size (6'5), handles, passing and speed for a PG is off the charts. He excels in the fast break and can jump through the roof. His shooting ability isn't as strong as scouts like it to be and his trip to China could also scare people off but don't be surprised if Muiday turns into a ROY candidate.
Best Case Scenario/Player comparison: A slightly taller/faster Russell Westbrook
Potential Sleepers: Willy Caulie-Stein (Kentucky), Miles Turner (Texas), Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin), Cameron Payne (Murray State), Montrezl Harrell (Louisville) and any other Duke/Kentucky player's
Teams to Watch Closely for crazy Trades/Picks: Kings, Knicks, Lakers, Celtics, Nuggets, Suns
By: El Mijo