Kyle Boone
Full NBA Mock Draft
# Team Player Pos
1 Jabari Smith
Auburn
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Jabari Smith

There's at least *some* concern over the diversity with which Smith will score in the NBA -- he struggled at the rim in college and primarily was used as a catch-and-shoot weapon -- but his positional size and above average shooting are among the most translatable skills a prospect has in this class. At 6-10 he's an elite shooting threat from anywhere on the court and a very safe bet to be a valuable two-way player in the NBA. Betting markets have him going No. 1, and that seems the most likely outcome at this point for Orlando.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Elite shooting threat with crisp, repeatable shot mechanics; made 42% of his 3-pointers as freshman at Auburn
  • Big man with a perimeter game; can create his own shot off the bounce
  • Versatile and mobile as a defender his size. Can defend the paint against bigs and capable of switching onto wings and holding his own on the perimeter

WEAKNESSES

  • Polished offensive weapon who needs to add dribbling and passing polish to better round out his game
  • Good defender but a just-OK shot-blocker; at 6-10 his blocked-shots rate is more comparable to guards and wings than to bigs - possibly a product of playing next to the best shot-blocker in college hoops as a freshman (Walker Kessler) but also possibly a foreshadowing that his game at the next level may be as a combo forward rather than as a big

PRO COMPARISON: Better-shooting Jabari Parker

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 7 player in the Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: Second college freshman to ever make at least 70 3-pointers and 100 free throws in a season, joining Kevin Durant
  • MaxPreps: Georgia High School Basketball Player of the Year in 2020-21

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
28.8 16.9 7.4 2 42.9
2 Chet Holmgren
Gonzaga
C
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Chet Holmgren

The skinny frame and potential injury concerns that come along with it notwithstanding, Holmgren arguably holds the most star power in the draft. He rated in the 94th percentile as a defender around the rim last season and had a top-10 block rate. On offense, he rated in the 99th percentile around the rim. His ability to affect and block shots can make him a cornerstone defensive anchor for a rebooting OKC franchise.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Lanky athlete with ridiculous wingspan, and knows how to use it. Ranked top 10 among all college players as a freshman in block rate for Gonzaga
  • Smooth, crisp shot mechanics for a 7-footer who can be a scoring threat anywhere on the court: above the break 3s, in the post and in the mid-range
  • Guard-like skills with the ball in his hands. Can create on offense, particularly off the dribble by attacking and can pull up to take shots over defenders
  • Competitive and fearless player who is a beloved teammate and foxhole guy

WEAKNESSES

  • Slender frame; weighs less than 200 pounds at 7-foot, leading to legitimate questions about how his body will hold up over the course of 82-game NBA seasons
  • Physical center who isn't afraid of contact, but was pushed off his spots at times during freshman season; teams who played him physically did so with some success
  • Unicorn-like game. No one really has the combination of Holmgren's size and skill. A one-of-one. Can that be to his benefit, like, say, Ja Morant? Or to his detriment like Zion Williamson? We've never quite seen another player like him.

PRO COMPARISON: Kristaps Porzingis

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 1 player in the Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: 19.1% assist rate to 17.9% turnover rate as sophomore
  • MaxPreps National Player of the Year, 2020-21

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
26.8 14.1 9.9 1.9 60.7
3 Paolo Banchero
Duke
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Paolo Banchero

Houston grabs a future star to add to its frontcourt to pair with 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green, one of the most electric young guard prospects in the NBA. Banchero was an All-American in his lone season at Duke, and his playmaking and overall polish on offense at 6-10 can add another exciting dynamic to this young Rockets core. He has No. 1 pick talent, so getting him at 3 would be a huge win.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Polished scorer who can create looks for himself anywhere on the court. Has a back-to-the-basket game built for the NBA and has ability to knock down 3-pointers
  • Grew up playing guard before hitting several growth spurts; his ability to create as a passer and playmaker stuck with him and is a huge asset
  • Advanced handle for a 6-10 forward; can grab rebounds and run break

WEAKNESSES

  • Killer scorer in the mid-range, but just-OK as an outside scoring threat. Can he improve his shot and consistently be a floor spacer from 3-point range?
  • Fluid athlete but not an explosive one; at his size he's not a lob threat like other 6-10 bigs, and he's not much of a rim protector on defense, either
  • Defensive intensity waxes and wanes within games. Needs to improve his focus on that end to become a serviceable defender.

PRO COMPARISON: Ben Simmons

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 2 player in the Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: 33.8% shooter from 3-point range at Duke
  • MaxPreps: National Junior of the Year, 2019-20

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33 17.2 7.8 3.2 47.8
4 Jaden Ivey
Purdue
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Jaden Ivey

What Sacramento does here at No. 4 remains the biggest question of the draft. But taking best talent available should result in the Kings adding Ivey to a core that includes De'Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell and Domantas Sobanis. He's an electric athlete who can function as a quality playmaker because of his ability to get downhill and create off the dribble.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Explosive athlete who can blow by defenders off the ball
  • Consistently pressures the rim with his speed and athleticism
  • Improved 3-point jump shot and sound mechanics; improved his 3-point accuracy by 10% from freshman to sophomore season while taking on starring role
  • Clutch in big spots; loves to be the guy with the ball in his hands when his team needs him and consistently is able to come through
  • Has the speed, change of direction and burst to create room for his shot at will. Also has the skill to thrive as a shot-creator in transition, off the dribble and attacking in mid-range

WEAKNESSES

  • Turnover-prone. Has a habit of jumping into the air without knowing what passing read he's going to make, leading to unforced errors
  • Decision-making is questionable. Explosive in transition and in the halfcourt but his vision as a lead guard will need significant fine-tuning to develop into a primary guard at NBA level
  • Defensive mess. Can produce highlight plays on D when locked in, but far too often is uninterested, out of position or not engaged enough to be difference-maker

PRO COMPARISON: Ja Morant minus the passing vision

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 4 stars, No. 89 player in the Class of 2020
  • College numbers to know: 19.1% assist rate to 17.9% turnover rate as sophomore

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
31.5 17.3 4.9 3.1 46.0
5 Keegan Murray
Iowa
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparisons: Keegan Murray

If Ivey is off the board here, Detroit takes the safest prospect still on the board in Keegan Murray to add next to Cade Cunningham. Murray was one of the most productive players in college hoops last season and the combination of his size, outside shooting and defense should give him a nice floor as a true four-man at the next level.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Smooth athlete who glides on the court and can defend in space; very good weakside defender who sees and executes well on rotations
  • Versatile offensive weapon who can make shots inside the arc and has an effortless stroke that allows him to routinely knock down 3-pointers
  • Good rebounder who knows how to use his space and physicality to fight for balls; plays bigger than his 6-foot-8 frame in the paint but doesn't give up anything when defending smaller wings or guards

WEAKNESSES

  • Was occasionally a lob threat at Iowa, but not an explosive above-the-rim athlete.
  • Tweener in the sense that he's too small to regularly play in the post but too big and clunky to regularly play on the wing.
  • Will turn 21 years old shortly after the draft, making him one of the oldest projected lottery picks in this year's class

PRO COMPARISON: Jerami Grant

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 3 stars, No. 334 in Class of 2020
  • College numbers to know: His 23.6 PPG led all Big Ten players in 2021-22

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
31.9 23.5 8.7 1.5 55.4
6 Bennedict Mathurin
Arizona
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Bennedict Mathurin

Mathurin's had a steady rise over the last month and could be in play as soon as No. 5 in this draft because of his outside shooting, solid frame and defensive potential. Indiana can add him next to Tyrese Haliburton to really solidify its backcourt for the long haul.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Promising developmental track. Started fewer than half his games as freshman as a promising role player before emerging as All-Pac-12 star as a sophomore. He averaged 17.7 points per game last season for a No. 1 seed.
  • Reliable 3-point shot that he can get off with a quickness. Hit 41.8% from deep in a smaller role as freshman and it translated into a No. 1 role as a sophomore, where he made 36.9% of his 225 attempts.
  • Multi-faceted weapon on offense. Can attack closeouts and get to the rim while also creating for teammates as well. Showed good playmaking upside as a passer.

WEAKNESSES

  • Creativity on offense is one of his more tantalizing skills, but conversely, it's a weakness for him. Tries too much to be flashy with his passing, leading to silly turnovers.
  • Has size, frame and athleticism to be a good defender, but is far from reaching his potential on that end. Lacks focus, gets caught ball-watching and is inconsistent as a defender.

PRO COMPARISON: Malik Monk

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 4 stars, No. 129 in Class of 2020
  • College number to know: 38.3% 3-point shooter on 121 attempts in two college seasons

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-6
  • Weight: 204.6
  • Wingspan: 6-9
  • Vertical: N/A

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.5 17.7 5.6 2.5 45.0
7 Dyson Daniels
G League Ignite
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Dyson Daniels

After dealing CJ McCollum to New Orleans, Portland adding more playmaking seems the logical move here at No. 7 -- and Dyson Daniels can add plenty. The G League Ignite product is perhaps the most crafty passer in the draft and projects as a solid defender right away because of his length and instincts, with upside to in time develop into a focal point on offense if his shot improves.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Elite defender. With his length and on-ball tenacity, he's one of the true lockdown perimeter defenders in this draft.
  • Creative playmaker. His size helps him see over the defense but he's able to make quick, decisive reads, with artistic deliveries to boot. Very good passer.
  • High-level feel. Can play on the ball as a distributor but capable of playing off the ball as well. Smart cutter who knows where to be and when.

WEAKNESSES

  • Needs to improve as a shooter. Made less than 30% of his 3-pointers with G League Ignite team and his free-throw shooting numbers don't inspire confidence either. This will be the swing skill that determines his NBA upside.
  • Tweener guard. Good positional size and incredibly skilled as a passer, but is his handle tight enough to be a true NBA lead guard? For a team drafting him, the bet is that either his pacing and pose as the point guard improves - or that his shooting improves enough to play off the ball.

PRO COMPARISON: Spencer Dinwiddie

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-7.5
  • Weight: 195.2
  • Wingspan: 6-10.5
  • Vertical: 34 inches
8 AJ Griffin
Duke
SF
NBA Draft Player Comparisons: AJ Griffin

New Orleans rated as the 27th-best team in the NBA in team 3-point shooting percentage last season. In Griffin they add one of the best wing shooters in the draft who has legitimate star potential if he's able to find his old high school form and stay healthy. Depending on how his medicals check out, he could go anywhere from No. 5 to outside the lottery.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Elite spot-up shooter who can knock down shots from anywhere on the court
  • Made 49.3% of his 3-pointers on high volume. Very good perimeter scorer and shooter who consistently spaces the floor as a scoring threat.
  • Physically mature frame and knows how to use it to get into the lane and finish through contact; very adept as a creator off the bounce

WEAKNESSES

  • Shows star power but only in flashes; did not consistently play as a freshman like a no-doubt-about-it top-10 pick as freshman at Duke
  • Funky-yet-effective shot foundation; has very wide 3-point stance and takes longer than most to get into stance and release. Will probably not be used as a shooter peeling off screens or shooting off motion.
  • Monster defensive potential, but, like most of his game, only sometimes showed as much at Duke. Can eventually develop into a plus on that end as he learns the game because of his athleticism and physicality.

PRO COMPARISON: Harrison Barnes

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 18 in Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: 44.7% 3-point shooter on 159 attempts

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
23.9 10.4 3.9 1 49.3
9 Jeremy Sochan
Baylor
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Jeremy Sochan

The shot is really the only question mark for Sochan that may be keeping him from being a potential top five prospect in this class. He can guard 1-5 and is a plus playmaker at his position to boot. If the Spurs can develop his shot he could pay off as one of the best talents to come out of this draft.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Versatile defender who showed he's capable of defending every position on the court. Adept at moving his feet and staying in front as a defender on the perimeter, but has the size and competitiveness to bang down low as well.
  • Before recent growth spurt, played guard and wing, allowing him to carry his playmaking skills on the perimeter to the frontcourt. Baylor used him at times to run its offense, and his passing ability is one of his biggest assets.
  • Constant energy. Bundle of electricity who is a magnet for movement. Always in the mix making plays happen and wreaking havoc.

WEAKNESSES

  • Promising floor-spacer, but still needs to improve his shot. Hit fewer than 30 of his 81 attempts from 3-point range at Baylor. Also made 47% of his shots from the field and a troubling 59% from the free throw line, which is typically a leading indicator into a prospect's overall shooting touch.
  • Big man size with backcourt skills. Defensively holds up well matched up on centers and power forwards, but on offense he's more raw and lacks polish. Outside of his passing, he remains a work in progress.

PRO COMPARISON: Patrick Williams

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 4 star, No. 114 in Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: 29.6% 3-point shooter

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
25 9.2 6.4 1.8 47.4
10 Shaedon Sharpe
Kentucky
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Shaedon Sharpe

This would be a further-than-expected fall for Sharpe but a soft landing spot in Washington for a Wizards team that has several young and exciting pieces. Sharpe was the No. 1 player in his class before reclassifying and enrolling at Kentucky at the mid-year point, but not playing while there means scouts haven't gotten an extended look at him since his time as a high-schooler on the EYBL circuit.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Has incredible measures for a SG: explosive athlete with a reported 49-inch vertical leap, 6-foot-6 frame, 7-foot wingspan
  • Quick first step; can create separation as a shooter and scorer from anywhere on the court
  • Physically has the athleticism and tools to be a difference-maker on both ends of the court

WEAKNESSES

  • Bit of an unknown with more risk than most top-10 prospects after not playing during his freshman season at Kentucky
  • Dribbling and playmaking abilities need to improve to be a true star shooting guard. He can make and create every shot in the book, but getting teammates involved and being able to coordinate an offense is his next step to stardom.

PRO COMPARISON: Andrew Wiggins

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 3 player in the Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: Played zero minutes at Kentucky

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-4.25
  • Weight: 198
  • Wingspan: 6-11.5
  • Vertical: N/A
11 TyTy Washington Jr.
Kentucky
PG
NBA Draft Player Comparisons: TyTy Washington

The Knicks need scoring and playmaking and could get a two-for-one combo here in Washington. The former five-star recruit is a knockdown shooter who thrived off the ball at Kentucky but has some untapped talents playing on the ball as a creator and initiator as well; his 27% assist rate in SEC play was 11th among players in his conference -- despite playing almost exclusively as the second initiator.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Versatile guard who showed himself being comfortable playing both on and off the ball
  • Very good passing and creating ability operating as lead guard, though UK primarily played him off the ball
  • Good scorer and creator as a scorer playing on the ball; can produce in variety of ways and hit 35% of his 3-pointers as a freshman at Kentucky

WEAKNESSES

  • Needs to improve his scoring and efficiency shooting off the dribble, particularly in the mid-range
  • Pick-and-roll effectiveness could improve; his decision-making in such situations was lacking at Kentucky, though his touch on floaters could be an invaluable asset to his development

PRO COMPARISON: Cole Anthony

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 15 player in the Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: Broke John Wall's UK single-game assist record with 17 vs. UGA
  • 2020-21 MaxPreps Arizona High School Basketball Player of the Year

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-2.25
  • Weight: 196.4
  • Wingspan: 6-8
  • Vertical: N/A

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
29 12.5 3.5 3.9 45.1
12 Ousmane Dieng
France
SF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Ousmane Dieng

Dieng had a strong close to the NBL season with the New Zealand Breakers, a team from the same NBL league that once produced LaMelo Ball. He's a combo forward with guard skills. If his outside shot starts falling with regularity he could develop into a borderline star on the wing, he's just quite a ways away from being an NBA contributor right now. Whoever takes him must be patient.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Coordination and flow of a guard with ball-handling
  • Should be able to rise above any defender for looks with a promising jumper
  • Defensive versatility should become solid over time

WEAKNESSES

  • Doesn't look particularly explosive, even against lesser competition
  • Physicality could be a problem if he's not able to fill out
  • Could be a major flop if his athleticism and physicality don't bloom

PRO COMPARISON: Kyle Anderson
13 Jalen Duren
Memphis
C
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Jalen Duren

Charlotte needs an injection of talent and youth in the frontcourt and can get both with the addition of Jalen Duren, a springy big man who is a human pogo stick with incredible leaping ability. Duren's shot-blocking and above-the-rim abilities make him a safe bet to be a long-time contributor.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Explosive athlete. Above-the-rim finisher who can be a lob threat and affects shot with good shot-blocking ability.
  • Versatile defender. Can move his feet very well for a center at nearly 250 pounds. Good lateral quickness that will allow him to play comfortably in drop coverage, and switching onto forwards in the NBA should not be a problem.
  • Relentless on the glass. Gives great effort and energy and produces second-chance opportunities on the offensive boards.

WEAKNESSES

  • Limited offensive game. Efficient scorer overall, but that's confined mostly to the paint or just outside it. He took no 3-pointers at Memphis, and while his shot will eventually allow him to be a floor-spacer, his game is not there yet.
  • Above-average turnover rate. Has shown flashes as a passer, but his handle needs sharpened up. Susceptible to getting the ball stripped and/or making bad reads off passes.

PRO COMPARISON: Robert Williams

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 6 in Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: 9.9% block rate was top-30 nationally
  • MaxPreps First Team All-American, 2020-21

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
25.2 12 8.1 1.3 59.7
14 Ochai Agbaji
Kansas
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparisons: Ochai Agbaji

Cleveland has a young core primed to contend with Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Agbaji gives the Cavs another piece of key depth on the wing and adds a complementary style to Isaac Okoro as a more offensively polished weapon. He shot 41% from 3-point range last season for KU in leading the Jayhawks to a national title.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Powerful athlete who can fly above the rim. Kansas regularly drew up backdoor lobs and above-the-rim actions for him to finish, and he proved plenty capable of slashing to the rim and showcasing his hops.
  • Good shooter with range extending beyond the 3-point line. Hit 37.3% from beyond the arc for his career, 40.7% as a senior and made developmental strides as a shooter each season with KU.
  • Big, strong and developed physically. Can hold his own on defense, switching between guards and wings

WEAKNESSES

  • One of the older prospects in this year's class. Will be 22 years old next season and was not on the first-round radar in any of his previous years. It wasn't a flash-in-the-pan senior year, but his rise came later than most as a prospect.
  • Good scorer, generally good offensive weapon, but not a playmaker. Averaged more turnovers than assists for his career. If he is driving to the basket, he's most likely head-down and looking to finish. The knock here is more with his lack of playmaking than with his turnovers, given his high usage rate

PRO COMPARISON: Mikal Bridges

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 4 stars, No. 132 in Class of 2018
  • College numbers to know: Improved as 3-point shooter in each of his four seasons. Shot 40.9% from 3 as a senior in leading KU to national title

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-4.5
  • Weight: 216.8
  • Wingspan: 6-10.5
  • Vertical: 39.0 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
35 18.8 5.1 1.6 47.5
15 Tari Eason
LSU
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Tari Eason

Eason is a big combo forward who can space the floor as a shooter and open up the offense as a straight-line driver. His main value, however, comes on defense, where he's a do-it-all weapon with great instincts. He's raw and his offense isn't quite NBA-ready but the physical tools and defense alone could get him into the teens of this draft on potential.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. He has the size to defend power forwards, the foot speed to switch onto guards and the physicality to be a potential small-ball five man in some lineups.
  • Promising developmental trajectory as a shooter. Improved his free throw shooting from 57% to 80% in two college seasons and also went from a 24.1% 3-point shooter to a 35.9% 3-point shooter.
  • Glue-guy skill set. Doesn't need the ball in his hands to make plays. Hyper-aware as a help defender on D, knows when to cut, keeps the ball moving. Selfless style should be attractive to teams.

WEAKNESSES

  • Turnover-prone. Had nearly twice as many turnovers as assists in two college seasons.
  • Has shown promise as a ball-handler and as a passer

PRO COMPARISON: Paul Reed

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-8
  • Weight: 217.4
  • Wingspan: 7-2
  • Vertical: N/A

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
24.4 16.9 6.6 1 52.1
16 Malaki Branham
Ohio St.
SF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Malaki Branham

Ohio State turned to Branham as one of its go-to options down the stretch run of the season, and he responded by averaging 17.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in the second half of the year. He's a big wing who can torch the net and scores it at a really high level, and now that he's committed to staying in the draft, should be in the mix as a potential lottery pick.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Prototypical wing scorer. Can be a deadeye shooter off the catch and knows how to create separation and get to his spots to fill it up as well.
  • Threat to shoot from anywhere. He made better than 40% of his 3-pointers as a freshman. Comfortable scoring in a variety of ways including attacking the rim or launching from distanc

WEAKNESSES

  • Needs to improve as a defender. Has good positional size and constantly brings energy, but his struggles early in the season were evident - though he improved as the season progressed.
  • Not quite Cam Thomas-level, but Branham doesn't really look to pass when he gets the ball. Something of a ball-stopper. He needs to improve as a playmaker, which will come in time as he improves his handle and is able to more quickly process the game.

PRO COMPARISON: Bogdan Bogdanovich

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-5.5
  • Weight: 194.8
  • Wingspan: 6-10
  • Vertical: 35 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
29.6 13.7 3.6 2 49.8
17 Dalen Terry
Arizona
SF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Dalen Terry

After adding Banchero at No. 3, Houston comes back to add backcourt depth with the addition of one of my favorite talents in Terry. Terry did a little of everything at Arizona as a role player last season primarily playing off the ball and has the length and tools to thrive as a high energy wing who has some wiggle off the dribble and can shoot the 3.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Excellent defensive upside and embraces challenging assignments
  • Legitimate secondary facilitator on offense who takes care of the ball and makes the right pass
  • Uses length to his advantage and takes/makes efficient 2-point looks

WEAKNESSES

  • As a career 68% free-throw shooter and 35% 3-point shooter on a low-volume, his outside shooting looks like a swing skill
  • Needs to speed up the release on his shot
  • Will need to bulk up to bruise with some NBA power forwards

PRO COMPARISON: Mikal Bridges

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-7.25
  • Weight: 195.2
  • Wingspan: 7-0.75
  • Vertical: N/A

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
27.8 8 4.8 3.9 50.2
18 Johnny Davis
Wisconsin
SF
NBA Draft Player Comparisons: Johnny Davis

Johnny Davis was one of the most productive players in college hoops last season as a true breakout star in his sophomore season. He thrives as a mid-range scorer, can create his own looks and has the defensive smarts to be an instant contributor for a winning team. If he returns to shooting form he showed as a freshman (38.9% from 3) then he can be one of the best 3-and-D wings in the draft.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Versatile defender. Can guard up and down the lineup and locks down on guards and wings.
  • Tough-shot maker. Knows how and when to get to his spots and can drain pull-ups, stepbacks and fadeaways. Killer mid-range game and good shooting touch around the rim.
  • Not necessarily explosive, but quick enough to blow by defenders in getting to the rim, and smart enough to know when to dish out to teammates.
  • Good rebounder for his size and position. At shooting guard, he led his team in rebounds per game. His 8.3 per game ranked fifth among all players in the Big Ten, a byproduct of his relentless effort and energy on both ends of the court.

WEAKNESSES

  • High-volume, low-efficiency scorer last season at Wisconsin. Consistently drew tough matchups and still produced, but shot just 30.6% from 3-point range and 42.7% from the field. His 79.1% free-throw hit rate leaves room for optimism, but if there's a knock to his offensive versatility and shot-making it's that his mid-range and outside game were put together on a fairly inefficient basis.
  • Needs to improve as a passer and playmaker. Had more turnovers than assists in his two seasons at Wisconsin. When he has the ball, he's likely going to the rim or shooting, which makes his game at times predictable and easier to defend.

PRO COMPARISON: Jarrett Culver

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 3 star, No. 164 in the Class of 2020
  • College numbers to know: 52.3% true shooting as sophomore

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-5.75
  • Weight: 196.4
  • Wingspan: 6-8.5
  • Vertical: N/A

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.2 19.7 8.2 2.1 42.7
19 Jalen Williams
Santa Clara
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparisons: Jalen Williams

Williams has been the fastest-rising draft prospect the last month. He measured 6-6 at the combine with a 7-2 wingspan, is coming off a season in which he shot nearly 40% from 3-point range, and rated out in the 97th percentile last season according to Synergy as a spot-up shooter.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Long athlete; measured 6-6 with 7-1 wingspan at NBA Draft Combine
  • Great spot-up shooter. Hit just shy of 40% from 3-point range in final season at Santa Clara and rated in 97th percentile as spot-up shooter.
  • Smart cutter with high basketball IQ. High level role player potential

WEAKNESSES

  • Improved each season as a passer but could still cut down on careless turnovers by refining his handle and decision-making.
  • Average athlete. Has the positional size and length to make up on that front, but it will likely affect his finishing abilities around the rim and has been a factor in some of his defensive lapses.

PRO COMPARISON: Shake Milton

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-5.75
  • Weight: 196.4
  • Wingspan: 7-2.25
  • Vertical: 39 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.8 18 4.4 4.2 51.3
20 Mark Williams
Duke
C
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Mark Williams

That sound you hear is San Antonio quite literally stealing the draft if it gets Mark Williams at 20 to add to Jeremy Sochan at pick No. 10. Williams is a throwback big who doesn't shoot it much from outside the paint (and isn't a 3-point shooter right now) but he runs the break well, affects shots around the rim and has amazing timing and length which he uses to swat shots at a high level.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Gifted shot-blocker. Has great timing when shots go up and knows how to affect shot attempts and block them around the rim.
  • Elite positional size. Measured 7-2 in shoes with a 7-7 wingspan at NBA Draft Combine.
  • Efficient scorer. His 72.3% field goal percentage ranked fifth-best among NCAA players last season. His 138.9 offensive rating at KenPom ranked No. 2 in college hoops last season.

WEAKNESSES

  • Limited mobility. May be able to play drop coverage on defense, but could be a liability defensively if asked to switch out onto perimeter.
  • More of an old-school big. His game fits the modern NBA because of his ability to affect shots and finish lobs, but he's not a shooter or floor-spacer - though he has shown potential to expand his game.

PRO COMPARISON: Charles Bassey

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 28 in Class of 2020
  • College numbers to know: 72.3% field goal percentage as sophomore was fifth-highest among all college players in 2021-22

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 7-2
  • Weight: 242.4
  • Wingspan: 7-6.5
  • Vertical: N/A

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
23.5 11.2 7.4 0.9 72.1
21 Kendall Brown
Baylor
SF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Kendall Brown

There's a world in which Brown is drafted in the teens or slips to the 30s and neither would surprise me. He's tough to peg after an up and down freshman season in which he had flashes but was not consistent. His 6-8 frame and athleticism from the wing spot should land him somewhere in the 20s, is my guess.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Explosive athlete. Had the second-highest leaping vertical at the NBA Draft Combine at 41.5 inches. That lines up with how he plays, as he loads up and can make plays above the rim.
  • Good positional size. At 6-8 he's one of the longest wings. He uses that to his advantage particularly on defense, where his length can affect those he matches up with. He also has the smarts and IQ to be a difference-maker.
  • Tailed off toward end of season, but he was a consistent 3-point shooter on low volume with reliable and repeatable shot mechanics.

WEAKNESSES

  • Impactful only in spurts. He has moments in games where he flashes star power - but more often goes long stretches where you forget he's on the court. Sometimes it's an effort thing, sometimes he plays timid. His increased aggression would help - and NBA spacing may free him up to do more of what he's capable of.
  • I'm buying the shot long-term, but his 3-point shooting finished at 34.1% on the season. That, combined with his 68.9% rate from the free throw line, suggests there's improvement necessary towards him becoming a consistent scoring threat. He's more of a slasher than scorer, but improving his outside shot is key.

PRO COMPARISON: Kessler Edwards

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-7.5
  • Weight: 201.2
  • Wingspan: 6-11
  • Vertical: 41 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
27 9.7 4.9 1.9 58.4
22 E.J. Liddell
Ohio St.
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: E.J. Liddell

Memphis' front office has in the past put a high value on college production, making Liddell, one of the most productive players in college hoops the last few seasons, squarely in the mix here (if he's not already taken). Slightly undersized power forward who plays way above his 6-7 frame and has improved dramatically as a shooter the last year.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • A skilled offensive player and potential matchup problem for many defenders
  • Potential as a small-ball five because of physicality and rebounding ability
  • Demonstrated needed 3-point shooting improvement as a junior

WEAKNESSES

  • Will be tested defensively against athletic NBA power forwards and quicker guards
  • Less of an on-ball creator than some modern fours
  • Could be a tweener if his athleticism and perimeter game doesn't round out

PRO COMPARISON: Grant Williams

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-7
  • Weight: 243
  • Wingspan: 6-11.75
  • Vertical: 38 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33.2 19.4 7.9 2.5 49.0
23 Patrick Baldwin Jr.
Milwaukee
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Patrick Baldwin Jr.

Baldwin Jr.'s stock is tough to nail down because of injuries that derailed nearly all of his high school senior season and much of his freshman season at Milwaukee. But he has great positional size and a strong pedigree as a former five-star recruit (and once the No. 1 player in his class) which may earn him a spot in the 20s for a team willing to take a gamble on his talent.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Plays with great perimeter fluidity for his size
  • His long-term upside as an outside shooter is better than 26.6% 3-point mark at Milwaukee suggests
  • Can be a mismatch on the block against smaller guards and wings

WEAKNESSES

  • Lacks the lateral quickness to be an impact defender
  • Not a natural facilitator or sharp playmaker off the dribble
  • A bet on Baldwin is a bet on his 3-point shot becoming far more efficient

PRO COMPARISON: Cam Johnson

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-10.25
  • Weight: 230.8
  • Wingspan: 7-1.75
  • Vertical: 26.5 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
28.5 12.1 5.8 1.5 34.4
24 Andrew Nembhard
Gonzaga
PG

Nembhard isn't a top-25 talent in the 2022 NBA Draft but he is easily one of the 25 most NBA-ready prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft. That should matter to a Bucks franchise that's in win-now mode trying to maximize its title window with Giannis. Nembhard isn't a blow-by-you athlete but he's a solid point guard who can shoot and distribute well enough to contribute to winning for a contender.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Good offensive weapon. Can play on or off the ball
  • Good shooter. Can hit the 3-point shot. Knows how to initiate, can make smart reads as passer and able to avoid careless mistakes.

WEAKNESSES

  • Not explosive. Isn't going to blow past you off the bounce. Has good positional size, which helps.
  • Struggles to create separation

PRO COMPARISON: Jordan Bone

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-4.5
  • Weight: 195.6
  • Wingspan: 6-5.75
  • Vertical: 35 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.1 11.8 3.4 5.8 45.2
25 Nikola Jovic
Serbia
SF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Nikola Jovic

This would purely be a value play for San Antonio to pluck Jovic, one of the most intriguing combination forwards in the draft, at No. 25. He has guard skills -- he ran point last season as one of the primary initiators for Mega Mozzart -- and a center's frame. He's very raw developmentally but having just turned 19 years old, there's a chance he can mature in time to be a valuable initiator given his size.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Versatile playmaker with an advanced offensive repertoire for his age
  • An outside shooter who can attack a close out with quality ball-handling to find a better look
  • Tantalizing upside as one of the youngest players in the class. He turns 19 just two weeks before the draft

WEAKNESSES

  • His quickness looks suspect and could limit his facilitation ability at next level
  • Will need to show that he's athletic enough to handle defensive assignments vs. shorter and quicker players
  • Release on shot appears low, which could be an issue against high-level talent equipped to contest shots

PRO COMPARISON: Joe Ingles

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-11
  • Weight: 222.6
  • Wingspan: 7-0.25
  • Vertical: N/A
26 Wendell Moore Jr.
Duke
SF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Wendell Moore Jr.

Traded from: HOU

It's hard to find instant contributors in the first round, much less at No. 26, but Houston could really grab one here in Moore after a breakout season with Duke. He's a long wing with good 3-point shooting skills and a role-player skillset that'd make him an asset for the Rockets.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Can comfortably play on or off the ball
  • Versatile defender with physicality/quickness to guard 1-4
  • Efficient offensive player in college

WEAKNESSES

  • Improved his 3-point shooting as a junior but still needs to take more strides
  • Not a particularly explosive athlete
  • While the floor appears high, his ceiling is limited due to lack of any elite skill

PRO COMPARISON: Terance Mann

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-5.5
  • Weight: 217.2
  • Wingspan: 7-0.5
  • Vertical: 38.5 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33.9 13.4 5.3 4.4 50.0
27 Jaylin Williams
Arkansas
PF

Frontcourt depth beyond Bam Adebayo and PJ Tucker in Miami is sorely lacking, which would make Jaylin Williams an interesting fit with the Heat. A do-it-all big who loves to take charges and provide energy, he does all the little things that contribute to winning and has floor-spacing potential as well.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Good defender who draws charges at a nice rate
  • Was an elite defensive-rebounder at the college level
  • Decent rim-protector who can also guard in space

WEAKNESSES

  • Unproven jumper from both inside and outside of the arc
  • Only averaged 8.3 shots in 31.6 minutes per game in his final season at Arkansas

PRO COMPARISON: Bobby Portis

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-10
  • Weight: 236.6
  • Wingspan: 7-1
  • Vertical: 30 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
31.7 10.9 9.8 2.6 46.1
28 Jean Montero
Overtime Elite
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Jean Montero

Golden State's got to be thinking about adding guard depth at some point and Montero, long a prodigious talent from the Dominican Republic, could fit the bill here. He's a speedy guard who groomed himself last season with Overtime Elite and has the combination of scoring and competitiveness that the Warriors tend to gravitate towards.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Fluid ball-handler able to create offense in pick and roll or isolation situations
  • Shoots with quality form and looks comfortable pulling up off the dribble or in spot-up situations
  • Quick enough to blow past defenders who must respect his outside shot

WEAKNESSES

  • Limited defensive versatility due to size makes him exploitable in some matchups
  • Standard athleticism, which could create issues finishing vs. NBA rim protectors
  • Seems more comfortable looking for a bucket than creating for teammates

PRO COMPARISON: Tony Parker

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-2.25
  • Weight: 171.8
  • Wingspan: 6-5.25
  • Vertical: 37 inches
29 Josh Minott
Memphis
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparisons: Josh Minott

From Memphis, Tennessee, to Memphis, Tennessee? It's possible for Minott, one of the most toolsy wings in the draft whose length and athleticism gives him real first-round potential. Needs to improve his jumper to maximize his potential -- he made two 3-pointers all season at Memphis -- but he's a developmental talent with starter upside in the right system.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Long athlete with crazy athleticism. His length and defense will help him find a landing spot in the NBA.
  • Cleanup hitter who is always putting himself in position to finish putbacks in spectacular fashion.

WEAKNESSES

  • Basically not a shooter. Made only two 3-pointers last season. Funky left-to-right shooting mechanics.
  • Has defensive tools to be game changer, but lapses at times. Really like his energy and willingness.

PRO COMPARISON: Hamidou Diallo

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
14.6 6.6 3.8 0.9 52.2
30 Jaden Hardy
G League Ignite
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Jaden Hardy

Traded from: DEN

Denver recently acquired this pick via Oklahoma City and can flip it into one of the biggest swings available at 30. Hardy's stock slipped a bit over the last few months because he was inefficient with the G League Ignite, but he's a gifted scorer who can create space and has plenty of room to grow.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • A bucket. Can score it from every level on the court. Has the know-how to carve out space and separate. Killer stepback game, too.
  • Encouraging shooter. His efficiency from 3-point range with G League Ignite was overall less than 30%, but he's a deadeye shooter in catch-and-shoot and in spot-up shooting situations.
  • Long for his position. At 6-4 he has a 6-9 wingspan. Projects to be a capable defender in time at his position.
  • Good ball-handler. Can create for himself off the bounce by unleashing a variety of moves including attacking, running pick-and-roll or pulling off up off the dribble

WEAKNESSES

  • 3-point shooting numbers need to improve. He showed development throughout the season and his shot-creation itself is encouraging, but how he racks up numbers from an efficiency standpoint is a knock.
  • Crafty combo guard who can get to his spots, but not an explosive athlete. Doesn't have the pop to blow by defenders off the bounce. Separating and creating space in the G League is one thing. Can he do it in the NBA?
  • Needs to improve as playmaker. His counting stats were great - he led G League Ignite in scoring - but making others around him better will be key to his sticking in the league. Passing and decision-making development are his next steps

PRO COMPARISON: Kevin Porter Jr.
Gary Parrish
Full NBA Mock Draft
# Team Player Pos
1 Jabari Smith
Auburn
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Jabari Smith

Smith still needs to develop in lots of ways but is already a great shooter and switchable defender who plays with undeniable energy. He's not the guy I'd take first in this draft — but it's a sensible pick for an Orlando franchise that needs to add talent and shooting.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Elite shooting threat with crisp, repeatable shot mechanics; made 42% of his 3-pointers as freshman at Auburn
  • Big man with a perimeter game; can create his own shot off the bounce
  • Versatile and mobile as a defender his size. Can defend the paint against bigs and capable of switching onto wings and holding his own on the perimeter

WEAKNESSES

  • Polished offensive weapon who needs to add dribbling and passing polish to better round out his game
  • Good defender but a just-OK shot-blocker; at 6-10 his blocked-shots rate is more comparable to guards and wings than to bigs - possibly a product of playing next to the best shot-blocker in college hoops as a freshman (Walker Kessler) but also possibly a foreshadowing that his game at the next level may be as a combo forward rather than as a big

PRO COMPARISON: Better-shooting Jabari Parker

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 7 player in the Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: Second college freshman to ever make at least 70 3-pointers and 100 free throws in a season, joining Kevin Durant
  • MaxPreps: Georgia High School Basketball Player of the Year in 2020-21

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
28.8 16.9 7.4 2 42.9
2 Chet Holmgren
Gonzaga
C
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Chet Holmgren

The concerns about Holmgren's slight frame are legitimate — but he's such a unique prospect with incredible potential that Oklahoma City should be uncomfortable passing on this 7-foot rim-protector who can also bounce it like a guard and reliably make 3-pointers. He has the highest ceiling in this draft and, for that reason, should go no lower than here.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Lanky athlete with ridiculous wingspan, and knows how to use it. Ranked top 10 among all college players as a freshman in block rate for Gonzaga
  • Smooth, crisp shot mechanics for a 7-footer who can be a scoring threat anywhere on the court: above the break 3s, in the post and in the mid-range
  • Guard-like skills with the ball in his hands. Can create on offense, particularly off the dribble by attacking and can pull up to take shots over defenders
  • Competitive and fearless player who is a beloved teammate and foxhole guy

WEAKNESSES

  • Slender frame; weighs less than 200 pounds at 7-foot, leading to legitimate questions about how his body will hold up over the course of 82-game NBA seasons
  • Physical center who isn't afraid of contact, but was pushed off his spots at times during freshman season; teams who played him physically did so with some success
  • Unicorn-like game. No one really has the combination of Holmgren's size and skill. A one-of-one. Can that be to his benefit, like, say, Ja Morant? Or to his detriment like Zion Williamson? We've never quite seen another player like him.

PRO COMPARISON: Kristaps Porzingis

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 1 player in the Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: 19.1% assist rate to 17.9% turnover rate as sophomore
  • MaxPreps National Player of the Year, 2020-21

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
26.8 14.1 9.9 1.9 60.7
3 Paolo Banchero
Duke
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Paolo Banchero

Banchero is probably the safest option at the top of this draft on account of his floor being so high. He's a big, strong and skilled forward who could be an incredible building block in Houston alongside Jalen Green.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Polished scorer who can create looks for himself anywhere on the court. Has a back-to-the-basket game built for the NBA and has ability to knock down 3-pointers
  • Grew up playing guard before hitting several growth spurts; his ability to create as a passer and playmaker stuck with him and is a huge asset
  • Advanced handle for a 6-10 forward; can grab rebounds and run break

WEAKNESSES

  • Killer scorer in the mid-range, but just-OK as an outside scoring threat. Can he improve his shot and consistently be a floor spacer from 3-point range?
  • Fluid athlete but not an explosive one; at his size he's not a lob threat like other 6-10 bigs, and he's not much of a rim protector on defense, either
  • Defensive intensity waxes and wanes within games. Needs to improve his focus on that end to become a serviceable defender.

PRO COMPARISON: Ben Simmons

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 2 player in the Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: 33.8% shooter from 3-point range at Duke
  • MaxPreps: National Junior of the Year, 2019-20

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33 17.2 7.8 3.2 47.8
4 Jaden Ivey
Purdue
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Jaden Ivey

Ivey is an explosive athlete who plays big and is capable of attacking the rim in a variety of ways. There are questions about whether he's actually going to be a point guard in the NBA, but that shouldn't matter much to a Sacramento franchise that should simply prioritize the best prospect available.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Explosive athlete who can blow by defenders off the ball
  • Consistently pressures the rim with his speed and athleticism
  • Improved 3-point jump shot and sound mechanics; improved his 3-point accuracy by 10% from freshman to sophomore season while taking on starring role
  • Clutch in big spots; loves to be the guy with the ball in his hands when his team needs him and consistently is able to come through
  • Has the speed, change of direction and burst to create room for his shot at will. Also has the skill to thrive as a shot-creator in transition, off the dribble and attacking in mid-range

WEAKNESSES

  • Turnover-prone. Has a habit of jumping into the air without knowing what passing read he's going to make, leading to unforced errors
  • Decision-making is questionable. Explosive in transition and in the halfcourt but his vision as a lead guard will need significant fine-tuning to develop into a primary guard at NBA level
  • Defensive mess. Can produce highlight plays on D when locked in, but far too often is uninterested, out of position or not engaged enough to be difference-maker

PRO COMPARISON: Ja Morant minus the passing vision

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 4 stars, No. 89 player in the Class of 2020
  • College numbers to know: 19.1% assist rate to 17.9% turnover rate as sophomore

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
31.5 17.3 4.9 3.1 46.0
5 Keegan Murray
Iowa
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparisons: Keegan Murray

Murray is a switchable big who can guard in space and consistently make shots from the perimeter. What he does, at his size, is perfectly suited for the modern NBA and would fit well with a Detroit franchise trying to return to respectability with Cade Cunningham as the centerpiece.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Smooth athlete who glides on the court and can defend in space; very good weakside defender who sees and executes well on rotations
  • Versatile offensive weapon who can make shots inside the arc and has an effortless stroke that allows him to routinely knock down 3-pointers
  • Good rebounder who knows how to use his space and physicality to fight for balls; plays bigger than his 6-foot-8 frame in the paint but doesn't give up anything when defending smaller wings or guards

WEAKNESSES

  • Was occasionally a lob threat at Iowa, but not an explosive above-the-rim athlete.
  • Tweener in the sense that he's too small to regularly play in the post but too big and clunky to regularly play on the wing.
  • Will turn 21 years old shortly after the draft, making him one of the oldest projected lottery picks in this year's class

PRO COMPARISON: Jerami Grant

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 3 stars, No. 334 in Class of 2020
  • College numbers to know: His 23.6 PPG led all Big Ten players in 2021-22

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
31.9 23.5 8.7 1.5 55.4
6 Bennedict Mathurin
Arizona
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Bennedict Mathurin

Mathurin was the star of Arizona's team that won the Pac-12 and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The 6-6 wing is an impressive athlete and above-average shooter who would be a nice addition for an Indiana franchise pivoting to a rebuild.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Promising developmental track. Started fewer than half his games as freshman as a promising role player before emerging as All-Pac-12 star as a sophomore. He averaged 17.7 points per game last season for a No. 1 seed.
  • Reliable 3-point shot that he can get off with a quickness. Hit 41.8% from deep in a smaller role as freshman and it translated into a No. 1 role as a sophomore, where he made 36.9% of his 225 attempts.
  • Multi-faceted weapon on offense. Can attack closeouts and get to the rim while also creating for teammates as well. Showed good playmaking upside as a passer.

WEAKNESSES

  • Creativity on offense is one of his more tantalizing skills, but conversely, it's a weakness for him. Tries too much to be flashy with his passing, leading to silly turnovers.
  • Has size, frame and athleticism to be a good defender, but is far from reaching his potential on that end. Lacks focus, gets caught ball-watching and is inconsistent as a defender.

PRO COMPARISON: Malik Monk

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 4 stars, No. 129 in Class of 2020
  • College number to know: 38.3% 3-point shooter on 121 attempts in two college seasons

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-6
  • Weight: 204.6
  • Wingspan: 6-9
  • Vertical: N/A

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.5 17.7 5.6 2.5 45.0
7 Dyson Daniels
G League Ignite
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Dyson Daniels

Daniels isn't quite the prospect previous Ignite stars have been but is still a fascinating guard with size who can play with or without the ball. His jumper, at this point, is the biggest area of concern but shouldn't prevent him from going in the top 10.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Elite defender. With his length and on-ball tenacity, he's one of the true lockdown perimeter defenders in this draft.
  • Creative playmaker. His size helps him see over the defense but he's able to make quick, decisive reads, with artistic deliveries to boot. Very good passer.
  • High-level feel. Can play on the ball as a distributor but capable of playing off the ball as well. Smart cutter who knows where to be and when.

WEAKNESSES

  • Needs to improve as a shooter. Made less than 30% of his 3-pointers with G League Ignite team and his free-throw shooting numbers don't inspire confidence either. This will be the swing skill that determines his NBA upside.
  • Tweener guard. Good positional size and incredibly skilled as a passer, but is his handle tight enough to be a true NBA lead guard? For a team drafting him, the bet is that either his pacing and pose as the point guard improves - or that his shooting improves enough to play off the ball.

PRO COMPARISON: Spencer Dinwiddie

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-7.5
  • Weight: 195.2
  • Wingspan: 6-10.5
  • Vertical: 34 inches
8 Shaedon Sharpe
Kentucky
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Shaedon Sharpe

Even though he enrolled in January and was eligible to compete, Sharpe never played at Kentucky in part because the people around him wanted to protect his status as a projected top-10 pick. Mission accomplished. it's hard to imagine the explosive athlete going much lower than this considering he's a gifted scorer with the physical tools to be a disruptive defender on the wing in New Orleans.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Has incredible measures for a SG: explosive athlete with a reported 49-inch vertical leap, 6-foot-6 frame, 7-foot wingspan
  • Quick first step; can create separation as a shooter and scorer from anywhere on the court
  • Physically has the athleticism and tools to be a difference-maker on both ends of the court

WEAKNESSES

  • Bit of an unknown with more risk than most top-10 prospects after not playing during his freshman season at Kentucky
  • Dribbling and playmaking abilities need to improve to be a true star shooting guard. He can make and create every shot in the book, but getting teammates involved and being able to coordinate an offense is his next step to stardom.

PRO COMPARISON: Andrew Wiggins

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 3 player in the Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: Played zero minutes at Kentucky

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-4.25
  • Weight: 198
  • Wingspan: 6-11.5
  • Vertical: N/A
9 Jalen Duren
Memphis
C
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Jalen Duren

Duren isn't really the type of floor-spacing big franchises prefer these days, but he's such a physical specimen and great athlete that there's probably a place for him in the top 10 of this draft. At worst, he should be a terrific rim-running and rim-protecting center who alters shots, dunks everything and is good enough guarding in space.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Explosive athlete. Above-the-rim finisher who can be a lob threat and affects shot with good shot-blocking ability.
  • Versatile defender. Can move his feet very well for a center at nearly 250 pounds. Good lateral quickness that will allow him to play comfortably in drop coverage, and switching onto forwards in the NBA should not be a problem.
  • Relentless on the glass. Gives great effort and energy and produces second-chance opportunities on the offensive boards.

WEAKNESSES

  • Limited offensive game. Efficient scorer overall, but that's confined mostly to the paint or just outside it. He took no 3-pointers at Memphis, and while his shot will eventually allow him to be a floor-spacer, his game is not there yet.
  • Above-average turnover rate. Has shown flashes as a passer, but his handle needs sharpened up. Susceptible to getting the ball stripped and/or making bad reads off passes.

PRO COMPARISON: Robert Williams

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 6 in Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: 9.9% block rate was top-30 nationally
  • MaxPreps First Team All-American, 2020-21

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
25.2 12 8.1 1.3 59.7
10 Ochai Agbaji
Kansas
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparisons: Ochai Agbaji

I'm higher on Agbaji than most simply because I don't understand what's not to like about a 6-5 athlete who is a plus-defender on the wing and excellent 3-point shooter. Once you get past the top-tier prospects in this draft, the Kansas All-American makes as much sense as anybody and would provide Bradley Beal with a new teammate equipped to help from Day One.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Powerful athlete who can fly above the rim. Kansas regularly drew up backdoor lobs and above-the-rim actions for him to finish, and he proved plenty capable of slashing to the rim and showcasing his hops.
  • Good shooter with range extending beyond the 3-point line. Hit 37.3% from beyond the arc for his career, 40.7% as a senior and made developmental strides as a shooter each season with KU.
  • Big, strong and developed physically. Can hold his own on defense, switching between guards and wings

WEAKNESSES

  • One of the older prospects in this year's class. Will be 22 years old next season and was not on the first-round radar in any of his previous years. It wasn't a flash-in-the-pan senior year, but his rise came later than most as a prospect.
  • Good scorer, generally good offensive weapon, but not a playmaker. Averaged more turnovers than assists for his career. If he is driving to the basket, he's most likely head-down and looking to finish. The knock here is more with his lack of playmaking than with his turnovers, given his high usage rate

PRO COMPARISON: Mikal Bridges

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 4 stars, No. 132 in Class of 2018
  • College numbers to know: Improved as 3-point shooter in each of his four seasons. Shot 40.9% from 3 as a senior in leading KU to national title

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-4.5
  • Weight: 216.8
  • Wingspan: 6-10.5
  • Vertical: 39.0 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
35 18.8 5.1 1.6 47.5
11 Johnny Davis
Wisconsin
SF
NBA Draft Player Comparisons: Johnny Davis

Davis went from a mostly anonymous power-conference player to a candidate for national player of the year in his sophomore season at Wisconsin. An ankle injury limited him down the stretch, but he showed enough as a shot creator and scorer before that to justify his status as a projected lottery pick.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Versatile defender. Can guard up and down the lineup and locks down on guards and wings.
  • Tough-shot maker. Knows how and when to get to his spots and can drain pull-ups, stepbacks and fadeaways. Killer mid-range game and good shooting touch around the rim.
  • Not necessarily explosive, but quick enough to blow by defenders in getting to the rim, and smart enough to know when to dish out to teammates.
  • Good rebounder for his size and position. At shooting guard, he led his team in rebounds per game. His 8.3 per game ranked fifth among all players in the Big Ten, a byproduct of his relentless effort and energy on both ends of the court.

WEAKNESSES

  • High-volume, low-efficiency scorer last season at Wisconsin. Consistently drew tough matchups and still produced, but shot just 30.6% from 3-point range and 42.7% from the field. His 79.1% free-throw hit rate leaves room for optimism, but if there's a knock to his offensive versatility and shot-making it's that his mid-range and outside game were put together on a fairly inefficient basis.
  • Needs to improve as a passer and playmaker. Had more turnovers than assists in his two seasons at Wisconsin. When he has the ball, he's likely going to the rim or shooting, which makes his game at times predictable and easier to defend.

PRO COMPARISON: Jarrett Culver

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 3 star, No. 164 in the Class of 2020
  • College numbers to know: 52.3% true shooting as sophomore

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-5.75
  • Weight: 196.4
  • Wingspan: 6-8.5
  • Vertical: N/A

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.2 19.7 8.2 2.1 42.7
12 Ousmane Dieng
France
SF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Ousmane Dieng

Dieng is a long and skilled prospect who still needs to develop but is worth a serious look this deep in the lottery. He might not contribute immediately but definitely projects as an interesting long-term investment for an Oklahoma City franchise loading up on them.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Coordination and flow of a guard with ball-handling
  • Should be able to rise above any defender for looks with a promising jumper
  • Defensive versatility should become solid over time

WEAKNESSES

  • Doesn't look particularly explosive, even against lesser competition
  • Physicality could be a problem if he's not able to fill out
  • Could be a major flop if his athleticism and physicality don't bloom

PRO COMPARISON: Kyle Anderson
13 Jeremy Sochan
Baylor
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Jeremy Sochan

Sochan is the rare sub-100 high school recruit who should be a one-and-done top-20 pick. His ability to guard multiple positions, and his potential as a shooter, are among the reasons he's a tantalizing prospect and one of the most versatile players available in this draft.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Versatile defender who showed he's capable of defending every position on the court. Adept at moving his feet and staying in front as a defender on the perimeter, but has the size and competitiveness to bang down low as well.
  • Before recent growth spurt, played guard and wing, allowing him to carry his playmaking skills on the perimeter to the frontcourt. Baylor used him at times to run its offense, and his passing ability is one of his biggest assets.
  • Constant energy. Bundle of electricity who is a magnet for movement. Always in the mix making plays happen and wreaking havoc.

WEAKNESSES

  • Promising floor-spacer, but still needs to improve his shot. Hit fewer than 30 of his 81 attempts from 3-point range at Baylor. Also made 47% of his shots from the field and a troubling 59% from the free throw line, which is typically a leading indicator into a prospect's overall shooting touch.
  • Big man size with backcourt skills. Defensively holds up well matched up on centers and power forwards, but on offense he's more raw and lacks polish. Outside of his passing, he remains a work in progress.

PRO COMPARISON: Patrick Williams

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 4 star, No. 114 in Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: 29.6% 3-point shooter

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
25 9.2 6.4 1.8 47.4
14 AJ Griffin
Duke
SF
NBA Draft Player Comparisons: AJ Griffin

It took Griffin a little while to get comfortable at Duke because of a preseason knee injury that seemed to affect his athleticism. But the five-star high school recruit, who is the son of NBA assistant coach Adrian Griffin, eventually showed glimpses of why he's a lottery talent, mostly by proving to be a fantastic 3-point shooter who made 44.7% of his 4.1 attempts from beyond the arc per game.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Elite spot-up shooter who can knock down shots from anywhere on the court
  • Made 49.3% of his 3-pointers on high volume. Very good perimeter scorer and shooter who consistently spaces the floor as a scoring threat.
  • Physically mature frame and knows how to use it to get into the lane and finish through contact; very adept as a creator off the bounce

WEAKNESSES

  • Shows star power but only in flashes; did not consistently play as a freshman like a no-doubt-about-it top-10 pick as freshman at Duke
  • Funky-yet-effective shot foundation; has very wide 3-point stance and takes longer than most to get into stance and release. Will probably not be used as a shooter peeling off screens or shooting off motion.
  • Monster defensive potential, but, like most of his game, only sometimes showed as much at Duke. Can eventually develop into a plus on that end as he learns the game because of his athleticism and physicality.

PRO COMPARISON: Harrison Barnes

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 18 in Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: 44.7% 3-point shooter on 159 attempts

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
23.9 10.4 3.9 1 49.3
15 Mark Williams
Duke
C
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Mark Williams

Williams, like fellow projected lottery pick Duren, is more of a traditional big than a modern big. But any franchise in need of a rim-protector and lob-catcher — like Charlotte, obviously — would have to consider him at this point in the draft.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Gifted shot-blocker. Has great timing when shots go up and knows how to affect shot attempts and block them around the rim.
  • Elite positional size. Measured 7-2 in shoes with a 7-7 wingspan at NBA Draft Combine.
  • Efficient scorer. His 72.3% field goal percentage ranked fifth-best among NCAA players last season. His 138.9 offensive rating at KenPom ranked No. 2 in college hoops last season.

WEAKNESSES

  • Limited mobility. May be able to play drop coverage on defense, but could be a liability defensively if asked to switch out onto perimeter.
  • More of an old-school big. His game fits the modern NBA because of his ability to affect shots and finish lobs, but he's not a shooter or floor-spacer - though he has shown potential to expand his game.

PRO COMPARISON: Charles Bassey

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 28 in Class of 2020
  • College numbers to know: 72.3% field goal percentage as sophomore was fifth-highest among all college players in 2021-22

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 7-2
  • Weight: 242.4
  • Wingspan: 7-6.5
  • Vertical: N/A

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
23.5 11.2 7.4 0.9 72.1
16 Malaki Branham
Ohio St.
SF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Malaki Branham

Branham is a shooting guard with good size and great length who really flourished in the second half of the season. The one-and-done standout became the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year and would fit nicely beside Trae Young in Atlanta.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Prototypical wing scorer. Can be a deadeye shooter off the catch and knows how to create separation and get to his spots to fill it up as well.
  • Threat to shoot from anywhere. He made better than 40% of his 3-pointers as a freshman. Comfortable scoring in a variety of ways including attacking the rim or launching from distanc

WEAKNESSES

  • Needs to improve as a defender. Has good positional size and constantly brings energy, but his struggles early in the season were evident - though he improved as the season progressed.
  • Not quite Cam Thomas-level, but Branham doesn't really look to pass when he gets the ball. Something of a ball-stopper. He needs to improve as a playmaker, which will come in time as he improves his handle and is able to more quickly process the game.

PRO COMPARISON: Bogdan Bogdanovich

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-5.5
  • Weight: 194.8
  • Wingspan: 6-10
  • Vertical: 35 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
29.6 13.7 3.6 2 49.8
17 Jalen Williams
Santa Clara
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparisons: Jalen Williams

Williams probably helped himself more in the pre-draft process than any other prospect available. He's a 6-6 wing who shot 39.6% from 3-point range for a Santa Clara team that finished third in the West Coast Conference.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Long athlete; measured 6-6 with 7-1 wingspan at NBA Draft Combine
  • Great spot-up shooter. Hit just shy of 40% from 3-point range in final season at Santa Clara and rated in 97th percentile as spot-up shooter.
  • Smart cutter with high basketball IQ. High level role player potential

WEAKNESSES

  • Improved each season as a passer but could still cut down on careless turnovers by refining his handle and decision-making.
  • Average athlete. Has the positional size and length to make up on that front, but it will likely affect his finishing abilities around the rim and has been a factor in some of his defensive lapses.

PRO COMPARISON: Shake Milton

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-5.75
  • Weight: 196.4
  • Wingspan: 7-2.25
  • Vertical: 39 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.8 18 4.4 4.2 51.3
18 Walker Kessler
Auburn
C
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Walker Kessler

Kessler was arguably the best defensive player in college basketball this past season while averaging 4.6 blocks per game for an Auburn team that spent part of the season ranked No. 1. He's an incredible rim-protector with the potential to also develop into a comfortable perimeter shooter.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Maybe the best shot blocker in the 2022 draft class
  • Athletic enough to hold his own in pick and roll defense
  • Great scorer near the rim because of size and soft touch

WEAKNESSES

  • Dinosaur big man with a work-in-progress 3-point shot
  • Not a great free-throw shooter or mid-range player
  • Will need to develop passing skills out of double teams

PRO COMPARISON: Mitchell Robinson

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 7-1
  • Weight: 256
  • Wingspan: 7-4.25
  • Vertical: N/A

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
25.5 11.4 8.1 0.9 60.8
19 TyTy Washington Jr.
Kentucky
PG
NBA Draft Player Comparisons: TyTy Washington

Washington mostly played off the ball in his one season at Kentucky but projects as a lead guard in the NBA. Ankle injuries limited him in the second half of the season — but the one-and-done Wildcat showed enough before he was hampered to solidify his status as a top-20 pick.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Versatile guard who showed himself being comfortable playing both on and off the ball
  • Very good passing and creating ability operating as lead guard, though UK primarily played him off the ball
  • Good scorer and creator as a scorer playing on the ball; can produce in variety of ways and hit 35% of his 3-pointers as a freshman at Kentucky

WEAKNESSES

  • Needs to improve his scoring and efficiency shooting off the dribble, particularly in the mid-range
  • Pick-and-roll effectiveness could improve; his decision-making in such situations was lacking at Kentucky, though his touch on floaters could be an invaluable asset to his development

PRO COMPARISON: Cole Anthony

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 15 player in the Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: Broke John Wall's UK single-game assist record with 17 vs. UGA
  • 2020-21 MaxPreps Arizona High School Basketball Player of the Year

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-2.25
  • Weight: 196.4
  • Wingspan: 6-8
  • Vertical: N/A

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
29 12.5 3.5 3.9 45.1
20 Tari Eason
LSU
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Tari Eason

Eason was a breakout star at LSU after transferring following a so-so first season at Cincinnati. He's a versatile frontcourt option who can guard multiple positions and punish defenses in transition opportunities.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. He has the size to defend power forwards, the foot speed to switch onto guards and the physicality to be a potential small-ball five man in some lineups.
  • Promising developmental trajectory as a shooter. Improved his free throw shooting from 57% to 80% in two college seasons and also went from a 24.1% 3-point shooter to a 35.9% 3-point shooter.
  • Glue-guy skill set. Doesn't need the ball in his hands to make plays. Hyper-aware as a help defender on D, knows when to cut, keeps the ball moving. Selfless style should be attractive to teams.

WEAKNESSES

  • Turnover-prone. Had nearly twice as many turnovers as assists in two college seasons.
  • Has shown promise as a ball-handler and as a passer

PRO COMPARISON: Paul Reed

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-8
  • Weight: 217.4
  • Wingspan: 7-2
  • Vertical: N/A

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
24.4 16.9 6.6 1 52.1
21 Blake Wesley
Notre Dame
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Blake Wesley

Adding a young athlete to the backcourt wouldn't be the worst idea for a Denver franchise that needs to provide two-time MVP Nikola Jokic with more help. Wesley didn't finish his one season at Notre Dame with consistently good performances but his upside is such that he's worth a selection somewhere in the 20s.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Agile and athletic downhill attacker with quick first step
  • Projects as a high-upside defender because of athleticism and length
  • Combination of athleticism, tenacity and physicality suggests a high floor

WEAKNESSES

  • Plenty of development ahead in quest to become a consistent 3-point shooter
  • Can get too laser-focused on the basket and doesn't always see the whole floor

PRO COMPARISON: Nickeil Alexander-Walker

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-4.25
  • Weight: 187.2
  • Wingspan: 6-9.25
  • Vertical: 36 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
29.3 14.4 3.7 2.4 40.4
22 Kennedy Chandler
Tennessee
PG
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Kennedy Chandler

The possibility of Tyus Jones leaving via free agency might have Memphis in the market for a point guard. At this point in the draft, the best option would be Chandler — the Memphis-raised product who has won at every level and already possesses a close relationship with Grizzlies' star Ja Morant.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Quick enough to beat many defenders off the dribble
  • Excellent defender for his size; was second in the SEC in steals
  • Natural pass-first player who can also get buckets as needed and play with other facilitators

WEAKNESSES

  • Will be targeted in post-ups by bigger guards
  • Shot just 60.6% from the free-throw line at Tennessee, which raises questions about his shooting acumen
  • Needs to improve his floater as an undersized PG

PRO COMPARISON: Anfernee Simons

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-0.5
  • Weight: 172.2
  • Wingspan: 6-5.25
  • Vertical: 41.5 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30.8 13.9 3.2 4.7 46.4
23 Dalen Terry
Arizona
SF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Dalen Terry

Terry wasn't overwhelmingly productive in his two seasons at Arizona — but he showed enough, as a guard with great size, to place himself on NBA radars. He needs to develop in a lot of ways but would be an interesting fit for a Philadelphia franchise trying to win big in Joel Embiid's prime.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Excellent defensive upside and embraces challenging assignments
  • Legitimate secondary facilitator on offense who takes care of the ball and makes the right pass
  • Uses length to his advantage and takes/makes efficient 2-point looks

WEAKNESSES

  • As a career 68% free-throw shooter and 35% 3-point shooter on a low-volume, his outside shooting looks like a swing skill
  • Needs to speed up the release on his shot
  • Will need to bulk up to bruise with some NBA power forwards

PRO COMPARISON: Mikal Bridges

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-7.25
  • Weight: 195.2
  • Wingspan: 7-0.75
  • Vertical: N/A

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
27.8 8 4.8 3.9 50.2
24 E.J. Liddell
Ohio St.
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: E.J. Liddell

Liddell is the type of player who could help Milwaukee's core — a core highlighted, of course, by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo — theoretically compete for another title next season. He's undersized but effective and ready to contribute.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • A skilled offensive player and potential matchup problem for many defenders
  • Potential as a small-ball five because of physicality and rebounding ability
  • Demonstrated needed 3-point shooting improvement as a junior

WEAKNESSES

  • Will be tested defensively against athletic NBA power forwards and quicker guards
  • Less of an on-ball creator than some modern fours
  • Could be a tweener if his athleticism and perimeter game doesn't round out

PRO COMPARISON: Grant Williams

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-7
  • Weight: 243
  • Wingspan: 6-11.75
  • Vertical: 38 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33.2 19.4 7.9 2.5 49.0
25 Jaden Hardy
G League Ignite
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Jaden Hardy

Hardy didn't do much over the past year to help his draft stock — but he's still a first-round talent capable of developing into a special scorer. Being drafted by a strong-cultured franchise like San Antonio would probably be the best thing for the trajectory of his career.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • A bucket. Can score it from every level on the court. Has the know-how to carve out space and separate. Killer stepback game, too.
  • Encouraging shooter. His efficiency from 3-point range with G League Ignite was overall less than 30%, but he's a deadeye shooter in catch-and-shoot and in spot-up shooting situations.
  • Long for his position. At 6-4 he has a 6-9 wingspan. Projects to be a capable defender in time at his position.
  • Good ball-handler. Can create for himself off the bounce by unleashing a variety of moves including attacking, running pick-and-roll or pulling off up off the dribble

WEAKNESSES

  • 3-point shooting numbers need to improve. He showed development throughout the season and his shot-creation itself is encouraging, but how he racks up numbers from an efficiency standpoint is a knock.
  • Crafty combo guard who can get to his spots, but not an explosive athlete. Doesn't have the pop to blow by defenders off the bounce. Separating and creating space in the G League is one thing. Can he do it in the NBA?
  • Needs to improve as playmaker. His counting stats were great - he led G League Ignite in scoring - but making others around him better will be key to his sticking in the league. Passing and decision-making development are his next steps

PRO COMPARISON: Kevin Porter Jr.
27 Wendell Moore Jr.
Duke
SF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Wendell Moore Jr.

Moore developed well in his three years at Duke and ultimately established himself as a high-level wing who can guard multiple positions and reliably make 3-pointers. He's the type of prospect Miami (and most well-run franchises) value.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Can comfortably play on or off the ball
  • Versatile defender with physicality/quickness to guard 1-4
  • Efficient offensive player in college

WEAKNESSES

  • Improved his 3-point shooting as a junior but still needs to take more strides
  • Not a particularly explosive athlete
  • While the floor appears high, his ceiling is limited due to lack of any elite skill

PRO COMPARISON: Terance Mann

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-5.5
  • Weight: 217.2
  • Wingspan: 7-0.5
  • Vertical: 38.5 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33.9 13.4 5.3 4.4 50.0
28 Christian Braun
Kansas
SG
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Christian Braun

Braun is a wing with size who can guard his position, reliably make jumpers and finish in transition. He's the type of prospect who could flourish with a Golden State franchise that has created a championship culture built to last.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Versatile athlete capable of guarding four positions
  • Serious competitor who rose to occasion in big moments at Kansas
  • Can hit the 3-point shot or attack a close out and finish at the rim or with a floater

WEAKNESSES

  • Could use a quicker shot release from the outside
  • His 3-point percentage is solid but mainly a catch-and-shoot skill
  • Can be a bit loose with the ball; he had more turnovers than assists against Big 12 competition

PRO COMPARISON: Josh Hart

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-7
  • Weight: 209.2
  • Wingspan: 6-6.5
  • Vertical: 40 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.3 14.1 6.5 2.8 49.5
29 Caleb Houstan
Michigan
SF

Houstan declined an invitation to the NBA Combine, at which point speculation grew that he might have a first-round promise. His lone season at Michigan was largely underwhelming — but he's still a talented wing with size in possession of an encouraging jumper, which automatically makes him a legitimate first-round option.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Is an even better shooter than he showed in his one season at Michigan
  • Good athlete who can be a switchable defender
  • Won't turn 20 until January

WEAKNESSES

  • Had an inconsistent and underwhelming season for the Wolverines
  • Might be a better prospect than player

PRO COMPARISON: Nicolas Batum

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32 10.1 4 1.4 38.4
30 Trevor Keels
Duke
SG

Traded from: DEN

Keels struggled as a shooter at Duke but has showed signs previously that suggest it might not be the weakness some believe. Either way, he's a super-strong combo guard who could work well in a Denver backcourt that might soon be without Monte Morris.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Strong upper body helps him be difficult to guard off the bounce
  • Potential to be a plus-defender
  • Skillset that allows him to play on or off the ball

WEAKNESSES

  • Body fat percentage of 13.5% was the fourth worst at the NBA Draft Combine
  • Unproven shooter

PRO COMPARISON: Wesley Matthews

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-4.75
  • Weight: 223.8
  • Wingspan: 6-7.25
  • Vertical: 31 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30.2 11.5 3.4 2.7 41.9
David Cobb
Full NBA Mock Draft
# Team Player Pos
1 Jabari Smith
Auburn
PF
NBA Draft Player Comparison: Jabari Smith

Smith's uniqueness as a 6-10 shooter helped him stand out in college basketball. But that skill will be defended more competently at the next level, which will force him to tighten his handle and hone his shot-creation acumen. Defensively, opponents will test the theory that he can guard 1-5 by trying to exploit his slender frame on the block while testing his quickness on the outside. Ultimately, though, all the tools are there, and he would be a solid fit in Orlando.

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Elite shooting threat with crisp, repeatable shot mechanics; made 42% of his 3-pointers as freshman at Auburn
  • Big man with a perimeter game; can create his own shot off the bounce
  • Versatile and mobile as a defender his size. Can defend the paint against bigs and capable of switching onto wings and holding his own on the perimeter

WEAKNESSES

  • Polished offensive weapon who needs to add dribbling and passing polish to better round out his game
  • Good defender but a just-OK shot-blocker; at 6-10 his blocked-shots rate is more comparable to guards and wings than to bigs - possibly a product of playing next to the best shot-blocker in college hoops as a freshman (Walker Kessler) but also possibly a foreshadowing that his game at the next level may be as a combo forward rather than as a big

PRO COMPARISON: Better-shooting Jabari Parker

KEY NUMBERS

  • 247Sports recruiting ranking: 5 stars, No. 7 player in the Class of 2021
  • College numbers to know: Second college freshman to ever make at least 70 3-pointers and 100 free throws in a season, joining Kevin Durant
  • MaxPreps: Georgia High School Basketball Player of the Year in 2020-21

2021-22 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
28.8 16.9 7.4 2 42.9
2 Chet Holmgren