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1

Paolo Banchero PF, DUKE

Height: 6-10, Weight: 250

Even though I would have taken Chet Holmgren, I can't say it's wrong to take Banchero. I think he's going to be the most impactful player right from the jump and the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. This is sensible, if surprising. He's a big, strong and skilled forward who could be an incredible building block in Orlando. (Gary Parrish)

A

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

.478

1

2

Chet Holmgren C, GONZAG

Height: 7-0, Weight: 195

The concerns about Holmgren's slight frame are legitimate -- but he's such a unique prospect with incredible potential that he's the right pick here. 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. (Gary Parrish)

A+

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

.607

1

3

Jabari Smith PF, AUBURN

Height: 6-10, Weight: 220

For much of the draft process, Smith was assumed to be the No. 1 overall pick. And in a class with three high-level big men prospects, Smith became an easy pick when he slipped to third overall. Smith still needs to develop in lots of ways but is already a great shooter and switchable defender who plays with undeniable energy and fits nicely with Jalen Green. (Gary Parrish)

A+

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

.429

1

4

Keegan Murray PF, IOWA

Height: 6-8, Weight: 225

I like Murray, but it's not what I would have done. I would have taken Jaden Ivey. But he made it crystal clear he didn't want to be there. I don't think that is enough to explain not taking him, but I do understand where the Kings were going with this move. Murray was a tremendous player this season -- the second-best college basketball player in the country. (Gary Parrish)

B

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

.554

1

5

Jaden Ivey SG, PURDUE

Height: 6-4, Weight: 195

Ivey is an explosive athlete who plays big and is capable of attacking the rim in a variety of ways. Comparisons to Ja Morant don't really add up for Ivey, but he's an outstanding player nonetheless. There are questions about whether he's actually going to be a point guard in the NBA, but now he's paired with Cade Cunningham, a natural distributor. (Gary Parrish)

A+

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

.460

1

6

Bennedict Mathurin SG, ARIZ

Height: 6-6, Weight: 205

More than any other projected lottery pick, Mathurin is the one whose stock I raised the most after evaluating him compared to what I thought during the season. You dive in, and what is not to like? He's a 6-6 athletic wing who can do a lot of things and has All-Star potential. (Gary Parrish)

A

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

.450

1

7

Shaedon Sharpe SG, UK

Height: 6-6, Weight: 200

This pick is interesting because it seems with the Jerami Grant trade that the Blazers are trying to get good now. And Sharpe is an interesting fit from that perspective. But few players in this class have higher ceilings than him. He's an explosive scorer with ridiculous size for the wing and athleticism, and he could one day be a plus defender with those tools. He's just likely not ready to do that right away after not playing last season at Kentucky. (Gary Parrish)

B+

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

2021-22 College Stats

MPG

PPG

RPG

APG

FG%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

8

Dyson Daniels SG, G League Ignite

Height: 6-8, Weight: 195

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 if the Pelicans can get that falling, he has a high ceiling. And this Pelicans team is very close to being a legitimate contender -- though a lot of that falls on Zion Williamson. Daniels fits really nicely into that core as arguably the best perimeter defender in this draft. (Gary Parrish)

A+

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

2021-22 College Stats

MPG

PPG

RPG

APG

FG%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

9

Jeremy Sochan PF, BAYLOR

Height: 6-9, Weight: 230

Sochan is the rare sub-100 high school recruit who becomes 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. The fact that the Spurs are taking him says a lot; it might not be what I would have done, but that may simply mean I am wrong. (Gary Parrish)

A-

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

.474

1

10

Johnny Davis SF, WISC

Height: 6-6, Weight: 196

Davis went from a mostly anonymous power-conference player to a candidate for national player of the year in his sophomore season at Wisconsin. I don't worry about his slip at the end of the season, and I think Bradley Beal can look at this as a guy who helps you win right away. (Gary Parrish)

A-

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

.427

1

11

Ousmane Dieng SF, France

Height: 6-9, Weight: 185

Dieng is a long-term investment, and he's not ready to help you next season. For the Knicks, that probably was not right, so they traded the pick. But for the Thunder, that probably makes sense. He's a long and skilled prospect who fits the Thunder's window and is the type of player they're building around. (Gary Parrish)

A-

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

2021-22 College Stats

MPG

PPG

RPG

APG

FG%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

12

Jalen Williams SG, SNCLRA

Height: 6-6, Weight: 209

Williams probably helped himself more in the pre-draft process than any other prospect available, in large part because he wasn't spotlighted as a Santa Clara player. But when you watch the film, it's all there. He's got good size, he really shoots it, he's athletic enough. (Gary Parrish)

B+

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

.513

1

13

Jalen Duren C, MEMP

Height: 6-11, Weight: 250

Surprising that the Hornets, who need a center, traded this pick to the Knicks and then the Pistons, but what a move for them to join Ivey and their young core. Duren isn't 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 modern NBA anyway. He'd have been a top five pick 20 years ago, and he's got great upside to be successful in rim-attacking offense and interior defense. (Gary Parrish)

A+

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

.597

1

14

Ochai Agbaji SG, KANSAS

Height: 6-6, Weight: 217

I love what Cleveland is doing. They have stockpiled it with interesting young pieces who can really play now. Agbaji can switch and guard different guys after being the best player on the best team in the country. I think he's going to be one of the 10 best players in the draft. And no, he's not a finished product. (Gary Parrish)

A+

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

.475

1

15

Mark Williams C, DUKE

Height: 7-2, Weight: 242

Charlotte needed to come out of this draft with a big man, and they may look back and regret that they didn't stick with Duren. But while Williams is not as high on my board as Duren was, he really can defend and this is the exact spot I had him mocked all along. He's huge and controls the paint on defense. (Gary Parrish)

A+

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

.721

1

16

AJ Griffin SF, DUKE

Height: 6-6, Weight: 222

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 -- taken two spots after the lottery. He might be the best shooter in the draft and now gets to play with an elite passer in Trae Young. (Gary Parrish)

A+

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

.493

1

17

Tari Eason PF, LSU

Height: 6-8, Weight: 217

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. With the Rockets he can play with fellow SEC standout Jabari Smith as a defensive frontcourt. My only reservation is I think there were more talented players available here for a team that is looking to get back to respectability. (Gary Parrish)

B

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

.521

1

18

Dalen Terry SF, ARIZ

Height: 6-7, Weight: 195

There's a lot of stuff I like about Terry. He's versatile, doesn't get rattled by much and has great confidence. But this seems a bit higher than most people had him. I like that he believes in himself. (Gary Parrish)

B

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

.502

1

19

Jake LaRavia PF, WAKE

Height: 6-8, Weight: 227

The confusing thing here to me is the trade, where Memphis traded 22 and 29 for 19. But this is what the Grizzlies' front office have done: They find their guy and trade up to make sure they get him. I have LaRavia closer to 30 than 20, but the Grizzlies' draft history has earned credibility with picks like Brandon Clarke and Desmond Bane. (Gary Parrish)

B

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Excellent positional versatility on both ends
  • Brought impressive offensive versatility at Wake Forest
  • LaRavia is a good passer for his size and can facilitate a quality possession

WEAKNESSES

  • Quickness could be an issue defensively against smaller guards
  • Has never been a high-volume 3-point shooter
  • Probably not big enough to be a small-ball five

PRO COMPARISON: Harrison Barnes

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-8
  • Weight: 227.2
  • Wingspan: 6-9.5
  • Vertical: 34 inches

2021-22 College Stats

MPG

PPG

RPG

APG

FG%

34.1

14.6

6.6

3.7

.559

1

20

Malaki Branham SF, OHIOST

Height: 6-6, Weight: 195

He was the best available guy on my board because he's a wing with size who can genuinely create at a high level. He was taking over games by the end of the season. He's got offense for days and was a top 16 prospect. That kind of expectation-exceeding season is super impressive and he could be a steal for a team that often finds them. (Gary Parrish)

A+

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

.498

1

21

Christian Braun SG, KANSAS

Height: 6-7, Weight: 209

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 Nuggets team that has so many pieces already in place for the future. They need more on the wings, and Braun should be able to contribute early. There were higher-graded prospects available, but this is a strong pick. (Gary Parrish)

A-

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

.495

1

22

Walker Kessler C, AUBURN

Height: 7-1, Weight: 256

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. (Gary Parrish)

A+

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

.608

1

23

David Roddy SG, COLOST

Height: 6-6, Weight: 261

Getting this pick cost the Grizzlies De'Anthony Melton, but he appeared to be losing favor with the coaching staff. Most people didn't have a first-round grade on Roddy because he has an unusual body for an NBA wing player. But this is what the Grizzlies do, as I said in the LaRavia grade: They traded up to get their guy, even though he was a more experienced college player than many teams want. (Gary Parrish)

B

No analysis available.

2021-22 College Stats

MPG

PPG

RPG

APG

FG%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

24

MarJon Beauchamp SF, G League Ignite

Height: 6-7, Weight: 197

There are quite a few guys on my board who are above him, but that doesn't mean this is a bad pick. He plays extremely hard, and with his athleticism and size, that could make him a real positive factor. He's going to need to figure out his jumper, but his ceiling is there. (Gary Parrish)

B

Draft Prospect Outlook

STRENGTHS

  • Athletic and versatile wing who can guard multiple positions and crash the boards
  • Strong finisher who attacks the basket with explosivity
  • The measurables are in his favor, such as his 7-1 wingspan

WEAKNESSES

  • A cringeworthy 24.2% 3-point mark with Ignite is tough for a prospect who will be 22 when the season starts
  • His defensive discipline and effort is a source of concern
  • As a player who bounced between high schools and struggled to find direction afterwards, NBA teams may have questions about his maturity

PRO COMPARISON: Nassir Little

COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6-6.5
  • Weight: 196.6
  • Wingspan: 7-0.75
  • Vertical: N/A

2021-22 College Stats

MPG

PPG

RPG

APG

FG%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

25

Blake Wesley SG, ND

Height: 6-4, Weight: 187

Wesley wasn't a consistent player for the Irish, but he flashes a lot of the things that shooting guards need in today's NBA. The only guy available higher on my big board is TyTy Washington, but Wesley has the athleticism and skills to turn into something with a great coaching staff. (Gary Parrish)

A-

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

.404

1

26

Wendell Moore Jr. SF, DUKE

Height: 6-6, Weight: 217

Moore proved a lot to me in his last year at Duke. He got significantly better. A recurring theme tonight is that 6-5 guys who can make shots are valuable. He can guard multiple positions, play multiple roles and offer good effort every night. (Gary Parrish)

B

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

.500

1

27

Nikola Jovic SF, Serbia

Height: 6-10, Weight: 210

Jovic has a ton of skill to go along with size. The shooting percentages aren't great, but don't let that fool you. He's young, and he might need a little while to be impactful for a franchise like Miami. He'll need to work on his body, but he can dribble, pass and shoot. (Gary Parrish)

B

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

2021-22 College Stats

MPG

PPG

RPG

APG

FG%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

28

Patrick Baldwin Jr. PF, MILW

Height: 6-10, Weight: 231

I like this for Golden State specifically. Who are they taking this late that is going to help them immediately? Probably nobody. So they take the big swing! Baldwin would have been a top-10 pick if we'd done this draft a year ago. Great size, beautiful shot and a worthwhile risk. (Gary Parrish)

A

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

.344

1

29

TyTy Washington Jr. PG, UK

Height: 6-4, Weight: 196

The best prospect available finally comes off. Washington proved he can play point guard and off the ball, which makes him incredibly versatile. This is three SEC players at different positions for the Rockets, and they complement each other nicely. (Gary Parrish)

A+

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

.451

1

30

Peyton Watson SF, UCLA

Height: 6-8, Weight: 203

Watson didn't play much at UCLA, and some of that was on him, but he went to a team that returned basically every meaningful piece from a Final Four run. But if you're a believer in what you saw before UCLA -- if you believe in the highlight reel -- then you're getting a top 10-15 player in his class at the bottom of the first round. (Gary Parrish)

B-

No analysis available.

2021-22 College Stats

MPG

PPG

RPG

APG

FG%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A