Big Board 2.0 (Post-Lottery):
Tier 1:
1. Brandon Ingram
I made my first Big Board on February 4th. Much has changed since then, but Ingram remains in the top spot. It was, perhaps, bold to have Ingram here in early February, but now it’s a much more mainstream position. I still love everything I loved about him then. His frame is intriguing for a player with his skillset, coming in at 6’9” or 6’10” with a 7’3” or 7’4” wingspan. He’ll bulk up enough with age, and his combination of scoring ability and defensive potential is incredible.
2. Ben Simmons
Simmons can rebound, pass, and he’s devastating in transition. He’s athletic and bouncy, and will likely be, at worst, a solid NBA player. I’m concerned by his attitude--his will to win, his fire, his killer instinct. His jumper is ugly, and he has zero confidence in it whatsoever. However, Simmons’ overall package is too much to turn down at number two.
Tier 2:
3. Dragan Bender
I’m not being revisionist. I had Bender on a tier of his own prior to the lottery. I’m really intrigued by Bender. He brings impressive athleticism and agility in a player his size. He’s smart, and by all accounts, he has terrific work ethic and loves the game. Bender’s a skilled passer, his defensive potential is off the charts, and he has range out to 3. I think his ceiling is just as high as Simmons or Ingram, but his bust potential is far higher; he has very little production and is very thin. Overall, I think Brad would adore Bender. Bender’s versatility on both ends would allow Brad to do incredible things. I hope he’s the pick at #3.
Tier 3:
4. Buddy Hield
Buddy Hield is the best college shooter since Stephen Curry. I strongly doubt Buddy winds up being anything like Curry, but I think he will translate well into the NBA. He should be able to continue shooting at an elite level, and I’m really happy that he measured in at 6’5” with a 6’9” wingspan; that’s legit NBA size, and many people were concerned he was a bit too small for a two-guard. Buddy sets himself apart from Murray in that he is able to generate space for himself, has proper size, and has carried an offense. I expect Buddy to have the greatest immediate impact of any prospect this year, save for maybe Kris Dunn.
5. Jamal Murray
Murray is an excellent shooter and a gifted, crafty scorer. He is definitely not a point guard, and he’s a bit smaller than ideal for a two-guard. I worry that Murray will struggle to create his own offense, however, I think he could be a great system fit with the Celtics. Brad’s offensive system is great; it generates tons of open looks, and all we need are players capable of hitting open shots. Murray can hit open shots. Long-term, he would be a great complement to Smart, and a fairly high upside pick.
6. Kris Dunn
I’m pretty confident that Kris Dunn will be a solid starting point guard in the NBA, and he could be more than that. He’s a good creator, good athlete, good defender, and has the perfect body for an NBA point guard. Obviously, it hurts Dunn’s standing in my mind that his people are trying to steer him away from Boston, but he will be a starting point guard somewhere, and he might end up being a star.
Tier 4:
7. Skal Labissiere
This is the all upside tier (outside of Poeltl). I think Kentucky was a terrible situation for Skal, and I still believe in him. Skal has a beautiful stroke, great size, good athleticism, and defensive potential. Skal will take some time to develop, and there is a good chance that he’s a bust, but he has the tools to develop into a very interesting two-way player.
8. Jaylen Brown
Brown is largely a blank canvas. He is a high-quality canvas though. His body is ideal for an NBA wing. He’s good at getting to the rim, but not a great finisher or good at the line. He’s a bad decision maker and his shooting percentages are bad, but his shot isn’t particularly ugly. He’s not consistent on defense, but at his best, he’s a force.
9. Jakob Poeltl
Poeltl is a really safe pick. He’s a good defender and efficient on offense. He measured really well at the Combine, coming in at 7’1” with a 7’2.75” wingspan. He probably winds up as an average starter, but he will likely be a consistent two-way player.
10. Deyonta Davis
Davis is raw, but he’s a great athlete with awesome defensive potential (and instincts). After a few years, he could be that defensive anchor that we so desperately want.
11. Timothe Luwawu
Luwawu has great size and length, is a very good shooter, and has a lot of overall potential. I really like Luwawu and wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a late riser.
12. Marquese Chriss
Chriss is a great athlete and has shown very intriguing potential on both ends. There’s high bust potential here, but the payoff could be enormous.
Tier 5:
13. Denzel Valentine
Valentine was awesome in college. He can shoot, he can pass, and he’s a smart player, but he’s going to be a bad defender, he’s a bit small, and he’s a really bad athlete. Valentine will likely be pretty good early, so pairing him with more of a project like Bender would be ideal.
14. Tyler Ulis
Ulis is an awesome basketball player; he might be the best point guard in the draft. Yes, he’s too small, but we all know who just represented the Celtics at the lottery.
15. Henry Ellenson
Ellenson has good size and projects as a good rebounder and offensive player. He’ll be a bad defender, and for an offense-only player, his shooting percentages at Marquette were disappointing.
Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts. Thanks for looking!
Topic: Big Board 2.0 (Post-Lottery) (Read 2041 times)