Rookie Draft instant #analysis
Nov 22, 2020 22:10:04 GMT 2
Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and 3 more like this
Post by Portland TrailBlazers on Nov 22, 2020 22:10:04 GMT 2
LaMelo Ball, PG
General Comments: 6’7”, lengthy ball handler with extraordinary vision, poor shot selection and mechanics in addition to lack of explosiveness could hold him back on offense, above average rebounding for a PG making him a consistent triple-double threat
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Should already be at the very least a solid source of assists and out-of-position rebounds immediately with the potential to develop into an across-the-board fantasy contributor. Efficiency from the floor and the line may be a struggle, which may hold back his overall ranking as he projects to be a FG killer and turnover machine, but in the right build he is a top-25 upside dynasty prospect with a likely steady floor in the top-100.
James Wiseman, C
General Comments: Elite size and athleticism, raw offensive game but can run the floor and will be best suited in PnR, can block just about anything at the rim, will be a double-double machine off his athleticism alone
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Physical tools give him one of the highest fantasy ceilings in this class. Unfortunately that comes along with having a pretty uncertain floor. Potential to become a top-25 type dynasty prospect at his absolute ceiling, but it is a gamble.
Killian Hayes, G
General Comments: Outstanding facilitator, size (6’5”) makes him a versatile defender against anyone on the perimeter, questions regarding his speed, athletic ability and scoring prowess but he should be a capable facilitator.
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Finesse guard who can score, stat set includes points, assists, steals and good percentages, 3-point shooting is suspect and lots of turnovers should be expected. Has the tools to solidify himself as a top-75 player but this is unlikely to happen immediately due to some holes in his game. High ceiling which makes him a target in early rounds, Dwayne Casey was able to develop Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby so we should expect the same for Doumbouya and Hayes.
Anthony Edwards, G
General Comments: Athleticism and size will make him a versatile scorer on the wing, decent on-ball defender but has trouble guarding off the ball
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Shot selection and efficiency struggles may hold him back outside of points leagues early in his career, solid late-round flier in redraft leagues and a must-roster, potential top-50 type dynasty prospect. He is landing in a crowded backcourt so don’t expect counting stat categories right off the bat.
Obi Toppin, F
General Comments: Explosive, offensive oriented forward who can score at the rim and step out to 3-point line, was dominant in college in PnR and in transition resulting in the John Wooden Player of the Year Award, struggles to guard all positions, athleticism and size could eventually make him a decent shot blocker.
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: His defensive limitations are well documented at this point. The biggest question for his fantasy outlook is to what extent they keep him off the floor playing for a defensive minded coach in NY. Top-75 potential dynasty prospect but could very well end up being Julius Randle Vol. 2
Onyeka Okongwu, C
General Comments: Undersized (6’9”) for an NBA center but he has elite leaping ability and length (7’2” wingspan) to be a difference maker in the paint, very good finisher around the rim but no range on his shot whatsoever.
Injury History: Fractured left big toe, expected to miss 1-3 weeks
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: He is someone to build around and is worth a pick in the first rounds, especially if you are rebuilding but as long as his offensive game remains limited he remains just a defensive specialist.
Devin Vassell, F
General Comments: Will make an immediate impact defensively, length and speed allows him to defend guards and wings but will be able to defend well in the post only once he gets stronger. An explosive leaper. Has an over the head release but is a viable catch and shoot threat.
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Potential top-125 dynasty prospect on 3-and-D contributions alone with the possibility of exceeding that expectation if he can round out his offense a bit. Maybe not a building block, but a high-floor dynasty prospect with his combination of skills and size.
Deni Avdija, F
General Comments: Versatile forward that can make plays in transition or half court, inconsistent shooter, best European player in his class, struggled in his five games in the EuroLeague as lack of strength and poor shooting exposed problematic areas
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Age and solid ceiling make him an early-round candidate but I don’t see superstar potential so keep your expectations moderate. Versatile swingman who can rebound, hit triples and produce defensive stats, percentages likely take a hit and he is not a natural scorer.
Tyrese Haliburton, G
General Comments: Rangy, playmaking guard who can play on or off the ball and make every pass in the book, efficient shooter from all spots on the floor but not the knockdown, volume shooter Bogdan Bogdanovic and Buddy Hield are, yet he can hit an open shot and create for himself. lacks top tier athleticism which holds back his ability to play off the dribble, high IQ defender but lacks quickness needed to be a lockdown on-ball defender
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Likely not a building block in dynasty formats, but should carve out a solid enough role depending where he lands. High IQ players tend to stick around in the league, so he could end up having one of the steadiest floors as a likely top-150 dynasty prospect without a sky high ceiling.
Kira Lewis Jr., G
General Comments: Speedy lead guard who can get to the rim at will. His lack of size makes him a liability and he is unswitchable on defense. A decent spot-up shooter, he needs to add a pull-up jumper to his game to offset the driving ability.
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: One of the more interesting dynasty guard prospects outside of the top-tier guys like Ball and Hayes. He landed at a good situation since he struggles in the half court offense but excels in the open court.
Precious Achiuwa, C
General Comments: High risk-high reward player, unpolished game on both ends of the floor, relies solely on athleticism, very below average shooting touch
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: A little older compared to other prospects (21), he is another prospect with upside who could develop into a double-double machine but his limitations will likely impact his value. Draft with caution.
Cole Anthony, PG
General Comments: Held back by injuries in one year at UNC, dynamic ball-handler that can get to the rim and score with either hand, not the most efficient scorer but has the ability to develop into a threat at all three levels, undersized as a defender and will be tough to switch
Injury History: right knee surgery – partially torn meniscus
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Another polarizing guard prospect in this call. Pedigree is there, but the production wasn’t. Top-100 potential is definitely there and he landed with a team that needed a scoring point guard.
Udoka Azubuike, C
General Comments: Old fashioned center, raw offensively, NBA-ready body and doesn’t force the action, career FG% of 74.9% is the highest in NCAA history
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Azubuike was a dominant college player, but he will have issues translating his game to the NBA. He can dunk just about anything but does not have any other offensive game to speak of. Defensively, he can protect the rim, and only the rim. If he steps out to guard someone on the perimeter or in the midrange he is at a complete disadvantage and his opposition will have no issue blowing right by him. In the long run it is tough to see him being anything more than a backup center as he has some big holes in his game which limit his value but he could develop into a nice defensive specialist. He obviously needs more time to develop and it could be hard for him to get minutes in the NBA due right now to his limitations so I wouldn’t invest too much in him.
Aleksej Pokuševski, F
General Comments: Fluid jump shot, great playmaker and ball handling for his size (7’0”), excellent off-ball rim protector but a rail-thin frame and lack of top competition are red flags, has yet to show a post move as a seven-footer
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Potential fantasy goldmine given frame and potential to develop a solid 3-point shot; top-50 production and even higher once his body is ready for the NBA. Jack of all trades who stuffs the stat sheet with rebounds, triples, assists and defensive stats with mediocre percentages and high turnovers.
Malachi Flynn, G
General Comments: Widely regarded as one of the best pick-and-roll operators in the country, what he lacks in athleticism he makes up for in IQ and toughness, below the rim finisher, strong on ball defender on the perimeter
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Older prospect without much flash to his game, but worth a look in deeper formats and should be on most watch lists in shallower ones. Could be a contributor for a good team, even if he doesn’t have hugely tantalizing stat set.
Aaron Nesmith, G
General Comments: Best shooter in the draft, unlimited range, length leaves potential to be 3-and-D threat, not a playmaker and has tough time creating shots for himself in isolation situations. His college numbers could be somewhat inflated based on a relatively small sample size.
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: In the era of the longball, it is worth keeping an eye on anyone with shooting splits like his. He may not bring much to the table statistically outside of a 3-and-D role player, but depending where he lands he has immediate top-175 potential with a long-term dynasty upside in about the same range.
Saddiq Bey, F
General Comments: Solid, steady game that can make an impact in a rotation right away, good spot up shooter, lacks explosiveness but can still get to the rim and create off the dribble, will be a versatile wing defender due to his size, length and athleticism
Injury History: None
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: May end up being a better on-court player than fantasy contributor, but his ability to stay on the floor and contribute right away does make him an interesting flier in dynasty formats. Potential for top-100 if everything clicks at the next level, with a pretty steady top-200 floor.
Tyrell Terry, G
General Comments: Outstanding shooter off-the-dribble or spot-up, undersized and has trouble guarding opposing guards, limited athleticism but can create his own shot on the perimeter
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Limited size and athleticism combined with potential stat set concerns limit his long-term upside. Worth a draft in stash in deeper formats, but may struggle early depending on what role he is expected to fill.
Patrick Williams, F
General Comments: Has the tools and size to be a lockdown defender as a PF, needs to improve on finishing, has shown the ability to be a decent playmaker with the ball
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Right now Williams projects as more of a defensive role player, but could end up becoming a decent stretch big at the next level. The one problem is he has not figured out the “3” part of the 3-and-D equation. He has a lot of work to do on the offensive end before this pick earns its value. How he fits with Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr. is a question, but both players have been named in trade rumors recently so we could see one on the move sooner rather than later. Shooting indicators are encouraging, and he has flashed some potential to expand offensively. Might be a project, and will probably end up on a lot of waiver wires, but there is enough there to warrant a flier in most dynasty formats.
Isaac Okoro, F
General Comments: Can come in and guard 2-4 on day one, high IQ off-ball defender, can fit into any scheme, needs work all around on offense, shot is not great in catch-and-shoot or off the dribble
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Okoro should bring enough defensively to stay on the court early in his career. Stat set limitations cap his ceiling, but has top-175 upside based on defensive stat contributions with the potential to rise if his shot ever comes online.
General Comments: 6’7”, lengthy ball handler with extraordinary vision, poor shot selection and mechanics in addition to lack of explosiveness could hold him back on offense, above average rebounding for a PG making him a consistent triple-double threat
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Should already be at the very least a solid source of assists and out-of-position rebounds immediately with the potential to develop into an across-the-board fantasy contributor. Efficiency from the floor and the line may be a struggle, which may hold back his overall ranking as he projects to be a FG killer and turnover machine, but in the right build he is a top-25 upside dynasty prospect with a likely steady floor in the top-100.
James Wiseman, C
General Comments: Elite size and athleticism, raw offensive game but can run the floor and will be best suited in PnR, can block just about anything at the rim, will be a double-double machine off his athleticism alone
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Physical tools give him one of the highest fantasy ceilings in this class. Unfortunately that comes along with having a pretty uncertain floor. Potential to become a top-25 type dynasty prospect at his absolute ceiling, but it is a gamble.
Killian Hayes, G
General Comments: Outstanding facilitator, size (6’5”) makes him a versatile defender against anyone on the perimeter, questions regarding his speed, athletic ability and scoring prowess but he should be a capable facilitator.
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Finesse guard who can score, stat set includes points, assists, steals and good percentages, 3-point shooting is suspect and lots of turnovers should be expected. Has the tools to solidify himself as a top-75 player but this is unlikely to happen immediately due to some holes in his game. High ceiling which makes him a target in early rounds, Dwayne Casey was able to develop Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby so we should expect the same for Doumbouya and Hayes.
Anthony Edwards, G
General Comments: Athleticism and size will make him a versatile scorer on the wing, decent on-ball defender but has trouble guarding off the ball
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Shot selection and efficiency struggles may hold him back outside of points leagues early in his career, solid late-round flier in redraft leagues and a must-roster, potential top-50 type dynasty prospect. He is landing in a crowded backcourt so don’t expect counting stat categories right off the bat.
Obi Toppin, F
General Comments: Explosive, offensive oriented forward who can score at the rim and step out to 3-point line, was dominant in college in PnR and in transition resulting in the John Wooden Player of the Year Award, struggles to guard all positions, athleticism and size could eventually make him a decent shot blocker.
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: His defensive limitations are well documented at this point. The biggest question for his fantasy outlook is to what extent they keep him off the floor playing for a defensive minded coach in NY. Top-75 potential dynasty prospect but could very well end up being Julius Randle Vol. 2
Onyeka Okongwu, C
General Comments: Undersized (6’9”) for an NBA center but he has elite leaping ability and length (7’2” wingspan) to be a difference maker in the paint, very good finisher around the rim but no range on his shot whatsoever.
Injury History: Fractured left big toe, expected to miss 1-3 weeks
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: He is someone to build around and is worth a pick in the first rounds, especially if you are rebuilding but as long as his offensive game remains limited he remains just a defensive specialist.
Devin Vassell, F
General Comments: Will make an immediate impact defensively, length and speed allows him to defend guards and wings but will be able to defend well in the post only once he gets stronger. An explosive leaper. Has an over the head release but is a viable catch and shoot threat.
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Potential top-125 dynasty prospect on 3-and-D contributions alone with the possibility of exceeding that expectation if he can round out his offense a bit. Maybe not a building block, but a high-floor dynasty prospect with his combination of skills and size.
Deni Avdija, F
General Comments: Versatile forward that can make plays in transition or half court, inconsistent shooter, best European player in his class, struggled in his five games in the EuroLeague as lack of strength and poor shooting exposed problematic areas
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Age and solid ceiling make him an early-round candidate but I don’t see superstar potential so keep your expectations moderate. Versatile swingman who can rebound, hit triples and produce defensive stats, percentages likely take a hit and he is not a natural scorer.
Tyrese Haliburton, G
General Comments: Rangy, playmaking guard who can play on or off the ball and make every pass in the book, efficient shooter from all spots on the floor but not the knockdown, volume shooter Bogdan Bogdanovic and Buddy Hield are, yet he can hit an open shot and create for himself. lacks top tier athleticism which holds back his ability to play off the dribble, high IQ defender but lacks quickness needed to be a lockdown on-ball defender
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Likely not a building block in dynasty formats, but should carve out a solid enough role depending where he lands. High IQ players tend to stick around in the league, so he could end up having one of the steadiest floors as a likely top-150 dynasty prospect without a sky high ceiling.
Kira Lewis Jr., G
General Comments: Speedy lead guard who can get to the rim at will. His lack of size makes him a liability and he is unswitchable on defense. A decent spot-up shooter, he needs to add a pull-up jumper to his game to offset the driving ability.
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: One of the more interesting dynasty guard prospects outside of the top-tier guys like Ball and Hayes. He landed at a good situation since he struggles in the half court offense but excels in the open court.
Precious Achiuwa, C
General Comments: High risk-high reward player, unpolished game on both ends of the floor, relies solely on athleticism, very below average shooting touch
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: A little older compared to other prospects (21), he is another prospect with upside who could develop into a double-double machine but his limitations will likely impact his value. Draft with caution.
Cole Anthony, PG
General Comments: Held back by injuries in one year at UNC, dynamic ball-handler that can get to the rim and score with either hand, not the most efficient scorer but has the ability to develop into a threat at all three levels, undersized as a defender and will be tough to switch
Injury History: right knee surgery – partially torn meniscus
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Another polarizing guard prospect in this call. Pedigree is there, but the production wasn’t. Top-100 potential is definitely there and he landed with a team that needed a scoring point guard.
Udoka Azubuike, C
General Comments: Old fashioned center, raw offensively, NBA-ready body and doesn’t force the action, career FG% of 74.9% is the highest in NCAA history
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Azubuike was a dominant college player, but he will have issues translating his game to the NBA. He can dunk just about anything but does not have any other offensive game to speak of. Defensively, he can protect the rim, and only the rim. If he steps out to guard someone on the perimeter or in the midrange he is at a complete disadvantage and his opposition will have no issue blowing right by him. In the long run it is tough to see him being anything more than a backup center as he has some big holes in his game which limit his value but he could develop into a nice defensive specialist. He obviously needs more time to develop and it could be hard for him to get minutes in the NBA due right now to his limitations so I wouldn’t invest too much in him.
Aleksej Pokuševski, F
General Comments: Fluid jump shot, great playmaker and ball handling for his size (7’0”), excellent off-ball rim protector but a rail-thin frame and lack of top competition are red flags, has yet to show a post move as a seven-footer
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Potential fantasy goldmine given frame and potential to develop a solid 3-point shot; top-50 production and even higher once his body is ready for the NBA. Jack of all trades who stuffs the stat sheet with rebounds, triples, assists and defensive stats with mediocre percentages and high turnovers.
Malachi Flynn, G
General Comments: Widely regarded as one of the best pick-and-roll operators in the country, what he lacks in athleticism he makes up for in IQ and toughness, below the rim finisher, strong on ball defender on the perimeter
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Older prospect without much flash to his game, but worth a look in deeper formats and should be on most watch lists in shallower ones. Could be a contributor for a good team, even if he doesn’t have hugely tantalizing stat set.
Aaron Nesmith, G
General Comments: Best shooter in the draft, unlimited range, length leaves potential to be 3-and-D threat, not a playmaker and has tough time creating shots for himself in isolation situations. His college numbers could be somewhat inflated based on a relatively small sample size.
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: In the era of the longball, it is worth keeping an eye on anyone with shooting splits like his. He may not bring much to the table statistically outside of a 3-and-D role player, but depending where he lands he has immediate top-175 potential with a long-term dynasty upside in about the same range.
Saddiq Bey, F
General Comments: Solid, steady game that can make an impact in a rotation right away, good spot up shooter, lacks explosiveness but can still get to the rim and create off the dribble, will be a versatile wing defender due to his size, length and athleticism
Injury History: None
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: May end up being a better on-court player than fantasy contributor, but his ability to stay on the floor and contribute right away does make him an interesting flier in dynasty formats. Potential for top-100 if everything clicks at the next level, with a pretty steady top-200 floor.
Tyrell Terry, G
General Comments: Outstanding shooter off-the-dribble or spot-up, undersized and has trouble guarding opposing guards, limited athleticism but can create his own shot on the perimeter
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Limited size and athleticism combined with potential stat set concerns limit his long-term upside. Worth a draft in stash in deeper formats, but may struggle early depending on what role he is expected to fill.
Patrick Williams, F
General Comments: Has the tools and size to be a lockdown defender as a PF, needs to improve on finishing, has shown the ability to be a decent playmaker with the ball
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Right now Williams projects as more of a defensive role player, but could end up becoming a decent stretch big at the next level. The one problem is he has not figured out the “3” part of the 3-and-D equation. He has a lot of work to do on the offensive end before this pick earns its value. How he fits with Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr. is a question, but both players have been named in trade rumors recently so we could see one on the move sooner rather than later. Shooting indicators are encouraging, and he has flashed some potential to expand offensively. Might be a project, and will probably end up on a lot of waiver wires, but there is enough there to warrant a flier in most dynasty formats.
Isaac Okoro, F
General Comments: Can come in and guard 2-4 on day one, high IQ off-ball defender, can fit into any scheme, needs work all around on offense, shot is not great in catch-and-shoot or off the dribble
Fantasy/Dynasty Outlook: Okoro should bring enough defensively to stay on the court early in his career. Stat set limitations cap his ceiling, but has top-175 upside based on defensive stat contributions with the potential to rise if his shot ever comes online.
