Round 2 Rookie Draft instant #analysis
Aug 14, 2021 22:34:30 GMT 2
Portland TrailBlazers, Philadelphia 76ers, and 1 more like this
Post by Portland TrailBlazers on Aug 14, 2021 22:34:30 GMT 2
Jalen Johnson - Los Angeles Lakers
Age on Draft Day: 19
Player Type: Playmaking Defensive Wing
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 11.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 2.4 combined defensive stats in 21.2 mpg
General Comments: Versatile, athletic…point forward abilities…above average vision with playmaking potential…44% from 3 on low volume…switchable defender can guard 2-5
Fantasy Outlook: A standout playmaker from the forward spot, Johnson doesn’t have a ton of offensive skill but he can really lean into pumping out defensive stats and crashing the glass. A late-round stat set has Johnson profiling as a late dynasty stash selection.
Cameron Thomas - Philadelphia Sixers
Age on Draft Day: 19
Player Type: Scoring Guard
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 23.0 PPG, .325 3P%, .882 FT%
General Comments: great finisher… has ability to weave through traffic and defense with his dribbling ability… expert shot creation ability
Fantasy Outlook: Thomas is a score-first guard who can step in immediately as a bench sparkplug, though he will need to improve his vision and ability to play within an offense rather than turn all of his touches into isolation showdowns — not that he doesn’t have the moves to succeed in such a way. Points are the siren song of fantasy so Thomas is worth a dynasty selection even if his stat set offers very limited avenues to more than top-100 value in the long run.
Tre Mann - Phoenix Suns
Age on Draft Day: 20
Player Type: Combo Guard
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 16.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.5 APG, .402 3P%
General Comments: pace-controlling combo guard…three-level scoring threat…small frame, needs to add muscle to finish through contact efficiently
Fantasy Outlook: Mann can seriously space the floor with unlimited shooting range and the swagger to match. He’s not overly athletic and is a subpar defender so his shooter’s touch will carry most of the weight. Mann looks like he could become a microwave scorer but there’s definitely upside beyond that. He’s a later dynasty selection, even with his weaknesses, given the scarcity of scoring outside the early rounds in fantasy drafts.
Nah'Shon “Bones” Hyland - Sacramento Kings
Age on Draft Day: 20
Player Type: Scoring Guard
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 19.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.1 APG
General Comments: skilled guard with unbelievable shooting range…shot 39.9% from deep on 331 attempts while playing for VCU…size limits position as he is not a true point guard…scoring/shooting should have no issues translating to the next level
Fantasy Outlook: Hyland looks like a decent bet as someone who scored efficiently on big volume, but defensive ineptitude and a game that might be more score-only than score-first are concerns. To say nothing of his defense — Hyland racked up plenty of steals but those might very well be a product of an aggressive VCU system. Bones is a gunner through and through and can bully his way to value as a scoring threat but he’ll need to put in some work in order to get the minutes to do so.
Josh Christopher - Los Angeles Clippers
Age on Draft Day: 19
Player Type: Wing
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 14.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.4 APG
General Comments: elite athlete…excellent handle…not primary playmaker but could definitely be a secondary playmaker…only 30% from 3 but high FT% indicates shooting could improve… needs to improve defensive effort and limit fouls
Fantasy Outlook: Christopher will need to iron out the tunnel vision that seemed to dominate his game in college — his life will be easier once he does. That can be a painful process, however, and Christopher’s swings between outstanding defensive possessions and lackadaisical reaches on blow-bys will frustrate his coach. There’s low-floor potential here, at least early, but Christopher is used to getting tough buckets and is a nice transition player.
Miles McBride - Philadelphia Sixers
Age on Draft Day: 20
Player Type: Point Guard
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 15.9 PPG. 4.8 APG, 2.7 RPG
General Comments: Sniper shot 41% on nearly four 3-point attempts per game last season…microwave scorer…capable playmaker…plays more like a 2 but size will limit ability to be effective as a 2 in the league.
Fantasy Outlook: McBride’s not the biggest guy (6’2”) and struggles to get to the rim, which harms his efficiency, but can drill it from distance and boasts a strong steal rate (3.1 per 100 possessions last season) with a solid wingspan. He’s a hard-working guard and is a late flier in larger dynasty leagues, and possibly shallower ones as well.
Corey Kispert - Golden State Warriors
Age on Draft Day: 22
Player Type: Elite Shooter/Wing
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 18.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG, .444 3P%
General Comments: elite shooter…could argue best in draft…great moving without the ball…lateral quickness could cause issues on defensive end…able to attack downhill if defense closes out aggressively
Fantasy Outlook: Kispert’s 3-point ability is his standout quality and he’s got the potential to be a plus contributor in the efficiency categories. He may not be asked to do much else beyond launch bombs but was able to improve in each of his four college seasons, so perhaps there’s more under the hood. Kispert did shoot incredibly well inside the arc by playing off aggressive contests on the perimeter. Even so, we know that huge 3-point output with positive percentages is a recipe for sneaky top-100 output.
Jeremiah Robinson Earl - Philadelphia Sixers
Age on Draft Day: 20
Player Type: Low-Usage Forward
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 15.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.2 APG
General Comments: 6’9” forward capable of guarding multiple positions…good rebounder…nice midrange jumper…can score with back to the basket as well…good BBIQ…top tier help defender
Fantasy Outlook: Robinson-Earl is a high-energy, versatile defender who has a somewhat limited offensive game. That seems to be fine by him, as he’s relentless about relocating without the ball and doing the dirty work that generates open shots for his teammates. That unselfishness is going to appeal to many organizations, and JRE could definitely become a valuable role player. Unfortunately he doesn’t quite have enough statistical pop in his profile to make him more than a late dynasty flier, and perhaps one that’s better left to deeper leagues.
Isaiah Jackson - Philadelphia Sixers
Age on Draft Day: 19
Player Type: Rim Protector
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 8.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.6 BPG
General Comments: Athletic big man who excels running the floor…relentless shot blocker…enormous wingspan at 7’5”…inconsistent offensive game…hasn’t flashed ability to shoot from range…limited bag
Fantasy Outlook: Jackson’s a highly intriguing fantasy prospect because of that elite shot-blocking potential, but like so many before him, dazzling stats can be his downfall on the court. He’s going to have to bulk up at the next level and will need to rein it in; team defense takes priority over chasing blocks even if his own stats will suffer. Still, Jackson’s an explosive leaper and lob threat who has the quickness to keep up defending in space. Refinement is necessary but Jackson has elite defensive upside if he can improve his fundamental play, and that’s going to make him a popular target in dynasty formats.
Quentin Grimes - New Orleans Pelicans
Age on Draft Day: 21
Player Type: Combo Guard
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 17.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.0 APG
General Comments: long guard…good shooter in final season…great movement without the ball…superior on-ball defender…lockdown defender qualities
Fantasy Outlook: Grimes is a unique player given his combo of strengths and weaknesses. He put up big 3-point numbers on massive volume last season but shot under 39% inside the arc. He’s a decent rebounder but turns the ball over just as frequently as he drops dimes. And the shooting potential is up for debate, as he’s a bad free throw shooter who didn’t really pop as a longball threat until last year. Grimes will need to prove that it wasn’t a fluke in order to stick at the next level which means fantasy managers can safely wait and see.
Josh Primo - Los Angeles Lakers
Age on Draft Day: 18
Player Type: Guard/Wing
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 8.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.8 AST
General Comments: 6’4” guard with a 6’9” wingspan…shot 40% from 3 and nearly 90% from the line…definite upside pick…one of the youngest players in the draft
Fantasy Outlook: Any team picking Primo is banking on upside because his season wasn’t overly impressive. Largely a floor-spacer who wasn’t asked for much more, Primo at least delivered efficiently. His college stats don’t scream “fantasy contributor” so Primo is more of a watch list candidate.
Day’Ron Sharpe - Utah Jazz
Age on Draft Day: 19
Player Type: Big
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 9.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.4 APG
General Comments: High motor, athletic big…great rebounder…thrives scoring in the paint…decent playmaking abilities for a big…rim protector upside
Fantasy Outlook: Sharpe is going to make his money down low as a total non-shooter with limited reasons for optimism (.505 at the line last year). He is an instinctive, agile defender and looks like a potential asset as a roll-man, but Sharpe’s immediate limitations likely keep him off the radar outside of deeper dynasty formats.
Ayo Dosunmu - Utah Jazz
Age on Draft Day: 21
Player Type: Combo Guard
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 20.1 PPG, 6.3 APG, 5.2 RPG
General Comments: Elite combo guard…explosive first step…first-rate step back…good decision maker…three-level scorer…excellent ability to manipulate defenses in PNR
Fantasy Outlook: Dosunmu showed equal ability to play either on or off the ball, which bodes well considering the role he’ll play at the nex level. Questions about his finishing and 3-point shooting ability cast doubt over his offensive upside, but Dosunmu is a solid playmaker and leaned on his elite work ethic to improve throughout his college career. A late dynasty flier but a player whose intangibles should allow him to hold down a rotation spot early on.
JT Thor - Los Angeles Lakers
Age on Draft Day: 18
Player Type: Long Forward
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 9.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.4 BPG
General Comments: incredible guard-like skills paired with excessive length…good handle for his size…30% from 3 on 2.7 attempts per game…unique prospect with unlimited upside
Fantasy Outlook: Rail thin but 6’8” with a 7’3” wingspan, Thor is undoubtedly going to draw comparisons to Chris Boucher. It’s not a bad comparison as far as fantasy outlook goes, but it does underscore the need for patience here. Thor’s elite length will cover up for a lack of speed but he needs to improve his shot despite fairly fluid mechanics. Dynasty managers will be drawn in by the tools and upside but it’s unlikely that Thor makes waves in the NBA for at least a season, so prepare to hunker down.
Herbert Jones - Atlanta Hawks
Age on Draft Day: 22
Player Type: Wing
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 11.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.3 APG
General Comments: projects to be a 3&D type player at the next level…lacks confidence in outside shot…shot only 35% from 3 on less than two attempts per game…willing passer…excellent cutter…good rebounder… versatile defender
Fantasy Outlook: Jones is on the older side of the class but is still growing as an offensive player, making more 3-pointers last season (20) than his first three combined. If teams can coax more out of him on that end we might have something here, because Jones is a terrific perimeter defender with a 6’8” frame and a knack for making the little plays. Until he ratchets up the offense, however, Jones won’t cause much fervor in fantasy outside of very deep dynasty leagues.
Santi Aldama - Portland Blazers
Age on Draft Day: 20
Player Type: Skilled Forward
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 21.1 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.7 BPG
General Comments: 6’11” with 7’1” wingspan… given huge usage as most-skilled player on his team… high basketball IQ… terrific passer… three-level shooter
Fantasy Outlook: Aldama was a surprise pick for many but the Grizzlies are taking a swing for the fences with a player that led his national team to the FIBA U-18 European Championship, averaging 18.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.9 steals, while being named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. He played in the Patriot League which makes many observers question his numbers but he is an intriguing, versatile two-way skilled player with range who needs to add some muscle and improve his FT shooting.That said, he checks so many boxes that teams are looking for out of modern bigs, he’s got great passing vision, incredible touch around the rim and can step out to knock down threes. Defense will be the long-term key for him but Aldama looks like one of the dark horses of this class.
Sandro Mamukelashvili - Milwaukee Bucks
Age on Draft Day: 22
Player Type: Ball-handling Big
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 17.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 3.2 APG
General Comments: not your prototypical big man…6’11” with 7’1” wingspan but comfortable with the ball in his hands…can initiate PNR…capable passer…not afraid to shoot from outside …lack of athleticism raises questions on defensive ability at the next level
Fantasy Outlook: Mamukelashvili is caught in between, a bit too thin to play five but not a strong enough shooter to play the four. Mamukelashvili was another surprise pick deep into the draft but he is one of the most ready-to-contribute products after four years at the collegiate level and the Bucks didn’t hesitate to sign him immediately to a two-way contract. A mobile lefty shooter who can handle and finish with both hands, his rebounding and overall defense need to improve but his offensive talent is what has been attractive to NBA teams.
Isaiah Rodd - Utah Jazz
Age on Draft Day: 19
Player Type: Stretch 4
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 12.3 PPG, 4.9 REB, 0.8AST
General Comments: elite athlete…shot 36% from 3 for the G League Ignite team in the bubble…signs of creating for himself…questions on discipline and decision making…excellent FT shooter at 82% last season.
Fantasy Outlook: Todd has a sweet shooting stroke but still has to keep adding. Right now he’s prone to shying away from contact and doesn’t hold his ground in the paint. A player that needs more G League development time, Todd can probably be ignored in dynasty drafts.
Luka Garza - Milwaukee Bucks
Age on Draft Day: 22
Player Type: Big
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 24.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 2.3 combined defensive stats
General Comments: award winning big man…traditional big with shooting upside…shot 44% from deep on 3+ attempts per game…lateral movement issues bring up concerns for defensive effectiveness at the next level…good rebounder and shot blocker but not a full-on rim protector
Fantasy Outlook: Garza’s measurables are terrible and his defensive play is even worse. That might keep him out of the NBA entirely but some team may roll the dice on the big man becoming merely below-average as a defender given his elite offensive skills. A serious upside swing, but not a great bet considering the way the league is headed.
Age on Draft Day: 19
Player Type: Playmaking Defensive Wing
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 11.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 2.4 combined defensive stats in 21.2 mpg
General Comments: Versatile, athletic…point forward abilities…above average vision with playmaking potential…44% from 3 on low volume…switchable defender can guard 2-5
Fantasy Outlook: A standout playmaker from the forward spot, Johnson doesn’t have a ton of offensive skill but he can really lean into pumping out defensive stats and crashing the glass. A late-round stat set has Johnson profiling as a late dynasty stash selection.
Cameron Thomas - Philadelphia Sixers
Age on Draft Day: 19
Player Type: Scoring Guard
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 23.0 PPG, .325 3P%, .882 FT%
General Comments: great finisher… has ability to weave through traffic and defense with his dribbling ability… expert shot creation ability
Fantasy Outlook: Thomas is a score-first guard who can step in immediately as a bench sparkplug, though he will need to improve his vision and ability to play within an offense rather than turn all of his touches into isolation showdowns — not that he doesn’t have the moves to succeed in such a way. Points are the siren song of fantasy so Thomas is worth a dynasty selection even if his stat set offers very limited avenues to more than top-100 value in the long run.
Tre Mann - Phoenix Suns
Age on Draft Day: 20
Player Type: Combo Guard
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 16.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.5 APG, .402 3P%
General Comments: pace-controlling combo guard…three-level scoring threat…small frame, needs to add muscle to finish through contact efficiently
Fantasy Outlook: Mann can seriously space the floor with unlimited shooting range and the swagger to match. He’s not overly athletic and is a subpar defender so his shooter’s touch will carry most of the weight. Mann looks like he could become a microwave scorer but there’s definitely upside beyond that. He’s a later dynasty selection, even with his weaknesses, given the scarcity of scoring outside the early rounds in fantasy drafts.
Nah'Shon “Bones” Hyland - Sacramento Kings
Age on Draft Day: 20
Player Type: Scoring Guard
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 19.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.1 APG
General Comments: skilled guard with unbelievable shooting range…shot 39.9% from deep on 331 attempts while playing for VCU…size limits position as he is not a true point guard…scoring/shooting should have no issues translating to the next level
Fantasy Outlook: Hyland looks like a decent bet as someone who scored efficiently on big volume, but defensive ineptitude and a game that might be more score-only than score-first are concerns. To say nothing of his defense — Hyland racked up plenty of steals but those might very well be a product of an aggressive VCU system. Bones is a gunner through and through and can bully his way to value as a scoring threat but he’ll need to put in some work in order to get the minutes to do so.
Josh Christopher - Los Angeles Clippers
Age on Draft Day: 19
Player Type: Wing
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 14.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.4 APG
General Comments: elite athlete…excellent handle…not primary playmaker but could definitely be a secondary playmaker…only 30% from 3 but high FT% indicates shooting could improve… needs to improve defensive effort and limit fouls
Fantasy Outlook: Christopher will need to iron out the tunnel vision that seemed to dominate his game in college — his life will be easier once he does. That can be a painful process, however, and Christopher’s swings between outstanding defensive possessions and lackadaisical reaches on blow-bys will frustrate his coach. There’s low-floor potential here, at least early, but Christopher is used to getting tough buckets and is a nice transition player.
Miles McBride - Philadelphia Sixers
Age on Draft Day: 20
Player Type: Point Guard
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 15.9 PPG. 4.8 APG, 2.7 RPG
General Comments: Sniper shot 41% on nearly four 3-point attempts per game last season…microwave scorer…capable playmaker…plays more like a 2 but size will limit ability to be effective as a 2 in the league.
Fantasy Outlook: McBride’s not the biggest guy (6’2”) and struggles to get to the rim, which harms his efficiency, but can drill it from distance and boasts a strong steal rate (3.1 per 100 possessions last season) with a solid wingspan. He’s a hard-working guard and is a late flier in larger dynasty leagues, and possibly shallower ones as well.
Corey Kispert - Golden State Warriors
Age on Draft Day: 22
Player Type: Elite Shooter/Wing
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 18.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG, .444 3P%
General Comments: elite shooter…could argue best in draft…great moving without the ball…lateral quickness could cause issues on defensive end…able to attack downhill if defense closes out aggressively
Fantasy Outlook: Kispert’s 3-point ability is his standout quality and he’s got the potential to be a plus contributor in the efficiency categories. He may not be asked to do much else beyond launch bombs but was able to improve in each of his four college seasons, so perhaps there’s more under the hood. Kispert did shoot incredibly well inside the arc by playing off aggressive contests on the perimeter. Even so, we know that huge 3-point output with positive percentages is a recipe for sneaky top-100 output.
Jeremiah Robinson Earl - Philadelphia Sixers
Age on Draft Day: 20
Player Type: Low-Usage Forward
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 15.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.2 APG
General Comments: 6’9” forward capable of guarding multiple positions…good rebounder…nice midrange jumper…can score with back to the basket as well…good BBIQ…top tier help defender
Fantasy Outlook: Robinson-Earl is a high-energy, versatile defender who has a somewhat limited offensive game. That seems to be fine by him, as he’s relentless about relocating without the ball and doing the dirty work that generates open shots for his teammates. That unselfishness is going to appeal to many organizations, and JRE could definitely become a valuable role player. Unfortunately he doesn’t quite have enough statistical pop in his profile to make him more than a late dynasty flier, and perhaps one that’s better left to deeper leagues.
Isaiah Jackson - Philadelphia Sixers
Age on Draft Day: 19
Player Type: Rim Protector
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 8.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.6 BPG
General Comments: Athletic big man who excels running the floor…relentless shot blocker…enormous wingspan at 7’5”…inconsistent offensive game…hasn’t flashed ability to shoot from range…limited bag
Fantasy Outlook: Jackson’s a highly intriguing fantasy prospect because of that elite shot-blocking potential, but like so many before him, dazzling stats can be his downfall on the court. He’s going to have to bulk up at the next level and will need to rein it in; team defense takes priority over chasing blocks even if his own stats will suffer. Still, Jackson’s an explosive leaper and lob threat who has the quickness to keep up defending in space. Refinement is necessary but Jackson has elite defensive upside if he can improve his fundamental play, and that’s going to make him a popular target in dynasty formats.
Quentin Grimes - New Orleans Pelicans
Age on Draft Day: 21
Player Type: Combo Guard
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 17.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.0 APG
General Comments: long guard…good shooter in final season…great movement without the ball…superior on-ball defender…lockdown defender qualities
Fantasy Outlook: Grimes is a unique player given his combo of strengths and weaknesses. He put up big 3-point numbers on massive volume last season but shot under 39% inside the arc. He’s a decent rebounder but turns the ball over just as frequently as he drops dimes. And the shooting potential is up for debate, as he’s a bad free throw shooter who didn’t really pop as a longball threat until last year. Grimes will need to prove that it wasn’t a fluke in order to stick at the next level which means fantasy managers can safely wait and see.
Josh Primo - Los Angeles Lakers
Age on Draft Day: 18
Player Type: Guard/Wing
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 8.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.8 AST
General Comments: 6’4” guard with a 6’9” wingspan…shot 40% from 3 and nearly 90% from the line…definite upside pick…one of the youngest players in the draft
Fantasy Outlook: Any team picking Primo is banking on upside because his season wasn’t overly impressive. Largely a floor-spacer who wasn’t asked for much more, Primo at least delivered efficiently. His college stats don’t scream “fantasy contributor” so Primo is more of a watch list candidate.
Day’Ron Sharpe - Utah Jazz
Age on Draft Day: 19
Player Type: Big
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 9.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.4 APG
General Comments: High motor, athletic big…great rebounder…thrives scoring in the paint…decent playmaking abilities for a big…rim protector upside
Fantasy Outlook: Sharpe is going to make his money down low as a total non-shooter with limited reasons for optimism (.505 at the line last year). He is an instinctive, agile defender and looks like a potential asset as a roll-man, but Sharpe’s immediate limitations likely keep him off the radar outside of deeper dynasty formats.
Ayo Dosunmu - Utah Jazz
Age on Draft Day: 21
Player Type: Combo Guard
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 20.1 PPG, 6.3 APG, 5.2 RPG
General Comments: Elite combo guard…explosive first step…first-rate step back…good decision maker…three-level scorer…excellent ability to manipulate defenses in PNR
Fantasy Outlook: Dosunmu showed equal ability to play either on or off the ball, which bodes well considering the role he’ll play at the nex level. Questions about his finishing and 3-point shooting ability cast doubt over his offensive upside, but Dosunmu is a solid playmaker and leaned on his elite work ethic to improve throughout his college career. A late dynasty flier but a player whose intangibles should allow him to hold down a rotation spot early on.
JT Thor - Los Angeles Lakers
Age on Draft Day: 18
Player Type: Long Forward
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 9.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.4 BPG
General Comments: incredible guard-like skills paired with excessive length…good handle for his size…30% from 3 on 2.7 attempts per game…unique prospect with unlimited upside
Fantasy Outlook: Rail thin but 6’8” with a 7’3” wingspan, Thor is undoubtedly going to draw comparisons to Chris Boucher. It’s not a bad comparison as far as fantasy outlook goes, but it does underscore the need for patience here. Thor’s elite length will cover up for a lack of speed but he needs to improve his shot despite fairly fluid mechanics. Dynasty managers will be drawn in by the tools and upside but it’s unlikely that Thor makes waves in the NBA for at least a season, so prepare to hunker down.
Herbert Jones - Atlanta Hawks
Age on Draft Day: 22
Player Type: Wing
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 11.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.3 APG
General Comments: projects to be a 3&D type player at the next level…lacks confidence in outside shot…shot only 35% from 3 on less than two attempts per game…willing passer…excellent cutter…good rebounder… versatile defender
Fantasy Outlook: Jones is on the older side of the class but is still growing as an offensive player, making more 3-pointers last season (20) than his first three combined. If teams can coax more out of him on that end we might have something here, because Jones is a terrific perimeter defender with a 6’8” frame and a knack for making the little plays. Until he ratchets up the offense, however, Jones won’t cause much fervor in fantasy outside of very deep dynasty leagues.
Santi Aldama - Portland Blazers
Age on Draft Day: 20
Player Type: Skilled Forward
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 21.1 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.7 BPG
General Comments: 6’11” with 7’1” wingspan… given huge usage as most-skilled player on his team… high basketball IQ… terrific passer… three-level shooter
Fantasy Outlook: Aldama was a surprise pick for many but the Grizzlies are taking a swing for the fences with a player that led his national team to the FIBA U-18 European Championship, averaging 18.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.9 steals, while being named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. He played in the Patriot League which makes many observers question his numbers but he is an intriguing, versatile two-way skilled player with range who needs to add some muscle and improve his FT shooting.That said, he checks so many boxes that teams are looking for out of modern bigs, he’s got great passing vision, incredible touch around the rim and can step out to knock down threes. Defense will be the long-term key for him but Aldama looks like one of the dark horses of this class.
Sandro Mamukelashvili - Milwaukee Bucks
Age on Draft Day: 22
Player Type: Ball-handling Big
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 17.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 3.2 APG
General Comments: not your prototypical big man…6’11” with 7’1” wingspan but comfortable with the ball in his hands…can initiate PNR…capable passer…not afraid to shoot from outside …lack of athleticism raises questions on defensive ability at the next level
Fantasy Outlook: Mamukelashvili is caught in between, a bit too thin to play five but not a strong enough shooter to play the four. Mamukelashvili was another surprise pick deep into the draft but he is one of the most ready-to-contribute products after four years at the collegiate level and the Bucks didn’t hesitate to sign him immediately to a two-way contract. A mobile lefty shooter who can handle and finish with both hands, his rebounding and overall defense need to improve but his offensive talent is what has been attractive to NBA teams.
Isaiah Rodd - Utah Jazz
Age on Draft Day: 19
Player Type: Stretch 4
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 12.3 PPG, 4.9 REB, 0.8AST
General Comments: elite athlete…shot 36% from 3 for the G League Ignite team in the bubble…signs of creating for himself…questions on discipline and decision making…excellent FT shooter at 82% last season.
Fantasy Outlook: Todd has a sweet shooting stroke but still has to keep adding. Right now he’s prone to shying away from contact and doesn’t hold his ground in the paint. A player that needs more G League development time, Todd can probably be ignored in dynasty drafts.
Luka Garza - Milwaukee Bucks
Age on Draft Day: 22
Player Type: Big
Notable 2020-21 Stats: 24.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 2.3 combined defensive stats
General Comments: award winning big man…traditional big with shooting upside…shot 44% from deep on 3+ attempts per game…lateral movement issues bring up concerns for defensive effectiveness at the next level…good rebounder and shot blocker but not a full-on rim protector
Fantasy Outlook: Garza’s measurables are terrible and his defensive play is even worse. That might keep him out of the NBA entirely but some team may roll the dice on the big man becoming merely below-average as a defender given his elite offensive skills. A serious upside swing, but not a great bet considering the way the league is headed.