2019 NBA Draft Prep

[Jamaaliver]

2019 NBA Mock Draft: Duke's Zion Williamson powering his way to earning the No. 1 selection

Not many had Williamson pegged No. 1 in the NBA Draft, but that has changed in month

1. Cavaliers

Zion Williamson | Duke | Fr | PF | 6-7

To be clear, there are other reasonable options for the top spot -- and I think any of the four players I have going one through four are worthy candidates to be selected first in June. But Williamson is obviously the most interesting and unique prospect of the bunch. Presumably, he'll hit a rough patch at some point when ACC coaches throw things at him that he's never seen -- and it'll be fascinating to see how he responds to adversity. But, to date, he's been a superman among boys, and his games are likely to look that way more often than not.


2. Suns

RJ Barrett | Duke | Fr | SG | 6-7

Barrett is a wing with size who gets to the rim so often, against basically anybody, that it's hard to imagine him being anything other than a top-shelf scorer in the NBA. There are questions about his upside, sure. But his floor is super-high. He scored a total of 86 points in his first three games as a Blue Devil -- including 33 in that season-opening blowout of Kentucky. No Duke freshman in history had ever scored that many points in his first three games.

3. Bulls

Nassir Little | North Carolina | Fr | SF | 6-6

Little was the Most Valuable Player of the 2018 McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic -- which is among the reasons he might be too low at No. 3. The 6-6 wing is oozing with potential and can be overwhelming on both sides of the court. He projects as an elite combo-forward in the modern-NBA.


4. Hawks

Cam Reddish | Duke | Fr | SF | 6-8

Can you imagine being the fourth pick in the NBA Draft -- and just the third-best player on your college team? That might actually be Reddish's reality, crazy as it sounds. The 6-9 wing made 11 of his 25 3-point attempts in Duke's first three games. He has the tools to be great on both ends, if he commits to it.


5. Mavericks

Romeo Langford | Indiana | Fr | SG | 6-6

Langford is one of the most decorated players in the history of high school basketball in Indiana. The 6-6 wing scored more than 3,000 points as a prep star, then enrolled at IU. He finished with 22 points in an early win over Marquette and is averaging 17.7 points through three games with the Hoosiers.

CBS Sports

[kg01]

I'm not a fan of Little, but he does look like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with a jump shot. Lets see if he can sustain 35% shooting from three in his freshmen season.

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I know you didn't mean it that way, but comparing him to MKG is an insult. He's closer to a Kawhii-type than *yuck* MKG.

When posters say "he is the next Lebron" or "he is the next Kawhi" after only 2 games into their freshmen season, this is why people roll their eyes and shake their heads at lame internet sports bloggers

Who said anyone is the next anything?

[CP War Hawks]

For argument sake, lets assume the Hawks come away with their 3 of the future whether it be Zion, Barrett, Little, Reddish, etc. for 2019.

The Dallas pick can go so many ways. The team needs a C and SG of the future...

It's best to find a long term replacement for Baze while you can. Grimes is another guy I would consider.

I'm still about Best Player Available for the top draft pick. Obviously we aren't drafting another PG. But anything else we see as potentially elite talent is worth pursuing.


I agree the Dallas pick can and should be a need based selection, though.
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Langford, in my eyes, is a cross between Murray and Derozan. His game screams NBA. I can go indepth about the many things I like about him, but won't.

Serious question: Who is Murray?

Jamal Murray.

[ATL Boy]

The top of this draft is so heavy with good big men and wing players, it makes the trade for Trae Young look even more understandable - you get your PG and then load up with a great wing and big man the next year.

Zion has officially elevated to the top of my wishlist, what he's able to do at that weight isn't natural. A Trae and Zion big and roll combo would be deadly.

[tbhawksfan1]

2019 NBA Mock Draft: Duke's Zion Williamson powering his way to earning the No. 1 selection

Not many had Williamson pegged No. 1 in the NBA Draft, but that has changed in month

1. Cavaliers

Zion Williamson | Duke | Fr | PF | 6-7

To be clear, there are other reasonable options for the top spot -- and I think any of the four players I have going one through four are worthy candidates to be selected first in June. But Williamson is obviously the most interesting and unique prospect of the bunch. Presumably, he'll hit a rough patch at some point when ACC coaches throw things at him that he's never seen -- and it'll be fascinating to see how he responds to adversity. But, to date, he's been a superman among boys, and his games are likely to look that way more often than not.


2. Suns

RJ Barrett | Duke | Fr | SG | 6-7

Barrett is a wing with size who gets to the rim so often, against basically anybody, that it's hard to imagine him being anything other than a top-shelf scorer in the NBA. There are questions about his upside, sure. But his floor is super-high. He scored a total of 86 points in his first three games as a Blue Devil -- including 33 in that season-opening blowout of Kentucky. No Duke freshman in history had ever scored that many points in his first three games.

3. Bulls

Nassir Little | North Carolina | Fr | SF | 6-6

Little was the Most Valuable Player of the 2018 McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic -- which is among the reasons he might be too low at No. 3. The 6-6 wing is oozing with potential and can be overwhelming on both sides of the court. He projects as an elite combo-forward in the modern-NBA.


4. Hawks

Cam Reddish | Duke | Fr | SF | 6-8

Can you imagine being the fourth pick in the NBA Draft -- and just the third-best player on your college team? That might actually be Reddish's reality, crazy as it sounds. The 6-9 wing made 11 of his 25 3-point attempts in Duke's first three games. He has the tools to be great on both ends, if he commits to it.


5. Mavericks

Romeo Langford | Indiana | Fr | SG | 6-6

Langford is one of the most decorated players in the history of high school basketball in Indiana. The 6-6 wing scored more than 3,000 points as a prep star, then enrolled at IU. He finished with 22 points in an early win over Marquette and is averaging 17.7 points through three games with the Hoosiers.

CBS Sports

Nice find. They only got one thing wrong. DAL finishes with the #6 and Hawks draft Cam at #4 after a trade back

[atlantabbq99]

Ok, so I'm starting to become a fan of Bol. He looks like a lesser version of Kristaps Porzingis.

Watch on YouTube

[Jamaaliver]

Another defensive big man to keep in mind with that ever receding Mavericks pick: Arkansas Sophomore Daniel Gafford. He was projected as a potential 1st round selection last summer. He chose to go back to college and is looking all the better for it. At 6'11' and 230+ pounds, he's a rebounding/shot blocking machine who plays an awful lot like Clint Capela.

Spoiler:

Daniel Gafford | Arkansas | Soph | C | 6-11

Gafford lives above the rim and could've probably been a first-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. But the 6-11 center instead opted to return to Arkansas -- where he got 20 points and 12 rebounds in the season-opener against Texas. He projects as a high-level rim-protector in the NBA who will make a living dunking everything.

CBS Sports

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[Jamaaliver]

The must-watch NBA draft prospects at Maui Invitational

1. Zion Williamson | Duke | 6-6 | PF/C

It hasn't taken long for Williamson to become the face of college basketball, posting historic efficiency numbers while nearly breaking the internet with his otherworldly slams. In just 24.6 MPG, he's averaging 25.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.0 blocks with a remarkable 81.0 true shooting percentage. No prospect in our extensive database has ever posted a player efficiency rating over 50 through the first three games while playing more than 20 MPG. Zion is at 58.6. He has missed only three shots at the rim in the half court and been a terror in transition, all while taking care of the ball, facilitating and rebounding. His potential matchup with Rui Hachimura and a loaded Gonzaga team would be must-see TV.

Scouts will keep a close eye on Zion's shooting touch (1-for-3 from 3 and 11-for-18 from the free throw line so far), as that will clearly be a point of emphasis all season long. How will he react to a well-coached team like Gonzaga trying to take away his powerful jump stops and dynamic drives by packing the paint? Will he be able to break free for as many uncontested transition dunks? How Williamson adjusts to certain schemes will certainly be worth watching, though it might not matter given his physical dominance.

If Williamson continues his record-breaking efficiency and breathtaking feats of athleticism in such an intimate environment, it will be difficult for the GMs on hand to leave Maui without slotting him as the favorite to go No. 1 come June.


4. Rui Hachimura | Gonzaga | 6-9 | Forward

No non-Duke player will be under the microscope more than Hachimura, especially with Gonzaga big man Killian Tillie out until January. The 20-year-old projected lottery pick has always had the physical profile for the NBA at 234 pounds with monster hands, natural strength and a 7-foot-1½ wingspan, but scouts will want to see how his 3-point shooting and feel for the game have improved.

Scouts will be rooting for Duke and Gonzaga to advance to the finals, which would set up a Hachimura vs. Williamson matchup. Hachimura, who can check up to four positions, is one of the few players in the tournament with the sheer strength, length and quickness to at least try his hand at slowing Zion Williamson. The junior has been extremely productive through three games (35.6 PER), but teams will still be watching closely to figure out how his shooting mechanics will translate to the NBA line (career 28.8 percent 3-point shooter) and whether or not he has the on-court feel to maximize his potential.

ESPN Insider

[Jamaaliver]

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Stock Down: Nassir Little

Little is still firmly a tier one player in this class, as his shooting off the dribble is still one of the most coveted skills in this class. He is a special shooter, with the ability to align his body on pull-ups in an instant, especially under pressure. This is still probably the second-best skill in the class outside of Williamson’s finishing.

However, other aspects of Little’s game haven’t been as effective as they looked in his high school tape. For one, his team defense has been a little suspect early on. He also hasn’t really been effective as a playmaker outside of his pull-up shooting, instead, acting as more of a secondary scorer in UNC’s offense. When you compare Little’s performance to R.J. Barrett, Barrett looks like more of a complete lead guard prospect currently.

Little looks a clear step behind Barrett and Williamson right now, and more on par with Cameron Reddish in the battle for the class’s third-best player.


Stock Down: Quentin Grimes, Kansas

The results for Grimes so far have been pretty strong: 12.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game with a blistering 56.3 percent from 3 on 16 attempts so far. However, outside of that shooting, Grimes has been a bit of a disappointment, because the process for getting those results has been pretty poor. Billed as an athletic combo guard who can run the point guard spot and defend on the wing, Grimes has not looked particularly stunning from an NBA perspective.

Most problematic to date has been Grimes’s defense. While he has all of the tools to be a strong on-ball defender at the college level, his off-ball defense has been problematic. He has been a prolific ball-watcher on the perimeter and struggles to react to plays as they develop.

Offensively, the athletic dominance he showed in high school isn’t translating at the rim so far, where he’s converting just a third of his chances, per Hoop-Math. He has struggled to get an edge on perimeter defenders off the bounce, and he hasn’t done much to dislodge defenders on drives so far.

Grimes’s shooting has been solid so far, but there’s very little chance he continues to hit over 55 percent from 3 for the season.

[Jamaaliver]

^cont.

Stock Up: Keldon Johnson, Kentucky

Johnson...has bolstered the depth of the class, joining the second tier of prospects in the back half of the top-10. His performance has been mostly impressive on the defensive end, where he’s shown off his versatility as an on-ball defender, especially against Duke, where he was tasked with defending each of the Big Three as well as Tre Jones throughout the game. His size and upper body strength really make him an impediment on drives, and he proved himself well against Barrett in particular, stoning him on three possessions throughout the game.


Johnson projects as a two-way complimentary wing who provides quality defense and accessory scoring off of a lead ball-handler. He’s looked strong coming off screens and curling to the rim, and his catch-and-shoot jumper is developing.

It’s unlikely he becomes a star in the NBA, but two-way wings are valuable, and that looks like his future at the next level.


Stock Down: Romeo Langford, Indiana



The positives: Langford has actually looked pretty strong as a pick-and-roll ball-handler for Indiana so far. He’s averaging 17.7 points per game, and his touch and craft getting into the teeth of the defense have been impressive, given this was not a strength of his coming into the season. He’s very patient with the ball, and he’s made some good progress with his handle.

The negatives are more prominent though, and more concerning. Langford was a lethal catch-and-shoot option in high school, but that well has dried up for him to this point, as he has hit just 2-of-12 three-point attempts and a shocking 52.4 percent from the line. Langford lacks the strength to get to the rim consistently, so it’s going to be difficult for his scoring to translate if he doesn’t have the threat of an outside shot to fall back on.

The Stepback

[Jamaaliver]

'Most Talented Player We've Ever Had': USC Frosh Soaring Up NBA Draft Boards

Initially No. 22 on our preseason big board, Porter is the top candidate to become 2019's Trae Young and unexpectedly soar into the top-five mix.

While the spotlight has focused on Duke's big three, Kevin Porter, Jr. is subtly creating waves and affecting scouts' travel itineraries.

"Yes, I've seen him," a West Coast-based scout said. "Next-level moves in his bag. He needs polishing, but his God-given gifts in talent are impressive."

He's turning heads in college with a flashy, persuasive mix of physical tools (6'6", 218 lbs), athleticism and scoring skills.

Porter has a pro's frame, plus a quick, explosive step. But it's his advanced shot creation that pops most when watching the tape.

He's separating off advanced footwork and ball-handling maneuvers, mirroring NBA star scorers by executing various step-back moves and hang-dribble crossovers. Porter is getting into his shot with space and balance, and he's converting with convincing fluidity and comfort.

The exciting natural talent has shown when he's been forced to react and improvise. He's finished a handful of eye-opening dunks and acrobatic layups fueled by quickness, coordination, bounce and instincts.

Per 40 minutes after three games, Porter is averaging 23.1 points on 61.5 percent shooting, demonstrating a well-rounded attack through eight possessions as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, seven spotting up, seven in transition and four out of isolation, per Synergy Sports.

His role and stage of development resemble Zach LaVine's when he was at UCLA.

Bleacher Report

[ATL Boy]

[Jamaaliver]

Zion definitely has the production. But when it comes to pure basketball skills, I'm all in for Team Reddish:

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RJ is still the top player in the draft in my book, tho:

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[Jamaaliver]

From Bleacher Report

This RJ Barrett -- Tracy McGrady comparison feels spot on.

Finding the Next: 2018-19 College Basketball Stars' NBA Player Comparisons

RJ Barrett, Duke



The Comparison: Tracy McGrady or James Harden

We're coming in hot with a comparison to either a Hall of Famer or the reigning MVP of the league, but that ceiling is why RJ Barrett is a stone-cold lock to be a top-three pick in June.

One thing Barrett, Harden and McGrady all have in common is they've never met a shot they didn't like. And yet, they're so well-coordinated and athletically gifted that even the heat checks and forced attempts feel like they're going to fall.

In terms of physical build, the 6'7", 202-pounder is more like T-Mac—a little taller than a traditional combo guard and a little lanky. But Barrett is left-handed and he doesn't shy away from contact, which are traits he shares with the Beard.

Also like Harden, Barrett can be a ball hog at times, but he is a willing and gifted passer. We'll see what type of roster situation he ultimately lands in, but Barrett could play the 1, 2 or 3 in the NBA.

One area where Barrett will likely be better than both Harden and McGrady is on defense. Not saying he'll be an All-Defensive first-teamer or anything, but he'll at least be competent on that end of the floor. Barrett can and does guard multiple positions, and he doesn't view defense as an opportunity to relax and regain energy for offense.

He's going to be overlooked all season long because of Zion Williamson, but Barrett is the player in this year's class most likely to become the building block for an NBA franchise.

Rui Hachimura, Gonzaga



The Comparison: Aaron Gordon

Rui Hachimura is lightning in a bottle. He has the quick first step of a guard, the body of a forward, the wingspan of a center and more than enough athleticism to spare.

He's a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type of combo forward who has the potential for greatness. The 6'8", 225-pounder is going to dominate this season simply because he's more physically gifted than anyone on the opposing team—especially in the West Coast Conference.

As was the case with Aaron Gordon, the key is going to be harnessing Hachimura's abilities within an offensive system—and hoping that his mid-range jumper and three-point range continue to develop. You know he's going to be a menace on the glass and a force of nature in transition, but time will tell how he fares in the half-court offense and as an on-ball defender.

Hachimura's ceiling is so high, though, that someone in the back half of the lottery is going to happily take him. Hopefully it's a team that doesn't mind if it takes three or four years for him to approach that ceiling, though.

[Jamaaliver]

Finding the Next: 2018-19 College Basketball Stars' NBA Player Comparisons

Romeo Langford, Indiana



The Comparison: Eric Gordon

This has to be one of the easiest comparisons ever made between a college phenom and an NBA player.

Physically, Romeo Langford is a little taller than Gordon at 6'6"...both guys have almost limitless range on top of the ability to draw contact and score in traffic.

However, it's the geography and the history that will tie these two shooting guards together indefinitely.

Both Gordon and Langford grew up in Indiana, dominated high school basketball in the state and then played college ball for the Hoosiers. And there's no chance that they won't be forever linked in Indiana lore if Langford can join Gordon as the only Hoosiers since 1997 to average at least 20 points per game in a season.

For the sake of Indiana fans, here's hoping the latter halves of their (presumed) one-year college careers aren't too similar. Indiana started out 17-1 with Gordon running the show in 2007-08, but it lost seven of its final 15 games, including getting blown out in the first round of the NCAA tournament thanks in no small part to a disastrous performance from future No. 7 overall pick (eight points on 15 shots).

Nassir Little, North Carolina



The Comparison: Kawhi Leonard or a bigger Victor Oladipo

Nassir Little is the rare 5-star recruit who is most prized for his commitment to defense. With his combination of footwork and wingspan, Little can guard any position 1 through 4, and he can be an elite defender against opposing wings and forwards.

But Little made a major leap as a shooter before he even got to college. He has been a great dunker and an OK jump shooter for quite some time, but over the past year or so, he developed into a legitimate threat to score at all three levels. He's already averaging 22 points per 40 minutes off the bench at UNC.

Little could average around 20 points per game in the NBA while landing on a few All-Defensive teams, which limits the pool of potential comparisons to about half a dozen.

Leonard is the most obvious candidate, but a bigger Oladipo is a fun comp, now that he has emerged into a beast with the Indiana Pacers. Little probably doesn't pass enough for it to be a perfect match, but the defense, the three-pointers and the leaping ability on dunks are enough to at least have that conversation.

Cam Reddish, Duke



The Comparison: Paul George

Duke's forgotten superstar—is that an oxymoron?—might be the best pro of the bunch.

If he wants to get there.

Cam Reddish is a silky smooth 6'8" athlete with next-level three-point range and the quickness and wingspan to cause problems on defense. In his first 67 minutes of college basketball, he already has 11 triples and eight steals.

In an NBA era when everyone is looking for elite three-and-D wings, Reddish could easily be the No. 1 pick in June.

But while scouts have seen that potential for years, there have always been questions about his motor. In high school and AAU, Reddish would absolutely destroy opponents in one quarter and then vanish in the next. It's a common problem for guys who simply have no equal at that level of competition, but it's something to monitor this year at Duke.

If he wants to come anywhere close to becoming the next Paul George, he has got to drop the disappearing act. If not, perhaps Robert Covington, Trevor Ariza or Otto Porter Jr. would be a more fitting comp, considering those 6'8"/6'9" wings have yet to play in an All-Star Game in their careers.

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

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2. Atlanta Hawks Hawks: R.J. Barrett, G/F, Duke

Height: 6’7” | Weight: 210 | Freshman

Although Barrett’s summer status as the favorite for No. 1 has been shaken somewhat by Williamson’s tour de force, he’s played very well and scored a ton of points, as he tends to do. The duo are a very reasonable bet to be selected first and second in some order. Barrett is an excellent slasher who does a good job of pressuring the paint and finishing creatively, and boasts a good set of complimentary skills as a passer, rebounder and perimeter defender. He’s been groomed to play in the NBA and for Canada, and was pretty clearly the most dominant player in his age group coming up through high school. Barrett’s intensity and desire to improve are positive indicators, and he will need to shore up his jump shot and improve his overall shot selection to become a legitimate star, but there’s quite a bit going for him. The Hawks are in the process of putting talent around Trae Young, and finding a potential top offensive option should be high on their list of priorities going forward.



3. Phoenix Suns Suns: Cam Reddish, G/F, Duke

Height: 6’8” | Weight: 220 | Freshman

Duke’s third presumptive one-and-done will have to continue playing well to set up a 1-2-3 start to the draft for the Blue Devils, but based on his pure talent, he won’t slip too far. Reddish has been a good fit next to Barrett and Williamson, where he’s been showcasing his ability to shoot the three, attack the defense and come up with big plays defensively. He possesses elements of just about every skill you’d want in a guy his size. In a best-case scenario, he evolves to a degree where he can play as a point-forward, and even if he doesn’t, being a versatile, big wing who can shoot and defend is a nice baseline. However, Reddish discussions with league types often come with a caveat: teams are not yet sold on his consistency and effort level, which came into question frequently in high school. His ability isn’t in question, but there’s a perceived level of risk in the event his go-switch never fully flips on a regular basis. In Phoenix, he’d fit nicely with Devin Booker and help fill their need for ball distribution and floor spacing.


10. Atlanta Hawks Hawks (via Mavericks): Bol Bol, C, Oregon

Height: 7’3” | Weight: 235 | Freshman

We wrote at length yesterday about the risk that will accompany drafting Bol, but a team with multiple draft picks will be best positioned to absorb it. For all his warts, Bol’s tantalizing shot-blocking potential and basic outlines of inside-out offensive skill make it seem likely that someone decides to roll the dice. Many executives are already wary, but if the quality of Bol’s play keeps up, he’ll make a pretty decent case for himself. Dallas’ pick is top-five protected, but will otherwise convey to the Hawks as part of the Luka Doncic-Trae Young swap. Atlanta could justify adding his talent to the mix.

Spoiler:

8. Brooklyn NetsNets: Rui Hachimura, F, Gonzaga

Height: 6’8” | Weight: 235 | Junior

There’s a growing sense around the league that things have begun to click for Hachimura, who returned as a junior with hopeful expectations to lead a loaded Gonzaga team. He’s been superbly efficient to open the year, and his scoring ability has begun to catch up to his physical dominance. Hachimura is powerful and quick enough to be a difficult matchup for bigger forwards and in transition, and arguably possesses as much upside as any player outside the top group of wings. He is a matchup problem for most every college team, and simply needs his skill level to catch up. As he continues to learn English and establish his understanding of the game, his play could take off. He’d be a fascinating piece for the Nets to develop.


12. San Antonio Spurs Spurs: De'Andre Hunter, F, Virginia

Height: 6’8” | Weight: 230 | Junior

Hunter isn’t yet a fully realized product, but he’s started the season fairly well and has appeal as a player who can effectively defend multiple positions, switch screens, and looks to be improving as a shooter. He’s a solid rebounder and ballhawk who pops up in the right place a lot, and he will get to showcase his ability as a scorer with added offensive responsibility as the season goes on. Everyone needs wings, and Hunter could become one of the better defenders available. The Spurs continue to revamp their roster with young talent, and Hunter would fit their mold as an interesting long-term piece on the wing.



24. Indiana Pacers Pacers: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, G, Virgina Tech

Height: 6’5” | Weight: 200 | Sophomore

Alexander-Walker has looked much-improved to start the year and as his confidence has visibly spiked, he’s come into his own as an attractive combo-guard prospect. He can do a little bit of everything and compliment a variety of teammates, able to put it on the floor, finish and pass with either hand, and showing improved consistency shooting the three. The cousin of rising Clippers star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alexander-Walker has the talent and feel to help an NBA team as a nice supporting player down the line. Indiana might consider adding some size to its backcourt mix around Victor Oladipo.

[Duke4life831]

I don't see the RJ/TMac comparisons at all. RJ has really bad functional athleticism. In an empty gym the dude can really get up there and fly, but he has no wiggle or fluidity to his game. He plays very stiff, add in his high dribble and you see a guy that struggles to create space.

I think if Cam was more explosive he would be the better TMac comparison.

[kg01]

I don't see the RJ/TMac comparisons at all. RJ has really bad functional athleticism. In an empty gym the dude can really get up there and fly, but he has no wiggle or fluidity to his game. He plays very stiff, add in his high dribble and you see a guy that struggles to create space.

I think if Cam was more explosive he would be the better TMac comparison.

After watching them, how would you rank and characterize their NBA potential?

I've had concerns about Barrett but couldn't really put them to words. I think you did a good job of reading my thoughts. Hmm, that didn't sound nearly as weird until I typed it out.

[Duke4life831]

I don't see the RJ/TMac comparisons at all. RJ has really bad functional athleticism. In an empty gym the dude can really get up there and fly, but he has no wiggle or fluidity to his game. He plays very stiff, add in his high dribble and you see a guy that struggles to create space.

I think if Cam was more explosive he would be the better TMac comparison.

After watching them, how would you rank and characterize their NBA potential?

I've had concerns about Barrett but couldn't really put them to words. I think you did a good job of reading my thoughts. Hmm, that didn't sound nearly as weird until I typed it out.

1. Zion
2a. Cam
2b. Little
4. RJ
big gap
5. Porter Jr.
big gap

Way to long of description of the 4 below.

Spoiler:

The more I watch Zion the closer I get to putting him in the AD/KD/Oden level of prospect. Basically injury will be the only thing that will prevent him from being a superstar. I mean Zion's game last night was his first "subpar" game. SDSU did everything they could possibly do to slow down Zion. They collapsed their entire defense on him in the 1st and doubled him every time he touched it in the 2nd half. He still ended up with 13/6/1 and 5 steals and a block in just 18 minutes. Day 1 whoever drafts him, put him in a Point Forward role exactly like Giannis with the Bucks. With NBA's spacing and Zion's size/quickness/explosiveness/strength/handle and craftiness, I dont see a team stopping him too often from getting to the basket. His shot IQ and overall IQ is very underrated.

You have to love everything about Cam's skill set. Really good handle, beautiful jumper on catch and shoot or off the dribble. Best vision and passing ability out of the top 4 guys as well. To me his biggest question mark is his ability to finish in traffic. He gets stripped or pushed off his trajectory very easily in traffic. He doesnt have the strength of the explosiveness to make up for that. His skill and smoothness allows him to create space with ease out on the perimeter but he doesnt have the skill level and craftiness in traffic at the moment. So his big question mark is will he be able to finish in traffic. I also had a big question mark on his motor going into the season, but so far no issues there and his defense has arguably been the best out of the top 4 guys.

Little is pretty much the ideal 3&D prospect. Ideal size and athleticism to go with his great motor. He plays within himself as well which is great. His big question mark is his ability to create his own shot. Ive said this a lot and I dont mean this disrespectfully at all, but he is Stanley Johnson on offense with Justise Winslow's defense. I think Stanley at this same age had the better dribble and more creative off the dribble, but I have them close. Just because Stanley didnt progress the way many thought he would, doesnt mean Little wont. His offensive skill set is the worse but he maybe the safest out of the top 4, also has a crazy high ceiling if he has a Kawhi type development.

RJ is a funky case. Great open gym athlete (the dude can put on a show in warm ups), has the mentality that the former pros love and has as good as a resume as anyone coming into college. But even though he has that open gym athleticism, it isnt in game functional athleticism. He plays really stiff, has a high handle, the jumper is slow and his mentality can bite him in his butt way too often. But you cant overlook his crazy work ethic and mentality, just watch the Canada vs USA game last year. If there is one guy I would bet on to have crazy high development in their career, it would be RJ. But right now he has the most warts out of the top 4.

[atlantabbq99]

I've said this even before the season started, but I wouldn't waste a lottery pick on RJ. RJ's shot looks as bad as Justice Winslow's shot.

I have Cam as #1 with Bol, Little, and Zion fighting for #2.