Explosiveness is a key factor in today’s NBA centers, and Ibou Badji is certainly explosive. He attacks the rim with power and dunks at every opportunity he gets. He likes to hang out in the paint just waiting for the ball to come his way. He is equipped with some excellent post moves, and has a deep bag of tricks. Like many modern centers, he has a nice turnaround floater near the hoop. His touch is silky smooth. I try not to overuse the word, but Badji has legit unicorn potential. I could see him shooting 40% from three as a catch and shoot guy. He can’t create his own shot, but he can knock it down when open. His midrange game is unpolished, but still promising. On defense, his insane length allows him to block lots of shots. His potential on that end of the floor is limitless. He is switchy and has good instincts. Badji’s frame is huge and practically unguardable. His skills are still super raw, but he has miles and miles of potential. He can easily become a starting center with time. He is one of the biggest risks in the draft, but could be well worth the pick. While he will likely spend a lot of time in the G League, his unique size and freakish leaping ability is gonna be hard to pass up on.

Comparison: Young Joel Embiid

Projected Draft Range: 40-Undrafted

Height 7'1

Weight 240 lbs

Wingspan 7'9

DOB 10/13/02 (Draft Age: 19)

Pre-Draft Team Forca Lleida CE

Offense

• Body of a video game character.

• Awful FT% so far. Getting these to the mid-upper 60s% will be a priority.

• His fluidity for his size is very encouraging.

• Will gobble rebounds, easy baskets at rim.

• Long way to go to be able to score in the post, but possible at some point given his athleticism.

• His progression will take time given he is 19 years old, but he is much less raw than he could be.

• Intriguing talent. So young and incredibly long. If he starts to put things together then shooting and scoring start to enter the discussion.

Defense

• Could be a premiere shot blocker in the league if everything comes together.

• Glimpses of a menacing rim protector.

• Given his length and athleticism he will be an above average rebounder at worst.

Swing Factors

• Defensive Awareness - In order to maximize his best potential skill, rim protection, Badji will have to be able to start processing a fast paced environment and getting to his spots at the right time.

• Free throw shooting - If this number takes a leap to the 70%+ mark we could be talking about a big who starts getting some range. There have been glimpses of some long mid range jumpers falling with decent form.

• Hands -

• Work Ethic - For a raw physical specimen like Badji to maximize their potential they have to be willing to outwork their opponents, teammates and damn near everyone in the league. If Badji shows impeccable work ethic we could be discussing a very different player in 3,5,7 years with his mid and late twenties still ahead of him.

Role

• A rim protecting project player who can be effective in PNR and in the dunker spot.

• LOW: The NBA game speed proves too much for Ibou and he goes overseas to further his development as a potential brick wall rim protector and put back machine who cleans up around the bucket.

• HIGH: Badji gets to work quickly on his weaknesses and improving his highlights. We start to see a top rim protector prospect emerge, his free throw shooting is all of the sudden up around 70% and people are talking about extending his range. Initially he is a menace on the offensive glass, catching oops and serviceable in the PNR. He's a rotation player by 20 and the sky is the limit on his development in the other noted areas.

Strengths: Size and Athleticism Weaknesses: Polish

High Side Comp: Gobert/Capela/Embiid in Cameroon Low Side Comp: Edy Taveres

Ideal Fit: Rim Running Big and Lob man

Draft Range: 45-Undrafted

Result: UDFA- Unsigned

Athleticism: 7/10 Size: 5/5 Defense: 6/10 Strength: 3/5 Quickness: 5/10 Creation: 2/5 Jumpshot: 4/10 Finishing: 4/5 NBA Ready: 2/5 Ball Handling: 2/10 Passing: 2/10 Intangibles: 2/5 Potential: 8/10 TOTAL: 52= Mid Second

Covers ground quickly for the block. Hardest worker on the court to get the block. Extremely impactful on the offensive glass, goes for putbacks if possible. Can finish on the PNR consistently if he works hard enough.

Not a great shooter, shies away from taking jumpers. Must improve footwork to get better finishing in post position.