In this article I will be listing the best prospects still available in the draft along with their stats, ranking on my big board, and some possible team fits for them. There’s a lot of talent left on the board still!
———————————————————————————
Tyler Smith
———————————————————————————
13.4 PTS
5.0 REB
1.2 AST
1.7 STOCKS
47.6/36.4/72.5 Shooting Splits
Tyler Smith is the 7th ranked prospect on my big board. To say him falling to the 2nd round is a shock to me would be an understatement. Smith measured in at 6’9 (without shoes) with a 7’1 wingspan. He moves incredibly well for his size and shot 36.4% from 3. It’s important to note that he shot from the NBA 3 point line last season, so he won’t have to adjust to the added distance like most prospects will. He has the potential to be a great defensive piece due to his size and mobility, but currently really leaves something to be desired on that end. He’s a good help side shot blocker, but needs to work on pretty much every other aspect of playing defense. He showed some potential as a tertiary creator on offense, but struggled to generate rim pressure. He’ll be best suited to start his career on a team where most of his looks will be manufactured for him.
Team Fits
Raptors (31), Bucks (33), Spurs (35), and Timberwolves (37)
———————————————————————————
Kyle Filipowski
———————————————————————————
16.4 PTS
8.3 REB
2.8 AST
2.6 STOCKS
50.5/34.8/67.1 Shooting Splits
Kyle Filipowski is the 10th ranked prospect on my big board. He is another guy that I was very shocked to see fall to the 2nd round. He measured in at 6’10.75 (without shoes) with a concerning 6’10.5 wingspan. He makes up for having a short wingspan with great timing and feel for the game. He’s the definition of versatility. He’s able to play both inside and out on both ends of the floor. This allows him to play as the sole big man on the floor or as a PF alongside another big. This isn’t a perfect comp, but there are some shades of Naz Reid to his game.
Team Fits
Raptors (31), Jazz (32), Bucks (33), and Knicks (38)
———————————————————————————
Justin Edwards
———————————————————————————
8.8 PTS
3.4 REB
0.9 AST
1.1 STOCKS
48.6/36.5/77.6 Shooting Splits
Edwards is the 22nd ranked prospect on my big board. He is a former 5 star recruit who struggled a ton early in the season at Kentucky, but was able to put together some really nice performances down the stretch. I’m not incredibly shocked that he fell to the 2nd round, but I thought someone would be willing to take a chance on him in the late 1st round. Edwards measured in at 6’6 (without shoes) with a 6’10 wingspan. He’s a guy who won’t be the best player on your team at any one skill, but he could be the second best player at everything. I still firmly believe that he has Mikal Bridges esque upside. If he lands in the right situation he could really blossom.
Team Fits
Bucks (33), Trailblazers (34), Knicks (38), and Grizzlies (39)
———————————————————————————
Kevin McCullar Jr
———————————————————————————
18.3 PTS
6.0 REB
4.1 AST
1.9 STOCKS
45.4/33.3/80.5 Shooting Splits
Kevin McCullar Jr is the 25th ranked prospect on my big board. His age and injury concerns have caused him to slide down the board. He’s as plug and play of a wing as you could get in this draft. He measured in at 6’5.25 (without shoes) with a 6’9 wingspan. His most translatable skill is his defense. That’s been the one thing you can bank on with him even all the way back during his Texas Tech days. The biggest swing skill for him is his shooting. If he can shoot at around league average then he’ll be a very impactful player. He’ll be able to bring a splash of creation off of the bench if needed as well.
Team Fits
Bucks (33), Knicks (38), Grizzlies (39), and 76ers (41)
———————————————————————————
Johnny Furphy
———————————————————————————
9.0 PTS
4.9 REB
1.0 AST
1.2 STOCKS
46.6/35.2/76.5 Shooting Splits
Johnny Furphy is the 30th ranked prospect on by big board. He produced well in a limited role as a freshman at Kansas. I think the scalability of his efficiency is one of the concerns that have led to him sliding down boards. He measured in at 6’7.5 (without shoes) with a concerning 6’8 wingspan. His wingspan being on the shorter side is probably another thing causing his slide as it greatly decreases his margin of error defensively. There is no doubt that Furphy moves well off the ball and can shoot the lights out. How he pans out as a pro player will all be decided on how well he can defend.
Team Fits
Bucks (33), 76ers (41), Hornets (42), and Clippers (46)
———————————————————————————
Rapid Fire
———————————————————————————
In this section, I’ll list a handful of other prospects that I like as well as the very quick sell for them.
Bobi Klintman - Versatile 6’9 forward who can shoot the 3. A bit of a project, but for sure someone who is worth the chance at this point in the draft. Basically the lite version of Tyler Smith
Tyler Kolek - He has all of the makings to be a great backup PG. He’s a bit undersized and isn’t the best athlete, but he’s extremely skilled and savvy. Gives me Tyus Jones vibes. Could very well be a steal at this point in the draft.
Antonio Reeves - He’s as polished if a prospect as you can get. Reeves was one of the most efficient scorers in the country last year. He can score both on and off of the ball. He will be a great get for a contending team needing some scoring pop off of the bench. Were you high on Dalton Knecht? If so, then you should like Reeves as he’s the smaller but more efficient version of him.
Bronny James - He’s getting talked about way too much, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s an interesting prospect. He has great genes and a very high basketball IQ. Projects to be something like the lite version of Reed Sheppard. Bronny is a great project pick. If a team is willing to take their time with him, then he could become an impactful player.
Adem Bona - He’s a high energy big who is a STOCKS machine. He’s one of those guys that does all of the dirty work. Sets good screens, defends well, finishes around the rim, and rebounds. Gives me Montrezl Harrell vibes.