Darryn Peterson: Only 3 games but the fluidity in which he glides into makeable shots is just so convincing. Translatable, elite-level creation, + surefire shotmaking skill/finishing ability points to a 25+ PPG NBA scorer. High school tape shows enough signs of willing playmaking off his tight ball-handling and elusiveness. More tape of incredible defensive quickness/playmaking. Seems like an absolute lock to be one of NBA’s top 2-way guards.
Cam Boozer: Discussion around Boozer reminds of predraft Luka in that on one hand, his pre-draft effectiveness is unmatched, he produces and wins unlike anyone else, yet the eye test isn’t as convincing due to athletic limitations. I’m personally ignoring the eye test and betting on the consistent results and the idea he’ll just problem-solve the challenges of lacking explosion. Luka found ways to compensate with his shotmaking, footwork, strength, feel. Jokic too. Every sign points to Boozer being like one of those special outliers, regardless of what the tape shows when he’s missing layups against longer NBA-sized rim protectors. He’s become an awesome shooting prospect for a 250-pounder. His ball-handling, footwork, passing IQ are all rare for his size. I really wouldn’t be surprised if he goes #3 because it’s just more comforting for a team to take an athlete like Peterson or Dybantsa. I’d have trouble betting against Boozer, even if the eye test and the scouting report on his movement suggests he could struggle creating separation.
AJ Dybantsa: Like Peterson another obvious 25PPG NBA scorer. The way he’s able to create separation with his strength, footwork and release point is ridiculous. Been very encouraged by the passing flashes, this isn’t an Ace Bailey-tunnel vision situation. He’s still #3 for me, I think his handle could improve in tight spaces, his range and mechanics for more range, the lack of defensive playmaking says something about his reactions (1.3 STL%, 1.7 BLK% are abnormally low). But of course landing what seams like a surefire 25PPG NBA scorer keeps him at the very top of this draft.
Caleb Wilson: That short-range shotmaking has been encouraging. He’s still not a shot creator but there will be enough times a game he catches the ball around the paint and can score using those turnarounds. Still picturing more of an ultimate glue guy who impacts games with his athleticism/motor at both ends, his passing, his competitiveness. Fine pick at #4 but wouldn’t be surprised if he was more of a 6th, 7th, 8th best player from this draft.
Koa Peat: High floor pro. Hard to picture upside if he’s not handling the ball or shooting threes, but feels like a reliable starter who’ll give you two-point scoring, rebounding, toughness, reliability, someone you can count on for 2PT scoring and physicality every game.
Kingston Flemings: He’s different from the following pros but I’m picturing a Mike Conley, George Hill, Jrue Holiday type in terms of value. Maybe not an All-Star, but a starting point guard you can win with in the playoffs. Super well-rounded, fundamentally sound, has the intangibles. Even if 3PT shooting numbers normalize, still buying his shotmaking, and I always love ball-handlers that are comfortable separating and hitting midrange jumpers.
Labaron Philon: Didn’t love him last year and still waiting to see if the shooting improvement feels real. What separates Philon is how good he is getting to spots, which I think is translatable and helps creates opportunities for himself and team. Whether he can turn into a real scoring guard in NBA comes down to his pull-up game, which has been better, although his mechanics aren’t super convincing, almost like a set shot. However, give him the ball and he can make plays for himself or others, love his float game, showing more finishing adjustments this year. Reminds me of the point guard we were hoping Elfrid Payton would be in NBA. Worst case he’s a long-term backup but the improved shotmaking suggests higher ceiling.
Mikel Brown Jr: Clearly an NBA-caliber scorer/playmaker, but I think early in his pro career he’s more of an instant-offense type of guard than a lead ball-handler/starting point guard. His shotmaking confidence is a gift and a curse. Confidence + his shot selection equals streakiness and ability to score in bunches. Very interesting finisher off drives, goes off wrong foot more often than not, which helps and hurts him. He can make plays for others, but I still picture more of an Anfernee Simons type of combo guard.
Nate Ament: The idea of Nate Ament is enticing—a 6-10 wing that can rise and fire over his man from every spot. That idea = perceived upside. He’s just too far away for me to think he’ll make that idea reality. His shot is capable but the mechanics seem stiff for shooting with range. He can put the ball down and hit tough runners or fallaways but he can’t really turn the corner, the lack of strength/explosion has led to brutal 44% FG at the rim. The assist rate and passing flashes suggest he’s not totally scoring-dependent. His defensive tools could be effective as well, and he’s put on good weight. Except for being 2 inches taller than Will Riley I’m just not sure there’s a major difference. Becoming more of a late-lottery or 10-20 guy.
Karim Lopez: Love the idea of a strong 6-8 forward who can make plays off the dribble or play physical inside. Love it even more if he’s a consistent three-point threat. So far he’s over 40% on 50+ attempts. Last year he was 30%, and he’s always been a so-so FT shooter in the low 70%s. He doesn’t shoot off the dribble at all, he’s made one floater, there’s no post game, no in-between game. But right now he’s shooting spot-up threes well, despite suspect mechanics. And the flashes of PnR ball-handling are fun, he can change directions and pass off live dribbles. The ideal outcome is a Franz Wagner, the low outcome is Patrick Williams, odds suggest he falls somewhere in between even though he’s only 18 and producing efficiently in the NBL. Reach top 10, probably optimal getting him 15-20.
Thomas Haugh: Pro. Not a pro star but a pro—6’9″, a plus athlete around the rim for play-finishing, a projectable shooting stroke, good energy/competitiveness, high IQ to make driving/passing reads. Depending on the team picking (rebuilders may want more upside), Haugh could go late lottery. High-floor, safe prospect with NBA tools, adaptable, easy fit game. Just not a lot of creation or shotmaking versatility, lowering ceiling.
Darius Acuff Jr: I was skeptical before the season but he’s turned me. When I saw him in high school he looked more like an undersized scorer who lacked athleticism around the basket. Better spacing has helped accentuate Acuff’s burst and playmaking. He looks more fluid and comfortable creating, looks decisive and clean pulling up into mid-range jumpers, which is good for scoring in PnR. Shooting well off the catch. Looks faster in the open floor with toughness to draw contact and finish. Been a very good decision-maker and adds fun playmaking pop. A 1.3 STL % is incredibly low for a guard though, indicates more than just defensive issues. The only successful guards I’ve found drafted with STL % under 1.5 were Maxey, Quickley, Brandon Knight, Reggie Jackson.
Hannes Steinbach: I think his skill level, footwork, instincts are too solid for the half-court explosion issues to kill him in the NBA. He’s actually very athletic in the open floor with coordination and vertical pop to finish above the rim. He’s not as bouncy looking in half-court situations. Offensively he looks like a rotation player at the least, maybe someone like Zach Collins. I like him as a PnR big that has great hands for finishing rolls and enough touch to threaten as a pop-out shooter. The rebuilding plays to his role-player appeal. The lack of rim protection, one-on-one scoring just limit his ceiling. Low-end starter, valued backup.
Bennett Stirtz: It’s rare a prospect his age has any star potential. Stirtz is just a skilled, smart, tough guard who’ll likely play solid role-player minutes from Day 1 to Year 10. No exact position or label, just an interchangable guard who can run PnR, catch-and-shoot, make mature/clutch plays. Too many questions about his ability to create against NBA defenders to take him top 10 or even lottery for most teams. Feels like he can be a Malcom Brogdon type.
Tounde Yessoufou: History says not to reach on wings with assist percentage near’s Tounde’s 7.7%, especially if they’re not plus-shooters. He reminds me of Villanova Cam Whitmore—a powerful explosive athlete who can hit jumpers when he his confidence is pumping. Except Tounde brings consistent positive energy and motor, and with his frame that should help add consistent value. I’d lean toward Tounde as more of a 5th option type starter and energy/defensive wing…or a two-way bench wing who can give you offense some days and hustle/physicality everyday
Cameron Carr: Assuming early shotmaking is real, easy to project his fit and role. Devin Vassell type, mostly off-ball shotmaking wing, can finish above the rim, likely an adequate defender. Not a real path to upside but can still be starting-caliber complementary scorer.
Meleek Thomas: Lively scorer, like the speed at which he plays, someone who can put lot of pressure on the defense. Expected streaky player. Shotmaker but not a shooter, can create for others but not a lead playmaker. Jordan Clarkson type.
Chris Cenac: Just don’t see it for him anytime soon. The highlights are deceiving. So far we have a 6’11” forward (hard to classify him as a true big) who doesn’t block shots, doesn’t pass, takes a lot of jumpers and isn’t a great shooter. Makes me think of Marquese Chriss. But of course there’s always a role for athletic 6’11” guys that can be reliable catch-and-shoot guys. I don’t see the upside but more realistic to think there is a path to a Bobby Portis type role/career.
Yax Lendeborg: Feel confident saying Lendeborg will be a serviceable role player. Will be a 24-year-old rookie. He can do a little of everything but nothing great. Will be mostly a play-finisher who’ll sprinkle in made jumpers and some nice passes. Fine pick in 20s if you’re looking for cheap rotation player next few seasons.
Keaton Wagler: Didn’t know much about him before the season, so not in a rush to put on a label on his potential or prospect status. But he does look very smooth, and now we’re up to 10 games of production. Looks very slick off the dribble changing speeds and creating space. The shotmaking looks real and high school tape backs that up. Seems to be good decision-maker and coaches rave about his maturity. If the next 20 games looks like the first 10, he seems like an enticing bet on the late teens or 20s. Really like the way he carries himself, creates, projectable shooter. Not strong or explosive but at 6’6″ I’ll take the skill level and intangibles.
Matt Able: Could see him really rising as the season goes on. Good 6-6 size for 2-guard, clear shooting skills, makes plays shows IQ/awareness, can put the ball down and convert shots inside the arc. Not an explosive athlete, struggling to finish at rim, although most issues seems to stem from his load-up/takeover point. Actually has really good defensive playmaking rates early on.
Zuby Ejiofor: Would love him in 2nd round. Speciality player/outlier. Give me easy buckets and energy plays that ignite the team and fans. The occasional shooting and passing are bonus.
Dame Sarr: Hard to see an NBA player anytime soon, but still picture a guy who could be a rotation player a few years down the road. He’s a play-to-strengths guy off the ball—just let him focus on using athleticism in open floor, making spot-up threes and playing defense.
Henri Veesaar: Value pick for a team that’s thinking cheap rotation player over long-term upside. Size, strength, enough athleticism for finishing to translate, and enough shooting touch, shotblocking tools, IQ/hustle plays for a role-playing 5.
Milos Uzan: Another value pick. Though he was a worthwhile pick in 30s/40s last year. Skill set for on/off ball, good enough size, great floater game, versatile shotmaker, always great assist-to-turnover ratio. Another Nembhard type.
Patrick Ngongba: Should be able to give a certain team quality minutes with his finishing, passing and rim protection. Obviously the ceiling goes up if he can make 3s occasionally. Regardless looks like a good bet to compete for backup minutes or maybe a starting 5 role for a weak team. Can give the offense a different look with his ability to be a playmaking hub around perimeter.
Neoklis Avdalas: Didn’t think he was a surefire pro prospect last year. The 33-point game earlier was intriguing but whole body of work suggests that iso shotmaking was fluky. Everyone loves jumbo playmakers but if I’d rather him in 2nd round as more of a connector than lead ball-handler. I like the versatility, a big wing that can handle and make plays, hit some shots. but not sold he can consistently create advantages or be a useful off-ball guy.
Brayden Burries: Loved Burries in high school. Slow start but starting to see why he was hyped…Strong scoring 2-guard can put pressure on rim, score around key and hit 3s. Not much margin for error for 2-guards who aren’t playmakers and the team that drafts him probably will have to wait a few years to see results. Reminds me of Quentin Grimes.
Josh Jefferson: Suddenly interesting now that he’s averaging 5-6 assists and shooting 40% from 3. Skilled post player. Always been a smart defender. Pretty unique statistical profile for a 6-8 220-pound forward. Not an athlete, not a creator really despite the passing. Maybe a Kyle Anderson type. Definitely worth drafting 2nd round for now.
Ryan Conwell: Not a lot of upside but there should be a role for a shotmaking specialist like Conwell. He’s getting to the line more this year too, though not buying much self-creation at next level.
Tahaad Pettiford: Becoming an interesting buy-low guy in the 2nd round. Despite inconsistency, think there’s still a need/role for his ability to generate instant offense, whether it’s with shotmaking or creativity. Feels quick enough to get his shot off at next level.
Christian Anderson: Anderson doesn’t move like Pettiford, but he’s bigger, more consistent shooter and more effective setup passer. Not sure any of his physical traits or skills are above average for an NBA point guard though. Worth drafting for a team that wants more ball-handling depth, just hard to picture any upside.
JT Toppin: Draft for depth or a specific need of inside activity/rebounding. Not sure what else he can add aside from miscellaneous paint buckets with his touch and offensive boards. Difficult college cover, not much of an NBA fit unless he suddenly becomes a reliable 3PT threat, and there aren’t any signs of that.
Isaiah Evans: Obviously a shooting threat but something about him makes it difficult for me to have confidence. So one-dimensional. Not sure what he does for an NBA team if he’s not on from three that day. Fine pick for late 20s or 2nd round but unless my teams really needs an off-ball shooter for shotmaking and spacing, I’d rather go with a more versatile player.
Cayden Boozer: Still think Cayden’s a pro PG, even if it’s in a 15 MPG backup role. He’s just so smart, unselfish and good at facilitating offense, setting up teammates for rhythm shots. Of course I wish he’d be more of a scoring threat but I think he can still score opportunistically with his floater and 3ball. At this point guessing he needs to come back and play more minutes, collect NIL, unless he wants to go pro with Cam.
Miles Byrd: The defensive instincts/activity are keeping me interest. He’s so good at reacting and creating defensive events. Seems to have a chance at a speciality role teams can use to disrupt, and you let him play more if he’s making 3s. Otherwise he’s pretty bad scoring inside the arc.
David Mirkovic: 1 dunk, 5 steals and 3 blocks say DM just doesn’t move well enough for an NBA forward. I’m personally a sucker for guys his size that can handle, pass and shoot though. Maybe more likely to play pro ball overseas but I do like his game.
jwscouting.com 