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How I Rank Prospects

I rank prospects based on how much total aggregate value I believe they can add to a championship-level NBA team.

That means I care most about:

• how much offense a player can create or support

• playoff translation

• defensive intelligence and survivability

• how much a player makes teammates better

• durability

• and how easily a player can fit on a great team

  
  

Very few players can drive elite offense with the ball in their hands at the highest level. For everyone else, I care a lot about how much value they can provide without dominating the ball through passing, spacing, cutting, screening, offensive rebounding, avoiding turnovers, quick decision-making, and juicing transition offense.

On defense, I care not just about steals and blocks, but whether a player can execute schemes intelligently, read the game quickly, and survive the brutal isolation and matchup-hunting environment of playoff basketball. I also care about quieter forms of winning value: transition play, defensive rebounding, boxing out, rim protection, switchability, and the ability to wear out opponents.

If a player’s main value comes through scoring, I care a lot about how efficiently he scores and whether that efficiency is likely to survive in the playoffs.

I also care about whether a player’s likely future role and contract are aligned. A player who provides real championship value on a manageable contract can be more useful than a more famous, higher-scoring player whose style is harder to build around and whose eventual salary creates real team-building constraints.

My methodology is straightforward: I use statistics to form hypotheses, stress-test those hypotheses against physical tools and age, then use film, durability, and character research to reach a final conclusion.

This is not a mock draft, and it is not a ranking of who I think will become the biggest star or make the most money. It is my attempt to rank who I believe will provide the most value to high-level NBA winning.

 Each prospect entry includes a short explanation of his best path to value, his main concern, and the kind of role I think he can fill on a good team.

My tiers are intentionally strict. History shows that it is a very high bar to become even a good NBA starter, and most drafts do not produce anywhere close to 20 players who reach that level.

*Heights are listed in shoes.

Tier 1 — Superstar

What this tier means: Projects as a top-10 player in the NBA. Has a realistic pathway to becoming the best player on a championship team.

#1 – Cameron Boozer, Power Forward, Duke

Full scout available here: https://www.nba-draft-scouting.com/post/cameron-boozer-scouting-report-nba-draft-projection.

Age: 18.9 Height: 6’9 Wingspan: 7’1.5 Standing Reach: 9’0 Weight: 253 lbs

NBA Strengths: Ultra cerebral and versatile big with excellent strength and coordination. Can dribble drive, pass, space the floor, score in the post, play as a ball handler or screener, screen and cut off ball, roll, offensive rebound, throw outlet passes, defensive rebound, and guard big forwards in isolation. He's the "queen" on the chessboard.

Main concerns: Rim finishing just ok. Lacks elite vertical pop. Struggles to guard quicker players in space.

Role on a good team: Primary initiator from the 4 or offensive centerpiece who can function as either a first or second option.

Why ranked here: Boozer combines elite passing, elite strength, very strong shooting indicators, and rare offensive versatility for a player his age and size. He can create offense for himself and others, scale next to another creator, and generate value as a scorer, passer, screener, rebounder, and spacer. The defense is not perfect, but the offensive package is so complete and so scalable that he projects as the best prospect in the class and a legitimate top-10-player-in-the-NBA outcome.

NBA value comp: Tyrese Haliburton in Paolo Banchero's body (s/o to Parker Fleming). Top 10 player.

Tier 2 — All-Star

What this tier means: Projects as a top-30 player in the NBA. Good enough to be one of the three best players on a championship team, even if not the main engine.

#2 – AJ Dybantsa, Small Forward, BYU

Age: 19.4 Height: 6’9.5” Wingspan: 7’0.5” Standing Reach: 8'10 Weight: 217 lbs

Full scout here: https://www.nba-draft-scouting.com/post/aj-dybantsa-scouting-report-nba-projection.

Best NBA skill: Elite rim pressure as a 6’9.5 wing shot creator. Positive indicators of touch and passing ability. Real shotmaking ability.

Main concern: His scoring profile is still too midrange- and isolation-heavy, and his three-point evolution will likely determine whether he becomes a true offensive star or merely a high-usage scorer. Lacks strength. Doesn't contribute much on defense.

Role on a good team: High-usage scoring wing and secondary offensive engine who is best optimized next to a pass-first initiator.

Why ranked here: Dybantsa is an elite young scorer with rare fluidity, rim pressure, foul-drawing ability, and shot-creation talent for his size. He already generates offense at a very high level, and if his shot selection and three-point volume improve, he has legitimate superstar upside. The reason he is not higher is that his current offensive style leans too heavily on difficult midrange creation, and I do not yet fully trust the offensive scalability or defensive impact at the highest level.

NBA value comp: Jayson Tatum-style offensive impact if the shot profile evolves; DeMar DeRozan outcome risk.

#3 – Caleb Wilson, Power Forward, North Carolina

Full scout here: https://www.nba-draft-scouting.com/post/caleb-wilson-2026-nba-draft-scouting-report-projection

Age: 19.9 Height: 6’10” Wingspan: 7’0” Standing Reach: 9'0 Weight: 211 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite rim finishing with shotmaking and excellent weakside defensive playmaking from the 4.

Main concern: His path to star offense is narrow because he lacks standout strength and length for the position and is not yet a real three-point shooter or primary creator.

Role on a good team: Third offensive option and major defensive playmaker from the 4.

Why ranked here: Wilson projects as a highly impactful two-way power forward whose value should come through finishing, rebounding, transition, passing, and disruptive help defense rather than primary offensive engine creation. He is an elite vertical athlete, a great event creator on defense, and a very strong rebounder with real feel on both ends. The reason he is not higher is that his physical profile narrows the offensive upside: he is somewhat strength- and length-deficient relative to many star NBA 4s, and his halfcourt creation and shooting still leave real questions. Still, the total package gives him a strong pathway to high-level winning impact that could outstrip his raw star reputation.

NBA value comp: Skinny Bam Adebayo with more shot making.

#4 – Darryn Peterson, Shooting Guard, Kansas

Full scout here: https://www.nba-draft-scouting.com/post/darryn-peterson-scouting-report-nba-projection.

Age: 19.4 Height: 6’5.5” Wingspan: 6’10” Standing Reach: 8'7 Weight: 199 lbs

Best NBA skill: High-level perimeter shotmaking with real off-ball scoring value.

Main concern: He does not generate enough rim pressure or playmaking to project as a true primary offensive engine, and the durability profile introduces real uncertainty.

Role on a good team: High-usage scoring 2 and secondary creator next to a dominant initiator.

Why ranked here: Peterson projects as a high-end scoring guard with real shooting indicators, strong foul-drawing ability, and valuable off-ball movement, which gives him a clean pathway to major offensive value on good teams. He can score efficiently from the perimeter, punish closeouts, and add defensive playmaking on the other end, but he is more Booker/Murray than true heliocentric lead guard because the rim pressure and passing are not at that level. He is ranked this high because high-level shotmaking wings with size, touch, and secondary value are extremely valuable, but not higher because the creation ceiling, durability concerns, and limited primary-engine traits cap the overall upside.

NBA value comp: Devin Booker with more defense.

Tier 3 — Good Starter

What this tier means: Projects as a top-100 player in the NBA. Good enough to start on a championship team and provide clear positive value.

#5 – Yaxel Lendeborg, Power Forward, Michigan

Age: 23.7 Height: 6’10” Wingspan: 7’3” Standing Reach: 9’0.5” Weight: 241 lbs

Best NBA skill: Rare two-way versatility for a big forward who can space the floor, attack in motion, rebound, pass, and defend across multiple matchups.

Main concern: He is older and unlikely to become a true offensive engine, which caps the upside even though the overall game is extremely well-rounded.

Role on a good team: Starting 4 who fits seamlessly with stars and provides positive value on both ends.

Why ranked here: Lendeborg projects as an average-to-above-average NBA starter because he does almost everything well outside of true primary creation: he can space the floor, attack shifting defenses, finish, pass, rebound, run in transition, and defend both in space and around the rim. The impact metrics are historic, the RAPM is elite, and the film supports a very fluid, mobile forward who plays within structure and makes winning plays without needing to dominate the ball. He is not ranked higher because he is already 23.7 and does not project as a go-to scorer, offensive centerpiece, or DPOY. But as an immediate-value, top-50-player type bet who can fit next to stars on a rookie contract, he is immensely appealing.

NBA value comp: The Derrick White of power forwards.

#6 – Brayden Burries, Wing Guard, Arizona

Age: 20.8 Height: 6’5” Wingspan: 6’6” Standing Reach: 8’2.5” Weight: 205 lbs

Best NBA skill: Very good three-level scoring anchored by excellent 3pt shooting and efficient decision-making within the flow of offense.

Main concern: He is older for a freshman, lacks length and elite quickness, and may be physically limited to the 2 without a truly elite athletic or creation advantage.

Role on a good team: Starting or high-end rotation 2 guard who scores efficiently, plays within structure, and holds up on both ends.

Why ranked here: Burries projects as a very clean fit on a good NBA team because he is an efficient scorer, a strong shooting prospect, and a competitive, reasonably physical guard who does not have glaring weaknesses. I do not see star-level self-created dominance here, but I do see a player who can shoot more threes in the NBA, attack closeouts, finish well enough, and provide average-to-above-average value on both ends. He is not ranked higher because he is older, probably limited to the 2, and lacks a single overwhelming elite trait beyond his shooting. Still, sometimes the right draft pick is the layup, and Burries profiles like a very strong bet to help winning.

NBA value comp: Desmond Bane-lite / starting-caliber 2 guard.

#7 – Darius Acuff Jr., Point Guard, Arkansas

Full scout here: https://www.nba-draft-scouting.com/post/darius-acuff-2026-nba-draft-scouting-report-projection.

Age: 19.6 Height: 6’3” Wingspan: 6’6.5” Standing Reach: 8'2.5 Weight: 185.8 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite pull-up shooting and paint-touch generation as a scoring lead guard.

Main concern: He is a very poor defender and does not provide enough off-ball value to comfortably add value if the on-ball offense falls short of true star level.

Role on a good team: High-usage scoring point guard and primary on-ball creator who needs strong defensive support around him.

Why ranked here: Acuff projects as a highly skilled scoring point guard with near-star-level offensive value, driven by elite shooting indicators, real pull-up gravity, strong burst, and very good pick-and-roll passing. He should be able to run offense, create efficient jump shots, and generate enough paint touches to be a productive NBA starter or even an All-Star level offensive player. He is not ranked higher because the defensive projection is very poor, the off-ball value is limited, and I do not fully buy the offense as dominant enough to erase those weaknesses at the highest level. That leaves him with a narrower championship pathway than his raw offensive talent suggests.

NBA value comp: Kemba Walker.

#8 – Allen Graves, Power Forward, Santa Clara

Age: 19.9 Height: 6’9”Wingspan: 7’0”Standing Reach: 8’10.5”Weight: 225.6 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite team-defense playmaking built on lightning-quick hands, anticipation, and scheme execution.

Main concern: He is not an explosive finisher or real shot creator, and if the shooting regresses, the offensive ceiling gets shakier.

Role on a good team: Starting 4 who spaces the floor, makes quick reads, crashes the offensive glass, and drives winning with help defense, rebounding and connective play.

Why ranked here: Graves projects as a good starter because he is a super high-IQ forward who fits almost everything good teams want from a complementary 4. Offensively, he can pick-and-pop, keep the ball moving, pass out of short roll, attack the offensive glass at a high level, and avoid turnovers, which is a huge plus for a young forward. Defensively, I buy him as a major positive because the feel is outstanding, the hands are absurdly quick, and he consistently makes plays all over the floor despite lacking standout raw athletic pop. He is not ranked higher because he is not a true creator, the rim finishing is shaky, the shooting still needs a little more proof, and he cannot play the 5 against real NBA size.

NBA value comp: High-IQ starting 4 in a Kyle Anderson / Boris Diaw mold.

#9 – Ebuka Okorie, Point Guard, Stanford

Age: 19.2 Height: 6’2” Wingspan: 6’8” Standing Reach: 8’2” Weight: 186 lbs

Best NBA skill: Relentless rim pressure paired with smart, low-mistake decision-making.

Main concern: His off-ball utility appears limited, and while the pull-up shooting is real enough, he is probably not an elite enough shooter or finisher to become a true star.

Role on a good team: Good starting point guard who attacks the paint, creates kickouts, keeps turnovers low, and can hold up defensively within structure.

Why ranked here: Okorie projects as a good NBA starter because he is extremely effective at getting to the rim, plays with real patience and control, and combines his downhill creation with good passing vision and very low turnovers for a high-usage freshman guard. I buy the offense because the blow-by ability is obvious, the foul drawing is strong, and the pull-up shooting is good enough to keep defenses honest even if it is not elite. He is not ranked higher because the off-ball value is basically nonexistent right now (at least within Stanford's team context), the finishing percentage is a little shakier than the eye test suggests, and I do not think the overall offensive package is quite overwhelming enough to project star-level offense. Defensively, though, the wingspan, quickness, and instincts give him a good chance to be adequate or a little better, which helps support the starter projection.

NBA value comps: Ajay Mitchell.

#10 – Cameron Carr, Shooting Guard, Baylor

Age: 21.6 Height: 6’5.5” Wingspan: 7’1” Standing Reach: 8’8” Weight: 184 lbs

Best NBA skill: High-level off-ball scoring built on three-point volume, movement shooting, closeout attacking, and explosive finishing.

Main concern: He is very skinny, turnover-prone when pushed into on-ball creation, and still too inconsistent defensively to cleanly project as a strong two-way starter.

Role on a good team: Starting shooting guard who spaces the floor, flies off movement, attacks closeouts, and adds some secondary rim protection and rebounding from the 2.

Why ranked here: Carr profiles as a starting-caliber shooting guard because he can score efficiently without monopolizing the ball, which is an extremely valuable skill on good teams. He is a real off-ball threat who can bomb threes, cut for dunks, punish closeouts, and keep the offense flowing without sticky decision-making. He is not ranked higher because I do not buy him as a primary creator: the frame is weak, the handle gets loose, and the self-created offense leans too much on midrange pull-ups and inconsistent decision-making. Defensively, I think the tools are strong enough for neutral value overall, but the projection is still volatile because the engagement and fundamentals need real work. He should be able to guard quick perimeter wings but will struggle against strong wings.

NBA value comps: Hybrid of Jalen Green and Devin Vassell.

#11 – Bennett Stirtz, Point Guard, Iowa

Age: 22.7 Height: 6’3.5” Wingspan: 6’6” Standing Reach: 8’2.5” Weight: 186 lbs

Best NBA skill: Starting-level halfcourt orchestration built on pull-up shooting, smart pick-and-roll play, and relentless advantage creation within structure.

Main concern: He probably does not have the athletic juice to consistently create one-on-one against great playoff defenses, which caps the offensive ceiling. His overall physical tools are also just average for an NBA point guard.

Role on a good team: Starting point guard who thrives next to a dominant scorer, runs offense cleanly, and keeps pressure on defenses with shooting, offensive flow, and decision-making.

Why ranked here: Stirtz projects as a starting-level NBA point guard because he can run a halfcourt offense, bomb pull-up threes, finish efficiently at the rim, make good pick-and-roll reads, and handle huge minute loads without turning the ball over much. The durability, workload tolerance, and winning résumé are all major positives, and I buy the offense as clearly translatable. He is not ranked higher because I do not think he has the athleticism to consistently beat elite switching playoff defenses as a true offensive engine. The best version of him is paired with a star scorer and a smart coach who can let him attack tilted defenses, space the floor, and keep the offense organized. Defensively, he should be "good enough." He's smart, plays hard, and has good lateral agility, although he will be bullied in certain matchups.

NBA value comp: Immanuel Quickley/Ty Jerome.

#12 – Kingston Flemings, Point Guard, Houston

Full scout here: https://www.nba-draft-scouting.com/post/kingston-flemings-2026-nba-draft-scouting-report-projection. (Note - my final analysis of Flemings is more favorable than when I wrote my report. Particularly, he has more quickness than I gave him credit for, and has several outlier traits to provide high-end value with.)

Age: 19.5 Height: 6’3.5” Wingspan: 6’3.5” Standing Reach: 8'2.5 Weight: 183.4 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite pick-and-roll passing and processing speed with good touch and vertical athleticism.

Main concern: His physical limitations — especially strength and length — likely cap both the offensive ceiling and the defensive playoff viability.

Role on a good team: Secondary creator and table-setter who adds value through passing, feel, and connective offense.

Why ranked here: Flemings projects as a smart, skilled, pass-first point guard whose elite feel and near-brilliant pick-and-roll passing give him a clear pathway to positive NBA offensive value. He should be able to run offense, move the ball quickly, make advanced reads, and help good teams function without needing to dominate possessions. He is not ranked higher because the scoring profile is too midrange-heavy, the rim finishing is not strong enough, and the lack of strength and length likely make him more vulnerable defensively in playoff settings than his college impact metrics suggest. That leaves him as a very good role player bet rather than a true star bet.

NBA value comp: High-feel rotation guard with strong offensive utility; best-case good starter, most likely good bench guard.

#13 – Keaton Wagler, Point Guard, Illinois

Full scout here: https://www.nba-draft-scouting.com/post/keaton-wagler-2026-nba-draft-scouting-report-projection.

Age: 19.4 Height: 6’6”Wingspan: 6’6” Standing Reach: 8'4 Weight: 188 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite pull-up shooting gravity paired and floor spacing with sharp passing.

Main concern: He is an extremely below-the-rim athlete with a thin frame and limited length, which likely caps both his rim finishing and defensive ceiling.

Role on a good team: Secondary creator and offensive connector who thrives next to stronger slashers and primary initiators.

Why ranked here: Wagler projects as a clearly positive offensive player because the shooting, passing, feel, and off-ball fit are all real and highly translatable. He should be able to run pick-and-roll, punish unders, move the ball quickly, space the floor, and create starter-level offensive value even without great athletic tools. He is not ranked higher because the physical limitations are severe: he is a poor rim finisher, a weak vertical athlete, limited in his burst, and likely a slight negative defender, which narrows the pathway to true star offense. Still, the offensive package is strong enough that I buy him as a good starter or elite sixth-man type outcome.

NBA value comp: Payton Pritchard.

Tier 4 — Good Rotation Player

What this tier means: Projects as a top-200 player in the NBA. Can meaningfully contribute to a great team and swing certain games. May start or come off the bench depending on team context.

#14 – Morez Johnson Jr., Power Forward, Michigan

Age: 20.4 Height: 6’10” Wingspan: 7’3.5” Standing Reach: 8’11” Weight: 250.6 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite motor paired with high-level rim finishing, athleticism, screening, and offensive rebounding.

Main concern: His sub-9’0” standing reach and limited skill/passing profile make him an awkward fit who could be played off the floor in certain high-leverage matchups.

Role on a good team: Good rotation big who plays mostly at the 5, finishes plays, attacks the glass, and defends in aggressive coverages.

Why ranked here: Johnson projects as a clear positive NBA player because he has obvious, translatable strengths on both ends: he screens, rolls, finishes, rebounds, plays with nonstop energy, and can defend in space better than most 260lbs bigs. The athleticism is real, the motor is elite, and I buy him as someone who can help very good teams without needing touches. He is not ranked higher because the skill level is still fairly narrow, he is not a real playmaking 4, and the sub-9’0” standing reach limits both his drop coverage value and overall rim protection. That leaves him as a good rotation player rather than a clean starter bet.

NBA value comp: High-motor rotation 5 with some switch/blitz value.

#15 – Zuby Ejiofor, Power Forward, St. John’s

Age: 22.2 Height: 6’8.5” Wingspan: 7’2” Standing Reach: 8’11” Weight: 245.2 lbs

Best NBA skill: Productive interior offense built on foul drawing, offensive rebounding, passing feel, and overall activity, as well as strong offensive rebounding, feel, and competitiveness.

Main concern: His position is hard to solve because he does not finish well enough at the rim for a true 5 or defensive rebound, but he also does not currently shoot well enough from 3 to cleanly play the 4.

Role on a good team: Good rotation big who can play mostly at the 4, attack the glass, move the ball, provide secondary rim protection, and punish teams if the jumper ever becomes credible.

Why ranked here: Ejiofor is a difficult evaluation because so much of the profile is good: he is highly productive, draws fouls at an elite rate, rebounds offensively, passes very well for his size, and I buy him as a real positive defender whether he is playing as a mobile 4 or a backup 5. The problem is that his cleanest offensive role depends on a skill that is not there yet: if he can hit open 3s, he becomes a very valuable modern 4 and a clear good-starter bet, but if he cannot, the fit gets much murkier because I do not want him living full-time at center. He is not ranked higher because the rim finishing is only fine for a big, the defensive rebounding is weak for a 5, and the shooting is the million-dollar swing skill in the whole evaluation. That leaves me most comfortable projecting a good rotation player, even though there is clearly more upside than that if the shot comes around.

NBA value comp: Difficult tweener eval, but a very strong rotation-big (or even good starter) outcome is real if the 3 becomes playable.

#16 – Mikel Brown Jr., Point Guard, Louisville

Age: 20.2 Height: 6’4.5” Wingspan: 6’7.5” Standing Reach: 8'4.5” Weight: 190.2 lbs

Best NBA skill: Dynamic pull-up shooting range that bends defenses and opens up his drives and passing.

Main concern: He may be more of a scoring weapon than a true lead initiator, and the lingering back issue adds real durability uncertainty.

Role on a good team: High-level scoring guard who can captain offense in stretches but is best optimized next to a stronger primary initiator.

Why ranked here: Brown projects as a clear NBA player because he combines plus size for a point guard with very good athleticism, deep pull-up shooting range, good finishing craft, and real passing vision. He can absolutely punish shifting defenses, create offense in pick-and-roll and DHO contexts, and change games with his scoring in a CJ McCollum / Anfernee Simons mold. He is not ranked higher because I’m skeptical of the true star-lead-guard pathway: he can be turnover-prone, seems more instinctual than fully organized as an offensive conductor, may wear down over full games, and the recurring back issue is a real concern. Still, the offensive talent is strong enough that I buy him as a very effective NBA guard.

NBA value comp: CJ McCollum / Anfernee Simons.

#17 – Aday Mara, Center, Michigan

Age: 21.2 Height: 7’4” Wingspan: 7’6” Standing Reach: 9’9” Weight: 260 lbs

Best NBA skills: Elite rim protection and rim finishing.

Main concern: His durability/load tolerance and playoff survivability are major concerns because he gets winded quickly, has never played even 60% of available college minutes, and can be stressed by space.

Role on a good team: Drop-coverage center who protects the rim, finishes plays as a screener/roller, and gives a team 20 or so strong minutes.

Why ranked here: Mara’s translation case is real because the two most important strengths in his profile — rim deterrence and rim finishing — are both extremely strong and extremely NBA-relevant. He should provide positive regular-season value as a big roll man, elite interior finisher, and high-IQ halfcourt defender who can execute more coverages than most giant centers. He is not ranked higher because the overall utility looks capped: he is very limited offensively outside the paint, I do not buy the passing as a major NBA weapon, certain playoff matchups will target and shrink his value, and there is no good reason to project high-minute durability for a 7’4 center who has never cleared 60% of college minutes. That leaves him as a good rotation player rather than a starter-level bet.

NBA value comp: Ryan Kalkbrenner with better rim protection and defensive mobility.

#18 – Bruce Thornton, PG, Ohio State

Age: 22.8 Height: 6’1” Wingspan: 6’5” Standing Reach: 8’0.5” Weight: 224 lbs (approximation based off competing measurements)

Best NBA skill: Extremely efficient three-level scoring driven by elite strength, balance, touch, and very low turnover offense.

Main concern: He is undersized and a limited athlete, and he looks more like a scoring combo guard than a true primary NBA point guard.

Role on a good team: Good rotation guard who scores efficiently on or off the ball, attacks closeouts, and fits best next to a bigger primary creator.

Why ranked here: Thornton has a real NBA value path because he is a unique offensive player: he scores efficiently from all three levels, almost never turns it over, plays well off the ball, and uses overwhelming strength and control to compensate for ordinary burst and poor vertical pop. I buy the scoring because it is not built on fake college-only tricks; the touch, balance, floater game, off-ball movement, and power all look real. He is not ranked higher because I do not trust him as a full-time lead guard, and the physical limitations likely cap both the defensive ceiling and the level of offensive creation he can provide against elite NBA athletes. That leaves me most comfortable projecting a good rotation player, even though there is a real good-starter pathway in the right system. The NBA is also lower on him than me, so it's hard to predict whether he will get a fair chance at the league.

NBA value comp: Fred VanVleet-style player with less defensive and offensive playmaking and more bully-ball scoring.

#19 – Labaron Philon, Point Guard, Alabama

Age: 20.6 Height: 6’3.5” Wingspan: 6’6” Standing Reach: 8’3.5” Weight: 176 lbs

Best NBA skill: Shifty pick-and-roll creation paired with real passing feel and high-level three-point shotmaking.

Main concern: He is extremely light for an NBA lead guard and not exceptionally athletic and I do not see the best-in-the-world touch and skill for a player with such physical limitations to become a star.

Role on a good team: Good rotation guard off the bench who can lead offense for stretches and juice second units.

Why ranked here: Philon is a very skilled offensive guard who can run pick-and-roll, create pull-up threes, get to the rim with shiftiness and body control, and set up teammates at a high level. The offensive production is real: he captained a great Alabama offense, improved meaningfully as a passer, and has the craft to create shots without elite burst. He is not ranked higher because the frame is a major concern, the athleticism is good but not special, and I project him as a clear NBA defensive negative. That leaves me more comfortable projecting a high-end bench creator than a true star-level lead guard.

NBA value comp: Lou Williams-type offensive bench weapon.

#20 – Jayden Quaintance, Center, Kentucky

Age: 19.0 Height: 6’10” Wingspan: 7’5” Standing Reach: 9’1” Weight: 253.4 lbs

Best NBA skill: High-end defensive upside built on elite shot-blocking indicators, real mobility in space, and the tools to play multiple coverages.

Main concern: His offense was poor as a freshman and the ACL plus lingering knee swelling materially lowers confidence in the projection.

Role on a good team: Good rotation center who protects the rim, defends in space, finishes plays, and provides value as a roll man and offensive rebounder.

Why ranked here: Quaintance has real talent because the defensive ceiling is obvious: he has the strength to battle bigger centers, the lateral agility to function away from the rim, and the instincts/activity to project as a very good NBA defender with top-10-at-his-position upside on that end. The problem is that the offense was bad — he tried to do too much, the shooting touch looks poor, and he needs to dramatically simplify into a garbage-man role built around rolling, finishing, offensive rebounding, and some short-roll passing. He is not ranked higher because the injury risk is serious, the lost development year matters, and I do not think the offensive game is remotely polished enough right now to support a more optimistic overall projection. That leaves me projecting a good rotation player with major defensive talent rather than a clean starter bet.

NBA value comp: Young Robert Williams III-type rotation big with more uncertainty.

#21 – Hannes Steinbach, Big, Washington

Age: 20.1 Height: 6’11” Wingspan: 7’2” Standing Reach: 9’0” Weight: 248 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite rebounding paired with unusual fluidity, coordination, and offensive utility for a big.

Main concern: He is caught between positions: not enough rim protection to cleanly anchor the 5, and not yet enough shooting/playmaking certainty to cleanly start at the 4.

Role on a good team: Good rotation big who can play either frontcourt spot, crush the glass, run in transition, screen, and provide some surprise offensive skill.

Why ranked here: Steinbach is a very difficult scout because the productivity is real, the rebounding is elite, and the film shows more fluidity, perimeter comfort, and offensive versatility than a normal big his size. There are plausible starter pathways here — especially if the corner three becomes real enough for him to play more 4 on offense — but I think those paths are still too attenuated to bet on heavily. He is not a clean 5 because the rim protection is underwhelming, and not a clean 4 because the shooting and perimeter skill are still more theoretical than proven. I’m most comfortable projecting him as a good rotation player who can help in a lot of ways without cleanly solving a position.

NBA value comp: Rotation big with some hybrid 4/5 utility.

#22 – Dailyn Swain, Small Forward, Texas

Age: 20.9 Height: 6’7.5” Wingspan: 6’10” Standing Reach: 8’8.5” Weight: 211.2 lbs

Best NBA skill: Downhill offensive creation from the wing, especially getting to the rim, drawing fouls, and making plays on the move.

Main concern: His jumper is still a real question, and he will need to become much more decisive off the catch to maximize his NBA role.

Role on a good team: Good rotation wing who attacks shifting defenses, passes, rebounds, and defends multiple matchups.

Why ranked here: Swain has a real NBA pathway because he can create offense from the wing without being a pure guard: he gets to the rim, draws fouls, makes good reads, rebounds well, and has enough defensive event creation to give himself a strong floor. I do not buy him as a lead initiator in the NBA because he lacks elite burst, strength, length, and pull-up shooting, so the role likely shifts more toward attacking tilted defenses than driving an offense himself. He is not ranked higher because the three-point shooting is still poor, the shot is slow and awkward, and there are too many possessions where he holds the ball instead of making a quick decision. I think he has some good-starter upside if the shot and decisiveness improve, but I’m most comfortable projecting a good rotation player.

NBA value comp: Connective wing with a focus on dribbling against shifting defenses.

#23 – Sergio de Larrea, Combo Guard, Valencia

Age: 20.6 Height: 6’7” Wingspan: 6’9” Standing Reach: 8’5” Weight: 204 lbs

Best NBA skill: Big combo guard playmaking built on size, pace, and cross-court passing vision.

Main concern: He lacks the quickness, strength, and burst to project as a full-time lead guard against NBA pressure.

Role on a good team: Good rotation combo guard who can run secondary pick-and-roll, play off another handler, and defend capably with size.

Why ranked here: De Larrea has a real NBA pathway because 6’7 guards who can shoot, pass, and play within structure are valuable, and he already produced on a good EuroLeague team in a real role. I buy him as a functional offensive connector who can handle secondary creation, attack closeouts, keep the ball moving, and use his size to help on both ends. He is not ranked higher because the athletic limitations are real: he is not quick or explosive enough to project as a starting on-ball point guard, and the turnover rate needs to come down. That leaves me most comfortable projecting a good rotation player whose value comes from fit, size, and skill rather than dynamic creation.

NBA value comp: Oversized secondary creator off the bench with real connective value.

Tier 5 — Rotation Player

What this tier means: Projects as a real NBA player who can stick in the league, earn multiple contracts, and survive minutes on a good team, but is unlikely to provide major surplus value. I have more players graded as rotation players than will actually become rotation players in the league. That's because, as opposed to good starters, I think a relatively wide range of players could become rotation players, and a lot of who succeeds at this level is determined by whom teams choose to make significant investments in.

#24 – Meleek Thomas, Shooting Guard, Arkansas

Age: 19.9 Height: 6’4” Wingspan: 6’7” Standing Reach: 8’4” Weight: 189.6 lbs

Best NBA skill: High-level shotmaking, especially on pull-up and catch-and-shoot threes.

Main concern: He is light for a 2 guard and the halfcourt scoring profile still has too much bad midrange in it, which limits the margin for error.

Role on a good team: Bench scoring guard who spaces the floor, bombs threes, and provides some secondary playmaking without turning it over.

Why ranked here: Thomas has a clear NBA pathway because the shooting indicators are strong, the turnover rate is excellent for a young guard, and he already helped drive a very good offense as a freshman. I buy him as a positive offensive player who can play off other creators, hit pull-up and catch-and-shoot threes, and make enough secondary reads to fit into a good backcourt. He is not ranked higher because the scoring efficiency was only decent overall, the midrange volume needs to be cut down, and I do not think the defensive projection is anything better than mediocre. That leaves me seeing a pretty clear bench-shooting-guard role, with real sixth-man-upside if the offense sharpens.

NBA value comp: Malik Monk with worse leaping but better ball security.

#25 – Karim Lopez, Forward, New Zealand Breakers

Age: 19.2 Height: 6’9” Wingspan: 6’11” Standing Reach: 8’9.5” Weight: 221.8 lbs

Best NBA skill: Defensive playmaking from the forward spot, especially as a low man with quick hands, functional mobility, and some weakside rim protection.

Main concern: He does not yet have enough offensive skill or shooting certainty to justify a high-usage role, and I do not trust him handling the ball much.

Role on a good team: Rotation forward who toggles between the 3 and 4, defends within structure, finishes opportunistically, and keeps the ball moving.

Why ranked here: Lopez has a real NBA pathway because he already looks like a useful, low-maintenance forward prospect: he is strong, active, willing to pass, runs the floor, and makes defensive plays with his hands, size, and help instincts. I buy him more as a 4 than a 3 long term, especially if he adds another 10 to 15 pounds, because that would better align his strength, finishing, and defensive role. He is not ranked higher because the offensive game is still pretty limited — the handle looks awkward, I do not trust him as a driver or creator, and the jumper is more plausible than proven. That leaves me most comfortable projecting a rotation player, with a later-career Harrison Barnes type of role being a realistic outcome if the shooting becomes solid enough.

NBA value comp: Later-career Harrison Barnes-style rotation forward.

#26 – Joshua Jefferson, Power Forward, Iowa State

Age: 22.6 Height: 6’9” Wingspan: 6’11” Standing Reach: 8’8.5” Weight: 246 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite connective passing for a 4, especially making quick reads, hitting cutters, and greasing an offense within structure.

Main concern: The scoring efficiency, shaky jumper, and limited athletic tools make it hard to project him as more than a complementary offensive player.

Role on a good team: Connective passing 4 who defends, rebounds, moves the ball, and survives offensively by making fast decisions and hitting enough spot-up shots.

Why ranked here: Jefferson has a real NBA pathway because plus passing plus defensive playmaking is a valuable combination at his size, and the impact metrics are extremely strong on both ends. I buy him as someone who can help good teams by keeping the ball moving, making smart reads, defending bigger forwards, generating steals, and adding some help-side rim protection. He is not ranked higher because the individual scoring profile is underwhelming: too many long 2s, shaky three-point projection, too many turnovers for a non-primary, and below-the-rim athleticism that limits his margin for error. That leaves me seeing a plausible good-rotation-player outcome if the corner 3 becomes reliable, but enough offensive risk that I would not project him more aggressively.

NBA value comp: Kyle Anderson-style connective forward.

#27 – Chris Cenac, Center, Houston

Age: 19.4 Height: 6’10” Wingspan: 7’5” Standing Reach: 9’0.5” Weight: 239.6 lbs

Best NBA skill: Explosive screen-and-roll finishing paired with elite defensive rebounding and unusual mobility for a 5.

Main concern: He is too inefficient and too perimeter-inclined offensively right now, and he does not project as a strong enough rim protector to cleanly start at center.

Role on a good team: Bench 5 who dives hard to the rim, crashes the glass, and defends in hedge/blitz-heavy schemes.

Why ranked here: Cenac has a real NBA pathway because he is a great athlete for the position, runs the floor well, finishes explosively, rebounds at a very high level, and has the mobility to defend in more aggressive coverages than most centers. I buy him as a rotation big if he simplifies the offense and fully leans into being a screener, roll man, offensive rebounder, and occasional pick-and-pop threat. He is not ranked higher because the freshman efficiency was poor for a big, the midrange-heavy shot diet needs to be cut down, he offers very little as a passer or creator, and I do not think he projects as even an average NBA rim protector. That leaves me projecting a useful bench big rather than a starter.

NBA value comp: Mobile rotation 5 with dive-man value and some long-term pick-and-pop hope.

#28 – Nate Ament, Forward, Tennessee

Age: 19.5 Height: 6’10.5” Wingspan: 6’11.5” Standing Reach: 9’1.5” Weight: 211 lbs

Best NBA skill: Shooting touch and offensive skill for a player with a 9’1.5” standing reach.

Main concern: He is far too weak and underathletic right now to justify an on-ball role, and if he does not embrace an off-ball game and get stronger, he could wash out of the league.

Role on a good team: Off-ball forward who spaces the floor, cuts, attacks closeouts, makes quick passes, and provides some weakside rim protection from the 4.

Why ranked here: Ament is worth betting on because players with his standing reach, shooting touch, coordination, and some dribble/pass feel are rare, and there is a real NBA pathway if he reshapes his game. I do not think he is athletic or strong enough to be an on-ball creator in the NBA, and his college efficiency was dragged down by too much bad midrange creation and weak finishing through contact The path here is clear: get much stronger, embrace floor spacing and cutting, and lean into being a smart complementary forward instead of trying to be a primary scorer. I buy his professionalism and feel enough to think he eventually makes that adjustment, but it will likely take time and he could be a negative early in his career.

NBA value comp: Rotation forward bet.

#29 – Isaiah Evans, Shooting Guard, Duke

Age: 20.5 Height: 6’6.5” Wingspan: 6’9” Standing Reach: 8’8.5” Weight: 186 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite three-point shooting with enough rim finishing to punish hard closeouts.

Main concern: He projects as a clear defensive target in the NBA, which likely limits him to a bench scoring role.

Role on a good team: Bench shooting specialist who provides offensive juice with floor spacing, movement shooting, and occasional rim scoring off cuts and closeouts.

Why ranked here: Evans has a clean NBA offensive pathway because the shooting is real: he bombs threes at high volume, has excellent free-throw touch, and can use the threat of his jumper to get efficient looks at the rim. I buy him as a real spacing weapon who embraces an off-ball role and can provide instant offensive value without needing many dribbles or touches. He is not ranked higher because the passing is minimal, the overall offensive game is fairly narrow, and the defensive projection is bleak. That leaves him as a clear rotation-player bet whose value comes from providing offensive spark rather than as a two-way starter.

NBA value comp: Bench shooting specialist with real movement-spacing value.

#30 – Christian Anderson, Point Guard, Texas Tech

Age: 20.2 Height: 6’2” Wingspan: 6’6” Standing Reach: 8’0.5” Weight: 180 lbs

Best NBA skill: Electric pull-up three-point shooting with deep range.

Main concern: He is small, somewhat turnover-prone, and too physically limited to project as a reliable starter-level guard on either end.

Role on a good team: Rotation guard off the bench who can run pick-and-roll, bomb pull-up threes, and swing games when the jumper is falling.

Why ranked here: Anderson has a real NBA skill because the shooting is special: he gets into pull-up threes extremely quickly, can pick his spots to score efficiently at all three levels, and has enough passing feel to operate offensively out of pick-and-roll. The problem is that the physical profile puts a hard cap on the role. He is not especially big, strong, or explosive for an NBA point guard, he turns it over too much, and I do not think he will consistently create against elite defenders. Defensively, he is smart and competitive, but the size and strength limitations are severe enough that good NBA players will go right through him. That leaves me projecting a rotation player rather than a starter.

NBA value comp: Bench scoring guard with real pull-up shooting juice.

#31 – Richie Saunders, Shooting Guard, BYU

Age: 24.8 Height: 6’6” Wingspan: 6’9” Standing Reach: 8’6.5” Weight: 204.8 lbs

Best NBA skill: Efficient complementary scoring built on spot-up shooting, smart cutting, transition play, and low-mistake offense.

Main concern: He is an older prospect coming off a torn right ACL, and the athletic / defensive margin for error is not big enough to cleanly project a high-end role.

Role on a good team: Bench scoring wing who spaces the floor, cuts intelligently, finishes opportunistically, and keeps the offense moving without mistakes.

Why ranked here: Saunders projects as a positive offensive contributor because he plays a clean game: he shoots it well enough, cuts at the right times, finishes efficiently at the rim for a 2 guard, and does not waste possessions with dumb shots or turnovers. I buy the offensive role because he can score within structure and should fit easily next to better creators. He is not ranked higher because he is almost 25, the torn ACL is a real tax on the profile, and I do not think the athleticism or defensive projection is strong enough to support more than a complementary role. That leaves me seeing a rotation-player pathway, with something like a Grayson Allen-type outcome if things go well.

NBA value comp: Grayson Allen-style bench wing if the recovery and shooting hold.

#32 – Alex Karaban, Forward, UConn

Age: 23.6 Height: 6’8” Wingspan: 6’11” Standing Reach: 8’8.5” Weight: 225 lbs

Best NBA skill: High-volume, highly scalable three-point shooting that helps good offenses breathe.

Main concern: He is caught between the 3 and 4 a bit physically, and the rebounding, rim pressure, and defensive playmaking are not strong enough to give him much margin for error beyond the shot.

Role on a good team: Rotation forward who spaces the floor, moves intelligently off the ball, makes basic reads, and holds up well enough defensively to keep his shooting on the floor.

Why ranked here: Karaban has a real NBA pathway because he has a long track record of high-volume shooting helping elite teams win, and I buy the offensive translation of a 6’8 forward with deep range, movement utility, and real feel for weaponizing his gravity. He is not a high-efficiency scorer in a traditional sense, but his role is to stress defenses, open space, and fit cleanly next to better players, and I think that will carry over. He is not ranked higher because the rest of the profile is more limited: he is only a decent finisher, the rebounding is underwhelming for a 4, and while I think he can survive defensively, I do not see a real two-way impact player. That leaves me seeing a clear rotation-forward outcome whose value is driven by shooting and fit.

NBA value comp: Rotation-level forward whose shot helps smart teams win.

#33 – Koa Peat, Power Forward, Arizona

Age: 19.4 Height: 6’8” Wingspan: 6’11” Standing Reach: 8’8” Weight: 245 lbs

Best NBA skill: Explosive rim finishing from the 4 spot with enough passing feel to keep the ball moving.

Main concern: Projects as non-shooter absent outlier shooting improvement. Doesn't have length or skill to be a lead creator.

Role on a good team: Rotation 4 who finishes plays, runs in transition, brings strength and vertical pop, and makes some useful connective passes.

Why ranked here: Peat projects as a rotation player because there is a real NBA pathway for a 6’8, 245-pound forward with elite vertical athleticism, strong rim finishing, and decent passing feel. I buy him as someone who can score efficiently around the basket, especially in bench units or next to bigger offensive engines, and his age leaves some room for improvement. He is not ranked higher because the shooting indicators are poor, the long-2 diet needs to be cut down, and the block and steal rates are surprisingly underwhelming for a player with his physical tools. Unless the jumper improves dramatically or the defense becomes far more impactful than the current evidence suggests, I do not see a clean starter outcome.

NBA value comp: Athletic rotation 4 / garbage-man finisher with some connective passing.

#34 – Tarris Reed Jr., Center, UConn

Age: 22.9 Height: 6’11” Wingspan: 7’4” Standing Reach: 9’2” Weight: 263.6 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite rebounding with enough size, strength, and feel to function inside a structured offense.

Main concern: He does not have a single standout NBA trait beyond rebounding, and the fouling and mild durability concerns reduce the margin for error.

Role on a good team: Solid rotation center who rebounds, screens, finishes plays, and gives a team steady two-way minutes.

Why ranked here: Reed has a real NBA pathway because he has NBA size, good athletic testing, a strong rebounding profile, and clear evidence that he can function in a demanding winning environment. I buy him as a center who can screen, make basic reads, finish well enough around the rim, and hold his own defensively while anchoring possessions with defensive rebounding. He is not ranked higher because the offensive game will need to be scaled down, the passing was helped by UConn’s system, and I do not see standout defensive upside as a rim protector or perimeter defender. That leaves me most comfortable projecting a solid rotation center who can be roughly average on both ends rather than a starter.

NBA value comp: Steady rotation 5 with rebounding as his meal ticket.

#35 – Henri Veesaar, Center, North Carolina

Age: 22.2 Height: 7’0” Wingspan: 7’2” Standing Reach: 9’3” Weight: 227.2 lbs

Best NBA skill: Skilled offensive center who can finish, pick-and-pop, and make useful passing reads within structure.

Main concern: He is too light for an NBA 5 and most likely projects as a below-average defender at the position.

Role on a good team: Rotation center who gives a team offensive value as a finisher, stretch option, and connective passer.

Why ranked here: Veesaar has a real NBA pathway because the offensive skill set is valuable for a center: he finishes efficiently at the rim, has credible stretch ability, and can function as a smart offensive hub in pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop actions. I buy him as a positive offensive player who can help a second unit or fit next to creators by playing a high-IQ, low-maintenance role. He is not ranked higher because the defensive projection is shaky. He is underweight for the position, likely to get moved around by stronger centers, and does not project as good enough on the perimeter or at the rim to offset that. That leaves him as a rotation-player bet whose value is offense-driven rather than as a clean two-way starter.

NBA value comp: Offense-first rotation 5 with stretch-and-connective value.

#36 – Trevon Brazile, Power Forward, Arkansas

Age: 23.5 Height: 6’10.5” Wingspan: 7’4” Standing Reach: 9’1” Weight: 225.6 lbs

Best NBA skill: Explosive play-finishing from the 4 spot, especially as a rim runner, transition threat, and weakside shot blocker.

Main concern: He is an older prospect whose shaky defensive fundamentals and limited creation/passing cap the overall upside.

Role on a good team: Play-finishing stretch 4 who spaces just enough to be guarded, finishes at the rim, rebounds defensively, and adds secondary rim protection.

Why ranked here: Brazile has a real NBA pathway because the physical tools are strong, the rim finishing is excellent for a 4, and he can provide some useful two-way value without needing the offense to run through him. I buy him as a fifth-option type who can dunk everything around the basket, run the floor, hit enough spot-up threes to stay on the floor, and make defensive plays with his length and vertical pop. He is not ranked higher because he is already older, does not project as a creator or plus passer, and the one-on-one defense is shakier than it should be for someone with his athletic tools. That leaves me seeing a rotation-player pathway built more on finishing and event creation than on complete two-way reliability.

NBA value comp: Athletic rotation 4 with weakside rim protection and play-finishing value.

#37 – Ernest Udeh Jr., Center, Miami

Age: 22.5 Height: 6’10” Wingspan: 7’4” Standing Reach: 9’3” Weight: 257.4 lbs

Best NBA skill: Powerful screen-and-roll finishing paired with elite rebounding.

Main concern: He is a non-shooter and near-zero passer, so the offensive role is narrow and heavily dependent on screening, rim running, and glass work.

Role on a good team: Rotation 5 who screens, dives to the rim, rebounds at a high level, and gives a team functional defensive size and mobility.

Why ranked here: Udeh has a real NBA translation because the core center skills are there: he finishes plays around the basket, gets to the line, rebounds at an elite level, and has enough size and mobility to hold up in different defensive schemes. I buy the offensive role more than the overall ceiling, because it is easy to picture him as a low-maintenance screener, rim runner, and offensive rebounder who does not need touches called for him. He is not ranked higher because the feel is limited, the passing is poor, he offers no shooting, and the overall impact profile is not dominant enough for a 22-year-old center prospect. That leaves me projecting a rotation-player pathway rather than a starter.

NBA value comp: Rotation rim-running center with strong rebounding value.

#38 – Emanuel Sharp, Shooting Guard, Houston

Age: 22.3 Height: 6’4” Wingspan: 6’3” Standing Reach: 8’2.5” Weight: 208.4 lbs

Best NBA skill: Deep-range three-point shooting on huge volume.

Main concern: He is undersized and uncreative offensively, so if the shot is not carrying real value, there is not much else for the role to lean on.

Role on a good team: Rotation shooting guard who spaces the floor, takes hard defensive assignments, and survives offensively by bombing threes without turning it over.

Why ranked here: Sharp has a clear NBA pathway because the shooting is real: the volume is massive, the free-throw percentage is excellent, and he already helped prop up Houston’s spacing while keeping mistakes low. I buy the shot as his meal ticket, and I also think he has a better chance to defend than most shooting specialists because he is stronger than he looks and already handled tough on-ball assignments on a great defense. He is not ranked higher because the offensive game is very narrow — he does not pass, should cut down the midrange attempts, and lacks the size and athletic profile for much margin beyond the jumper. That leaves me seeing a rotation-player path if the shooting fully carries, with something like a Gary Trent-style outcome if things break well.

NBA value comp: Gary Trent-style rotation shooting guard if the shot and strength carry.

#39 – Tyler Nickel, Small Forward, Vanderbilt

Age: 22.8 Height: 6’7” Wingspan: 6’8.5” Standing Reach: 8’6.5” Weight: 217.4 lbs

Best NBA skill: High-volume three-point shooting that can immediately help an offense breathe.

Main concern: He offers very little outside of the shooting, and the defensive projection is weak enough that the margin for error is narrow.

Role on a good team: Rotation bench shooter who spaces the floor, cuts opportunistically, and survives defensively well enough to keep the shot on the court.

Why ranked here: Nickel has a real NBA pathway because the shooting profile is strong: 40% from 3 on outstanding volume with excellent free-throw touch is exactly the kind of skill that can carry a player into a role. I buy him as a clear plus shooter who can also finish just enough at the rim off the threat of his jumper to avoid being totally one-dimensional offensively. He is not ranked higher because he does not pass, should not be doing much off the dribble, and there is no real evidence that he will be a positive defender. That leaves me projecting a rotation-level bench shooter whose value is driven overwhelmingly by the shot.

NBA value comp: Rotation bench shooter with enough size to fit into lineups.

***Note: to my knowledge Kashie Natt and Micah Handlogten are pursuing eligibility waivers to return to college basketball. They'd be priority 2nd rounders for me in the draft.

Tier 6 — Fringe NBA Player

What this tier means: Projects as a fringe rotation player who can play real NBA minutes but never fully establishes a reliable role on a great team. May struggle to earn multiple contracts or maintain a long-term place in the league unless several things go well.

#40 – Braden Smith, Point Guard, Purdue

Age: 22.9 Height: 5’11” Wingspan: 6’3” Standing Reach: 7’9.5” Weight: 166.6 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite pick-and-roll passing that can organize an offense and generate efficient shots for teammates.

Main concern: He is extremely small and light for the NBA, which makes the defensive projection poor and puts real pressure on the offense to carry him.

Role on a good team: Backup point guard who runs second units, spaces enough to keep defenses honest, and creates offense out of pick-and-roll.

Why ranked here: Smith has a real NBA pathway because the passing is special, the shooting should translate well enough, and he has years of evidence as a positive offensive engine in high-level college basketball. I buy him as someone who can run an offense, make advanced reads, and score just enough from three and the midrange to unlock the playmaking. He is not ranked higher because the physical limitations are severe: he is very small, very light, unlikely to finish well at the rim in the NBA, and projects as a clear defensive negative. That leaves me seeing a real backup-point-guard outcome, with the high end being something like a slightly lesser T.J. McConnell and the lower end being more of a third guard.

NBA value comp: Slightly worse T.J. McConnell-type backup point guard.

#41 – Quadir Copeland, Point Guard, NC State

Age: 22.8 Height: 6’6” Wingspan: 6’11” Standing Reach: 8’7.5” Weight: 205 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite passing vision and rim-attack playmaking from a guard with strong positional size.

Main concern: His shooting, rim finishing, and turnover profile make the halfcourt offensive translation very shaky.

Role on a good team: Big defensive guard who pushes in transition, creates for others, and defends 1s and 2s.

Why ranked here: Copeland has a real NBA pathway because the passing is special, the transition offense is very good, and the size/steal indicators point to clear defensive value. I buy him as someone who can pressure the rim, create shots for teammates, and defend multiple guard matchups at a level that gives him a chance to stick. He is not ranked higher because the offensive flaws are serious: the jumper is still very shaky, the rim finishing is underwhelming for a 6’6 senior point guard, and the turnover rate is too high for someone whose value is tied to having the ball. That leaves him as a prospect whose rotation pathway depends heavily on whether the scoring becomes respectable enough to unlock the passing.

NBA value comp: Big defense-first playmaking guard with transition value.

#42 – Ugonna Onyenso, Center, Virginia

Age: 21.7 Height: 7’0” Wingspan: 7’5” Standing Reach: 9’5” Weight: 236.8 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite shot blocking that can change the energy of a game in short bursts.

Main concern: He is extremely limited offensively and may not provide enough rebounding, strength, or defensive feel outside of the shot blocking.

Role on a good team: Low-minute backup 5 who protects the rim, dives hard to the basket, and alters games with vertical defensive playmaking.

Why ranked here: Onyenso has a real NBA pathway because the one elite skill is obvious: he is a genuinely impactful shot blocker with rare size and block production. I buy him as someone who can create defensive disruption and at least fit offensively as a pure dive man who finishes easy plays around the rim. He is not ranked higher because the overall game is narrow — he does not pass, does not shoot, is only an adequate rebounder for his size, and could get moved around by stronger centers. That leaves him as a limited, lower-minute specialist rather than a clean rotation lock.

NBA value comp: Lower-minute shot-blocking specialist 5.

#43 – Chad Baker-Mazara, Shooting Guard, USC

Age: 26 Height: 6'7 Wingspan: 7'0 Weight: 180 lbs

Best NBA skill: Lethal 3pt shooting and defensive event creation.

Main concern: Incredibly thin for 6'7. Abrupt exit from USC midseason. Rumors swirl regarding behavioral and discipline questions.

Path to sticking: Act like a professional. Bomb 3s. Defend guards where thin frame is less of an issue.

NBA role if it works: Sweet shooting wing that guards the lightest player possible and gets blocks and steals.

#44 – Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Point Guard, Tennessee

Age: 22.3 Height: 6’1” Wingspan: 6’4” Standing Reach: 7’11.5” Weight: 181.8 lbs

Best NBA skill: High-volume pull-up and spot-up three-point shooting that can bend defenses and open passing lanes.

Main concern: He does not have enough size or reliable offensive efficiency to project as more than a low-end rotation or third-guard type.

Role on a good team: Third guard who bombs threes, runs secondary offense, and competes hard enough defensively to avoid getting played off the floor.

Why ranked here: Gillespie has a real NBA pathway because the shooting volume is extreme, the passing is solid, and the steal rate points to real competitiveness and defensive disruption at his size. I buy him as someone who can change games when the shot is falling, stretch the floor, and create enough off that gravity to function as a bench point guard. He is not ranked higher because the overall offensive efficiency was only mediocre, he does not have standout size or physical tools, and I do not think the offense is steady enough to trust him as a real second-unit engine. That leaves me seeing more of a third-guard outcome than a true rotation lock.

NBA value comp: Third guard who can heat up from three and survive defensively through effort and steals.

#45 – Baba Miller, PF, Cincinnati

Age: 22.4 Height: 6’11.5” Wingspan: 7’2” Standing Reach: 9’3” Weight: 208.2 lbs

Best NBA skill: High-level passing and defensive playmaking for a 6’11 forward.

Main concern: He is stuck between positions because he cannot reliably shoot well enough to play the 4 and is too thin to cleanly hold up at the 5.

Role on a good team: Defensive 4 who rebounds, protects the rim from the weak side, finishes around the basket, and keeps the ball moving.

Why ranked here: Miller has a plausible NBA pathway because the defensive tools are real: he can protect the rim from the 4, rebound at a high level on the defensive glass, and make smart passing reads that help grease an offense. I buy him as a useful finisher and connector if his role is simplified and the creation burden is cut down. He is not ranked higher because the offensive fit is awkward right now — he is not an NBA shooter, had too many turnovers for a non-primary, and does not have the strength to just slide up and live at center. That leaves him looking like a tweener in a bad way, with a much cleaner rotation path if the three-point shot ever becomes real.

NBA value comp: Jonathan Isaac if you squint, but with far more offensive-fit risk.

#46 – Otega Oweh, Shooting Guard, Kentucky

Age: 23.0 Height: 6’4” Wingspan: 6’8” Standing Reach: 8’5” Weight: 216 lbs

Best NBA skill: NBA-caliber athleticism and defensive event creation, especially when he can play with force in transition.

Main concern: His halfcourt offensive translation is very shaky because the jumper is only borderline, the midrange diet is bad, and he has never consistently turned his tools into strong team-level offensive impact.

Role on a good team: Energy rotation 2 guard who defends, runs in transition, cuts, and attacks openings without needing much usage.

Why ranked here: Oweh has a real NBA pathway because the physical tools are good enough, the steal/block indicators are strong for a guard, and he should be able to help a team with defense, transition play, and general athletic pressure. I buy him more as a low-usage hustle wing than as any kind of real on-ball creator, because the halfcourt scoring profile needs major cleanup and the passing is not good enough to justify offensive responsibility. He is not ranked higher because the shooting still looks shaky, the rim finishing falls off against better competition, and too much of the offense has been tied up in bad midrange usage. That leaves him as a useful rotation possibility if he fully embraces a smaller role, but with real bust risk if the shot never gets to a level where teams have to guard him.

NBA value comp: Athletic defense-first rotation 2 who needs the jumper to be respected.

#47 – Donovan Atwell, Shooting Guard, Texas Tech

Age: 22.8 Height: 6’5.5” Wingspan: 6’6” Standing Reach: 8’3” Weight: 191.8 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite three-point shooting volume and accuracy, both on spot-ups and pull-ups.

Main concern: He offers almost nothing at the rim or as a playmaker, and the athletic and defensive limitations leave him with very little margin for error.

Role on a good team: Specialist bench shooter who comes in to bomb threes and juice spacing.

Why ranked here: Atwell has a plausible NBA pathway because the one standout skill is real: he walks into the league as a high-end shooting specialist, and that alone gives him a chance to stick. I buy the off-ball shooting translation because the volume is enormous, the efficiency is absurd, and he kept the turnovers low while playing a very simple offensive role. He is not ranked higher because the rest of the profile is extremely narrow — he doesn't even try to score at the rim, does not create for others, and projects as a well below-average defender. That leaves him as a fringe prospect whose case is almost entirely built on being good enough as a shooter to overcome the lack of all-around value.

NBA value comp: Seth Curry-type shooting specialist if the shot fully carries.

#48 – Oscar Cluff, Center, Purdue

Age: 24.6 Height: 6’10” Wingspan: 7’3” Standing Reach: 9’0” Weight: 249 lbs

Best NBA skill: Highly functional offensive center play built on screen setting, rim finishing, offensive rebounding, and passing feel.

Main concern: He projects as a clearly negative NBA defender, which puts a hard cap on how much value the offense can unlock.

Role on a good team: Bench center who anchors second-unit offense with screening, finishing, offensive rebounding, and smart passing.

Why ranked here: Cluff has a real NBA pathway because the offense is clearly good enough to translate in some form: he is an excellent pick-and-roll big, a powerful screen setter, a very good offensive rebounder, an efficient finisher, and a smart enough passer to keep a structured offense moving. I buy him as at least an average offensive center, and possibly better than that if the passing and interior efficiency carry over cleanly. He is not ranked higher because the defensive projection is poor. He is not a good rim protector, does not have strong mobility for perimeter defense, and has not shown enough defensive rebounding or overall defensive impact to offset those weaknesses. That leaves me seeing a real bench-center outcome if he gets a fair chance, but not a starter because the defense will almost certainly hold him back.

NBA value comp: Luka Garza-style offense-first backup 5.

#49 – Rafael Castro, Center, George Washington

Age: 23.2 Height: 6'10 Wingspan: 7'1 Standing Reach: 9'1.5 Weight: 224 lbs

Best NBA skill: Excellent defensive mobility with rebounding and feel.

Main concern: Very skinny for NBA 5.

Path to sticking: Eliminate postups from game. Commit to being a perimeter-oriented defensive big that also rebounds and passes.

NBA role if it works: Bench center that can switch and execute perimeter oriented defensive schemes while providing change-of-pace energy.

#50 – Tamin Lipsey, Point Guard, Iowa State

Age: 23 Height: 6'2.5 Wingspan: 6'2 Standing Reach: 7'11 Weight: 200.4lbs

Best NBA skill: Pitbull defense.

Main concern: Can he score? Below the rim NBA athlete. Shaky 3pt shooter.

Path to sticking: Play elite defense and hit open 3s.

NBA role if it works: Jose Alvarado style player.

#51 – Darrion Williams, Forward, NC State

Age: 23.2 Height: 6'6 Wingspan: 6'6.5 Weight: 225lbs

Best NBA skill: Bulky forward with good feel and real 3pt shooting.

Main concern: Erratic decision maker. Below the rim athleticism.

Path to sticking: Forget about usage. Commit to playing defense and spacing the floor.

NBA role if it works: Low usage "3 and D" wing.

#52 – Duke Miles, Point Guard, Vanderbilt

Age: 24.4 Height: 6’2” Wingspan: 6’5” Weight: 175 lbs

Best NBA skill: Driving-and-passing point guard play paired with elite steal generation.

Main concern: His age, slight frame, and only decent three-point shooting leave him with a narrow path to sticking.

Role on a good team: Rotation guard who pressures the ball defensively, forces turnovers, gets into the lane, and creates offense without dominating the ball.

Why ranked here: Miles has a real NBA pathway because the steal rate is outstanding, the team impact was strong on both ends, and the offensive profile suggests a guard who can get into the paint, make reads, and keep an offense moving. I buy him as someone who can be a slight positive defender at the point of attack and create enough downhill pressure to matter offensively if the shooting is respected. He is not ranked higher because the age is a major tax, the frame is thin, the durability is not spotless, and the jumper still needs to be good enough in the NBA to unlock the passing. That leaves me seeing a rotation-guard outcome if the shot holds, with more of a G League / end-of-bench outcome if it does not.

NBA value comp: Defense-first rotation point guard if the jumper gets guarded.

#53 – Ryan Conwell, Shooting Guard, Louisville

Age: 22.0 Height: 6’3” Wingspan: 6’7” Standing Reach: 8’0.5” Weight: 214.8 lbs

Best NBA skill: High-volume three-point shooting with enough strength to hold up as a role-playing 2 guard.

Main concern: He is a smaller 2 guard without clear point-guard skill or standout athletic advantages, which narrows the path considerably.

Role on a good team: Bench shooting guard who spaces the floor, attacks occasional closeouts, and holds up well enough defensively to stay in the rotation.

Why ranked here: Conwell has a plausible NBA pathway because real shooting at his volume always matters, and his strong frame gives him a better chance than most smaller guards to survive defensively in a low-usage role. I buy him more as a straight 2 than as any kind of combo guard, because the passing and offensive creation are not strong enough to justify more on-ball responsibility. He is not ranked higher because the overall profile is fairly limited: he is not a point guard, the athleticism and rim pressure are only moderate, and the impact metrics are underwhelming for a senior guard. That leaves him as a possible rotation shooter if the defense is solid enough, but without a particularly strong margin for error.

NBA value comp: Off-the-bench shooting guard with some defensive viability.

#54 – Vsevolod Ishchenko, Small Forward, Lokomotiv Kuban

Age: 21.4 Height: 6’8” Wingspan: 7’0” Weight: 218 lbs

Best NBA skill: Projectable spot-up shooting with enough size and defensive event creation to hint at a real 3-and-D pathway.

Main concern: The translation is difficult because the competition level is solid but not elite, the three-point volume is very low, and the turnover rate is too high for such a low-usage role.

Role on a good team: Low-usage wing who spaces the floor, defends his position, and helps a lineup with size and connective play.

Why ranked here: Ishchenko is worth taking seriously because he already produced in a respectable professional league, has good wing size, and showed a promising combination of shooting touch, defensive playmaking, and basic passing feel. I buy the general outline of an NBA wing more than I buy any one polished NBA skill right now, which is why this remains a fairly shaky projection rather than a strong conviction bet. He is not ranked higher because the three-point volume is too low to fully trust the percentage, the turnover rate is rough for a player with such modest usage, and the league context makes clean translation harder than it would be from a top-tier European setting. That leaves him as a worthy second-round gamble rather than a blind dart throw, with a real chance to develop into a useful 3-and-D type if the shooting scales.

NBA value comp: Developmental 3-and-D wing bet with real translation questions.

#55 – Malique Lewis, Small Forward, S.E. Melbourne

Age: 21.6 Height: 6’7.5” Wingspan: 7’1” Standing Reach: [ ] Weight: 225.8 lbs

Best NBA skill: Defensive playmaking from the wing with enough size, length, and rebounding to fit a real 3-and-D pathway.

Main concern: The whole projection swings on the jumper, because if he does not shoot well enough for an NBA small forward, the offensive value gets thin quickly.

Role on a good team: Rotation small forward who defends, rebounds, keeps the ball moving, and spaces the floor just enough to stay on the court.

Why ranked here: Lewis is worth taking seriously because he was already a productive player in a good overseas league, has strong wing dimensions, posts excellent steal and block indicators for the position, and does not turn the ball over. I buy the defensive outline and think there is enough rebounding and connective feel here to support a role if the shot is real enough. He is not ranked higher because the shooting is still only borderline, the offensive role is low-usage, and the translation gets much shakier if defenses do not respect him from 3. That leaves him as a real rotation-wing bet if the jumper holds, and more of a fringe outcome if it does not.

NBA value comp: 3-and-D wing bet with the shot as the swing skill.

#56 – Aaron Nkrumah, Shooting Guard, Tennessee State

Age: 24.6 Height: 6’6” Wingspan: 6’10” Standing Reach: 8’8” Weight: 188.8 lbs

Best NBA skill: Defensive event creation from the wing, especially with his steal rate, effort level, and plus wingspan.

Main concern: The offensive profile is weak for an older guard prospect, and the jumper likely has to get to at least average for him to stick.

Role on a good team: Deep-bench wing who defends, plays hard, rebounds decently for the position, and survives offensively by cutting usage and hitting open threes.

Why ranked here: Nkrumah has a plausible NBA pathway because the defensive indicators are strong, he plays hard, and he has enough size and length to give himself a chance as a low-usage role player. I buy him more as a defense-first wing than as any kind of real offensive creator, because the shot profile is poor, the midrange volume needs to be cut, and the efficiency is not good enough for a 24-year-old guard. He is not ranked higher because the offensive margin for error is extremely thin, and at his age it is harder to give him the benefit of the doubt on a late shooting leap. That leaves me seeing more of a deep-bench outcome, with a rotation path only if the three-point shooting gets up into the mid-30s.

NBA value comp: Defense-first deep-bench wing with a possible rotation path if the shot stabilizes.

#57 – Tre Donaldson, Point Guard, Miami

Age: 22.5 Height: 6'1.5 Wingspan: 6'4 Weight: 205.8 lbs

Best NBA skill: Passing with good NBA frame and athleticism!

Main concern: Turnovers, mixed shooting indicators.

Path to sticking: Don't demand usage. Swing the ball. Hit open 3s. Use physical tools to play good defense.

NBA role if it works: "3 and D" point guard.

#58 – Kylan Boswell, Point Guard, Illinois

Age: 21.2 Height: 6'2 Wingspan: 6'7 Standing Reach: 7'11 Weight: 226lbs

Best NBA skill: Excellent physical tools.

Main concern: No standout NBA skill.

Path to sticking: Use his 6'7 wingspan, 226lbs frame, and excellent athleticism to be an elite perimeter defender.

NBA role if it works: "3 and D" guard defender.

#59 – Felix Okpara, Center, Tennessee

Age: 22.2 Height: 6’11” Wingspan: 7’2” Standing Reach: 9’4” Weight: 237.4 lbs

Best NBA skill: Real shot-blocking ability anchored by NBA center size and vertical tools.

Main concern: The feel, passing, and defensive rebounding are not good enough right now, so the overall profile is much narrower than the physical tools suggest.

Role on a good team: Low-minute backup 5 who protects the rim, crashes the glass, sets screens, and finishes plays around the basket.

Why ranked here: Okpara has a plausible NBA pathway because the core center tools are real: he can block shots, finish at the rim, and play a simple vertical role offensively. I buy him more as a stripped-down specialist than as a fully functional rotation big, because the offensive game needs to be simplified dramatically and the decision-making is shaky. He is not ranked higher because the impact metrics are poor for a senior, the passing is bad, the defensive rebounding is underwhelming, and the feel indicators do not suggest a complete defensive player outside of the shot blocking. That leaves me seeing a possible third-center outcome if he gets stronger and fully trims the fat from his game.

NBA value comp: Third string center that can finish in PNR and block shots.

#60 – Jaden Bradley, Point Guard, Arizona

Age: 22.8 Height: 6'2.5 Wingspan: 6'6 Standing Reach: 8' Weight: 205.4lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite defense.

Main concern: Turnovers, scoring efficiency.

Path to sticking: Be a great guard defender, make his 3s, keep the ball moving.

NBA role if it works: "3 and D" point guard.

#61 – Izaiyah Nelson, PF/C, South Florida

Age: 22.7 Height: 6’9” Wingspan: 7’2.5” Standing Reach: 9’0” Weight: 219 lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite vertical athleticism that shows up as rim running, offensive rebounding, and shot-blocking playmaking.

Main concern: He is far too light for a full-time NBA 5 and does not have the shooting or perimeter skill to cleanly play the 4.

Role on a good team: Energy backup big who finishes plays, attacks the offensive glass, blocks shots, and defends in space.

Why ranked here: Nelson has a real NBA pathway because the athletic tools are strong, the block/steal indicators are good for a big, and he clearly provides value as a low-usage garbage man finisher who can run, jump, and make defensive plays. I buy him as a mobile backup big who can survive on the perimeter better than most centers and generate some positive possessions through vertical playmaking and activity. He is not ranked higher because he is extremely light for the 5, fouls too much, and the offensive skill set is narrow: he does not project as a shooter, passer, or reliable creator. That leaves him as a fringe NBA / two-way caliber bet rather than a clean rotation player.

NBA value comp: Thin, mobile energy 5 in a two-way / camp big mold.

#62 – Tyler Bilodeau, Power Forward, UCLA

Age: 22.2 Height: 6'8 Wingspan: 7'1 Standing Reach: 8'11 Weight: 228lbs

Best NBA skill: 3pt shooting!

Main concern: Below the rim athleticism. Bad defender.

Path to sticking: Knock down 3s, be bad instead of horrendous on defense.

Why ranked here: Bilodeau shot 40% on 358 3pt attempts and 83 from the FT line. It's possible a coach other than Mick Cronin could get Bilodeau to bomb even more from 3.

NBA role if it works: Lower end Ryan Anderson.

#63 – William Kyle III, Center, Syracuse

Age: 22.3 Height: 6'9 Wingspan: 7'3 Weight: 230lbs

Best NBA skill: Shotblocking and explosive rim finishing

Main concern: Skinny, undersized center. Can block shots but will struggle on defensive glass and against big centers.

Path to sticking: Dive man and lob finisher that blocks a lot of shots. Can he get closer to 240lbs than 230lbs?

NBA role if it works: Energy shotblocker.

#64 – Tobi Lawal, Power Forward, Virginia Tech

Age: 23 Height: 6'8 Wingspan: 6'10.5 Standing Reach: 8'8.5 Weight: 214.4lbs

Best NBA skill: Rim finishing and rebounding.

Main concern: Severely undersized for role.

Path to sticking: Cut usage. Finish everything at basket and rebound. Get lucky and be paired next to stretch big.

Why ranked here: Tobi has some of the best athleticism for a power forward ever. But he has the skill and cognition of a center and he's only 6'8 214lbs.

NBA role if it works: Rim finishing, rebounding power forward.

#65 – Nate Bittle, Center, Oregon

Age: 23.1 Height: 7'0.5 Wingspan: 7'6 Weight: 253.8lbs

Best NBA skill: Awesome feel and skill for 7'0 has shooting touch.

Main concern: "Brittle" Bittle just hasn't stayed healthy. Below the rim athlete. 3pt shooting hasn't been consistent.

Path to sticking: Cut usage and turnovers. Focus on spotting up and making quick passes. Commit to rim protection and defensive rebounding.

NBA role if it works: Bench big that can play in some fun schemes with his skill and feel.

#66 – Jaxon Kohler, Power Forward, Michigan State

Age: 23 Height: 6'9.5 Wingspan: 6'11 Standing Reach: 8'11.5 Weight: 239.6lbs

Best NBA skill: Rebounding and 3pt shooting.

Main concern: Below the rim athleticism. Poor perimeter defense. Not big enough to play center.

Path to sticking: Knock down his 3s. Attack the glass. Find a way to not get killed on perimeter.

NBA role if it works: Stretch 4 with limited ball skills but plus rebounding.

#67 – Maliq Brown, Power Forward, Duke

Age: 22.6 Height: 6'9 Wingspan: 7'1 Standing Reach: 8'11 Weight: 216.6lbs

Best NBA skill: Team defense.

Main concern: Power forward size. Center skill level. Good not great athleticism.

Path to sticking: Hit corner 3s or add enough weight to play the 5.

NBA role if it works: Something like Jaylin Williams.

#68 – Lajae Jones, Small Forward, Florida State

Age: 22.1 Height: 6'8 Wingspan: 6'7.5 Standing Reach: 8'7.5 Weight: 228lbs

Best NBA skill: Event creation on defense with NBA body and some 3pt shooting.

Main concern: Inefficient scorer. Below average rim finisher. Doesn't pass much. Poor wingspan.

Path to sticking: Lock in on defense, hit open 3s.

NBA role if it works: Low usage "3 and D" wing.

#69 – Robert McCray V, Point Guard, FSU

Age: 23.7 Height: 6'4 Wingspan: 6'4 Standing Reach: 8'2.5 Weight: 193.6lbs

Best NBA skill: Elite passing paired with good defensive indicators and outstanding athleticism.

Main concern: 3pt shooting, overall efficiency, turnovers.

Path to sticking: Needs to give up usage. Learn to play off ball. Focus on defense, swinging the ball, hitting open shots, attacking decisively.

NBA role if it works: Plus passing guard off the bench that adds energy to his team.

#70 – Lamar Wilkerson, Shooting Guard, Indiana

Age: [ ] Height: 6'4.5 Wingspan: 6'7.5 Weight: 204.4lbs

Best NBA skill: 3pt shooting!

Main concern: Undersized shooter. Limited athlete by NBA standards.

Path to sticking: Bomb 3s. Be good enough on defense to stay on floor.

NBA role if it works: 3pt specialist off bench.

#71 – Isaac Johnson, Center, Hawaii

Age: 23 Height: 7'0 Weight: 240lbs

Best NBA skill: Stretch big floor spacing!

Main concern: Rim finishing, subpar athleticism, floor spacing more speculative than real.

Path to sticking: Converts his 84% FT shooting (elite for big) into shooting 35% from 3 on reasonable volume.

Why ranked here: Isaac has the potential to be a floor stretching 7-footer, probably the rarest role player archetype on the planet. The rest of his game isn't noteworthy, but it's also not terrible. It wouldn't stop him from getting on the floor if his 3-ball was consistent.

NBA role if it works: Floor spacing 5. Think Quinten Post.

#72 – Jack Kayil, Point Guard, ALBA Berlin

Age: 20.4 Height: 6’4.5” Wingspan: 6’6” Weight: 189 lbs

Best NBA skill: Big guard playmaking with enough size, passing feel, and foul-drawing ability to pressure an offense.

Main concern: The shooting has to improve, because a 32.3% career three-point mark paired with poor overall field-goal efficiency makes the offensive translation very shaky right now.

Role on a good team: Big backup point guard who organizes offense, draws fouls, rebounds his position well, and holds up defensively.

Why ranked here: Kayil has a plausible NBA pathway because being one of the better players in the German BBL at his age is a real signal, and the assist rate, steal rate, defensive rebounding, and free-throw drawing all point to a guard with useful feel and enough all-around substance to compete for a role. I buy him more as a table-setting point guard than as a scorer, and the 83.4% free-throw mark leaves open a real possibility that the jumper gets better. He is not ranked higher because the current scoring efficiency is poor, the three-point percentage is not good enough yet, and a guard with a negative offensive profile is hard to carry unless the shot comes around. That leaves him as a fringe NBA bet for now, with a real rotation path if the shooting improves.

NBA value comp: Big backup point guard with a fringe-to-rotation outcome depending on the jumper.

#73 – Keba Keita, Center, BYU

Age: 23 Height: 6'8 Wingspan: 7'3 Weight: 233lbs

Best NBA skill: Athleticism, shot blocking, rebounding, efficient rim scoring.

Main concern: Extremely undersized for NBA 5 at just 6'8.

Path to sticking: Bulk up to 240. Lean into his strengths - rim finishing, rebounding.

NBA role if it works: Energy big like Adem Bona.

#74 – Tobe Awaka, Center, Arizona

Age: 22.4 Height: 6'9 Wingspan: 7'2 Standing Reach: 8'9 Weight: 261.4lbs

Best NBA skill: Historically good rebounder. Rebounds like he's angry at the world.

Main concern: Everything else. Undersized center. Not a good finisher. Not a good rim protector.

Path to sticking: Rebounding maniac that finds a way to contribute some on defense.

NBA role if it works: His team unleashes him to be an absolute crazy person on the glass for 10 minutes a game. Houston Rockets?

#75 – Michael Ajayi, Power Forward, Butler

Age: 23 Height: 6'7 Wingspan: 7'1 Weight: 236.2lbs

Best NBA skill: Jacked, athletic, mobile power forward with excellent defensive rebounding.

Main concern: Has never been efficient in his career. Likes playing with usage. Won't work in league.

Path to sticking: Give up his usage and abandon his beloved midrangers. Hit corner 3s (50/50 possibility), commit to using excellent physical tools to defend and rebound.

NBA role if it works: Defense-and-rebound first low skill forward.

#76 – Rashaun Agee, Power Forward, Texas A&M

Age: 25 Height: 6'8 Wingspan: 7'1.5 Standing Reach: 8'11.5 Weight: 236lbs

Best NBA skill: Defensive rebounding and event creation, shines in certain impact metrics.

Main concern: Limited shooter.

Path to sticking: Play plus defense through rebounding and creating events. Hit open 3s.

NBA role if it works: Energy forward off the bench.

#77 – Amani Lyles, Power Forward, Akron

Age: 23 Height: 6'9 Wingspan: 7'0 Standing Reach: 8'9 Weight: 238lbs

Best NBA skill: Defensive rebounding and rim protection with some floor spacing.

Main concern: Below average NBA athlete. Overall shooting is iffy.

Path to sticking: Attacks the glass, plays defense, hits open 3s.

NBA role if it works: Energy 4 off bench.

#78 – Sam Hoiberg, Point Guard, Nebraska

Age: 23 Height: 6'0 Weight: 180 lbs

Best NBA skill: On-ball defense.

Main concern: Limited offensive ability. Needs to be strictly an off-ball player at 6'0.

Path to sticking: Guard the ball at a high level and knock down open 3s.

Why ranked here: Sam crushed certain analytics models and was an excellent defender who scored shockingly efficiently for an unathletic 6'0 player.

NBA role if it works: 4th string guard that provides change-of-pace defense in the regular season.

#79 – Bryce Hopkins, Small Forward, St. John's

Age: 23.8 Height: 6'7 Wingspan: 6'10.5 Standing Reach: 8'9 Weight: 219lbs

Best NBA skill: NBA small forward body and athleticism; decent ball skills.

Main concern: No standout skill to stick in the league.

Path to sticking: Drastically cut usage and embrace defense, rebounding, cutting.

NBA role if it works: Low usage energy forward that can hit an open shot.

#80 – Seth Trimble, Shooting Guard, North Carolina

Age: 21.9 Height: 6'2.5 Wingspan: 6'8 Standing Reach: 7'11 Weight: 200.6lbs

Best NBA skill: His world class athleticism!

Main concern: Doesn't have the skill to play on-ball in the NBA; unclear how much his -athleticism translates to winning defense.

Path to sticking: Focus on defense, hit an open 3, cut.

NBA role if it works: Energy guard to bother star guard athletes.

#81 – Noam Yaacov, Point Guard, Oostende

Age: 21.7 Height: 6’2” Wingspan: 6’2” Weight: 184.8 lbs

Best NBA skill: Pass-first point guard play built on strong assist production, downhill creation, and enough shooting volume to keep the defense honest.

Main concern: The translation is shaky because the league level is modest, the scoring efficiency was poor for a high-usage guard, and the turnover rate is still too high.

Role on a good team: Developmental backup point guard who gets into the lane, creates for others, and competes hard enough defensively to survive.

Why ranked here: Yaacov is worth considering because he was highly productive in a real professional setting (although a weaker overall domestic league), posted a strong assist rate, and at least shows enough three-point volume and touch to leave open a workable NBA shooting outcome. I buy the outline of a pass-first guard who can pressure the paint with quickness, make reads, and be functional enough defensively through effort and steal generation. He is not ranked higher because the scoring efficiency is not good enough, the league context makes clean translation very difficult, and a 19.4% turnover rate is a problem for a player whose value is tied to having the ball. That leaves him as more of a draft-and-stash developmental bet than a clean NBA-ready guard.

NBA value comp: Draft-and-stash pass-first backup point guard bet with big translation risk.

#82 – Anthony Roy, Shooting Guard, Oklahoma State

Age: 24 Height: 6'6.5 Wingspan: 6'8 Standing Reach: 8'3 Weight: 205lbs

Best NBA skill: 3pt shooting! Let them fly Roy.

Main concern: Everything else.

Path to sticking: Bomb 3s. Don't try to do anything else. Use size to play good-enough defense.

NBA role if it works: Off the bench 3pt gunner.

#83 – Nate Johnson, Shooting Guard, Kansas State

Age: 23 Height: 6'3.5 Wingspan: 6'7.5 Standing Reach: 8'2.5 Weight: 217lbs

Best NBA skill: Steals and dunks with an NBA frame and some shooting touch.

Main concern: Turnovers! Needs to play off ball.

Path to sticking: Reinvent himself as an off-ball 2 guard that plays defense and hits open shots.

NBA role if it works: Something like Jordan Goodwin.

#84 – Jamal Fuller, Shooting Guard, Long Island University

Age: 24 Height: 6'4 Wingspan: 6'10 Weight: 205.8lbs

Best NBA skill: NBA body - 6'10 wingspan, strong frame. No glaring weakness in his profile.

Main concern: Turnovers! No standout strength to hang hat in NBA.

Path to sticking: Lean into low usage "3 and D" role.

NBA role if it works: Energy shooting guard off bench.

#85 – DJ Armstrong, Shooting Guard, UMBC

Age: 23 Height: 6'3.5 Wingspan: 6'9 Weight: 189lbs

Best NBA skill: 3pt shooting! Career 90%+FT; 40%+ from 3pt.

Main concern: Very limited athlete. Extremely low usage at UMBC. Poor defender.

Path to sticking: Bomb 3s.

NBA role if it works: Seth Curry.

#86 – Dillon Mitchell, Power Forward, Cincinnati

Age: 22.7 Height: 6’8” Wingspan: 6’10.5” Standing Reach: 8’8.5” Weight: 202 lbs

Best NBA skill: High-end defensive tools and athleticism that give him a chance to guard wings and create events.

Main concern: The offense is so limited that it is hard to see how he stays on the floor without a nearly impossible shooting leap.

Role on a good team: Defense-first forward who runs in transition, cuts, and tries to survive offensively as a low-usage finisher.

Why ranked here: Mitchell has a plausible NBA pathway because the defensive tools are real: he is an elite athlete, posts good steal/block indicators, and has enough mobility to guard 2s and 3s while making some plays on that end. I buy the defense as good enough to at least earn him a look. He is not ranked higher because the offensive profile is extremely weak — he cannot shoot, is too small to play center, is not dominant enough as a rim finisher to overcome that, and does not offer enough passing to function as a real offensive connector. That leaves him as a flier-type prospect whose case is built almost entirely on defense and athletic tools.

NBA value comp: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson-style defensive flier, but with a very narrow offensive pathway.

#87 – Tayton Conerway, Point Guard, Indiana

Age: 24 Height: 6'3 Wingspan: 6'3.5 Weight: 190lbs

Best NBA skill: Defensive event creation! Tayton has elite defensive numbers. He's also an outstanding rim finisher.

Main concern: Poor 3pt shooting. Playing time fell apart at IU.

Path to sticking: Play defense like a maniac. Learn to hit an open 3.

NBA role if it works: Defense first guard off the bench.

Players I'm higher on than consensus:

• Cam Boozer

• Yaxel Lendeborg

• Cameron Carr

• Bennett Stirtz

• Allen Graves

• Ebuka Okorie

• Zuby Ejiofor

• Bruce Thornton

• Tyler Nickel

• Deep cuts:

  • Chad Baker-Mazara

  • Ernest Udeh Jr.

  • Oscar Cluff

  • Donovan Atwell

    
    

My biggest fades vs consensus

• Nate Ament

• Christian Anderson

• Koa Peat

My general draft "edges" this year:

• Draft Cam Boozer.

• Draft Yaxel Lendeborg.

  • You'll get a potential top 50 NBA player on a cheap team controlled contract in his prime.

• Don't draft a PG top 10.

  • Trade back, collect draft capital, draft Stirtz or Okorie.

• Several power forwards are underrated:

  • Cam Boozer, Yaxel, Graves, Zuby, etc.

• Two shooting guards--Brayden Burries and Cam Carr--are underrated relative to consensus and are T10 talents.

• This draft is overflowing with talent 1-25 or so.

  • A team has no excuse for not getting a good player in the first round.

  • Smart teams should be able to crush this draft.

    
    

Hardest evaluations in the class

• Sorting all the point guards.

• Zuby Ejiofor.

• Jayden Quaintance.