The draft is less than 24 hours away, which means it’s time to do some last minute studying up on all the prospects.
To help you cram, here’s everything you need to know about the 10 best players to throw their hats into the ring.
1. DEANDRE AYTON
Center / Arizona / Freshman
Physical attributes
Height: 7’0”
Weight: 243
Wingspan: 7’5”
The numbers
20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 62.5% EFG, 34.3% 3PT
In 25 words or less
A overpowering monstrosity whose body was personally carved by the basketball gods.
Primary strengths
It’s Ayton’s sheer size, strength and athleticism which really stand out, and he has more than enough of all three to dominate at the next level.
The former Wildcat has also shown he can hit the outside shot and he’s a sneaky-good passer.
Primary weaknesses
Ayton struggles on defence at times and is yet to develop reliable instincts at that end of the floor.
His intensity has also been brought into question at times.
Players comparison
Patrick Ewing
2. MARVIN BAGLEY III
Power Forward / Duke / Freshman
Physical attributes
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 234
Wingspan: 7’0”
The numbers
21.0 points, 11.1 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, 64% EFG, 39.7% 3PT
In 25 words or less
A relentless, athletic ball of energy with the skills of a center and the body of a forward.
Primary strengths
Lightning-quick first step and handles the ball well, especially in the open court.
Has all the physical tools to become an elite perimeter defender.
Primary weaknesses
As good as Bagley can be right away as a perimeter defender, he will struggle to guard the league’s biggest players due to his frame.
Despite respectable shooting numbers, his form is rather suspect, meaning his jumper cannot be relied upon.
Players comparison
Amar’e Stoudemire
3. LUKA DONCIC
Point Guard / Real Madrid / Slovenia
Physical attributes
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 228
Wingspan: N/A
The numbers
14.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 53.1% EFG, 31.2% 3PT
In 25 words or less
The most decorated 19-year-old in European basketball history, equipped with just about everything he needs to become an NBA star.
Primary strengths
Game-changing passer complete with freakish vision, pinpoint accuracy and the sheer nerve to dish up borderline disrespectful dimes.
Already an incredible ball handler with a soft touch around the rim.
Primary weaknesses
Not quick enough to contain the speediest of guards and can find himself a little lost defending the pick and roll.
Players comparison
Manu Ginobili crossed with James Harden
4. MICHAEL PORTER JR
Forward / Missouri / Freshman
Physical attributes
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 211
Wingspan: 9’0”
The numbers
10.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 38.3% EFG, 30.0% 3PT
In 25 words or less
A versatile, do-it-all forward who still has plenty to prove after playing just two games in his only college season.
Primary strengths
Has the combination of size and shooting that architects of modern NBA offences dream about.
Handles the ball well and plays with supreme confidence.
Primary weaknesses
Passing and physicality have been slightly underwhelming during his limited appearances.
Question marks will linger over his health status until he gets through a substantial number of games unscathed.
Player comparison
Otto Porter Jr
5. JAREN JACKSON JR
Center / Michigan State / Freshman
Physical attributes
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 236
Wingspan: 7’5”
The numbers
10.9 rebounds, 5.8 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, 59.5% EFG, 39.6% 3PT
In 25 words or less
Reliable big man who’s proven he can excel at both ends before even turning 19.
Primary strengths
If it’s shot blockers you’re into, you’ve come to the right place. Jackson has an uncanny knack for timing his rejections to perfection and can swat balls away with either hand.
Can finish with either hand and has the strength and desire to take it to the rack with authority.
Primary weaknesses
Doesn’t rebound at the rate you’d expect from someone of his size.
Despite hitting at a decent clip, his shooting motion is rather funky and may raise some concerns for NBA scouts.
Player comparison
Myles Turner
6. TRAE YOUNG
Point Guard / Oklahoma / Freshman
Physical attributes
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 178
Wingspan: 6’3”
The numbers
27.4 points, 8.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 51.9% EFG, 36.1% 3PT
In 25 words or less
A perimeter scorer who started his college career with an almighty bang, before dropping off and subsequently igniting fierce debate over his professional prospects.
Primary strengths
Bore a striking resemblance to Steph Curry with his wild offensive exploits during the first half of the season.
Has the ability to hit shots from all over the floor and possesses a killer handle.
Primary weaknesses
Questionable shot selection and shooting action. His release is a little low for many scouts’ liking.
Has rarely been accused of busting his ass of defence.
Player comparison
Trey Burke
7. COLLIN SEXTON
Point Guard / Alabama / Freshman
Physical attributes
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 183
Wingspan: 6’7”
The numbers
19.2 points, 3.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 49.8% EFG, 33.6% 3PT
In 25 words or less
Electric point guard who will run the ball down your throat, let you know all about it afterwards and ignite his teammates in the process.
Primary strengths
Has all the tools to become a devastatingly good defensive player.
Can finish with either hand, and often does.
Has a knack for picking off passes and is a cold-blooded killer in the open court.
Primary weaknesses
Poor shot selection at times.
Not a born passer.
Player comparison
Eric Bledsoe
8. MOHAMED BAMBA
Position / College / Year
Physical attributes
Height: 7’1”
Weight: 226
Wingspan: 7’10”
The numbers
12.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, 56.7% EFG, 27.5% 3PT
In 25 words or less
Unbelievably long big man whose wingspan made theNBA Draft Combine record books.
Primary strengths
Has more defensive upside than anyone in the draft.
Has also shown the ability to hit the outside shot, making him a potentially deadly two-way force.
Can tie his shoes while standing up straight.
Primary weaknesses
Gets pushed around despite his size and isn’t quite as strong as you’d think.
Sometimes lacks the fire many would love to see from him.
Player comparison
Rudy Gobert
9. KEVIN KNOX
Forward / Kentucky / Freshman
Physical attributes
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 213
Wingspan: 6’11”
The numbers
15.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 51.1% EFG, 34.1% 3PT
In 25 words or less
An unpolished but supremely talented scorer with the chance to be a genuine NBA bucket-getter.
Primary strengths
Expertly navigates pick and roll situations and a fantastic finisher.
Has shown he can find ways to be effective when he doesn’t have the ball in his hands.
Primary weaknesses
Not a great rebounder or passer.
Prone to shooting a little early into the shot clock (put your hand down, Mike D’Antoni).
Player comparison
Jeff Green
10. WENDLL CARTER JR
Center / Duke / Freshman
Physical attributes
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 251
Wingspan: 7’4”
The numbers
13.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, EFG% 59.1, 3PT% 41.3
In 25 words or less
Versatile big man whose agility and mobility defies his solid frame.
Primary strengths
Great passer and knows how to be on the receiving too, possessing very soft hands.
Good rebounder and knows how to defend the paint.
Primary weaknesses
Not overly athletic and plays below the rim as a result.
Injured his foot in January and the details were never released. We all know how nervous everyone gets about foot injuries suffered by big men, and with good reason.
Player comparison
Al Horford
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