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For the 3rd year in a row, I imagine: What if NBA teams could only draft graduating NCAA seniors?
Here are my top-10:
1) New Orleans Pelicans - Matisse Thybulle, 6’5 195 wing from Washington.
With his seven-foot wingspan, Thybulle has gotten the reputation as one of the best defensive wings in the country. He’s a plug and play guy will bring major defensive tenacity to New Orleans’ bench right away in his rookie season.
2) Memphis Grizzlies - Cameron Johnson, 6’9 210 forward from UNC.
The combination of his size and excellent shooting ability, Johnson has the capability to start right away at the 3 for Memphis.
3) New York Knicks - Dylan Windler, 6’8 200 wing from Belmont.
The Knicks shot a terrible 34% from 3 last season and the team is in most dire need of wings that can create their own shot. Not only is Windler a good shooter, but he is a surprisingly good rebounder (10.8 per game) and is a better passer and defender compared to most sharpshooters from the NCAA.
4) Los Angeles Lakers - Admiral Scofield, 6’6 241 forward from Tennessee.
One of my favorite NCAA players over the last two years, Scofield is more than a bruiser and he’s done a great job improving his perimeter game to the tune of averaging about 41% from 3 over his last two seasons. In addition to his basketball ability, he’s a hard-work with a good head on his shoulders who can keep a level head in the chaos of LA.
5) Cleveland Cavaliers - DaQuan Jeffries, 6’5 230 wing from Tulsa.
Good for Jeffries for having his stock skyrocket thanks to a great showing in the Portsmouth invitational. Cleveland has arguably the worst defense in the NBA so Jeffires motor, strength and 7-foot wingspan will help him defend a wide range of players. He’s also an underrated outside shooter thanks to a career 37.5% clip from three.
6) Phoenix Suns - Eric Paschall, 6’8 255 forward from Villanova
Phoenix’s three-point shooting is awful and Paschall brings a combination of toughness along with a willingness to shoot from distance. His size and stretch ability makes him an awkward defensive mismatch for opponents.
7) Chicago Bulls - Zylan Cheatham, 6’8 220 forward from Arizona State
A bull-dozer of a rebounder and a very active defender. He only shot 35 3Ps last year, but hit at a 44% rate. With a team that has a lot of guards and centers, Cheatham is a good backup for Markkanen, especially with his injury rates.
8) Atlanta Hawks - Cody Martin, 6’7 205 wing from Nevada
His brother Caleb got more hype as a player, but Cody is a better NBA prospect due to his strong handle, better defense than Caleb and a more efficient scorer (50.5 FG%). Would be a great backup at the 3 behind Prince.
9) Washington Wizards - Aric Holman, 6’10 225 big from Mississippi State
A 42.9 3P% and 1.6 blocks/game makes for Holman to be a stretch-big that can protect the rim and help with spacing.
10) Atlanta Hawks - Justin Wright-Foreman 6’2 190 guard from Hofstra
One player I regret not watching live, JWF is a microwave scorer who can shoot from deep and penetrate to the line. He could play with or backup Trae Young and provide the team a risky, but potentially high-ceiling option.
Here are my top-10:
1) New Orleans Pelicans - Matisse Thybulle, 6’5 195 wing from Washington.
With his seven-foot wingspan, Thybulle has gotten the reputation as one of the best defensive wings in the country. He’s a plug and play guy will bring major defensive tenacity to New Orleans’ bench right away in his rookie season.
2) Memphis Grizzlies - Cameron Johnson, 6’9 210 forward from UNC.
The combination of his size and excellent shooting ability, Johnson has the capability to start right away at the 3 for Memphis.
3) New York Knicks - Dylan Windler, 6’8 200 wing from Belmont.
The Knicks shot a terrible 34% from 3 last season and the team is in most dire need of wings that can create their own shot. Not only is Windler a good shooter, but he is a surprisingly good rebounder (10.8 per game) and is a better passer and defender compared to most sharpshooters from the NCAA.
4) Los Angeles Lakers - Admiral Scofield, 6’6 241 forward from Tennessee.
One of my favorite NCAA players over the last two years, Scofield is more than a bruiser and he’s done a great job improving his perimeter game to the tune of averaging about 41% from 3 over his last two seasons. In addition to his basketball ability, he’s a hard-work with a good head on his shoulders who can keep a level head in the chaos of LA.
5) Cleveland Cavaliers - DaQuan Jeffries, 6’5 230 wing from Tulsa.
Good for Jeffries for having his stock skyrocket thanks to a great showing in the Portsmouth invitational. Cleveland has arguably the worst defense in the NBA so Jeffires motor, strength and 7-foot wingspan will help him defend a wide range of players. He’s also an underrated outside shooter thanks to a career 37.5% clip from three.
6) Phoenix Suns - Eric Paschall, 6’8 255 forward from Villanova
Phoenix’s three-point shooting is awful and Paschall brings a combination of toughness along with a willingness to shoot from distance. His size and stretch ability makes him an awkward defensive mismatch for opponents.
7) Chicago Bulls - Zylan Cheatham, 6’8 220 forward from Arizona State
A bull-dozer of a rebounder and a very active defender. He only shot 35 3Ps last year, but hit at a 44% rate. With a team that has a lot of guards and centers, Cheatham is a good backup for Markkanen, especially with his injury rates.
8) Atlanta Hawks - Cody Martin, 6’7 205 wing from Nevada
His brother Caleb got more hype as a player, but Cody is a better NBA prospect due to his strong handle, better defense than Caleb and a more efficient scorer (50.5 FG%). Would be a great backup at the 3 behind Prince.
9) Washington Wizards - Aric Holman, 6’10 225 big from Mississippi State
A 42.9 3P% and 1.6 blocks/game makes for Holman to be a stretch-big that can protect the rim and help with spacing.
10) Atlanta Hawks - Justin Wright-Foreman 6’2 190 guard from Hofstra
One player I regret not watching live, JWF is a microwave scorer who can shoot from deep and penetrate to the line. He could play with or backup Trae Young and provide the team a risky, but potentially high-ceiling option.
