2018 NBA Mock Draft: A way-too-early look ahead

Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All-American West forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) poses with the trophy after winning the John Wooden Award as the most valuable player for the 40th Annual McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 18, 2016; Ft. Meyers, FL, USA; Patrick School Celtics center Nick Richards (23) blocks the shot of Hudson Catholic Hawks forward Louis King (2) during the first half at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Richards is the rim-running big man whom John Calipari will look to mold into a potential lottery pick in 2017-18. With prototypical size, length, and athleticism for the center position, Richards will be both exciting and intriguing to watch.

Richards fits the mold of the contemporary athletic center, and there’s no better coach to help him turn that into offensive success than Coach Cal.

Richards stands at just under 7’0″ with a near 7’4″ wingspan and an explosive vertical leap for a player his size. He should be a force of nature in the pick and roll, as well as an active participant in the battle for the offensive boards.

Richards should also excel as a shot-blocker in a system that encourages players to play to their strengths on the defensive end of the floor.

Offensively, the key for Richards is going to be showing he can either play from the post or shoot with reasonable range. He’s shown flashes, although playing without the ball and working the pick and roll is more of his strength.

Richards compares favorably to Willie Cauley-Stein, who was a lottery pick and is now making a decent name for himself in the NBA.