2018 NBA Draft: The first of many big boards (lottery edition)

14. Trevon Duval – Duke

Look at his physique and Trevon Duval has everything you want in a modern point guard. He’s a bit under 6’3″, but with a near 6’10” wingspan, he more than makes up for it. His measurements are matched by tremendous athleticism, which makes him a tough guard for opposing point guards.

Thanks to his length, he may have some potential to guard some 2s. Add in the fact that he’s pretty strong and you get the idea of how much of a handful he is.

His athleticism alone is reason enough to buy his stock. Duval’s profile also gives him the appeal of two-way potential. That makes for an exciting prospect, so why is he this low? Well, it has a lot to do with what he does with the ball in his hands.

Heading into his freshman year at Duke, Duval is both turnover-prone and a bad decision-maker. You can’t be an elite point guard if that’s the case. If he doesn’t show major improvements in those areas, it’s hard to see him being more than a late lottery pick.

Now, he does flash strong passing potential despite the turnovers. Duval is lethal in transition, and in the half court where he can both explode and wiggle past defenders. But without consistent decision-making or a great jumper, which he doesn’t have right now, it’s unclear if he can be a net positive offensively. The tools are there, though, if Duke and Coach K can reel in his deficiencies.