2018 NBA Draft Big Board: Late October

25. Nick Richards, C, Kentucky

Richards is entering a Kentucky program that tends to have success when it comes to high-end center prospects. With a near-7’0″ frame and plenty of length (7’4” wingspan), Richards has the physical tools alone to help continue that trend.

Defense is where Richards will carve out his niche in a draft class loaded with frontcourt talent. He’s a mobile defender who has shown promise switching onto the perimeter and has excellent instincts as a shot-blocker. A questionable motor is the only thing standing between him and elite status on that side of the ball.

Offensively, however, Richards has a lot more room left to grow. He’s not much of a threat on the perimeter, with most of his production coming either in transition or as the finisher in pick-and-rolls. He’s an easy lob target with some flashes of touch around the rim, but doesn’t have the kind of offensive upside that his more elite counterparts have shown.