As October comes to an end, let’s look ahead at the 2018 NBA Draft class and who may be relevant next June.
Unpredictability. That’s what makes the NBA Draft so fun. Whether your team’s at the bottom of the standings or vying for a playoff spot, there’s no guarantee as to whether or not the player they draft pans out as expected.
Just look at the early returns from 2017’s rookie class. Markelle Fultz, albeit hindered by a shoulder injury, hasn’t been the same player that soared to the top of draft boards at Washington. Kyle Kuzma flew under the radar as a late first round pick, but has since established himself as a real part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ core.
You never truly know what you’re going to get, and that’s what makes covering the draft such an intriguing task. It’s about projections and assumptions, with team fit and the current trends all facilitating how a player’s value is perceived. Simply put, there’s a certain level of variability that keeps the storylines coming and the possibilities rolling.
While it’s too early to make any worthwhile predictions on a team-by-team basis, it’s never too early to get a grasp on where certain prospects stand at the season’s start. Here is my top 30 as of right now:
30. Andrew Jones, PG, Texas
Not many players have the potential to see their stock grow as much as Jones’ could by next June. He already set the bar fairly high after a strong freshman year, and seems primed to enter the draft with a 2018 class that won’t have much point guard depth in front of him.
An explosive 6’4” guard with long arms and plenty of quickness, Jones’ athleticism is what’ll keep most scouts intrigued. He’s still working on his 3-point stroke and will need to show more growth as a decision-maker, but his ability to push the pace in transition or get to the rim in half-court sets gives him enough tools to succeed early.
He’ll also bring some nice defensive upside at the next level. His frame hasn’t filled out yet, but his motor is in the right place. How much polish he can add between now and June could mean the difference between a late lottery pick and a second round selection.
29. V.J. King, SF, Louisville
Standing around 6’6” with a 6’10” wingspan, King boasts tremendous potential as a 3-and-D wing. He hit on 42.1 percent of his shots from deep last season, and enters his sophomore year with a potentially-expanded workload following the departure of Donovan Mitchell.
Most of King’s production will come via his outside shooting, where strong off-ball movement and instincts make him a reliable threat coming off of screens and in dribble handoff scenarios. He also flashed some potential in isolation, using fluid handles and a high release point to find space and elevate from mid-range.
Defensively is where King can work his way into the first round though, as he could be able to guard four positions long-term. He’ll need to continue adding strength, but his combination of length, lateral quickness and effort make him one of the more intriguing prospects on that end.
28. Rodions Kurucs, SF, Barcelona
Kurucs was in the mid-to-late first round conversation last season, but inevitably decided to return to Europe for another season under the Barcelona umbrella — where he’s currently averaging 10 points per game for Barca’s secondary team.
The 2018 class is theroetically weaker than 2017’s once you venture outside the lottery, but some lingering concerns hold Kurucs back. He’s a plus athlete at 6’8″, but is still thin in build and lacks a certain degree of offensive consistency, especially from deep.
Kurucs projects well as a perimeter threat who can create his own shot in the half-court, but the former hasn’t necessarily come to fruition yet. He averaged just 31.9 percent from 3-point range last season, and is a historically streaky shooter overall.
27. Abdoulaye N’Doye, PG, Cholet
N’Doye is a bit of a wildcard, but his 7’2” wingspan is the only number necessary to understand his NBA appeal. It’s not often that you see a 6’7”point guard, much less one with that kind of length. If he’s able to continue adding to his game offensively, the defensive upside alone is enough to get the Frenchman into the first round conversation.
With that being said, we’re still a few years away from seeing what N’Doye can do at full capacity. He’s an iffy shooter at best, and lacks the advanced handles that most first round guards possess. His size gives him an advantage as a playmaker, especially in the pick-and-roll, but he’s nowhere near maximizing that potential yet.
A lead guard who can guard three or four positions and switch at will is something any team would like, though, and N’Doye is the kind of project a competitive team could be willing to take on. He’s flying under the radar, but expect his hype to spike upwards once the draft gets closer.
26. Grayson Allen, PG/SG, Duke
Putting any negative feelings aside, Allen is firmly atop the senior class entering the 2018 campaign. He had a down year last year, but injuries and Luke Kennard’s explosion are unlikely to hold him back again — especially since, you know, Kennard is in the NBA now.
At his best, Allen profiles as the kind of sixth man-esque talent that a lot of NBA teams can benefit from. He gets after things on defense, and is a capable creator who can score in bunches offensively.
Duke is once again projected as the best team in college basketball, and Allen will be at the forefront of any success they have. Through all the tripping incidents, the former 5-star recruit remains a hard worker with a lot of talent. Expect a bounce-back season in his fourth year wearing a Blue Devils jersey.
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.
24. Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Villanova
Bridges fits almost seamlessly into the 3-and-D label that most analysts like to throw out when it comes to draft prospects. His ceiling isn’t that high, but spot-up shooting and defensive potential should allow him to contribute as a quality role player from day one.
With a 6’6” frame and a wingspan that’s nearing 7’1”, Bridges has the length needed to guard a handful of positions at the next level. His frame has some room left to fill out, but he’s already reasonably strong with the instincts needed to back up those physical tools.
He was a 39.1 percent shooter from deep as well, with the off-ball chops needed to thrive in almost any system. His ball-handling is rudimentary and he poses little to no isolation threat, but he plays his role well enough to find plenty of success without going too far outside his comfort zone.
23. Hamidou Diallo, SG, Kentucky
Diallo almost went none-and-done last season, but decided to stick with Kentucky for his first (and likely only) season of actual college ball. He’ll join a Wildcats team that’s full of high-level talent but lacks reliable floor-spacing, which will be an odd mix considering Diallo’s deficiencies as a shooter.
Almost all of Diallo’s stock is rooted in his athleticism. He’s 6’6” with a 6’11” wingspan and has some serious bunnies around the rim, but isn’t polished enough to be considered a lottery pick as it currently stands. A noticeable hitch in his jumper and some loose handles are things he’ll need to address once the season gets underway.
He’s a terror in the open court with serious upside as a defender, but shouldn’t be viewed as a top flight prospect until he shows the necessary improvements.
22. Mitchell Robinson, C, N/A
Robinson originally committed to Western Kentucky, but ended up leaving the school after an odd fiasco this summer. He’ll now take a year off to prepare for the draft.
Whether or not skipping out on college will hurt Robinson is an unknown, but there’s still plenty to like as a prospect. He’s a mobile 7’1” with a 7’4” wingspan, allowing him to eat up space defensively and making him plenty efficient as a finisher around the rim.
His offensive repertoire is relegated mostly to rim-running at this point, but he has shown flashes of touch and a mid-range jumper that could become a more viable weapon in time. We won’t get a feel for where Robinson stands among NBA scouts until pre-draft workouts, though.
21. Arnoldas Kulboka, SF/PF, Capo D’Orlando
Through three games on lease to Capo D’Orlando this season, Kulboka is averaging 12 points per contest in over 30 minutes on the floor — all while hitting at a not-so-sustainable rate of 64.3 percent from deep. He’ll obviously cool off in the coming weeks, but his hot start does highlight some of the more promising facets of his game.
Kulboka’s versatility is something NBA teams will love. He’s 6’10” with a near-7’0″ wingspan, and scores reasonably well at all three levels. He’s fluid coming off of screens and spotting up from deep, but is also mobile enough to put the ball on the floor and create his own looks from mid-range.
That comes with some inherent defensive versatility as well. His frame is still way too thin to contain NBA 4s and 5s, but he could feasibly guard three or four positions at his physical peak. He’ll be 20 with plenty of room (and time) to grow by the time June hits.
20. Isaac Bonga, PG/SF, Frankfurt
As somebody who only recently turned 18, there’s a lot that we haven’t discovered yet with Bonga’s game. He has the feel and vision of a point guard, with the size needed to exploit unique angles as a passer. Defense will also be a struggle though, as his athletic profile doesn’t fit as well as one might think across multiple positions.
Bonga shouldn’t be an NBA player next season, as stashing him overseas and waiting on his development is the best course. He’ll make smart plays with the ball and has enough ball-handling skills needed to run an offense, but doesn’t have the creation skills that your typical point guard might boast.
He’s also thin in build and relatively slow-footed for a player who’s supposed to play point guard at his size. He isn’t strong or long enough to handle 2s on a consistent basis, and doesn’t have the lateral mobility to stick with more athletic point guards. Those are some of the challenges that’ll come with trying to unlock his top-20 potential.
19. De’Anthony Melton, PG/SG, USC
Melton was one of the more surprising freshmen last season, emerging as a reliable weapon for a USC team that competed well in March. He’ll be tasked with carrying a bigger load this season, both as a scorer and a facilitator, which should give scouts a good idea of just how far he has progressed.
At 6’3” with a 6’8” wingspan, Melton profiles as one of the better defensive guards in the 2018 class. He gets after it on each play, and displays nice instincts both on the ball and in passing lanes. That comes with the ability to potentially guard three positions, which is the kind of versatility today’s teams crave.
He’ll need to improve his perimeter shooting (28.4 percent) and ball-handling offensively, but proved himself to be a capable shot-maker with a lot of smarts when it comes to passing the ball. He’s a bit of a project, but it’s more a case of bringing him from good to great than building from nothing.
18. Troy Brown, SG/SF, Oregon
Brown will join an Oregon team that lost quite a few pieces last season, with Tyler Dorsey, Dillon Brooks and Dylan Ennis being the most notable. That opens up some serious holes on the perimeter, which Brown can help fill.
While he isn’t the explosive athlete that most 5-star prospects are, Brown’s physical tools bode well on the defensive end. He’s 6’6” with a 6’11” wingspan, allowing him to guard across the positional spectrum while playing a gritty, high-I.Q. brand of basketball on that side of the ball.
Offensively, Brown does nice work as both a slasher and a shooter, with passing instincts that tend to fly under the radar. He won’t run the offense per se, but has a nice feel for where his teammates are and can drop some nice dimes when afforded the opportunity. That’s the kind of all-around talent teams crave.
17. Chimezie Metu, PF/C, USC
While not an overly long 6’10”, Metu makes up for his lack of length with plenty of athleticism around the rim. He’s a springy defender underneath who’s mobile enough to step out and guard in space, while his offensive repertoire showed major improvement down the stretch of last season.
One of those improvement areas was his shot, something he’ll need to build upon next season. He doesn’t shoot the ball from deep, but showed some mid-range touch that could evolve into one of his more dangerous weapons — especially as he becomes more comfortable attacking closeouts. He also has a nice set of hook shots and spins he can use to carve out space in the paint, with much-improved touch.
Metu still needs to up his toughness on defense and on the boards, where his athleticism can sometimes be negated by stronger, more physical bodies.
16. Kevin Knox, SF/PF, Kentucky
Standing at 6’9” with a 7’0″ wingspan, Knox has the tools to become one of this year’s more versatile two-way pieces. His physical tools will make him a valuable defender, but it’s the freshman’s offensive game that will determine how high or low his stock is next summer.
One of the foremost issues with Knox is the streaky nature of his jumper. He has a slight hitch in his 3-point shot, but has a level of fluidity and body control that should make him a dangerous go-to scorer for the Wildcats next season. He can handle in transition, create his own look off the bounce and is a noted high-flyer when he gets around the rim. It’s just a matter of consistently hitting long range shots when afforded the opportunity.
Knox could see his stock rise quite a bit with a strong season. He’ll be playing alongside a Kentucky team that won’t have much floor-spacing, which means he’ll have plenty of opportunities to shoot from deep if his shots are falling.
15. Justin Jackson, SF/PF, Maryland
Jackson quickly emerged as the best prospect with his name last season, and will look to continue that momentum in his sophomore year. He’s 6’7” with 7’3” wingspan, giving him the length needed to guard four positions while playing either forward spot offensively. Again, it’s that recurring theme of versatility that makes some prospects so valuable.
In 28.1 minutes per game, Jackson racked up 0.8 blocks and 0.9 steals — numbers he will look to expand upon in a larger role. He’s an excellent roamer, whether that be snaking his way through passing lanes or chasing down weak-side blocks, and has the lateral quickness to stick with guards at a high level. There’s inherent value in any player with that kind of malleability on the defensive end.
Offensively, J-Jax hit on 44.1 percent of his 3-point attempts. There’s a chance that he won’t sustain that kind of efficiency next season, but teams will be looking for another strong campaign shooting the ball to validate him as a potential lottery pick.
14. Jarred Vanderbilt, PF, Kentucky
While a foot injury will keep Vanderbilt out to start the season, recent statements from John Caliapari mean he could be back sooner than the January, which was the original target for his return. Assuming he’s back to full health and performs well before the season’s end, Vanderbilt remains one of the more underrated 5-star freshmen in this year’s class.
There’s a chance that the 6’9” forward waits until next year to make the transition to NBA ball, but his skill-set is something teams could fall in love with early. He’s still iffy as a shooter, but has long arms, plenty of athleticism and a highly diverse group of skills to make up for it.
He’s at his best in the open court, where his court vision allows him to take rebounds and push the ball up court as a bonafide playmaker. He also shows some nice vision in half-court sets, dropping dimes from the high post while boasting some potential in the 4/5 pick-and-roll. He’s as versatile as they come, and should turn some heads upon his eventual Wildcats debut.
13. Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
Sexton isn’t the tallest point guard at 6’2”, but makes up for that with a 6’7” wingspan, athleticism to burn and a seemingly endless source of energy on both sides of the ball. He grinds out every play defensively, and is a firecracker when the ball flips to the offensive end.
There are some clear flaws in Sexton’s game, starting with his shooting. He’s a below-average 3-point shooter, and doesn’t necessarily have the most effecient offensive game. His quick first step and crafty ball-handling means he can create shots at will, though, while also allowing him to get to the rim and finish through traffic.
Defensively, Sexton’s length and hustle alone is enough to make him effective against either guard spot. He hounds ball handlers one-on-one and is willing to cover a lot of ground in order to make a play when stationed off the ball. At the very least, he’ll get on an NBA floor and outwork 99 percent of those opposite to him.
12. Wendell Carter, PF/C, Duke
Carter is almost caught between two eras, with hints of a throwback big accompanied by an impressive skill-set that gives off some Al Horford-esque vibes. He’s 6’10” with a 7’3” wingspan and plenty of bulk, which should allow him to bang with NBA-level athletes underneath from day one.
His strength, combined with sneaky mobility, makes him an effective defender in the post, and should help him stake out some nice positioning on the boards as well. He’ll add to that with a nice array of moves on the block offensively, as well as the passing instincts needed to hit cutters from the high post or kick it out to the perimeter when working underneath.
Carter isn’t a proven shooter necessarily, but he has shown flashes out to the 3-point line. His stroke looks clean and he does a nice job attacking closeouts, so that’s something scouts will keep an eye on once he’s tasked with translating it against collegiate competition.
11. Lonnie Walker, SG, Miami (FL)
At 6’4” with a near-6’11” wingspan, Walker is one of the more impressive athletes in the 2018 guard crop. He has the tools to defend 1-3 at a high level, while his perimeter shooting gives him a stable floor as a reliable 3-and-D piece — with far more room to grow.
Walker’s quick first step, explosive athleticism and high release point allow him to create his own shot at times, with more dynamic handles being the next step in that development. He’s also a crafty finisher around the rim, showing impressive hang time and the strength needed to finish through contact.
He’ll be paired alongside another elite guard in Bruce Brown this season, setting up Miami for extended success while creating arguably the most exciting backcourt duo in the country. Both should be lottery talents next June.
10. Trevon Duval, PG, Duke
I was skeptical at first, but I’m all-in on buying Duval stock heading into next season. He’ll experience some of the same issues that De’Aaron Fox did without a reliable jumper, but is a more advanced playmaker than the reigning No. 5 pick and has a sky-high basketball I.Q. with enticing physical tools.
Duval can’t shoot, and his release is ugly. Like, worse than Lonzo Ball in terms of aesthetic dissatisfaction. What he can do, though, is pass the basketball. He’s a visionary in the pick-and-roll while displaying some excellent feel in transition. That’s paired alongside tight, shifty handles and a quick first step, which should translate to him getting into the teeth of the defense at will.
He also doubles as an elite defensive prospect, standing at 6’3” and wielding a 6’9” wingspan. That could allow him to guard up to three positions, while his grittiness and instincts will help him rack up turnovers at a high clip. He’ll be the primary facilitator for arguably the best team in the nation. Expect his stock to explode sooner rather than later.
9. Miles Bridges, SF/PF, Michigan State
Bridges is a natural power forward with a 6’6” frame, which leaves a handful of question marks when it comes to the defensive end. He isn’t overly long with a 6’9” wingspan, but does have the strength needed to hold his own against NBA 4s — which is his more comfortable position at the moment.
With all of that said, Bridges does add another layer of versatility to a draft class that hammers home the importance of multifaceted skill-sets in today’s league. Bridges needs to clean up his handles a bit, but showed promise as a shot creator last season while nailing 38.9 percent of his shots from deep.
His strength and motor should translate into a reliable, switch-heavy defensive presence at the next level, while his offensive repertoire will look to blossom even more in his second year under Tom Izzo. Bridges would’ve been a lottery pick last season, and enters the 2017-18 campaign as the favorite for National Player of the Year.
8. Robert Williams, PF/C, Texas A&M
Williams is an athletic freak, standing at 6’10” with a 7’4” wingspan and boasting one of the highest defensive ceilings in this year’s class. His long arms and quick feet allow him to cover an impressive amount of ground on that side of the ball, while also making him one of the most impactful shot-blockers in college basketball.
Not many bigs can cover the interior as well as Williams can and switch onto the perimeter with success. He has the lateral quickness to check guards when needed, and was able to get his hands on 3-point attempts at an uncanny rate last season — which isn’t exactly an everyday occurrence.
Williams is still learning on offense, but he’s a bouncy finisher who excels in the pick-and-roll and has shown some semblance of a mid-range jumper. If he can continue to polish off his jumper and add to his skill-set offensively, expect Williams to stay locked into the top-10 conversation.
7. Bruce Brown, PG/SG, Miami (FL)
Although he’s more traditionally labeled as a 2-guard, Brown’s best play at the next level will most likely come as a point guard. He has a strong 6’5” frame and a lanky 6’9” wingspan, with the explosiveness and nasty streak needed to draw watered-down Russell Westbrook comparisons.
He’ll need to improve his craft as an isolation scorer, which entails cleaner handles and more consistency when shooting off the bounce, but he has all the tools of an elite combo guard long-term. His frame allows him to power through contact at the rim, while his 3-point stroke — especially when spotting up — is translatable enough to give him a solid floor offensively.
Defense is what launches Brown into the top-7, though. The toughness he shows offensively is even more evident on the defensive end, where his strength, length and aggressiveness allows him to guard up to three positions at a high level. He’ll be 22 by the draft — which is a tad older than most sophomores — but carries the kind of two-way upside that NBA teams will buy into early on.
6. Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C, Michigan State
Another 6’10” forward with a 7’4” wingspan, Jackson enters his freshman year with high expectations on a Spartans team that’s expected to make a deep tournament run. If it weren’t for an abnormally deep frontcourt crop in this year’s class, Jackson would typically be a top-5 talent.
His motor has drawn concerns in the past, but he has the tool kit needed to become an elite two-way player who fits the mold of what NBA teams want. He’s strong enough to body up 5s defensively, has the mobility to defend in space, and should be one of the better shot-blockers in the 2018 class.
Jackson has some serious offensive potential as well, showing range out to the 3-point line with his jumper while finishing well as the roll man around the basket. He’ll also do well in transition, where he can run the floor and finish off lobs or function as a spot-up shooter when trailing.
5. Mo Bamba, C, Texas
This is one of the deepest top-5s in recent memory, which is highlighted by the fact that Bamba — who would be in the No. 1 pick conversation most years — starts off the season fifth. At 7’0″ with a 7’9” wingspan, Bamba’s standing reach rivals that of Rudy Gobert, giving him an insane amount of defensive upside.
Quick feet and good instincts complement Bamba’s length well, allowing him to cover ground while keeping him competitive when switched onto smaller players. His length alone should make him a plus rebounder, which will only improve as his frame fills out.
Bamba has the most offensive growth left of any top flight prospect, but that’s to be expected from somebody with his stature. He’s still a budding mid-range shooter who shows some decent touch around the rim. If he breaks even as an offensive contributor, his defense is enough to draw the interest of any high-end lottery team.
4. DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona
The only thing holding Ayton back is his motor. He hasn’t always given consistent effort in the past, which has detracted from production that would otherwise place him into the same tier as Michael Porter Jr. and Marvin Bagley III.
Ayton is a physical specimen at the 5-spot, standing at 7’0″ with a 7’6″ wingspan and NBA-ready strength. He has already shown immense potential as a shot-blocker underneath, but will need to improve his awareness (and motor) to unlock what could be the highest non-Bamba ceiling in the draft on that side of the ball.
He’s also extremely skilled on offense for a player of his size. His interior game still needs some polish, but his body control allows him to finish at a high clip around the basket nonetheless. He has also flashed a jumper that could consistently stretch beyond the 3-point line in the coming years, adding another dynamic to someone who’s capable of dominating on the basis of physical tools alone.
3. Michael Porter Jr., SF/PF, Missouri
Porter was long considered the top prospect in this year’s class, but the reclassification of Marvin Bagley and the continued emergence of Luka Doncic overseas has muddied that debate quite a bit. Still, even as the No. 3 prospect to start the season, Porter should be one of the best prospects to enter the league over the past few years.
At 6’10” with a 7’0″ wingspan, Porter has the size needed to play either forward spot and the lateral quickness needed to guard all around the floor — with the potential to go through all five spots once his frame fills out.
With that being said, his offense is what carries his stock. He’s one of the more polished individual scorers you’ll see at 18 years of age, and has both a quality 3-point stroke and plus athleticism to back it up. He needs to get more physical on drives, but has the tools to exploit a variety of mismatches, whether it be driving past slower defenders or taking smaller ones into the post.
He, alongside the next two names in this list, are the primary candidates for the top spot come June.
2. Marvin Bagley III, PF/C, Duke
Bagley isn’t without flaws, but he’s an absolute stud when it comes to draft prospects. Standing near 6’11” with a 7’1” wingspan, he’s a natural center who displays legitimate guard skills offensively. He’s the epitome of versatility when it comes to big men, and that’ll draw the intrigue of virtually any team situated towards the top of the 2018 NBA Draft.
The 18-year-old thrives in transition, running the court in long strides and successfully handling the ball himself on occasion. He has also show some significant upside as a shooter, with a 3-point shot that — if it translates right away — will make it extremely difficult for college defenses to contain him.
Bagley’s versatility as a scorer is mirrored on the defensive end, where his lack of length is mitigated by impressive athleticism and quick feet. He can guard in space, make strong rotations underneath and gets off the ground quickly. He’s somebody who is capable of fitting alongside a lot of different players, which gives coaching staffs a lot of freedom when determining his role.
He’s in that Karl-Anthony Towns realm as a prospect, and that’s not the kind of statement I make lightly.
1. Luka Doncic, PG/SG, Real Madrid
There’s a real chance that Doncic is the best international prospect ever — period. The 18-year-old is off to a stellar start in Europe, putting up MVP-caliber numbers for one of the region’s powerhouses in Real Madrid. That comes off the back of an impressive EuroBasket run in which Doncic and current Miami Heat star Goran Dragic led Slovenia to an unexpected gold medal.
It’s rare that any prospect enters the league with a resume as established as Doncic’s will be by the time next summer comes around. He’s advanced well beyond his years skill-wise, and is controlling the game against competition far superior to anything collegiate prospects will face.
Positionally, it’s virtually impossible to peg Doncic into a specific role. He has the court vision and playmaking prowess needed to run an offense, but is 6’8” with the strength needed to guard three or four positions defensively. He’s not quite as athletic as Ben Simmons, but is a much better shooter and has shown the ability to create his own shot — something that saw major growth during that aforementioned EuroBasket run.
Doncic may never be an elite defender, nor a top-notch athlete, but he’s smart enough to hold his own in those facets while performing whatever form of dark magic he practices offensively. From herky-jerky scoring to passes no teenager should be capable of making, the game just comes naturally to him.
Next: 5 best senior prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft
He’s a stud, and even the likes of Bagley and Porter will have a tough time knocking him off his No. 1 pedestal.