2018 NBA Draft big board: End of January
By Max Holm
50. Abdoulaye N’Doye – Cholet
It’s unclear if Abdoulaye N’Doye will declare for the 2018 NBA Draft, but he has so much intrigue. N’Doye stands at nearly 6’7″ and plays as a point guard. He’s already a force defensively. That being said, his scoring leaves a lot to be desired. Still, the way the NBA values multiple ball-handlers and defensive versatility, you could go a lot worse than taking a flier on N’Doye.
49. Rodions Kurucs – Barcelona
Another international prospect worth keeping an eye on is Barcelona’s Rodions Kurucs. At 6’9″, his 3-point range makes him an enticing forward that can stretch the floor. He’s pretty frail and will struggle on defense for a while, but you can see the talent when he plays. However, his frame and injury history will mean he likely won’t be a first round pick.
48. Justin Jackson – Maryland
Switching to our first collegiate player, Justin Jackson is experiencing the opposite of his freshman year. Last year he showed his defensive potential as a small-ball 4 and 5 and that he could hit 3s from distance. This year that percentage has plummeted and he’s out for the year with an injury. Should he declare, his small-ball defensive profile and shooting potential is too enticing to not gamble on in the second round.
47. Grayson Allen – Duke
The volatile Grayson Allen has calmed down as Duke’s senior leader. Allen has proven he can lead and that is jumper is legitimate. Knocking down nearly 39 percent of his 3s, gives him a strong NBA skill. Paired with his athleticism, he could be a scoring dynamo off the bench. Yet since it’s unlikely he’ll ever start or play great defense, it’s hard to see him as a first round pick.
46. Rui Hachimura – Gonzaga
One of two intriguing pieces for Gonzaga, Rui Hachimura has a lot of skill for a big man. With the size to play power forward, he moves really well despite not having a great shot. His form isn’t bad at all, but Hachimura is shooting 24 percent from deep on a small sample size. Gonzaga’s big man can put it on the floor a bit, but struggles on defense. It would probably be best for him to stay another year, but if he comes out he should get drafted.
45. Alize Johnson – Missouri State
Alize Johnson is this year’s mid-major darling that could provide great value in the second round. His motor runs high and he showed shooting potential last season, hitting 39 percent of his 3s. This year that percentage is under 30 percent, so his workouts will be imperative to improving his stock. But athletic, unselfish 6’9″ combo forwards don’t just grow on trees.
44. Yante Maten – Georgia
Speaking of combo forwards with a lot to like, Yante Maten checks about every box. The Georgia senior is a career 43 percent 3-point shooter, a solid rebounder and shot-blocker. He likely is better suited as a power forward in the NBA, where he can stretch the floor and play a less creative role. Competing on defense and displaying more passing ability will only improve his stock before June.
43. Jalen Brunson – Villanova
Jalen Brunson gets compared to T.J. McConnell some, less so skill-wise and more so because of his toughness and leadership. That alone might get him a spot on someone’s roster as a second or third point guard. Averaging 18.8 points and 5.2 assists for Villanova, what he has that many guards lack is a jumper. A floor general that can shoot has a great chance to stick around in the NBA. Brunson is second behind only Trae Young in Offensive Box Plus/Minus. Not bad.
42.Isaac Bonga – Frankfurt
Isaac Bonga is another fascinating international player. Similar to N’Doye, he has the size of a forward, but likes to play point guard. Bonga is 6’9″ and already a menace defensively. Extra ball-handlers or even a tall point guard are welcome in the NBA, but he’ll need to stretch the floor. He’s improving on that end, especially from the free throw line. However, that shot makes him a prospect you really have to think about before drafting.
41. Jarred Vanderbilt – Kentucky
After missing much of the season, Jarred Vanderbilt is back for Kentucky. He’s not quite back to his best yet, which is why he’s not there for first round consideration just yet. A strong defender with rare vision for a power forward, you quickly see his NBA appeal. He’s yet to shoot well, but is still easing back in. Vanderbilt needs to finish strong to help his case to be first round-worthy.