2018 NBA Draft big board: End of January
By Max Holm
40. Brandon McCoy – UNLV
Brandon McCoy is putting together one of the best freshman years of any big in 2018. Including a great performance against DeAndre Ayton, McCoy is averaging 17.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. Despite a strong profile, he’s a work in progress on defense. NBA teams shouldn’t invest a first-rounder in a big who can’t defend. Still, he’s young and could punish second units.
39. Tyus Battle – Syracuse
Tyus Battle is one of several wings to make a big leap during the 2017-18 season. Syracuse’s go-to man is filling it up with 20 points per game. The problem? He doesn’t do much else and his 3-point shooting is under 33 percent this year. He could turn into an okay defender, but his lack of passing and rebounding are concerning. If you buy his shooting from last season – 37 percent – he’s a good second round option.
38. Jalen Hudson – Florida
Right on cue, Jalen Hudson is another example of a wing taking a jump. He’s cooled down from his hot start, but is producing just fine. On the year, he’s averaging 16.5 points and hitting 41 percent from deep. Given this is his first year above 35 percent from 3, it’s reasonable to be skeptical. That being said, his shooting and long arms will make teams consider him with such a need for wings in the NBA.
37. Gary Trent Jr. – Duke
As the year has gone on, Gary Trent Jr. continues to get it done for Duke. Even though he gets next to no attention relative to Marvin Bagley III, he’s quietly averaging 14.7 points per game, hitting 43 percent of his 3s and 89 percent of his free throws. He’s a bit behind of schedule as a creator, but the shot is legitimate. It’s difficult to see him ever becoming a great defender, but there’s a place in the NBA for shooting guards that can light it up and stretch the floor. He’s just scratching the surface.
36. Killian Tillie – Gonzaga
Another talented young Gonzaga big man, but unlike Hachimura, Killian Tillie has better shooting potential. He moves well and has good numbers from 3 and the free throw line. Tillie looks like he could spend time between the 4 and the 5, with his strong defense and Swiss army knife ability. Bigs who can defend inside and out, shoot and pass don’t grow on trees. He’s got a case to go in the first round if he does well in the pre-draft process.