2018 NBA Draft big board: End of January
By Max Holm
35. Nickeil Alexander-Walker – Virginia Tech
An up-and-down season for freshmen guards is pretty normal. That just about sums up the season for Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The Canadian combo guard had moments of brilliance, like 53 combined points to start the season. Other times he’s failed to make an impact and looked lost. There’s a lot to like from the long-armed guard at nearly 6’6″, but he feels like he needs another year. That being said, he has great physical tools that could entice a team if he comes out.
34. Aaron Holiday – UCLA
In a year with a big drop-off in NBA point guard talent, don’t sleep on Aaron Holiday. The Bruins are playing average ball a year after Lonzo Ball, but it’s no fault of Holiday’s. He’s stepped in and gotten better and better. UCLA’s point guard is averaging a career-high 18.9 points and 5.1 assists. A decent wingspan makes up for his 6’1″ height and enables two-way play at the point. On top of it all, it’s looking like he’ll surpass 40 percent from 3 for the third straight year. Buy stock.
33. Trevon Duval – Duke
I’m admittedly lower on Trevon Duval than most. He’s shown no semblance of a jumper, which makes it hard to justify high selection. Furthermore, he is not elite enough defensively or in terms of decision-making, so what are you buying high on? His enormous wingspan for a 6’3″ point guard and absurd athleticism answers that question. Duval has shown some amazing flashes passing the ball, but so far he’s not redeeming his lack of a jumper with other skills yet.
32. Keita Bates- Diop – Ohio State
Starting here with Keita Bates-Diop I have a hard time separating the next 10 prospects or so. This part of the draft is underrated with combo forwards and wings. Bates-Diop will likely end up in my top-30 by the end of the year after watching him carry Ohio State against Penn State despite being sick.
A 6’7″ combo forward, Bates-Diop can pass, rebound, shoot and put the ball on the floor. He’s a crafty scorer with a nice floater, who can defend some as well. I want to see him a couple more times before moving him up.
31. Landry Shamet – Wichita State
Landry Shamet is another player who could easily be in the top-30. Like Bates-Diop, he very well might be there very soon. The difference with Shamet is his injury history. With that in mind, he may still be worth a first round pick. A solid defender who can guard 1s and 2s, Shamet has a high IQ and is lights out from deep. He’s hit over 47 percent from 3 this year on over 100 attempts. When you watch Shamet play, he just looks like a basketball player. He understands the game.