Jordan Brand Classic standouts

The Jordan Brand Classic is the second of three major high school “All-Star” games. Here is a look at some of the NBA prospects that stood out during the event.

On Sunday, the 2018 Jordan Brand Classic saw a record from LeBron James go down. Here’s a look at the standout players from the event.

Emmitt Williams – PF (LSU)

It’s only fitting to start out with the real MVP of the game. Emmitt Williams broke LeBron James’ scoring record for the Jordan Brand Classic. Williams shattered the record as well, pouring in 44 points almost exclusively on dunks. Williams is an explosive leaper with a nonstop motor and a great frame.

Listed at 6’6″ on ESPN’s recruiting profile, he is a little short for a normal NBA power forward. However, it seems certain that whatever Williams is missing in height, he will make up for with heart. Williams should be a little overshadowed offensively next season at LSU by incoming freshman Naz Reid, and sophomore point guard Tremont Waters.

However, if Emmitt Williams can show off a jump shot and the ability to defend on the perimeter this season, he will be a very real NBA prospect. Unfortunately, Williams is more of a two-year prospect.

Cam Reddish – SF (Duke)

After a very disappointing McDonald’s All-American game, Cam Reddish really stood out in the Jordan Brand Classic. Reddish is a consensus top-five prospect on any 2019 NBA Draft rankings you will find. He was able to show why his talent overshadows the poor effort or disinterested label he has received.

In the second half, Cam Reddish had probably the most memorable minutes in the game. Reddish and Nassir Little engaged in a street ball, one-on-one isolation battle. Reddish’s step-back 3 that froze Little, who is one of the best perimeter defenders in the class, put the crowd in a frenzy.

In this battle, much like all game, Reddish showed off his impressive handle and ability to create space off the dribble at 6’7″. His ability to make everything look so easy offensively against the best players in his class is one of the main reasons to be salivating over his talent.

Andrew Nembhard – PG (Florida)

Andrew Nembhard should be no stranger to playing in games evaluated by NBA executives. Nembhard is a high school teammate of R.J. Barrett, who is the frontrunner for the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Nembhard came out and made a name for himself with a strong all-around outing. He finished the game with nine points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals.

Standing at 6’4″, Nembhard has great positional size for an NBA lead ball-handler. It was pleasantly surprising seeing Nembhard continue to get into the lane without great speed, especially in the first half of the game. He has wonderful vision, making cross-court passes along with a few outlet passes.

Some of those outlet passes attributed to his four turnovers, but it’s nice to see a young point guard look to advance the ball in transition. Nembhard’s lack of elite quickness or explosiveness at his position could hold him back from being an immediate NBA prospect, but the production he will have his freshman season at Florida will be hard to ignore.

Quentin Grimes – SG (Kansas)

Unlike Emmitt Williams and Andrew Nembhard, Quentin Grimes is valued for his positional size and athleticism. Grimes has developed a reputation as a lethal scorer. However, the 6’5″ 200-pound combo guard impressed with his passing vision at the event.

Grimes finished with a game high nine assists to only two turnovers. He completed a number of no-look passes that were very impressive — mostly in transition, but one came out of the pick-and-roll to Jalen Smith. Along with a one-handed pass to Emmitt Williams with his off hand, those were two plays that really stood out.

With Svi Mykhailiuk and Devonte Graham graduating, along with Malik Newman and Lagerald Vick going to the draft, the stage could be set for a big year from Quentin Grimes at Kansas next season. Grimes is likely one of their easier one-and-done candidates to predict for next season because of his smooth scoring, NBA physical attributes and his explosive leaping ability.

Nassir Little – SF (North Carolina)

After winning the McDonald’s All-American MVP, Nassir Little continued to impress during the Jordan Brand Classic. Little was the Co-MVP of the game, and led his team with 24 points. Little continued to play above the rim showing off his explosive leaping ability.

Despite Cam Reddish getting the best of Little twice in their one-on-one duel, Little did not back down. When Reddish would score on Little, Little would put down a head full of steam driving to the hoop and Reddish could not do anything but foul him.

Next: NBA Draft - The best player selected in all 60 spots

Little has a great combination of physical tools, length, handling ability and scoring that translates perfectly to an NBA wing player. Expect his aggressive slashing and defensive mentality to slate him in the lottery on most preseason 2019 mock drafts, barring injury.