2018 NBA Draft: Post-withdrawal deadline big board
By Connor Harr
College prospects have now all made their decisions whether to stay in school or turn pro. Here’s a look at my top 60 prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft.
The 2018 NBA Draft withdrawal deadline featured some peculiar decisions and some smart ones as well. Some of the notable prospects returning to college include UCLA McDonald’s All-Americans Jaylen Hands and Kris Wilkes, along with versatile Kentucky forward P.J. Washington. Jalen McDaniels, the San Diego State super athlete, elected to return to school as well.
All four of these prospects made smart decisions and should all be viewed as draft selections in a weak 2019 NBA Draft class. Hands is likely the only prospect who is not a lock for many preseason first round draft boards.
The most peculiar draft decision was Jontay Porter electing to return to school. He could have potential athletic development heading into his sophomore season at Missouri if he loses weight, but was a likely first round selection in the 2018 NBA Draft.
If Porter does not lose any weight and shoots the ball less consistently from deep, he could struggle to obtain a first round selection in a weak class. Other strange decisions included Kentucky forwards Jarred Vanderbilt and Wenyen Gabriel turning pro, along with Penn State guard Tony Carr.
After the draft decisions have been made for collegiate prospects, the NBA Draft player pool is almost set. Now we are just waiting on the international withdrawal deadline, which is on June 11. Here’s a look at my updated player rankings for my top 60 NBA prospects, which come with some new appearances and prospects who rose and fell in my rankings.