NBA Draft: The best skill from Anthony Edwards and all 30 first-round selections
By Josh Wilson
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11. Devin Vassell – San Antonio Spurs; Isolation defender
While in today’s NBA switchability and team defense are probably valued at a little bit more of a premium, isolation defense is a good skill to have, especially for a young player.
Per NBA.com, Vassell ranks in the 81th percentile in isolation defense, allowing just 0.50 points per possession.
12. Tyrese Haliburton – Sacramento Kings; Passing and playmaking
Much like Lonzo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton’s number one skill is his ball movement and passing ability. He’ll have an unselfish temperament coming into his rookie season after averaging 6.5 assists per game in his sophomore season at Iowa.
Whether or not he can read pro-level defenses, we’ll soon find out.
13. Kira Lewis – New Orleans Pelicans; Speed
Lewis is a quick guard and is going to excel if the team he is on is looking to run.
In transition, he’ll be a major offensive threat. He’ll need to make sure he’s not careless in those situations, but his quickness should be an asset in the league.
14. Aaron Nesmith – Boston Celtics; 3&D
Technically this is two things packaged in one, but the 3&D package is one teams covet. Look at a player like Robert Covington, who has essentially placed his entire career on the foundation of 3-point shooting and defense, and it’s easy to see how Nesmith can be succesful in the NBA.
Nesmith shot 52.2 percent beyond the arc in 2019-20.
15. Cole Anthony – Orlando Magic; Scoring
Cole Anthony averaged 18.5 points at UNC in his lone season as a Tar Heel, shooting nearly 35 percent beyond the arc and 40 percent from the 2-point zone. His ability to score is evident, and it’ll be much needed for a Magic team that was 24th in the NBA in points per game.