NBA Big Board

With the NBA Draft Lottery tonight, we wanted to post our top 14 prospects (the lottery consists of 14 picks). This may shed some light on what may occur in the June draft, particularly after tonight’s lottery selections.

Now, before I begin, let me just say I am not being biased. After looking at the Top 3 one might think that, but I spent weeks now thinking through this. The NBA Draft Combine this past weekend finalized my decisions (at least for the time being).

NBA Draft Big Board (Lottery Edition)

1. Victor Oladipo, 21, SG, Indiana

This board came down to Oladipo vs. McLemore for the top spot. While McLemore may have the advantage offensively, Victor has the slight edge in athleticism (best in draft) due to his better lateral quickness, defensively due to his higher motor (best in draft), and intangibles due to his supreme work ethic (best in draft). I doubt he gets picked at #1, but any team that passes on him will regret it.

Similar Player: He’s already like Tony Allen but could turn into Dwayne Wade.

2. Ben McLemore, 20, SG, Kansas

McLemore is the second best athlete in this draft and is also one of the best scorers. Those things will translate into a fine NBA career. He has room to grow defensively and could learn a thing or two about work ethic from others around him. I see him drafted either first or second overall.

Similar Player: Mix of OJ Mayo and Ray Allen

3. Cody Zeller, 20, PF, Indiana

Like teammate Oladipo, Zeller shined at the combine. He’s now considered one of the best athletes in the draft, not just for his size, but overall. His 35-inch standing vertical made history for big men, and that’s not even mentioning the speed he possesses. He has a solid basketball IQ and has great shooting touch for a big man. He needs to get stronger defensively and needs to rely on his outside shot more. Will be a Top 10 pick but probably not Top 3 as I believe he should be.

Similar Player: A younger/quicker Pau Gasol.

4. Trey Burke, 20, PG, Michigan

The NCAA POY will be a solid pro I think. He can score and pass well, which means he can play any style the team needs. He is quick, solid defensively, and plays with poise. I don’t think he has massive upside, but he will be a solid guard for years in the NBA.

Similar Player: I think he’ll have a similar impact to Jameer Nelson.

5. Nerlens Noel, 19, C, Kentucky

He may end up going #1 overall but I’m not sold on him. He’s long and athletic, but so are a lot of big men in the NBA these days. I know he can make an impact defensively, but he is still very raw overall. One concern I have for him now is injuries, seeing as he is currently injured. I was convinced that Greg Oden would be great back in the day, but injuries prevented that. Noel may be too weak. The lowest official weight for a center at any combine previously was 223. Noel weighed in at 203. That scares me off just a touch.

Similar Player: At worst Joel Anthony (ouch), At best Dikembe Mutombo

6. Otto Porter, 19, SF, Georgetown

I like Porter’s size and versatility. He will be able to fit in with any team that drafts him. His demeanor will mesh well with any teammate and the kid knows how to win. The downside with Porter is that I don’t see an area where he excels. He’s not super-terrific in any one area, but just solid in all. He may be a good pro, but I don’t know if he can ever be great (as in a superstar).

Similar Player: He’s a lot like Tayshaun Prince.

7. Alex Len, 19, C, Maryland

After the top 6 it becomes a little less clear to me. The next groups of guys are similar in ability and are boom or bust prospects. What I like about Len is his size. He is a big dude and that translates well on the basketball court. He will provide solid interior scoring, defense, and rebounding. Paired with a good coach, he could have an All-Star game in him for sure.

Similar Player: He resembles Omer Asik in a lot of ways.

8. CJ McCollum, 21, PG, Lehigh

Came from a smaller, lesser-known program, but so did ROY Lillard. McCollum is very solid and steady, and can score extremely well for a point guard. What I like about him the most is that he is ready to step in and play immediately, unlike many of the other prospects.

Similar Player: Plays like Steph Curry, although I don’t think he becomes that good.

9. Shabazz Muhammed, 20, SF, UCLA

If in the right system, Muhammed can be a solid addition to an NBA roster. He is very athletic and has tremendous upside. He never really materialized at UCLA though which is worrisome. There needs to be some skill along with the athleticism. And for a small forward, 6-6 isn’t that big.

Similar Player: I see him as a slightly smaller Gerald Wallace.

10. Anthony Bennett, 20, PF, UNLV

Bennett is also a little undersized for his position, which hurts his long-term potential. That doesn’t mean he can’t make an impact, but it will be hard for him to be a dominant player. He has good athletic ability and decent touch for a big man however. He will likely get picked much higher than this position also.

Similar Player: A better shooting but lazier Dejuan Blair.

11. Michael Carter-Williams, 21, PG, Syracuse

Unlike the two players above, MCW has great size for his position. But for a point guard, does he have the handle to be great in the NBA? He must also improve his outside shot. The good news is that he is solid defensively and is a definite playmaker. I see the upside.

Similar Player: Reminds me of a PG picked around 11 last year… Marcus Williams.

12. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 20, SG, Georgia

This guy has risen up draft boards recently and could continue to rise over the next month. I like that he can score in many different situations. He is also young with a lot of room to grow. Once he matures, he could really make teams who pass on him regret it.

Similar Player: I think of him as a taller Nate Robinson.

13. Kelly Olynyk, 22, C, Gonzaga

This starts the next tier of players. This is another big man that is versatile and has nice touch. He doesn’t have the upside that Cody Zeller does but plays in a similar fashion. He should be able to step in and play right away too. I think he must bulk up however.

Similar Player: He’s a similar prospect to Spencer Hawes from a couple years ago.

T14. Dario Saric, 19, SF, Croatia

I’m not a big fan of drafting foreign players very high (unless they are locks) but around this position seems right for Saric. He has a solid offensive game with great shooting ability and passing ability. He also has great size for a small forward. As normal, he will have to adapt to the style of the NBA, which may take a little time. But after a few years, he could be a really solid player.

Similar Player: A poor man’s Paul Pierce.

T14. Tim Hardaway Jr., 21, SG, Michigan

I’m a lot higher on Hardaway than many, but for good reason. He has nice size for a SG and can light it up from the perimeter. I remember watching him in a game against Ohio State and he singlehandedly kept Michigan in the game long enough to win it in OT. He made like six 3’s in the second half. I saw the upside in that game (and others like it) and think he may deserve a late lottery pick. Shooting is becoming a lost art in the NBA, but Hardaway has it.

Similar Player: Tim Hardaway Sr. (haha, probably not)

The rest of the NBA Big Board will be released as we get closer to the draft.

By: The Sports Guys