Welcome to the second annual T$ Big Board! Consideration was not given to which teams are slotted as which draft position; this is a straightforward talent ranking, regardless of specific team needs. This year we have a bonus as fellow Draft Nerd, Tyler Park, has given us his rankings as well. Both lists are below, enjoy.

1. Luka Doncic

Player Comparisons: James Harden, Manu Ginobli

Luka is the top prospect in this draft. He’s an extremely fluid ball-handler and someone who excels playing both pick & roll basketball and in the open court. His shooting percentages from 3 were concerning to some, but his free throw percentages and the difficulty of his average jumper lead me to believe this is going to be another strength for him. His competition in the Euro league was on par if not better than elite college ball, and it really does mean something that he had the reigns of his team at such a young age. This guy has fire and the type of unique game that is going to impress in the NBA from day one and I will personally be slamming my ROTY bet down once I see where he falls in the lottery. Luka is the clear-cut number 1 pick.

2. Mohamed Bamba

Player Comparisons: Joel Embiid, Rudy Gobert

The modern day NBA center is a very interesting position, and if you’re not an athletic freak then you’re most likely going to disappoint. I see Mo Bamba as a blank canvas with some of the highest upside in the draft. At his floor, he is going to be a nightmare defensively as his length makes him an elite shot blocker and his quickness allows him to switch on the perimeter and not get embarrassed. I do not believe he will be an efficient offensive player initially, but his jump shot form and work ethic have me sold on his long-term potential. Every big in this draft is going to be a project on some level, but I would push my chips in for a player like Bamba; his intelligence and maturity will take him to the next level.

3. DeAndre Ayton

Player Comparisons: DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Garnett, Hassan Whiteside

There are a lot of talent evaluation pitfalls in this draft. As the league moves toward small ball and switching, of course the draft offers some of the more interesting centers we have seen in years just to keep teams on their toes. Ayton is someone who has the touch and physical stature to score in the NBA at a high level. This guy is built like a brick shithouse and, when he is motivated, is unstoppable on the glass. What makes him different than a prospect like Jahlil Okafor is his confidence spacing the floor and his tenacity around the hoop on defense. Arizona played with him at the 4 primarily, which I think was important to help him understand spacing, but the NBA is going to afford him a lot more room to operate. His success will hinge on his overall awareness (not just clogging the paint and trying to grind games) and his work ethic. It’s certainly a red flag when you have to worry about effort in a player at the top of the lottery, but Ayton is such a physically imposing offensive player that I believe he’ll put it together.

4. Trae Young

Player Comparisons: Steph Curry, Jason Williams, Seth Curry

The verdict on Trae comes down to this one simple question: Does his offensive skillset translate to the NBA and outweigh his defensive limitations? Clearly my ranking shows you what side of the argument I land on. Young is the first (of potentially many) “Curry clones,” as his quick release jumper and strong ball handling show flashes of immense talent. He is small and defensively poor, but even his size is something that I believe is overblown. He is realistically an inch and a half shorter than Steph and can bench press more than Durant could coming into the league. He will get pushed around defensively, but his elite shooting and passing will tip the scales in his favor on a nightly basis. On an NBA roster he will not be dealing with nearly as many double teams as he saw at Oklahoma, and his shooting range will provide him a lot of chances to take one on ones off the dribble (where he is a solid finisher with floaters). Like all players, fit will matter for Trae, but I feel that a bad team handing him the keys will be happy with their decision.

5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Player Comparisons: Shaun Livingston, Michael Carter-Williams

In the positionless NBA of today, having a 6’6″ PG who can switch 1-4 is something to highly value. I love so many pieces of Shai’s game: his motor, his effortless athleticism, and most of all his court vision. Put all of this into a freakishly long body and you get a player who can serve as floor general and make others better. The only thing stopping him from ranking higher are the concerns with his current jumpshot, but even if he never develops a consistent 3 pointer, I feel that the value he will bring in other areas of the court warrants his top 5 ranking.

6. Mikal Bridges

Player Comparisons: Trevor Ariza, Robert Covington

When you look back at past drafts there are typically three to five star-level talent players, but after that teams would be better served taking the sure bet “3 and D” glue guys. Mikal embodies that archetype in spades. If I could watch every draft prospect as much as I personally have watched Bridges, then I would be comfortable quitting my job and sending my big board to every GM in the league for commissions (if you look back at my 2017 BB, I am clearly not there). I have an insane amount of comfort in Bridges’ ability to fit in on any team and add value immediately. Conservatively, this is a 40% three point shooter who can switch and guard any player on the court. Considering his growth over the past 3 years, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mikal developed into an offensive weapon with more off the dribble moves. V’s Up: Bridgey is the real deal.

7. Jaren Jackson Jr.

Player Comparisons: Al Horford

Go ahead and find me another mock draft that compares JJ to any player other than Al Horford…I’ll wait. Jackson is one of the youngest players in the draft, and he is up at the top just based on his defensive versatility alone. Throw in his solid shooting form and it is easy to see why some people have him much higher than this. I see the tools, but this is a project big with less upside than the Bamba/Ayton combo in my opinion. At his worst he will be a solid top 7 rotation guy that contributes to winning, but I am not prepared to tell you he will grow into more than that.

8. Kevin Knox

Player Comparisons: Tobias Harris, Joe Johnson

Knox is another young player with a ton to prove but ample upside. He was a bit passive as the season wore on at Kentucky (while Shai took the reigns), but I believe this is the prototype for the modern NBA power forward. He is a bruiser (still growing) with 3 point touch and the ability to finish around the rim. If he can tap into his physical gifts and become a better defender, I think he could develop into an all-star level scorer. He’s a bit of a ball stopper, which caps his star ceiling, but there’s still value in having players who can score from all 3 levels. There’s a lot to like in Kevin Knox, and I think he definitely warrants a top 10 selection.

9. Chandler Hutchison

Player Comparisons: Pre-Injury Chandler Parsons, Demarre Carroll, Paul George

Check out my Jonathan Isaac draft profile from last year to see how comfortable I am projecting big wings that can score and run the floor. These types of players are T$ kryptonite. Still, Hutchison added a very reliable 3 point score to his game this past summer, and he looked like a different player this year. That gives me a lot of confidence in his ability to get better, and although he played zone on defense at Boise, I think his frame will lead to him being a plus defender. It sounds like a team in the middle of the draft has already made him a promise (he’s not working out for anyone) and I will be excited to see how he develops.

10. Zhaire Smith

Player Comparisons: Andre Roberson, Russell Westbrook

Is the jumper going to develop into a consistent threat? Probably not, but that question hinges on where you project his future value. At his basement, you are looking at a versatile defender and an outstanding athlete that will be fun to watch in transition. I’m personally not sold on his ability to score at a high level (his jumper is dogshit), but taking a rotational stopper on defense at this stage in the draft is reasonable.

11. Wendell Carter Jr.

Player Comparisons: Derrick Favors

Yet another center with a high IQ, upside, but defensive limitations. Maybe we’re all falling into a trap here? Wendell is a very cerebral player and his floor spacing/passing set him apart from the other bigs in this draft. Both his jump shot and his touch around the rim is smooth; I’m not concerned about him being able to score in the NBA. What does concern me is his defense around the perimeter. At Duke they relied on zone and Bagley’s athleticism to cover the floor, but when he was put into man coverage he was regularly blown by off a switch. If he can stay lean and become more passable on that end of the court, he will be a nice player. If not, we could be looking at nothing more than a bench big.

12. Miles Bridges

Player Comparisons: Jae Crowder, Josh Smith

It is funny how spending another year at MSU really seemed to change the overall perception of Miles this past year. Last year he was viewed as a raw athlete and an exciting dunker, albeit a sloppy playmaker. This year he’s an overweight Carmelo Anthony clone. I think his projection at the next level ends up being somewhere in the middle — he is a strong secondary ball handler who can play both forward positions and stretch the floor. I am a little concerned about his ability to defend other bigs on the perimeter, which may limit him to a role player, but I don’t see the Justin Anderson comparisons that I am hearing recently.

13. Keita Bates-Diop

Player Comparisons: Luc Mbah a Moute, Draymond Green

He gets bonus points for having the best nickname in the draft (KBD, Keita Big Dick), but his game is one that I find really attractive in the middle of the draft. He plays at a slow pace, but he’s always under control and aggressive. He also can defend multiple positions and has embarrassed some pretty experienced Big Ten players this past year (I remember a stretch where he dominated Vincent Edwards, Jaren Jackson, and Lamar Stephens all in a row). He will latch on with a team that values his all-around game but if he can add consistency to his 3 pointer he could have higher upside than many realize.

14. Michael Porter Jr.

Player Comparisons: Current Carmelo Anthony, Marvin Williams

I know that this was a big time high school prospect, but I fail to see how he translates into the NBA star he would want you to believe he is. I didn’t put too stock in his brief stint on Missouri this year, but focused more on his high school YouTube reel (which, admittedly, is not an ideal use of anyone’s time). He is big and range-y, but I absolutely despise the form on his jumper (WAY too upright) and his injury concerns lead me to this ranking. I see how he could theoretically perform in a team’s rotation, but I don’t envision him having any chance at being a transcendent talent. “My game is a blend of Kevin Durant and Giannis.” Get the fuck out of here, Mike.

15. Marvin Bagley III

Player Comparisons: Thaddeus Young, Julius Randle

Bagley is a bouncy athlete with a great second jump. I see Bagley as a solid player, but nowhere near someone that I would think I can build my franchise around. While his athleticism is off the charts, his jumper is suspect (low FT% has me scared) and his frame is too lean. To give you an idea, he’s smaller than Ben Simmons and yet teams are talking themselves into him being a 5 at the next level? I find it likely that Marvin is positionless rather than versatile, and someone who can be an energy guy but not a focal point.

16. Robert Williams

Player Comparisons: Clint Capela, Jason Smith

This is a modern day NBA big man. He’s a relentless rim runner and can defend the perimeter or block shots. He is not going to blow your socks off with his offensive skillset, but he does enough to be a threat. This is what the middle of the draft is all about: guys who can contribute and slot into a defined NBA role quickly. Robert Williams isn’t a sexy pick, but he’ll help the trains run on time.

17. Donte DiVincenzo

Player Comparisons: Delonte West, Jamal Crawford

Donte has grown quite a bit during his 3 years at Villanova, and I believe he is primed to be a solid bench contributor at the next level. His jumper has gained a ton of consistency over the years, and he is an extremely gifted athlete that can make plays in transition. He doesn’t have the ball handling or decision making chops to cut it as an NBA point guard right now, but he could be a solid change of pace bench player that brings exciting plays to the table each night. Good value in the middle of the draft.

18. Jerome Robinson

Player Comparisons: Reggie Jackson, Large Jeff Teague

Robinson is a gifted scorer with a long highlight reel following his BC career. He has a fluid jumper and the explosiveness to finish at the rim in traffic. Robinson is a bit older and lacks the upside of others at this position, but whoever drafts him will be getting a high character worker with the maturity to lead their second unit.

19. Elie Okobo

Player Comparisons: Rafer Alston, Russell Westbrook

Everyone keeps telling me not to put too much stock into the 44 point game he ended his last season with, but I can’t help it. Statistically his jumper is not great, but he possesses some elite first step quickness that should make him a threat to get to the rim each time he’s in triple threat. He’s not a strong passer and he relies on his raw leaping ability to rebound from the guard spot, but this is a decent start to build a bench lead guard.

20. Jalen Brunson

Player Comparisons: Fred Van Vleet, Kyle Lowry

With so many young players in the draft, we all hunt for the highest upside, but it becomes hard to ignore consistent production when it’s right in your face. 3 years of growth in his game and 2 National titles later and Jalen could run an NBA offense tomorrow if called upon. His jumper has a limited range and he is a slower/shorter player than most, but his poise will make him a solid 6^th man that can potentially grow into more.

21. Lonnie Walker

Player Comparisons: Deshawn Stevenson

Lonnie is a heat-cooker type scorer that can hit a team in waves with his jump shot. I really want to see a “3 and D” player here, but I get the feeling that in the beginning of his career he will think he is more than that. If he stays in his lane I can see him having a nice career as a 3 point specialist, but if he continues to lie about his Sixers fandom growing up then his ranking will continue to drop.

22. Collin Sexton

Player Comparisons: Elfrid Payton

I just don’t see how some analysts say Sexton is a player that can take over a franchise. Sexton has a high motor, but nothing else about him really stands out to me as elite. As his comparison, Elfrid Payton, has demonstrated, there is still a place for these types of PGs in the league but not as a high selection. If anyone drafts him expecting an all-star, they’ll be disappointed in a few years.

23. Troy Brown Jr.

Player Comparisons: Thabo Sefolosha

Troy Brown is a classic “3 and D” prospect, and is benefiting from his age (just 18). At Oregon he tended to look like a deer in the headlights when given the ball in the halfcourt, but does have the athletic skills and shot motion you look for at this position. I have seen a lot of raw players like this over the years not be able to put it together (Quincy Miller flashbacks), and I am not willing to bet big on Brown’s development past a bench contributor.

24. Josh Okogie

Player Comparisons: Terrance Williams

I like that he showed the ability to both play off the ball and dominate the ball during his two years at GT. I can see his athletic prowess and jump shot, but I have him a little lower than most because I always viewed him as a very “one track minded” offensive player. He does not create for others or lift his team (which was awful) to a respectable record, and I question whether he will turn into anything other than a 9-12 roster player in the NBA.

25. Khyri Thomas

Player Comparisons: Timothe Lawawu-Cabarrot, Avery Bradley

Thomas is a high impact defensive player who I am confident will be able to guard points at the next. What will make him catch on long term will be the effectiveness of his jumpshot, which has shown solid improvement each year. He is not someone that I would feel comfortable handling point guard offensive duties, but could carve a niche in the league as a stopper when paired with a better creative wing.

26. Grayson Allen

Player Comparisons: Courtney Lee

Allen has a well documented past that comes along with any 4 year Dukie, but people sometimes use that against him too harshly when evaluating him at the next level. Grayson is a plus athlete with a consistent 3 pointer that extends to NBA range. If he can harness his competitiveness then I can see a team getting a lot of value with him at the end of the first round.

27. Kevin Huerter

Player Comparisons: Luke Babbitt, Jason Kapono

Huerter is a combine warrior that used a solid showing in the measurable department to sneak up draft boards. His 3 point shooting is special, and his height help him to get it off with a defender close by. Maryland didn’t use him running off a ton of screens or with set plays, and rather he was a primary ball handler that managed to find his own looks. He doesn’t excite me like a Korver or Reddick because he is not used to jockeying for position shooters need experience with at the NBA level, but I could see him developing into a reliable marksman.

28. Aaron Holiday

Player Comparisons: Aaron Brooks

I will not bet against a member of the Holiday family, as both Jrue and Justin have found their way to be contributors in the NBA. Aaron is undersized, but he is tenacious. This past year he showed off his ability to lead a team from the PG slot with Lonzo gone, and his craftiness off screens is what will get him time at the next level. Overall is size will make him an awkward fit for some teams, but I am confident he will find a role.

29. Omari Spellman

Player Comparisons: Mehmet Okur, Mo Speights

These last two rankings for me could honestly be a number of different players, but considering how much PSU/Nova I watch, I am throwing them a bone. Spellman will likely be a second round pick, but I like his fit in today’s game. He is wide but has experience switching on screens at the point of attack (Nova uses hard hedges more often) which will translate nicely. He also is a plus 3 point shooter and will be able to lure opposing bigs out to the perimeter. He might have a earn his keep in the G-League to start, but I like Omari at the next level.

30. Tony Carr

Player Comparisons: Austin Rivers, Jalen Rose

Carr has a nice game: he can shoot the ball well off the dribble and he has a killer scoring instinct. On the down side, he can tend to get lazy without the ball in his hands and he is not always the most attentive defender. He will need to improve his dribbling, but if he can add more PG skills to his game, he will be able to stick around and make a roster.

Bonus Tyler Park Rankings

TP and I will be debating our own personal rankings for the next year, so if you hung on this long, you too will get to make fun of us (starting with the arbitrary 23 person limit he gave me)!

Luka Doncic
Mo Bamba
Jaren Jackson Jr.
DeAndre Ayton
Michael Porter Jr.
Zhaire Smith
Wendell Carter Jr.
Miles Bridges
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Josh Okogie
Trae Young
Marvin Bagley
Kevin Knox
Mikal Bridges
Troy Brown
DeAnthony Melton
Lonnie Walker
Donte DiVencenzo
Collin Sexton
Robert Williams
Kevin Huerter
Keita Bates-Diop
Jacob Evans

tmoneynba

T$ Big Board 2018

1. Luka Doncic

2. Mohamed Bamba

3. DeAndre Ayton

4. Trae Young

5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

6. Mikal Bridges

7. Jaren Jackson Jr.

8. Kevin Knox

9. Chandler Hutchison

10. Zhaire Smith

11. Wendell Carter Jr.

12. Miles Bridges

13. Keita Bates-Diop

14. Michael Porter Jr.

15. Marvin Bagley III

16. Robert Williams

17. Donte DiVincenzo

18. Jerome Robinson

19. Elie Okobo

20. Jalen Brunson

21. Lonnie Walker

22. Collin Sexton

23. Troy Brown Jr.

24. Josh Okogie

25. Khyri Thomas

26. Grayson Allen

27. Kevin Huerter

28. Aaron Holiday

29. Omari Spellman

30. Tony Carr

Bonus Tyler Park Rankings

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Bonus Tyler Park Rankings

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