Written by Timothy Lewis — April 12th, 2017

Poto Credit: Max Pixel

March Madness is over, and with it, the college basketball season. Having the opportunity to watch these young studs blossom, I’ve come to some stubborn conclusions about who’s good and who stinks. Below are my power rankings for the top 14 players in the upcoming NBA draft.

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Height: 6’4” — Weight: 195 lbs. — Age: 18 (05/29/1998) — NBA Position: Combo Guard

Points/Game: 23.2 — Rebounds/Game: 5.7 — Assists/Game: 5.9

Video Credit: Frankie Vision

Strengths:

Physical Profile: Massive 6’10” Wingspan. Size, strength, and length will all allow Fultz to contend with the rigors of the NBA.

Great Athlete: Plays above the rim, Excellent combination of smooth coordination and explosiveness.

Polished Scorer (23 ppg, 47.6 FG%): Has nn arsenal of ISO moves. Great handles and creativity with the ball

Great shooter and slasher, unpredictable and fluid

Unselfish Passer (5.9 APG): Skilled in transition, savvy from the pick and roll.

Weaknesses:

Played for an Awful Team: Huskies had very little talent, forcing Fultz to play a ball-dominant style. Can he function without the ball in his hands?Did he really make his team better?

Lacked defensive intensity at times.

Efficiency dropped when playing better teams.

Poor free throw shooter (65% from the line).

Best team fit: Magic, Sixers, Knicks.

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Height: 6’7” — Weight: 203 lbs. — Age: 20 (02/10/1997) — NBA Position: Small Forward

Points/Game: 16.3 — Rebounds/Game: 7.4 — Assists/Game: 3.0

Video Credit: Frankie Vision

Strengths:

Elite Athleticism.

Positional Versatility.

Defensive Potential: Physical and mental tools to be a lockdown perimeter defender, great anticipation on steals and blocks. High motor keeps him engaged even when struggling offensively.

Above Average Passer and Ball Handler: Natural feel for the game, high Basketball IQ (BBIQ). Point-forward potential?

Developing shooter: (38% from 3).

Weaknesses:

Strange/inconsistent shooting mechanics

Already 20, older than most of the freshman class.

Poor free throw shooter (56.6%)

Best team fit: Suns, Lakers, Magic.

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Height: 6’6” — Weight: 190 — Age: 19 (10/27/1997) — NBA Position: Point Guard

Points/Game: 14.6 — Rebounds/Game: 6.0 — Assists/Game: 7.7

Video Credit: Frankie Vision

Strengths:

Solid Athleticism: Good leaper, throws down the alley-oop. Fast in transition, running in a straight line.

NBA Range from 3 (41.2%): Often shot from well behind the college line. Can catch and shoot, but also has great step back move.

Best Court Vision in the Draft (7.7 APG, 3:1 AST/TO ratio): Knows what to do with the ball before he gets it. Major threat in transition. Unselfish, will make the right pass whether it projects to be an assist or not

Basketball IQ: Natural feel for the game, does a great job cutting without the ball in his hands. Gets teammates the ball in best position to score.

Better Defender than Advertised (1.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG): Uses his size (6’6”) to his advantage, was able to switch onto and guard most players at the college level.

Weaknesses:

Slight Frame, Not Particularly Strong: Can he defend shooting guards that will seek to bully him?

Quickness: Ball is fast, but his agility is lacking. Does he have the lateral movement to defend quicker point guards?

No mid-range jump shot to speak of.

Struggles to Break Down his Man: Has issues shaking a defender to get to the rim, a limited scorer. Average first step.

Shooting form.

Super annoying dad.

Best team fit: Lakers, Sixers, Celtics.

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Height: 6’8” — Weight: 204 lbs. — Age: 19 (03/03/1998) — NBA Position: Forward

Points/Game: 16.8 — Rebounds/Game: 7.3 — Assists/Game: 2.1

Video Credit: Frankie Vision

Strengths:

Physical Profile: Frame suggests his body will fill out nicely. 6’11” wingspan.

Positional Versatility: Quick enough to guard the perimeter. Size and strength should allow him to see some minutes at PF.

Go-To Scorer Potential (50% from 2, 85% FT, 16.8 PPG): Has “alpha mindset,” in one on one situations. Scores from all three levels. Prefers to operate in the midrange where posts up smaller players and blows by larger, slower defenders.

Defensive Upside (1.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG): Good weak-side shot blocker, has the athletic tools to be a two-way force.

Weaknesses

Can get tunnel vision in ISO situations.

Could tighten handle.

Better Midrange Shooter Than 3pt Shooter: 34.2% from 3, worse than Josh Jackson, Jonathan Isaac and Miles Bridges. Inconsistent mechanics from range.

Best team fits: Suns, Magic, Kings

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Height: 7’0 — Weight: 225 lbs. — Age: 19 (05/22/201997) — NBA Position: Power Forward

Points/Game: 15.6 — Rebounds/Game: 7.2 — Assists/Game: 0.9

Video Credit: Frankie Vision

Strengths:

NBA-Ready Body: At 225 lbs., Lauri possesses the room to grow and build necessary to thrive at the next level. Does not shy away from contact.

Best Shooter in the Class (42.3% from 3, 54.5% from 2, 83.5% on FTs): Jumper is mechanically beautiful with limitless range.

Gets to the line at a solid rate (.436 FTr).

Comfortable with the Ball: Good handle for a big man. Smooth, natural moves to get shot off.

Sets Good Screens: Adept finisher from the pick and roll/ pick and pop.

Weaknesses:

Defense: (0.5 BPG at 7’0” tall)

Average Length: Limits rim protecting potential, may struggle when facing longer defenders in the NBA.

Good, Not Great Athleticism: Can he guard shiftier PFs in the NBA?

Limited Post Game: While a talented shooter, Lauri will need to become a better interior scorer to realize his potential

Best team fit: Mavericks, Kings, Celtics.

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Height: 6’3” — Weight: 197 lbs. — Age: 19 (02/04/1998) — NBA Position: Shooting Guard

Points/Game: 19.8 — Rebounds/Game: 2.5 — Assists/Game: 2.3

Video Credit: SQUADawkins

Strengths:

Elite Athleticism: Speedy in the open court. Quick first step. 40” vertical allows him to finish the oop despite his height, contest shots on the perimeter.

Explosive Scorer (19.8 ppg): Maintains confidence even when shot doesn’t fall. Can take over games after seeing one go down.

Elite shooter (39.7% from 3 on 7 attempts per game, 82% FT): High release, good mechanics. Can drain it from anywhere, even when contested.

Embraces the Moment: Loves taking the big shot, has displayed “clutch gene.”

Weaknesses:

Diminutive height for the SG position (6’3”).

Probably not 197 lbs: Frail, narrow frame. Can he handle NBA physicality?

Streaky scorer.

Skills Beyond Shooting? Wasn’t asked to handle the ball or facilitate at UK.

Defensive Concerns: The lack of size, length and strength has some worrying about Monk’s ability to play starter’s minutes.

Best team fits: Sixers, Knicks.

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Height: 6’4” — Weight: 171 lbs. — Age: 19 (12/20/1997) — NBA Position: Point Guard

Points/Game: 16.7 — Rebounds/Game: 4.0 — Assists/Game: 4.6

Video Credit: NCAA March Madness

Strengths:

Ridiculous Speed: Always the fastest player on the court in college. Changes direction in an instant. Comparable to John Wall.

Intense Defender (1.5 SPG): Tenacious on ball. Instinctually intercepts passing lanes.

Offensive Upside (16.7 ppg): Gets to the line at a ridiculous rate (.471 FTr). Magnificent dribbler in tight spaces. Soft touch around the rim with floaters and lob passes. Elite speed makes him one-man fast-break threat. Capable mid range shooter.

Good Court Vision: Knows now to probe and collapse the defense. Creates openings with his quickness and pressure.

Weaknesses:

Weight and Length: Seems longer on the court than he actually is, wingspan is approximately 6’5”. Light body at 170 lbs.

Erratic Shooter: (24.6% from 3).

Needs ball in his hands to be effective on offense.

While a good passer, his assist/turnover ratio of 4.6/2.4 is underwhelming.

Best fits: Knicks, Kings, Mavericks.

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Height: 6’11” — Weight: 230 lbs. — Age: 19 (06/14/1997) — NBA Position: Center

Points/Game: 12.9 — Rebounds/Game: 6.2 — Assists/Game: 1.2

Strengths:

Prototypical Size for an NBA Center: 7’0” tall, solid 7’3” wingspan.

Good Athleticism: Not an elite athlete, but plays above the rim, can finish the alley-oop. Wingspan, speed and leaping ability make Patton a strong defender. Moves feet extremely well for a man his size.

Offensive Potential (13 PPG): Very efficient at Creighton, shooting an insane 68.4% on 2 pointers .Shows shooting touch all the way out to 3pt. distance. Savvy footwork in the post. Shows flashes of a handle/face up game.

Weaknesses:

Still a Project: Needs work on fundamentals (rebounding, passing, defensive rotations)

Poor FT Shooter: (51.8%).

Redshirt freshman, will be 20 by draft time.

Best team fits: Timberwolves, Hornets, Bulls

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Height: 6’11” — Weight: 205 lbs. — Age: 19 (10/03/1997) — NBA Position: Small/Power Forward

Points/Game: 12.0 — Rebounds/Game: 7.8 — Assists/Game: 1.2

Video Credit: Frankie Vision

Strengths:

Height and Length for the SF Position are Elite: Shades of Kevin Durant in stature. 7’1” wingspan.

Defensive Versatility (Averaged 1.2 STLs, 1.5 BLKs in 26 MPG) Major upside. Has the length play PF, feet to play on perimeter.

Capable Shooter: (78% FT, 34.8% from 3).

Good Rebounder: (12 RPG per 40 minutes).

Weaknesses:

Slight Frame: Weighing just 205 lbs, PFs will take out-muscle him. Average broadness to shoulders indicates he could stay thin.

Doesn’t Assert Himself: By not demanding the ball, Isaac appears to have the mentality of a complementary player instead of a potential star.

Lacks Offensive Creativity: Unsophisticated handle. Struggles to create his own shot. Doesn’t have an offensive identity.

More of a high-upside project than a basketball player at the moment

Best team fits: Timberwolves, Pistons, Heat

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Height: 6’6” — Weight: 229 lbs. — Age: 19 (03/21/1998) — NBA Position: Small Forward

Points/Game: 16.9 — Rebounds/Game: 8.3 — Assists/Game: 2.1

Video Credit: SQUADawkins

Strengths:

Build and Athleticism: Body of a football player, thick and strong. Faster and more explosive than his frame suggests.

Intensity/Motor: Gives his all every moment of the game, shows in his rebounding at 8.3 in 32 minutes per game. All over the floor, blocking 1.5 shots per game. His competitive nature and desire to win are standout intangibles

Solid 3pt. Shooter at 39%

Weaknesses:

Doesn’t Have a True Position: Body is better suited for PF, but would be at a severe length disadvantage.

Lacks Offensive Polish: Handle is unsophisticated. Can he create his own offense? Lacks grace and fluidity attacking from the perimeter. Can he develop the poise and skill needed to play small forward in the NBA?

Best team fits: Hornets, Nuggets, Kings

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Height: 6’3” — Weight: 195 lbs. — Age: 19 (11/05/1997) — NBA Position: Point Guard

Points/Game: 18.1 — Rebounds/Game: 4.6 — Assists/Game: 6.2

Video Credit: SQUADawkins

Strengths:

Tremendous Athlete: One of the best in the draft. Explosive leaper. Has both agility and speed.

Finishing Ability: Fights through contact at the rim. Can (and will) dunk on your head.

Talented Scorer (18 PPG): 36% from 3 on nearly five attempts per game. Extremely difficult to stay in front of.

Weaknesses:

Physical Limitations: 6’3” height might be generous. 6’3” wingspan hurts defensive upside. Relies primarily on athleticism, doesn’t have a trademark skill. Is he Eric Bledsoe or Russell Westbrook athletic? Great vs elite?

Not a Floor General: Much rather get his own shot than set up a teammate. Rarely plays without the ball in his hands. Mediocre passer, less than a 2:1 assist/TO ratio.

Durability: Previously tore his ACL, although he appears to have made a full recovery. Plays very physically at the college level, can his body withstand the NBA?

Best team fits: Kings, Knicks, Bulls

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Height: 6’8” — Weight: 235 lbs. — Age: 19 (07/17/1997) — NBA Position: SF/PF

Points/Game: 11.1 — Rebounds/Game: 5.4 — Assists/Game: 1.4

Video Credit: Frankie Vision

Strengths:

Physical Profile: Strong, well composed by at 6’8”, 235 lbs. Gifted wingspan, with unofficial measurements ranging from 7’2” to a whopping 7’6”

Top Notch Athlete: Arguably the most athletic wing in the draft before injury. Gets hustle buckets around the rim, fishes strong. Dunks violently.

Capable Shooter: Decent mechanics, but accuracy dropped significantly from his freshman to sophomore year (45% to 31%).

Efficient scorer: Shot an average of 65% on 2 point shots over the course of his two years at Indiana

Lockdown Defender Potential (1.3 BLKs, 1.3 STLs in just 25 MPG): Has length and strength to stifle PFs and the foot speed to wreak havoc on the perimeter. Guarded all positions for the Hoosiers.

Weaknesses:

Injury/Durability Concerns: OG tore his ACL in his sophomore year and his draft stock will hang heavily on his prognosis.

Limited Offensive Game: Doesn’t show ingenuity to be more than a role player on offense at the NBA. Rudimentary ball handling skills prevent Anunoby from creating for himself and others. Has the tools, but still needs to learn how to play the game.

Best team fits: Nuggets, Bulls, Hornets

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Height: 6’8” — Weight: 209 lbs. — Age: 22 (03/25/1995) — NBA Position: Small Forward

Points/Game: 18.3 — Rebounds/Game: 4.7 — Assists/Game: 2.8

Video Credit: Frankie Vision

Strengths:

Versatility: Excellent passer. Good on ball defender. Capable ball handler. Improved shooter (From 29% last year to 37% this year).

Motor: Brings the same energy to both offense and defense. Nose for the ball.

BBIQ: Good sense of what to do with the ball before it’s in his hands. Sees openings in the defense as well as any forward in the draft.

Winning Pedigree: The Tar Heels made it to the NCAA National Championship game Justin’s final two seasons.

Weaknesses:

Age: At 22 years old, Jackson comes with more polish but less upside than many other prospects.

Physical Limitations: His explosiveness/strength combination don’t excite. Thin frame suggests what you see is what you get in terms of build

Isolation Scoring: Jackson doesn’t have the quickness or creativity to create his own shot regularly. Settles for a lot of floaters to avoid contact.

Best team fits: Hornets, Heat, Nuggets.

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Height: 6’5” — Weight: 190 lbs. — Age: 18 (07/28/1998) — NBA Position: PG/SG

Points/Game: 4.8 — Rebounds/Game: 2.0 — Assists/Game: 1.0

Video Credit: Too Mainey

Strengths:

Physical Profile: Tall for a point guard with an (unofficial) 7’ wingspan.

Defense: Plays with energy and intensity. Uses his length to disrupt opponent’s dribble and block shots from the perimeter. Should be able to cover point and shooting guards.

Good shooter: In limited action, Frank has shown flashes of NBA range. Shot a ridiculous (and obviously unsustainable) 58.6% from 3 point range during the FIBA U18 European Championships.

Willing passer.

Weaknesses:

Average Athleticism: Frank glides with smoothness around the court but doesn’t appear to have a “second gear.”

Struggles to Create Off the Dribble: Slow first step. Lack of penetration will make it hard to set up teammates at the NBA level.

Questionable Competition: Frank is young and has spent a lot of his time on the bench, which is why his per game stats are so low. Hard to project how he matches up with NBA athletes.

Best team fits: Mavericks, Pistons, Bulls