5. Jonathan Isaac | F, Florida State

I was really low on Isaac for about six months, but have recently been sold on him, thanks to his defensive potential and a very persuading Redditor.

When you watch this kid play defense, he can cover nearly a third of the area, from the rim to the sideline, by himself. He’s long, and if he can put it together, I’d try to catch every game.

6. Malik Monk | G, Kentucky

A few months ago, I had Monk near that top tier. He can get hot, draining nearly 40% (39.7%) from beyond the arc in his season as a Wildcat. If that doesn’t wet your three-point-whistle, his mechanics are sound and he delivers at the line — one of the best indicators for NBA shot success.

Monk’s explosive game makes me think of a better Zach LaVine, and I love it.

7. Josh Jackson | F, Kansas

I’m definitely not as high on Jackson as most, but by no means do I hate him. He’s so balanced, physically, that I’d feel comfortable starting him opening night and let him go to town on the defensive permiter.

That said, I hate this kid’s shooting mechanics — we’re talking a slow release. But, my money is on him to make me look like an idiot, and honestly, he could be ranked #5, I just really love Monk and Isaac.

8. D’Aaron Fox | G, Kentucky

Fox is such a dominating presence at the point, and I’d trust him with defensive assignments against some of the best guards in the league.

He’s by far my favorite character guy in the draft, and I’d love my team to select him. If he had a more reliable shot (mechanics are sound but poor results), I’d have him at #4.

9. Donavan Mitchell | G, Loiusville

Honestly, I didn’t pay much attention to Mitchell during his freshman year at Louisville, but I fell in love with him this season.

An absolute terror on both sides of the ball, I believe he can develop the passing skills and vision needed to play the point on a playoff team. I love this guy.

10. OG Anunoby | F, Indiana

It’s fitting that OG follows Mitchell here, because I share the sentiment. OG is an ugly shooter, but holy shit can this guy move laterally.

If I’m a GM in the 9–13 range, I’d pull the trigger on him. That said, if his stock is falling due to poor medical reports, the risk may not be worth it.

11. Frank Ntilikina | G, France

‘Filthy Frank’ is really intriguing to me, but I don’t quite see the defensive dominance others do. He is definitely a good defender, but I’m not sold on the lockdown-defender role for him against guys like Russ, Steph, Lillard, or Wall.

I do love how engaged he is on the floor — he never goes missing. Add in his pretty stroke, and I could definitely be sold on this guy.

12. Lauri Markkanen | F, Arizona

I really like Markkanen, and I used to have him in my top 8, so 12 feels low for the seven-footer. Honestly, I still really like him, but other guys have jumped him.

Without a solid playmaking or rebounding skillset, I’m a little uncertain on how long you can play him, but those mechanics can’t be argued.

13. Luke Kennard | G, Duke

Kennard is funny to me because I never realized how fucking efficient he is. I watched a lot of Duke this year (desperate to see Giles do something), and before you knew it, Kennard would have 10 points.

Obviously, there are some concerns on the defensive side of the ball, but I’d feel great selecting a skilled shooter in the late lottery 10 times out of 10.

14. Harry Giles | C, Duke

But his injuries. I know, but there is (was) too much upside in this guy to not rank him in the top half of my board. When I first watched his high school film over a year ago, I was sold (had him #1).

Obviously, injuries and lackluster performances at Duke matter, but I think he has the chance to be the best big in the draft.