2020 NBA Draft Analysis: LaMelo Ball Are you ready for a D'Angelo Russell/LaMelo Ball backcourt? What it would lack on the defensive end it would (in theory) make up for on the offensive end because Minnesota would have two big guards who can both really create scoring opportunities and pass. And though I can acknowledge it's not a perfect fit, it's likely the best option for a franchise that's still trying to figure out how to be relevant in the Western Conference with an All-NBA talent like Karl-Anthony Towns in the middle. Towns has been in Minnesota five seasons and only played in five playoff games. That's awful. So perhaps Ball can be the key to changing that because, even though his shot-selection leaves a lot to be desired, the 6-6 guard can already see things offensively, and do things offensively, that 99.9% of prospects his age cannot do. And that's why it's reasonable to conclude the good far outweighs any bad -- and predict that LaVar's youngest son has the talent to develop into an All-Star many times over. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Gifted playmaker with great court vision

Ambidextrous passer and finisher with good touch around the rim

High IQ and feel for the game -- knows where teammates are, anticipates where they are going, and can make high-level reads in pick-and-roll situations

Tight handle allows him to thrive in leading transition, running offense

Good positional size and frame WEAKNESSES Inconsistent and sometimes puzzling shot selection and decision-making

Sometimes tries to make the highlight-reel play, as opposed to smart play

Low set point on jump shot, and troubling results overseas as deep shooter; mechanically the shot may need tweaked to get shot off consistently at NBA level

Shaky defender but potential to turn into a net neutral with expanded physical maturation PRO COMPARISON: Bigger Trae Young

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: James Wiseman The Timberwolves securing the No. 1 pick probably ended any real chance of James Wiseman going first overall because of the presence of Karl-Anthony Towns -- but going second to the Warriors makes a bunch of sense. Golden State is reportedly focused on making this pick part of a package to land a veteran who is better equipped to help Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green compete for another title next season. But if they keep it, Wiseman is arguably both the best talent and fit. Are there questions connected to him? Of course. Wiseman's decision to quit the Memphis team the week before Christmas, becoming the first healthy college player in history to quit midseason to "prepare for the NBA Draft," was not popular with some NBA front-office executives because they immediately wondered what kind of person would quit on his teammates midseason while healthy, especially when Zion Williamson refused to do it the year prior at Duke even when prominent voices were encouraging him to shut it down after he suffered a knee injury. So, yeah, there are some concerns. Regardless, Wiseman is simply too physically gifted to ignore in a draft lacking top-end talent. And if things break correctly, he could prove to be a franchise center and overwhelming presence for at least the next decade. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Great size and length, with reported 7-foot-6 wingspan

Good lob finisher, can effectively run pick-and-roll as screen man at high level

Uses length and awareness to protect rim at high level WEAKNESSES Shooting efficiency outside the paint a real question mark; only a floor-spacer in theory and needs to extend range and shoot outside consistently to meet ceiling

Touch-and-go motor dating back to high school days; only played three college games before leaving to train for NBA draft

Moves fluidly and can run the court, but struggles moving laterally and may struggle defending in space PRO COMPARISON: Chris Bosh 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 23 19.7 10.7 0.3 76.9

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Anthony Edwards Anthony Edwards is a big, strong and athletic guard who is one of at least four players who could reasonably be selected first overall. The 6-5 specimen averaged 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds in his one season at Georgia -- but only shot 40.2% from the field and 29.4% from 3-point range. So he was incredible in spots, but largely up and down and inefficient, for a team that was projected to miss the NCAA Tournament. All things considered, he was a little underwhelming. But, that said, the potential for stardom is there. Remember, Edwards won't even turn 20 years-old until August 2021 -- but he already has a mature body that can endure contact in the paint. The explosiveness he possesses, especially in transition, will serve him well while playing on or off the ball. And the special combination of size and quickness should allow him to guard three positions and, perhaps, develop into an impactful two-way star for a Charlotte franchise that already has some nice young pieces in place. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Explosive athlete and leaper

One of youngest prospects in this class, and got into basketball late

Incredible shot-creation ability off the dribble

Good frame and strength given his youth

Long-term potential to grow into reliable offensive initiator with scoring upside WEAKNESSES Questionable shot selection; often settled for shots at Georgia

Touch-and-go defensive motor

Volume scoring didn't significantly impact winning in college for mediocre UGA team PRO COMPARISON: Zach LaVine 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 33 19.1 5.2 2.8 40.2

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Obi Toppin Obi Toppin is a former zero-star recruit who earned CBS Sports National Player of the Year honors after averaging 20.0 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 63.3% from the field and 39.0% from 3-point range this past season. He's a super-athletic forward who dunks everything -- he actually led the nation in dunks -- and consistently makes jumpers in pick-and-pop situations. Yes, the fact that he's already 22 years-old is an issue worth taking into account. But it will not -- or, at least, it should not -- overshadow the idea that Toppin has a chance to be the most impactful player selected in this draft. In Chicago, he could easily play with Lauri Markkanen or Wendell Carter and immediately become another weapon for Zach LaVine and Coby White. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Dynamic athlete with incredible leaping ability; can impact the game playing above the rim (led college basketball in dunks last season)

Efficient shooter from inside the perimeter and effective from outside, too. He shot 41.7% from 3 during his time at Dayton.

Underrated passer and playmaker from his position who is quickly able to read defenses and make accurate passes when necessary WEAKNESSES Limited mobility moving laterally will hinder his ability to defend on the perimeter and switch onto more mobile wings and forwards

Explosive leaper, but physically he will have challenges matching up against bigger forwards in the post in the NBA

Average rebounder, especially for a player his size and at his position PRO COMPARISON: Blake Griffin 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 31.7 20 7.5 2.2 63.3

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Deni Avdija Deni Avdija, a former Most Valuable Player of the FIBA Under-20 European Championship, should be the first non-American international prospect to come off the board. He's a 19-year-old Israeli who performed well for Maccabi Tel Aviv in games leading up to the season being suspended ? and then again after the season resumed. At 6-9, he's tall enough to play power forward and skilled enough to play on the wing. And his shooting has noticeably improved. So, according to most evaluators, Avdija now projects as a likely top-five pick ? one who would actually be a nice fit in Cleveland with Darius Garland and Collin Sexton in the backcourt. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Strong playmaking ability for his position with good passing and initiating upside

Capable ball-handler who reads the court well and makes smart, precise passes; an asset especially when leading the break in transition opportunities

Crafty finisher around the basket with ability to finish with either hand and soft touch on floaters, reverses and point-blank looks WEAKNESSES Average athlete with no real burst, but able to overcome limitations with smarts

More a floor-spacer in theory than in practice: Shot just 33.6% from 3 last year, and troublesome 52% from free throw line -- an indicator that improvement as a distance shooter may be difficult

Not a major threat to create havoc defensively either as a shot blocker or stealer, but overall a plus defender despite lateral limitations PRO COMPARISON: Danilo Gallinari

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Onyeka Okongwu Onyeka Okongwu mostly operated off the national radar this past season because he played for an unranked team on the West Coast. But he was fantastic rather quickly -- averaging 16.2 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 61.6% from the field. He's the main reason USC won 16 of its first 20 games and would've been in the NCAA Tournament if the NCAA Tournament had been played. Is he an undersized big? Yes, probably. But he's an undersized big who can play multiple positions. And, either way, the NBA is now littered with undersized bigs. So even though Okongwu wasn't thought of this way coming out of high school, it's now reasonable to call him the second-best big prospect in the draft, one who could play, no problem, in Atlanta alongside John Collins or Clint Capela. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Quick, nimble feet with the ability to defend from the post to the perimeter

Good scoring and finishing ability, particularly around the rim; advanced post moves with a knack for carving out just enough space to thrive, even against bigger defenders

Has good touch as a passer and soft hands, allowing him to succeed in tight spaces and excel in pick-and-roll situations

Incredible shot-blocker with good timing; knows how to leverage his body to affect shots WEAKNESSES 3-point shooting is not in his arsenal, though free throw percentages and shooting touch could portend well for that area of his game to develop

Fouled out thrice in 28 games as a freshman; sometimes over-eager to use his shot-blocking ability, leading to too many fouls, biting on up-fakes and being undisciplined

Slightly undersized for a modern-day big at 6-foot-9 especially given he will likely be a true post and pigeon-holed into one position in the NBA, though his reported 7-foot-1 wingspan helps. Adding weight to his frame and physically maturing (and his long, wiry arms) will help him overcome that physical disadvantage PRO COMPARISON: Bam Adebayo 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 30.6 16.2 8.6 1.1 61.6

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Isaac Okoro Isaac Okoro was only a borderline top-40 prospect coming out of high school in Georgia. But he quickly emerged, at Auburn, as one of college basketball's best freshmen this past season. The 6-6 wing averaged 12.9 points and 4.4 rebounds for Bruce Pearl's Tigers, who started 15-0 overall and finished 24-4 when Okoro was healthy and available to play. Auburn was just 1-2 without him in the lineup. So, in other words, he was a real difference-maker on both ends of the court. Okoro's athleticism and ability to shutdown opposing wings, thanks to unusually great defensive instincts for a 19 year-old, are, undeniably, his best attributes. And because Detroit could use a high-upside player who impacts winning in a variety of ways, Okoro should be the pick here provided he remains available outside of the top six. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Dynamic athlete with incredible leaping ability; can impact the game playing above the rim (led college basketball in dunks last season)

Efficient shooter from inside the perimeter and effective from outside, too. He shot 41.7% from 3 during his time at Dayton.

Underrated passer and playmaker from his position who is quickly able to read defenses and make accurate passes when necessary WEAKNESSES Limited mobility moving laterally will hinder his ability to defend on the perimeter and switch onto more mobile wings and forwards

Explosive leaper, but physically he will have challenges matching up against bigger forwards in the post in the NBA

Average rebounder, especially for a player his size and at his position PRO COMPARISON: Blake Griffin 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 31.5 12.8 4.4 2 51.0

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Killian Hayes The Knicks slipping to eighth in this draft is just deflating for the franchise. So unlucky. There's nothing good about it. New York went from dreaming about LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards to selecting ? Killian Hayes? On my board, at this point, he's the best available option. The 6-5 prospect is an American-born lead guard who was raised in France. So he's technically an American-born international prospect, one who has been playing professionally in Germany. He didn't turn 19 years-old until July. So Hayes is one of the youngest players in this draft. But, despite that, he has a high basketball IQ and reputation of somebody who just really knows how to play. Early this past season, Hayes turned the ball over a little too much, which is less-than-ideal for a primary ball-handler. But his assist-to-turnover ratio improved as the season progressed. So his ability to take care of the ball is not a real issue. Shooting is, though. Hayes shot below 30% from 3-point range this past season. That's not good enough from that position. But if he improves on that, and the guess here is that he will in time, Hayes will have a chance to live up to the hype that has him projected by basically everybody to go in the lottery. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Possesses great court vision and has passing skills to match it

Crafty with the ball in his hands and able to create off the dribble, both for himself and for teammates

Developing tool in his arsenal: a James Harden-like stepback move that's near-impossible to defend

Smooth, fluid left-handed release with great touch from deep and in the lane, at the free throw line and on floaters

Good positional size

Can read the game at a high level in an instant, making him a threat to thrive in the modern, pick-and-roll heavy NBA WEAKNESSES Average athlete with no real burst to blow by defenders

Below average 3-point shooter; improved in EuroCup play, but larger sample suggests it could be a swing skill

Ambidexterity remains a work in progress; largely lefty dominant s a dribbler, passer and finisher PRO COMPARISON: Goran Dragic

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Tyrese Haliburton Tyrese Haliburton, like Obi Toppin, is a good example of a mostly unheralded high school prospect who became a statistical monster in college. The 6-5 sophomore averaged 15.2 points, 6.5 assists and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 50.4% from the field and 41.9% from 3-point range this past season before suffering an injury in early February that ended his college career. So he's a lead guard with size who consistently makes shots. And there's not a franchise in the NBA, Washington included, that couldn't use a player who can reasonably be described that way. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS One of the most efficient guards as a scorer and facilitator

Deep shooting range that should translate to NBA 3-point line seamlessly

Savvy player on both ends of the court with high IQ/feel; very good passer who makes smart decisions and doesn't beat himself WEAKNESSES Skinny frame that needs real physical development

Odd (but effective) shooting release; incredibly efficient in catch and shoot but a non-factor for now shooting off the dribble or moving PRO COMPARISON: Lonzo Ball 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 36.7 15.2 5.9 6.5 50.4

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Saddiq Bey The more I talk with front-office executives, the more I'm convinced Saddiq Bey has a chance to be a steal in this draft -- especially if he slips out of the top 10. The 6-8 forward was merely a sub-125 recruit in the Class of 2018, the least-heralded prospect in Villanova's four-player class. But he quickly developed into an intriguing prospect who averaged 16.1 points (while making 45.1% of his 3-point attempts) this past season for a Villanova team that shared the Big East title. He's versatile on both ends and an ideal wing prospect for the modern NBA. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Dead-eye shooter especially in catch-and-shoot and spot-up situations, and with quick load and release

Deep range: made 41.8% of his 308 3-point attempts in two seasons at Villanova

Versatile defender who can capably guard 1-4 WEAKNESSES Limited as a creator because of his loose handle

Moves well laterally and can defend at a high level, but not explosive; can he attack closeouts against NBA defenders? Can he switch 1-4 in the NBA?

Short and intermediate shooting needs work; shows great touch from deep but half court situations he struggled within 17 feet PRO COMPARISON: Tobias Harris 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 33.9 16.1 4.7 2.4 47.7

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Cole Anthony Cole Anthony's in-season knee surgery that limited him to just 22 games is the biggest reason -- not the only reason, but definitely the biggest reason -- the Tar Heels' season spiraled. Remember, they were 6-3 with a victory over the eventual Pac-12 champion (Oregon) before Anthony got hurt but never the same afterward. The 6-3 point guard's shooting numbers as a freshman leave something to be desired ? but he took so many tough shots, sometimes out of necessity because of a less-than-inspiring supporting cast ? that it's hard to know exactly what to make of them. Either way, Anthony still averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists for the Tar Heels. And though he no longer is a real option at No. 1 like he was believed to be this time last year, a spot in the lottery is still attainable. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Score-first point guard who can play on or off the ball

Good defender who can move his feet and keep up with speedy guards with lateral quickness

Has an explosive first step, and can pressure defenses by attacking downhill WEAKNESSES Concerning shot selection; willing to take any shot

Just-OK passer; may need to play alongside another initiator as opposed to serving as lead guard

Rated poorly across the board in pick-and-roll situations at UNC, as a passer and scorer, but has untapped potential there PRO COMPARISON: Austin Rivers 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 34.9 18.5 5.7 4 38.0

R.J. Hampton's decision to skip college and play professionally for a team based in New Zealand last season contributed to the G-League creating a program for elite prospects -- and then aggressively pursuing them. So he's already made an impact on the sport, for better or worse. And let the record show the former 5-star recruit was respectable in the NBL. He averaged 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. So Hampton skipped college, made a little money, and now he could be, and arguably should be, a lottery pick based on his ability to play either guard spot and beat opponents off the dribble with a great first-step. Does his shooting need to improve? Yes, undeniably. The mechanics are a little off. But history tells us that can be fixed. And if Hampton becomes a reliable shooter, at 6-5, he could be one of the steals of this draft.

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Precious Achiuwa The ceiling on Memphis' season was lowered drastically when James Wiseman quit, but it's hard to argue that Precious Achiuwa didn't personally benefit at least statistically. The super-athletic forward averaged 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds -- and was the only freshman in the sport to average a double-double. He's terrific in transition, effective around the rim, comfortable away from it and capable of guarding smaller players in space. All of that, combined with a tremendous motor, should be enough to make Achiuwa a lottery pick. 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 30.4 15.8 10.8 1 49.3

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Aaron Nesmith Traded from: MEM Aaron Nesmith only played 14 games as a sophomore at Vanderbilt before suffering a season-ending foot injury. So the sample size is on the smallish side, which isn't ideal. But it can't be ignored that the big-scoring guard made 52.2% of the 115 3-pointers he attempted last season. That's an incredible percentage that should translate well at the next level, where perimeter-shooting has never been more valued. Beyond that, Nesmith has great size for his position. He's 6-6. So he can maybe guard three different positions at the next level -- though his lateral quickness would need to improve for that. And his ability to create shots on his own, to be an effective shot-creator, needs to improve as well. But a player with size who can really, really shoot it is an attractive option in the modern-NBA And that's why Nesmith has a chance to be a top-15 pick in this draft. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Shooting, shooting, shooting; elite scorer from any distance and from any situation

Capable defender with the benefit of good positional size

3-and-D -type player with ability to develop into a more dynamic offensive player WEAKNESSES Coming off foot injury that cut his season short at Vanderbilt

Needs to improve as a shot creator; has potential but creating separation is not his strength

Could be a defensive liability -- somewhat limited athletically and moves just OK laterally PRO COMPARISON: Buddy Hield 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 35.7 23 4.9 0.9 51.2

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Devin Vassell Devin Vassell's numbers (12.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game) don't jump off the screen, but that has more to do with playing at Florida State than anything else. The Seminoles had four players who averaged between 9.2 points and 12.7 points. So Leonard Hamilton's team was balanced at the top, possibly to the detriment of Vassell. Either way, what's important to note is that the 6-7 guard made 41.7% of his 168 3-point attempts over the past two seasons. And what that suggests is that he's a two-way wing who can sink jumpers reliably, which is why he should go in the top 20 of this draft. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Long, rangy defender with great instincts and anticipation

Solid spot-up shooter with range; career 41.7% 3-point shooter in two seasons at Florida State

Energy player who impacts the game on both ends with defense, rebounding and hustle WEAKNESSES Still needs to improve as a shot creator and maker, particularly off the dribble

Needs to improve his handles; average dribbler but can be predictably right-hand dominant, making his bland offensive moves easy to defend

Needs to add muscle and size to his frame; didn't get to the line consistently at FSU and didn't have the size to challenge bigs as a driver and slasher PRO COMPARISON: Robert Covington 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 28.7 12.7 5.1 1.6 49.0

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Tyrese Maxey Tyrese Maxey enrolled at Kentucky with the reputation of a straight-killer -- somebody who could go and get 25 on just about anybody. And, in the season-opener, he looked the part. The 6-3 combo guard got 26 points in that November-win over Michigan State and showed lots of the things that made most assume he'd be UK's leading scorer. But, for much of the season, Maxey was inconsistent. He played more minutes than any other Wildcat. He took more shots than any other Wildcat. But Maxey was only third on the team in scoring. He shot just 42.7% from the field and a mere 29.2% percent from 3-point range. So Maxey's one year in college was a little disappointing relative to preseason expectations. But, regardless, he's still mostly projected as a top-15 pick because he does have elite-scoring attributes, presumably can be a better perimeter shooter than he showed at Kentucky, and is really good at finishing inside the arc in creative ways, mostly with an elaborate floater package. So, sure, there are questions here. But if Maxey reaches his potential he should be getting buckets in the NBA for a long time. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Competitive guard who loves to get to the rim and can finish in myriad ways

Good shooting stroke and good touch around the basket, with a killer floater package

Elite on ball defender with great defensive instincts and long, wiry arms that disrupts the point of attack WEAKNESSES Struggled to shoot consistently from 3-point range, 29.2% from 3 at Kentucky

Quick with the ball in his hands but struggles to carve space out; may need to play in a backcourt alongside an initiator as opposed to operating as a lead guard

Tabbed as a point guard but his lack of space-creation and average vision may pigeon-hole him into a two-guard role -- which he may struggle with if his shot doesn't improve PRO COMPARISON: Collin Sexton 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 34.5 14 4.3 3.2 42.7

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Isaiah Stewart Traded from: BKN Isaiah Stewart was perhaps the only good thing about Washington's wildly disappointing season that culminated with the Huskies finishing last in the Pac-12. The 6-9 center led his team in points (17.0), rebounds (8.8) and blocks (2.1). He was great -- but how well will it translate at the next level? That's the question. And, for what it's worth, scouts acknowledge guarding in space could be a problem. But Stewart's high motor, incredible production, and better-than-some realize skill set should keep him in the top 20. 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 32.2 17 8.8 0.8 57.0

Theo Maledon is a skilled athlete, one who previously became the youngest LNB All-Star in history. He missed time with an injury while playing professionally in France this past season and was mostly underwhelming -- although, in fairness, he played better as things progressed. But the talent that made him an interesting prospect at a young age still exists and is attractive to NBA executives selecting in this range. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Crafty scorer around the rim who plays with smarts, and can manufacture shots for himself and for others

Improving shooter, especially from distance

Versatile backcourt player, with the skill set to play either guard spot WEAKNESSES Good speed dulled by lack of athleticism

Struggles to create space off the dribble

Average ball-handling ability; can easily get cornered by top defenders and needs to sharpen his handles with both hands PRO COMPARISON: Delon Wright

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Patrick Williams Traded from: PHI Patrick Williams is probably more of a long-term investment than he is an instant-impact rookie considering he'll barely be 19 years old on the night of the draft. He's a project. But the 6-8 forward measures well and was a key piece on a Florida State team that won the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season title. He performed strongly down the stretch while scoring in double-figures in five of the Seminoles' final seven games. So, again, it's possible he won't help an NBA team much next season. But what Williams could become in a year or two is enough to generate attention in the back half of the first round, where somebody will be getting a player with enough upside that the decision to select him could pay off provided that the franchise that selects him is patient enough to wait on the return. 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 22.5 9.2 4 1 45.9

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Kira Lewis Jr Kira Lewis played two seasons of college basketball at Alabama -- one for Avery Johnson, the other for Nate Oats. But he'll still only be 19 years-old on the night of the draft. So he's young, which is considered a positive. But he's really light, which is a little bit of negative (because he sometimes gets pushed around and becomes a liability on defense). Those are obvious areas of necessary improvement. But the 6-3 point guard was still really productive as a sophomore -- averaging 18.5 points, 5.2 assists and 4.8 rebounds for an Alabama team that finished 60th at KenPom. Lewis made an incredible 48.8% of his 3-point attempts in the Crimson Tide's final seven games. So it appears he can be a reliable, and perhaps terrific, perimeter shooter as a professional -- not to mention a real steal in the second half of the first round of this draft. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Speedy guard who can pressure defenses with his attacking, downhill mentality

Because of his speed and elusiveness, can create shots for others and for himself, with an uncanny ability to create space

Streaky scorer and shooter at Alabama, but good overall shooting numbers and good shooting touch. Still managed to be pretty efficient despite a high usage rate. WEAKNESSES Needs to add weight; good frame but tall and slender, and easily pushed around

Has just one gear with the ball in his hands: Top speed. At just 19 years old, he's still raw and learning how to switch gears, stop and go, and control pace.

Struggles at times defensively and may do so in the NBA because of his size. PRO COMPARISON: John Wall 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 37.6 18.5 4.8 5.2 45.9

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Nico Mannion Traded from: OKC Nico Mannion only shot 32.7% from 3-point range this past season, which obviously isn't great for a lead guard who has the ball a lot. But he's still an interesting talent because of his ability to make reads and run an offense. Is he athletic or physically impressive relative to current high-level NBA point guards? Not really. And that's a concern. But, in the simplest terms, I'm a believer in Mannion just figuring it out and working to find a long-term role in the league. 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 32.3 14 2.5 5.3 39.2

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Jaden McDaniels Traded from: HOU Jaden McDaniels' freshman season did not go well. He was a disappointing team's most disappointing player -- one who led the Pac-12 in fouls. That's not good. At one point, the 6-9 forward even got benched by his coach, Mike Hopkins. So while the upside McDaniels possesses will lead to him still getting selected in the first round, probably, the truth is that he did very little to help himself in his one season at Washington. 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 31 13 5.8 2.1 40.5

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Jalen Smith Not all legitimate NBA prospects who return for their sophomore seasons actually help themselves from a draft-stock perspective -- but Smith definitely did. The 6-10 big added strength, improved his field-goal percentage by 4.6 points, his 3-point percentage by 8.0 points and averaged more points, rebounds and blocks than he did as a freshman. The result was Maryland winning a share of the Big Ten title and Smith solidifying himself as a real first-round option. At the next level, Smith will likely play both the 4 and 5. He can rim-protect. He can reliably make perimeter jumpers. He can run the floor relatively well. Given the way basketball is played in the NBA these days, It'll be crucial for Smith to land in the right spot, with the right organization, and with the right coach and right players around him. But if he does, he has the talent to be in the NBA for a very long time. 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 31.3 15.5 10.5 0.8 53.8

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Tre Jones Traded from: IND There's nothing too flashy about Tre Jones. He doesn't create many highlights nor is he a great shooter. But he remains a terrific run-the-team point guard who really defends on one end of the court, and really creates opportunities for his teammates on the other. He averaged 16.2 points and 6.4 assists this past season -- and actually shot it well enough from the perimeter down the stretch to get his 3-point percentage up to a respectable 36.1. So there's enough good stuff about him to make selecting him in the 20s a sensible option for any franchise comfortable spending a pick in this range on someone whose ceiling might be lower than others, but whose floor is likely higher. 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 35.4 16.2 4.2 6.4 42.3

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Jahmi'us Ramsey Traded from: DEN Jahmi'us Ramsey was a borderline top-35 prospect coming out of high school who, just like Zhaire Smith and Jarrett Culver before him, developed into a projected first-round pick after working with Chris Beard at Texas Tech. The 6-4 guard averaged 15.0 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 42.6% from 3-point range. It was a strong freshman season. Yes, there are concerns about what else he does really well besides make shots. But shot-making is super important in today's NBA. So Ramsey should be selected in the first round -- maybe in the teens but definitely in the 20s. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Sharpshooting off-ball guard with quick release

Reliable catch-and-shoot weapon from 3-point range: made 42.6% of his 141 3-point attempts in freshman season at Texas Tech

Heady defensive playmaker off the ball capable of disrupting passing lanes WEAKNESSES 3-point shooting is slightly anomalous: has never been known as a shooter dating back to high school, and his free throw shooting (64.1%) suggests it may be a small-sample success story

Not a good playmaker and not a good dribbler; has a very small role which he fills well, but has a lot to improve on to become a rounded offensive player PRO COMPARISON: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 31.1 15 4 2.2 44.2

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Xavier Tillman Xavier Tillman used his size and strength to be one of the best defensive bigs in the country this past season, one who is also comfortable guarding in space or out on the perimeter. The 6-8 forward averaged 13.7 points and 10.3 rebounds while shooting 55.0% from the field -- and he also made 37% of his 3-point attempts inside the Breslin Center, which suggests he should be able to stretch the floor in the NBA and spend many years in the league as a quality frontcourt presence. 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 32.1 13.7 10.3 3 55.0

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Josh Green Traded from: LAC Josh Green was one of three possible first-round picks on Arizona's roster this past season, which is among the reasons it was surprising that the Wildcats only finished tied for fifth in the Pac-12 standings. But some of it was tied to the freshman's inconsistency. The 6-6 wing showed flashes at times. He got 24 points in an early win over Pepperdine. He got 19 in the regular-season finale against Washington. But the truth is that Green is, at the moment, more advanced defensively than offensively, and there are real concerns about his ability to put the ball on the floor and pass it. So while his athleticism and toughness should get him picked somewhere late in the first round, the questions attached to Green could theoretically push him outside of the top 30, where somebody would be getting an explosive athlete and jumper but one who still needs to improve as a playmaker and passer. Draft Prospect Outlook STRENGTHS Great positional size

Has potential to be able to attack closeouts, if handles improve can be an asset for him on offense

Very good, explosive athlete and leaper

Good defensive player with 3-and-D potential WEAKNESSES Limited offensive arsenal right now; needs to improve as a passer, playmaker and ball-handler

Knows how to play his role, but not a creator and may never be more than a role player who can shoot, slash and score playing mostly off the ball PRO COMPARISON: Hamidou Diallo 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 30.9 12 4.6 2.6 42.4

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Vernon Carey Jr Vernon Carey would've been a top-10 pick if he were born 20 years earlier. But with unathletic centers devalued and sometimes unplayable in today's NBA, there are a lot of things working against the Duke star even though he was the best freshman in college basketball this past season while averaging 17.8 points and 8.8 rebounds for a team that finished fifth at KenPom. Will he be played off the floor by certain opponents in certain situations? Yes, that seems likely. But I'm still convinced there's a place for him in the NBA. And spending a late first-round pick on a wildly productive one-and-done player (who was also a heralded high school prospect) seems like a sensible move. 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 24.8 17.8 8.8 1 57.7

2020 NBA Draft Analysis: Cassius Winston Cassius Winston is perceived to be limited because he's small and not the best athlete. He'll never measure or test great -- and that'll turn some franchises away. But he's smart, great in pick-and-roll situations and someone who has proven to be a high-level shooter in all four years of college by making 43.0% of the 602 3-pointers he attempted in his four-year career. Teams picking in this range are often good teams already winning in search of a piece who can maybe help immediately. And Winston is somebody who could probably help an NBA team immediately serving as a backup point guard and knockdown shooter. 2019-20 College Stats MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 32.6 18.6 2.5 5.9 44.8