Piece by: David Heiman
While this draft lacks a generational talent at the top of it, like Zion, and isn’t considered a star heavy draft, we’ve seen this happen in the past (2013) where expectations are blown away and a draft class highly exceeds its expectations. In 2013, guys like Giannis, Victor Oladipo, and Rudy Gobert were drafted, along with several quality guys in a year where famed bust Anthony Bennett went number 1. While I don’t know if we will see a guy anywhere near Giannis emerge this year, there are a lot of really quality guys that I think can step in on day one and contribute. For these comparisons, I will give a best case scenario and a worst case scenario for each of these guys. I’m not going to go in depth on everyone so that I can cover more.
Anthony Edwards (SG) Georgia- Best Case: Zach Lavine, Prime Vince Carter Worst Case: Eric Gordon To me, and a lot of draft analysts, Edwards is arguably the safest pick in the draft. He averaged 19 points for a ok Georgia team, giving me a shade of Ben Simmons at LSU. The thing that ties me to Lavine and VC though is his awesome athleticism and his ability to finish at the rim. Like Lavine, he is a not great defender, but a guy who can be the second or third best player on a championship team or the best player on a mediocre team. If he “busts” I see a lot of Eric Gordon in him. Solid 6th man who can come in and play high quality basketball in short spurts but never could live up to his potential.
Lamelo Ball (PG) Illawarra Hawks- Best Case: Walmart Luka Doncic Worst Case: Shaun Livingston Lamelo, in my opinion, is the best player in this draft class. His ceiling is sky high, with the potential to quickly become a top player in the NBA at the rate Luka or Kat did. While I know Shaun Livingston might be a very low floor, coming into the NBA Livingston was a top 5 pick and was the best high school player for his draft. He played extremely well his first few years until he had horrible knee injuries. That slowed the trajectory of his career but he finished really strong as Steph’s backup in Golden State, playing a role as a key reserve for the Warriors dynasty. If Lamelo peaks, I don’t see why he could instantly be an all-star in 2-3 years with a lot of potential for an All-NBA team. His athleticism at the guard position is off the charts.
James Wiseman (C) Memphis- Best Case: Rasheed Wallace, David Robinson, Beta Version of Anthony Davis Worst Case: Damian Jones For me, James Wiseman represents the biggest risk/reward for the top guys in this draft class. He has the potential to be the best center in the NBA who comes in on day 1 and changes a franchise or can flame out of the league in just a few years. He’s extremely athletic for a center, something a modern day big man needs. He’s needs to put on more muscle but he has an outstanding shot blocking ability.
Killian Hayes (PG) France- Best Case: Tony Parker, Deangelo Russell Worst Case: Elfrid Payton
Onyeka Okungu (C) USC- Best Case: Prime Hassan Whiteside Worst Case: Bismack Biyombo
Deni Avdija (F) Maccabi Tel Aviv- Best Case: Danillo Gallinari without the injuries, Danny Granger Worst Case: Dragen Bender
Obi Toppin (F) Dayton- Best Case: Clippers Blake Griffin Worst case: Shorter Jhalil Okafor
Tyrese Haliburton (PG) Iowa State- Best Case: John Wall Worst Case: Michael Carter Williams
Isaac Okoro (F) Auburn- Best Case: Jonathon Isaac Worst Case: Justin Anderson
Cole Anthony (PG) North Carolina- Best Case: Kemba Walker Worst Case: Jerryd Bayless
RJ Hampton (G) NZ Breakers- Best Case: Jamaal Murray Worst Case: DJ Augustin
Tyrese Maxey (G) Kentucky- Best Case: Lou Williams Worst Case: Justin Holiday