NBA Draft Board: First Look

By Ben Mawhinney

First draft board of the year.  I only included players I think will declare.

1. Joel Embiid-  His instincts are incredible for someone who is relatively new to the game.  High motor and great finisher.

2. Andrew Wiggins-  I still think Wiggins will be a superstar.  He can develop like Paul George and be a top 10 player someday.

3. Jabari Parker-  Bari plays like a beast. His killer instinct sets him apart from the rest.

4. Noah Vonleh-  NBA body and has an outside game.  I feel like he could be a star in a few years.

5.  Dante Exum-  Its hard to project an Australian high school player.  He’s an elite athlete who could be a 1 or 2.

6. Julius Randle-  Will definitely be an elite rebounder and good scorer.  IQ is questionable and he’s inconsistent.

7. Marcus Smart-  Tough and a hustler.  His shot needs work but his defense makes him the best point guard in the draft.

8. Aaron Gordon-  I love his athleticism and defense.  Offensive game needs a lot of work.

9.  Gary Harris- Is a little undersized though he is a tough player.  Has the killer instinct to be a 20 ppg scorer.

10. Tyler Ennis-  The player I want to have the ball at the end of the game.  Solid all-around player who has the intangibles. 

11. Rodney Hood-  Terrific defender who can fit in with any team.  Shooting and length make him a valuable asset.

12. Dario Saric-  Good passer for his size and should be a decent shooter.  However,  he isn’t an NBA athlete and needs to increase his strength.

13. James Young-  Athlete and scorer.  Could use another year in school.

14. Zach LaVine-  Elite athlete who will be a scorer.  A backup now but has all the potential.

15. Nick Stauskas- Tremendous playmaker.  Shooting ability creates demand in NBA

16. Willie Cauley-Stein-  Rim protector and shows some offensive potential.

17. Adreian Payne-  Has become a stretch 4.  Tough and smart big man.  

18. Doug McDermott-  One of the greatest scorers in NCAA history.  Smart enough to adapt his game to the NBA.

19. Jerami Grant-  Good potential but will have to become more perimeter-oriented in the NBA.  He has great length and quick feet so he should be a shutdown defender.

20. Wayne Selden-  Power guard who should be a 2-way player.  Reminds me of Wes Matthews.

21. Montrezl Harrell-  Undersized but athletic and strong.  Will make his way as a rebounder.

22. Glenn Robinson III- Flashes potential every game but has yet to put it all together. 

23. Kyle Anderson-  If he was an average NBA athlete he would be a top 10 pick.  I love his passing, rebounding and anticipation skills. 

24. Mario Hezonja-  Hard to judge how his game translates but has the scoring skills.

25. Andrew Harrison-  Going through a rough year but faced unrealistic expectations.  Can still be a playmaker.

26. PJ Hairston-  Killing it in the D-league.  Has character issues so he needs to land in the right environment to succeed.

27. Aaron Harrison-  Has shown ability as a scorer.  Needs to improve consistency and defense.

28. Sam Dekker-  Skilled forward who will be a team player. 

29. CJ Wilcox-  Shooters are a hot commodity.

30. Markel Brown-  NBA athlete, all around player and underrated prospect.  Size is the only problem.

Any questions or comments can be sent to @bjmawhinn on twitter or in the comment section below.