By Nick Prevenas

#	TEAM	PLAYER SELECTED	PICK GRADE	INSTANT ANALYSIS
1	Washington	AJ Dybantsa	A	How does a franchise reverse course on a years-long (decades-long?) streak of mismanagement, bad luck, and general malaise? It isn't as simple as winning the draft lottery. A team needs to win the lottery in a year when a true blue-chip, no-doubt, future All-NBA stud hits the draft. AJ Dybantsa appears to be just such a prospect. Dybantsa led all NCAA scorers last season at 25.5 points per game and filled the gaps just about everywhere else on an injury-depleted BYU squad. He's athletic, competitive, big for his position, and possesses the personality/charisma to develop into a team's No. 1 option. It's hard to envision a scenario where a prospect this talented and driven ends up being anything less than an All-Star. In a draft of several players worthy of the top overall pick, Dybantsa still stands out.
2	Utah	Darryn Peterson	A or F, nothing in between	The good news? Darryn Peterson is one of the most lethal scorers in this (or any other) draft. Peterson can get shots off at any level against any kind of defense. He's an elite pull-up shooter, spot-up shooter, mid-range shooter, finisher, and foul shooter. His freshman year at Kansas went about as rocky as possible, and he still poured in points anytime he was healthy enough to be on the floor. It's entirely possible Peterson puts that season in the rearview mirror and enters the NBA healthy, motivated, and locked in, eventually leading the league in scoring. The bad news? You never want to read a scouting report that a player's "competitiveness is questioned" or that "he plays with blinders on." If Peterson and his camp truly believe he's a point guard who can score, it would help to see more than 38 total assists during his collegiate career (he never topped four assists in any single game). Peterson is a classic high-ceiling/low-floor prospect, but the upside is so great that he's definitely worth the gamble. Utah will look to Peterson to develop into the team's offensive fulcrum of the future with All-NBA First Team potential, if all this strangeness is behind him.
3	Memphis	Cameron Boozer	A	You ever hear the saying "dress for the job you want?" Cameron Boozer has been dressing for this job for years now. Boozer plays with such polish, poise, and precision, it's hard to believe he doesn't turn 19 for another couple weeks. He was a nearly automatic double-double during his freshman season at Duke and often served as the team's do-it-all central figure. He is a next-level passer for a post player and will likely become an offensive hub at the elbows as early as this season. He is a good shooter who can space the floor to the 3-point line and a tenacious rebounder on both ends. His success will ultimately be determined by how well he can defend – he doesn't offer much rim protection, and his lateral footspeed will cause issues on perimeter switches. He often struggled to excel when matched up against an NBA-caliber athlete. If he can adjust to the speed/athleticism of the professional game, Boozer will be an exceptionally productive big man for more than a decade. He's an ideal fit for the Grizzlies, who need Boozer's professionalism and team-first approach. He'll make everyone around him better.
4	Chicago	Caleb Wilson	A	None of the comps quite do Caleb Wilson justice. Are we watching someone with Shawn Kemp's athleticism and Pascal Siakam's whirling-dervish rim attack? Are we supposed to treat him like Clippers-era Blake Griffin, but with Scottie Barnes' off-kilter slasher habits and all-NBA defense? Wilson is a player in his own class. The athleticism jumps off the screen. Even someone who knows nothing about basketball can watch five minutes of Wilson's tape and say "wow, who's that?" He is a devastating attacker/finisher, both in the half court and in transition. He is just as disruptive defensively, where he equally adept at rim protection and passing-late deterrence. If Wilson ever learns how to shoot the 3-ball (only 7-27 at North Carolina), he could be an All-NBA forward. But even if the shot never comes, Wilson's activity on both ends, combined with his eye-popping size/athleticism, make him one of the draft's most intriguing high-upside prospects and obvious pick at No. 4. The Bulls have to be thrilled. He's the most exciting young player they've had since Derrick Rose.
5	LA Clippers	Keaton Wagler	B+	If your team has a weakness, Keaton Wagler can likely address it. Are you short on skilled ball-handlers? Do you need a high-IQ connector on the wing who can also run your offense when your team's best perimeter player is catching a breather? Do you need an efficient spot-up shooter who can attack over-aggressive closeouts? Wagler can do it, and perhaps even a bit more if he continues to progress on this exponential growth curve. There is a decent chance, however, that Wagler is one of those "decent at everything, unexceptional at anything" guard prospects who struggle in their transition from college to the NBA, especially given his lack of raw physical strength and explosion (no dunks?!) compared to the other guard prospects in this draft. His shooting ability and hoops IQ, however, make him the right pick for the Clippers, who landed this pick with their savvy Ivica Zubac trade. Wagler can share the floor with Darius Garland as he learns how to run an NBA-level offense.
6	Brooklyn	Mikel Brown	B+	Mikel Brown is a threat to pull up from anywhere inside half court. It's hard to overstate how quickly Brown transitions from dribbling to shooting. Blink and you'll miss it. He leverages that elite pull-up shotmaking into slick dribble drives and playmaking opportunities. He is a slippery guard and can weasel his way into the lane against just about anybody. He isn't the most physical guard in this crop, and his efficiency stats leave a bit to be desired (41/34 shooting splits and 3.1 turnovers per game aren't likely to improve against better defenders). But Brown's electrifying pull-up shooting will give him plenty of opportunities to succeed. The question is whether he'll top out as a bench scoring spark or develop into a more well-rounded starting-caliber lead guard. The Nets need someone/anyone who can score, but much like Michael Porter, Brown is a shoot-first/shoot-second player. He will battle it out against last year's odd guard-heavy draft crop for minutes in the backcourt.
7	Sacramento	Darius Acuff	A-	It's not a question whether Acuff can score at the NBA level – it's how much. He was one of college basketball's most productive guards and a fulcrum for one of the nation's most potent offensives. He isn't a single-minded gunner, either. Acuff is an efficient scorer at all levels and a high-assist/low-turnover floor general who throws an incredible lob pass and rarely makes mistakes. It's difficult to be this efficient with the level of usage Arkansas asked of Acuff. The questions arise on the defensive end, however, where Acuff was among the nation's worst individual defenders. He will never be a lockdown defender, but if he can learn to fight through screens and position himself properly, Acuff's offensive prowess will be more than enough to justify his pick here. Sacramento desperately needs a offensive initiator, and Acuff will have plenty of chances to make plays with the ball in his hands.
8	Atlanta	Kingston Flemings	A-	Kingston Flemings is a blur. It's not that he's fast – it's that he plays like he has a turbo engine attached to his back. His end-to-end speed is unmatched, and he can switch gears/directions on a dime. He plays with his head up at all times and creates high-efficiency opportunities for his teammates both in the half court and in transition. Flemings is a terrific at-rim finisher and a fearless attacker. His shot appears funky at first glance, but the percentages/efficiency are solid – it might be a Tyrese Haliburton situation where you just let him shoot how he's going to shoot. But if he struggles to get that low release point off against taller/longer players, some shooting regression might make his life difficult during his rookie contract. Teams are betting on Flemings' pedigree, toughness, and speed to overcome any such limitations. It's a smart bet. He'll join an up-and-coming Atlanta squad who likes to play fast and create turnovers, and he'll have a terrific mentor in CJ McCollum.
9	Dallas	Morez Johnson	B+	In terms of physicality, mentality, and pure toughness, it's hard to find a more NBA-ready player than Morez Johnson. During Michigan's championship run, Johnson performed as a man among boys in many games, setting bone-crushing picks and pulling down contested rebounds in traffic. He is also a high-efficiency offensive player who rarely tries to do anything outside of his comfort zone and even flashed a bit of an emerging 3-point shot. If the jumper turns out to be real, Johnson could be a big-time steal. His other offensive skills (ball-handling, passing, shot creation) are a ways off, and he's a bit more turnover prone than one would like to see from a big man, but his defensive switchability and winning mentality will fit well in any big man rotation. It's a bit of a reach according to most big boards, but with new head coach Dusty May in place, it makes all the sense in the world that he'd look to his enforcer to help clear space for Cooper Flagg. Dallas is going to love him.
10	Milwaukee	Brayden Burries	A	Skeptics might say that Brayden Burries is caught between positions – not quite a point guard, not quite a shooting guard. I say to those critics: shut your face. Burries is an exceptional basketball player who will contribute at a high level in a variety of ways. He significantly improved from the start of Arizona's season to its conclusion, developing into a tough, hard-nosed two-way stud with a sense for big moments. He can score at any level and excels with the ball in his hands. He defends very well for his position too. His game has shades of Devin Booker – another alleged tweener guard who slipped too far in his draft. Terrific pick for the rebuilding post-Giannis Bucks.
11	Golden State	Yaxel Lendeborg	B+	There were moments during the last college basketball season when it seemed like Yaxel Lendeborg was the nation's best player – at worst, it was a coin flip between him and Cam Boozer. Lendeborg did everything for the national champion Michigan Wolverines. He's a classic "no holes in his game" prospect who will contribute to winning on day one. His upside is limited, as he is among the draft's older prospects (he's older than almost anyone in the Spurs' playing rotation), and it's unclear whether his success can be replicated at the next level (he's a bit of a late bloomer who didn't look like an NBA player until very recently). But he makes a great deal of sense for the Warriors at this point in the draft. He'll play right away for a team that rarely has patience for rookie blunders.
12	Oklahoma City	Aday Mara	C-	Aday Mara can almost touch the rim without jumping. Guys with a 9-9 standing reach tend to get drafted high, especially if they can run and jump without falling over. Mara has rocketed up draft boards after an impressive junior season on the national champs from Michigan, but he didn't look like a first-round pick while at UCLA and is a bit older than most developmental big man prospects. Mara brings some intriguing wrinkles to his game, however – particularly the passing. Mara's calling card will be on defense, but will he be able to add enough strength without sacrificing quickness to compensate for his high center of gravity? If Mara can hang with the physicality of the NBA, he brings an interesting combination of rim protection and elbow facilitation – rare among players his size. But there are significant challenges ahead. Oklahoma City clearly didn't love how Chet Holmgren folded against Victor Wembanyama, so they're bringing in reinforcements.
13	Milwaukee	Nate Ament	B-	The ideal version of Nate Ament could be the steal of the draft. He's an enormous forward with silky smooth handles and a gorgeous jumper. The tools are all here. But it's unclear whether Ament will ever learn to use everything in his toolbox. Ament isn't interested in the more physical aspects of the game, and he is seemingly allergic to the paint. Most of Ament's skillset is in the theoretical/hypothetical category. If it ever becomes reality, he'll have a long, prosperous NBA career. If not, he'll drive coaches/GMs nuts. He'll have plenty of time to grow into his game for a Milwaukee team that needs talent, no matter how long it takes to develop.
14	Charlotte	Hannes Steinbach	A-	I can't confirm, but reports indicate that Hannes Steinbach grabbed five rebounds between the time Adam Silver called his name and he got to the stage. If nothing else, Steinbach's rebounding excellence will endear him to any coaching staff or fanbase. The rest of Steinbach's game is also rock solid – terrific hands, good feet, good foul shooter, active team defender. His ceiling will be determined how well he develops as a passer/perimeter shooter (both skills need work) and whether he can provide any rim protection on defense. Steinbach might not have the ceiling of some of the big men drafted ahead of him, but his floor might be just as high. He gives the upstart Charlotte Hornets everything they're missing in the frontcourt. Terrific fit between prospect and team.
15	Chicago	Dailyn Swain	C+	Dailyn Swain is a relentless, downhill attacker with strong size/athleticism for a slasher. At 6-7 with a 6-10 wingspan and a frame that can comfortably add a few pounds of muscle, Swain is a stat-sheet filler with a playmaking streak (3.6 assists/game) and a knack for rebounding above his position. The knock on Swain coming into college was his lack of a perimeter jumper – not necessarily that he can't knock down shots, but that he doesn't want to take open looks and would rather crash into traffic. But his foul shooting numbers and (slightly) increasing willingness to shoot when open are encouraging trends. He's also a bit older (21) than you'd like for a player still this raw. But NBA teams are constantly in need of tough two-way wings who can make plays on both ends and fill the stat sheet. There are higher upside players on the board who have elite-level NBA skills, where Swain might be a jack of all trades, but a master of none.
16	Oklahoma City	Bennett Stirtz	B+	In a draft full of extremely talented guards, Bennett Stirtz might not have the upside of those who went ahead of him, but his toughness, intelligence, and strong shooting ability should help him contribute to a winning effort. Stirtz was among college basketball's most productive point guards last season, averaging nearly 20 points and 4.4 assists per game for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He has good size/strength and he never backs down from a challenge. Stirtz will struggle with lateral quickness and will have a tough time finding ways to get to the rim, but his basketball IQ, innate knowledge of how to operate in the screen-and-roll, and steady handles will help him see the floor right away. Oklahoma City swoops in and grabs him – exhausting how many high-IQ shooters/passers the Thunder are collecting. It's a bit of a reach, but it's the right kind of reach. Stirtz makes sense in OKC.
17	Detroit	Ebuka Okorie	B-	Just watch the tape. Ebuka Okorie is electrifying. He weaves and wiggles through defenses like a knife through butter. Few players possess Okorie's elite-level start-and-stop-and-start-again ability. He goes from a standstill to top speed back to a stop in ways that boggle the mind. How do his joints handle the pressure? Nobody at the college level had much luck staying in front of Okorie, who posted 23.2 points per game on solid efficiency stats for Stanford. He likely won't have the ball in his hands nearly that often at the NBA level, so questions remain around what other supplementary skills he offers. He isn't a true point guard, and man-to-man defense will be an issue against bigger/physical guards/wings, but Okorie's quickness with the ball and his competitive spirit lend themselves to what could become a sixth-man-of-the-year type of trajectory for the Pistons.
18	Charlotte	Christian Anderson	B+	Christian Anderson is an electrifying three-level scorer with a terrific floater and incredible court vision. Anderson was among the Big 12's leaders in assists at 7.4 and converted on 41.5% of his 3-point shots on high volume (nearly eight per game). He never takes a play off and has that rare edge to him that allows him to play bigger than his size. He'll get picked on defensively, however, and it's unclear which guard spot is best suited for his skills, but if he can find a team with guards/wings who can cover for his size/length issues, there is a CJ McCollum-style hybrid scoring guard in waiting here, with even better passing instincts. He'll fit right into the Charlotte backcourt rotation.
19	Toronto	Allen Graves	A-	Allen Graves plays the game his way, at his pace, and there is very little anyone can do about it. Graves is an advanced stats monster, with excellent shooting splits and solid all-around contributions on both ends of the floor. He displays an advanced knowledge of defensive positioning and finds himself constantly making big plays on that end of the floor. Offensively, he's a bit of a glue guy who can knock down 3s when his feet are set. He won't be any team's primary option, but Graves' versatility and intelligence at only 19 years of age make him one of those "winning plays" guys coaches love. Time will tell if his game can translate from the mid-major level to the NBA, but Santa Clara has produced its fair share of NBA talent: Jalen Williams, Brandin Podzimeski, and of course, Steve Nash. Toronto loves to collect these oddball multidimensional wings. He'll fit right in here.
20	San Antonio	Jayden Quaintance	B	How's the knee? That's the question everyone is asking when evaluating Jayden Quaintance. Prior to that devastating ACL tear, Quaintance fit the profile of a high-upside, ultra-athletic big man whose best days are in front of him. Quaintance is one of those "first off the bus" dudes who you use to intimidate the other opponent. His offensive game is primarily "dunk it as quickly as possible" – not much yet in the way of playmaking or shooting (the free-throw percentage is especially concerning). He's bounced around a bit and never really turned his upside into tangible production on the college level, but if Quaintance can stay healthy, he's a potential defensive anchor in the middle. There are shades of Mitchell Robinson here, with the potential to become more if the offensive game ever catches up. The Spurs bring in extra muscle to help Wemby patrol the lane. If he's healthy/ready, he'll be a Charles Oakley type for a team that seems to be embracing toughness and physicality. High ceiling, low floor.
21	Memphis	Karim Lopez	B	Karim Lopez is a strong wing slasher with great size and a knack for getting to the rim. At 6-9, 225, the 19-year-old Lopez already possesses and NBA-ready body with good feet, good hands, and a good sense of where to be on the floor. He struggles to consistently knock down shots on the perimeter and he doesn't have a true calling-card skill that appears ready to translate to NBA-level action, and his focus tends to drift. He spent much of this past season as a role player on the New Zealand Breakers and had to find ways to contribute while not being the team's focal point. Memphis likely sees him as an eventual successor to Kyle Anderson – a long, lanky wing who plays at his own speed.
22	Philadelphia	Labaron Philon	B	Labaron Philon is this draft's prime example of a player who seems bigger than his listed measurables. Philon plays so much bigger than his slight frame, thanks to his relentless downhill approach and hard-nosed mentality. He's a tremendously productive lead guard with strong efficiency stats and terrific shooting splits who made major strides in his playmaking between his freshman and sophomore seasons. NBA length might be a problem, however, as Philon will have a tough time navigating much tighter passing/driving windows at this level. If nothing else, Philon will bring a toughness element to any backcourt rotation. People were shocked to see him fall so far in the draft, which might add to that competitive edge. The 76ers add strength to strength, working Philon into a backcourt rotation with Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. He'll be on a quest to prove people wrong, without having to shoulder a huge load right away.
23	Atlanta	Zuby Ejiofor	B-	Zuby Ejiofor is a burly bowling ball of a big, with wide shoulders and tremendous two-way potential. He truly came into his own the past two seasons, leading a resurgent St. John's program and winning Big East Player of the Year. He does a little bit of everything, filling the box score in all categories seemingly every game. He's a phenomenal shot blocker for his height and can even make plays for others as a secondary ball-handler. There aren't a lot of players quite like him. The outside shooting is a big concern, as much of his damage happens at the elbows or in the lane, and he is a little trapped between forward positions, but the IQ, mentality, and (especially) the defensive versatility make him an intriguing pick for the Hawks, even if it is a bit of a reach.
24	LA Lakers	Cameron Carr	A-	Cameron Carr is among the lankiest, most explosive guard prospects available. He looks every bit the part of a game-changing offensive weapon, with his phenomenal quickness and red-hot perimeter shooting ability. He can pull up on a dime in transition and shoots on the move as well as anyone in this draft. He also rebounds exceptionally well for his position, thanks to his crazy 7-foot wingspan. Consistency is Carr's current nemesis, as he struggled through two non-impact seasons at Tennessee and doesn't always lock in on both ends the way he needs to. He is also a bit older (turns 22 in November) than most of his raw, high-upside contemporaries. But the tools are there for a possible Anfernee Simons/healthy Zach LaVine type of trajectory for the Lakers. Carr will be a thrilling addition alongside Luka Doncic.
25	Dallas	Sergio De Larrea	B	Sergio De Larrea is a long, lanky wing with strong playmaking/ballhandling skills and encouraging catch-and-shoot progress. It's easy to see De Larrea stick in the league as a longtime complementary wing with some ancillary playmaking juice, but his struggles to defend – both man-to-man and in team concepts – make the D part of the 3-and-D equation purely theoretical at this point. But if the defense improves with added physical strength/maturity, his offensive skills (particularly the connector portion of his offensive game) become extremely valuable. After adding Morez Johnson earlier in the draft, Dallas uses this pick to add a floor spacer who can complement franchise cornerstone Cooper Flagg. De Larrea's shooting, feel, and ball movement fit well alongside a primary creator, and the Mavericks can afford to be patient while he continues to develop physically and defensively..
26	San Antonio	Tarris Reed	B+	At this point in the draft, teams are looking for players with a clear-cut NBA skill. For Tarris Reed, it's rebounding. He's an elite glass cleaner who carves out space for himself with ease and erases weak boxouts. He is particularly adept at offensive rebounding, where he generated countless extra positions for UConn the past two years. He is also a top-shelf rim protector who plays with passion and intensity – sometimes too much intensity, as foul trouble is often a concern. He is primarily an at-the-rim finisher who gets most of his buckets on dirty-work putbacks. He shot mostly in the high 50s/low 60s at the foul line, but he bumped that number up to nearly 80% in this past NCAA Tournament. If he can figure out how to broaden his offensive game, his defense/rebounding skills become that much more valuable. Great pick for the Spurs, who brings a winning mentality to a team ready to compete at the highest level.
27	Boston	Chris Cenac	B-	If you look closely, you can see the outline of a significantly impactful center with the way Chris Cenac runs the floor at his size. At just under 7 feet with a crazy 7-5 wingspan and a vertical leap that would put most high jumpers to shame, Cenac is a fluid, explosive big man who shows an intriguing combination of skills – including an emerging 3-ball. The 19-year-old Cenac isn't ready yet – his shooting efficiency stats are a disaster for a center and his rim protection ability is purely theoretical. He committed four times as many fouls (86) as blocked shots (only 18?!) in 25 minutes a game for the Houston Cougars. But if an extremely patient coaching staff can bring him up to speed, Cenac could have a Kel'el Ware-level impact down the line for the Celtics. This is a vote of confidence in Joe Mazzulla and his staff as much as anything else.
28	Brooklyn	Joshua Jefferson	B	Out of all the playmaking forwards in this draft class, Joshua Jefferson is clearly the best passer. This lanky 6-9 playmaker increased his on-ball creativity each season he spent at Iowa State, closing with nearly 5 assists per game as a senior. Not just simple assists either – the kinds of passes that break an offensive set wide open. He also emerged as a scoring threat his senior year, up to 16.4 points per game with a slightly better 3-ball. Iowa State's offense fell off a cliff the instant Jefferson went down with an ankle sprain. He's an older prospect (turns 23 in November) and he's a bit capped out athletically against other NBA forwards, but his work ethic and overall skill level should keep him in the NBA beyond his rookie contract. Think Kyle Anderson or a ground-bound Jalen Johnson. Say this for the Nets – they certainly have a type.
29	Sacramento	Alex Karaban	C+	Alex Karaban wins games and knocks down shots. What more could anyone ask for in a college career? Two nattys. Three Final Fours. A UConn-record 126 wins over four years. The 6-8 Karaban is a lights-out, long-range-shooting assassin who needs no time to line up his shots or set his feet. He is an NBA-level floor spacer right now, with enough wiggle in his game to attack closeouts and make easy one-hit passes in team concepts. He's closer to 24 than 23, however, and his lack of athleticism will hurt him on defense. If he can figure out how to hold his own against NBA-level athletes, his A-level shooting and basketball IQ could land him a long NBA career.
30	Phoenix	Koa Peat	B	Much of what we said about Cameron Boozer about 20 picks earlier can apply to Koa Peat. This 6-8 power forward is a physical marvel with terrific hands, feet, and basketball IQ. Peat has excelled at every level and always seems to make big plays in the biggest moments. He possesses an NBA-ready body in terms of strength/athleticism – he would've made an incredible NFL tight end. Peat is a coach's dream, thanks to his work ethic, willingness to pass, and dedication to the little things. Why didn't Peat go in that Boozer range, then? He can't shoot. His jumper is flat and his release point is all over the place. It hasn't gotten any better in the pre-draft process, either. It's exceptionally difficult for 6-8 tweener forwards to find a role in the NBA if a team doesn't have to guard them beyond 15 feet. The free-throw shooting (only 62.3%) doesn't provide much optimism – those shots are flat, as well. If Peat ever gets his shot in order, he brings so many other A-level ancillary skills that he'll find ways to contribute to winning. The Suns will keep him close to home, where he shined for the Arizona Wildcats and dominated high school ball in the Phoenix area.
31	Houston	Bruce Thornton	B	Bruce Thornton is one of the best pure leaders – both on- and off-court – available in this draft. Teammates adore Thornton. He's a captain in every sense of the word. He's a tremendous mid-range shooter with a lethal pull-up. He produced at a high level in all four seasons at Ohio State, leading the Buckeyes all-time scoring list. He turned himself into a 40% 3-point shooter and plays remarkably efficient, low-turnover basketball. He is also a hawk on defense and uses his stout frame to keep from being backed down. He's undersized – 6-foot in shoes. The odds are always stacked against anyone at his height, especially as everyone around him continues to get bigger. Don't expect that to deter Thornton. The Rockets moved up specifically to select him. They likely see him as a Fred Van Vleet successor. There are other players available at this spot with much higher upside, but few with Thornton's natural leadership abilities.
32	Memphis	Richie Saunders	B	Had Richie Saunders not torn his ACL, he likely would have heard his name called much earlier. During his senior year, Saunders developed into an electric, highly efficient shooting guard with deadly accuracy from long range, strong ball-handling skills, and above-average finishing ability through contact. Saunders is a tough, hard-nosed defender who likes to mix it up and play for steals. He lacks the top-end athleticism/speed of other wings and his first step is only average, but Saunders can create space for himself with his quick release and pump-and-go game. If he's healthy, Saunders might be a steal at this point in the draft. He's one of the draft's older players and will come in as a nearly finished product.
33	Minnesota	Isaiah Evans	A-	Isaiah Evans is one of the draft's best pure shooters. In another era, Evans could've become a Rip Hamilton-style movement-shooting midrange assassin. Evans does a wonderful job weaving through screens and getting his shot off against any kind of defensive scheme. He needs to add strength to withstand the NBA's physicality, and it's unclear whether he'll ever become a passable defender. He also doesn't really contribute much else to the box score. But the scoring ability is undeniable. He isn't a perfect prospect, but he is a major steal at the 33rd pick.
34	Sacramento	Meleek Thomas	B+	Meleek Thomas has never met a shot he didn't think he could knock down. Thomas is among the draft's most confident (at times too confident) bucket getters. At a hair under 6-5 with a very smooth jumper, Thomas posted better shooting splits than one would expect given his shot diet (44% and nearly 42% on 3s), with sneaky playmaking ability and active hands-on defense (1.5 steals per game). Thomas is the type of guard who can swing a game when he gets hot, but he can also shoot a team out of a game. He plays the game at full speed almost all the time, which makes him a bit of a boom-or-bust player on each possession. If he can develop a better floater and learn to pick his spots and change his pace, Thomas could be an electric third guard. Terrific pick at this point in the draft.
35	Denver	Trevon Brazile	B+	Trevon Brazile was one of the big winners at the draft combine, measuring bigger than expected (that 7-4 wingspan, wow!) and hitting a max vert of just under 42 inches. He's a terrific shotblocker and brings a unique switchability/versatility to any frontcourt rotation. He has even shown flashes of floor-spacing shooting potential on the offensive end. He's an older prospect and might not have a ton of upside remaining, which is concerning, given how raw his ballhandling and limited his passing vision remain at this stage. But Brazile checks a lot of boxes in what teams seek in a backup big man. The Nuggets are in desperate need of frontcourt depth, youth, and athleticism. Let's see if he's ready to help Nikola Jokic right away.
36	LA Clippers	Baba Miller	B	Baba Miller wowed at the draft combine with his unique blend of size, quickness, and fluidity. When everything is clicking for Miller, he looks like Serge Ibaka – two lanky big men with Spanish ties and unique defensive profiles. Miller is a terrific rebounder and rim protector (when engaged) and has even shown flashes of playmaking/connecting. He's unselfish and throws himself into the "dirty work" role on both ends of the floor. Consistency is Miller's big obstacle. During a four-year college career across three different universities, Miller's ability to mentally lock in comes and goes, as does his shooting stroke. There is an interesting prospect here if he can get stronger without sacrificing his terrific speed.
37	Miami	Ryan Conwell	A-	Conwell is another highly productive basketball nomad who never met a shot he didn't like. Conwell fired nearly one three for every three minutes of playing time for Louisville last season, averaging a hair under 19 points per game. He is also a good foul shooter who loves to attack the rim on over-eager closeouts. At 6-3 and nearly 215 pounds, Conwell is built like a tank. He isn't quite as athletic as prime Eric Gordon, but his game is very similar. He isn't a playmaker and is a little undersized as a traditional wing, but the scoring punch is undeniable. He knows how to play and knows what will be asked of him to stay in the league.
38	Indiana	Braden Smith	B	Braden Smith is one of college basketball's most successful, productive, and tough-willed point guards. He averaged 7.4 assists to 2.7 turnovers during 149 college games for the Purdue Boilermakers, including a nearly 9/3 ratio as a senior. He is a rock-solid floor general who can organize any offense, run any pick and roll, and shoot it whenever a defense decides to give him space. But at 6-foot, 170 pounds, it's hard to envision a scenario where Smith is able to hang in on defense for extended minutes. Best-case scenario: TJ McConnell mentors Smith and helps him turn into a pest who makes winning plays for 15-minute stints on a winning organization. But McConnell is a freak who never gets tired. If Smith's conditioning gets to marathon-runner capacity, he has a shot.
39	New York	Jack Kayil	C+	Jack Kayil is a tough floor-general style point guard who emerged as a draft sleeper during some high-leverage moments for Alba Berlin in Germany. The former Gonzaga commit decided to keep his name in the draft, and this 6-4 rangy guard can throw any pass from any angle. He's a very creative player who loves to push the pace and get his teammates involved. He's a bit skinny right now and the shooting splits aren't quite at NBA standards yet, but a year or two in the G League could help bring him up to speed.
40	Boston	Dillon Mitchell	B	If you need a player to give you everything he has and defend anyone you put in front of him, Dillon Mitchell is your guy. He's one of the truly elite defenders in this draft class, and at 6-8 with incredible athleticism, that skill will almost certainly translate at the NBA level. He is also a devastating finisher in transition and a better-than-expected passer. Unfortunately, he is among the worst-shooting non-centers taken in either round. He missed more than half of his free throws as a college player and went 11-57 from 3 over those four years (including 1-15 at St. John's last year). If the shot gets to even passable, Mitchell could be a real sleeper, but it's hard to stay on the court when other defenses don't have to account for you.
41	Miami	Otega Oweh	B	Otega Oweh is an extremely physical two-way guard who thrives in an up-tempo attack that allows him to create havoc in transition. At 6-4 and nearly 220 pounds, Oweh has the body of a football player and the mentality of a running back. He could one day develop into a lockdown man-to-man defensive player, as well. He doesn't possess much in the way of playmaking skills and the perimeter shot comes and goes, but if he can adjust his approach from being a primary option at Kentucky into more of a defense-first role player, Oweh could enjoy a long NBA career.
42	San Antonio	Jakobi Gillespie	B+	Ja'Kobi Gillespie was the primary offensive engine a team where many expected Nate Ament to evolve into a superstar. Gillespie just had more verve, averaging 18 points and 5.4 assists in a high-usage role for the Volunteers. He is a fearless guard who is impossible to stay in front of once he gathers a head of steam. He plays with a nasty edge and a mean first step. However, he's 6-1 on tiptoes with a mediocre wingspan. Despite the competitiveness, the 22-year-old Gillespie will face certain physical disadvantages against other NBA guards. He is also a low-efficiency chucker from 3 – no defender would ever try to fight over a pick against him. But the speed, tenacity, and will are undeniable.
43	Brooklyn	Tyler Bilodeau	C+	Tyler Bilodeau is a tremendous shooter – just lights-out, particularly at his size. He is one of the draft's top spot-up threats. He nearly went 50/40/90 at UCLA and displays elite touch at all levels. He is a remarkably efficient, low-mistake player who also gets after it on the glass and plays with a high IQ, particularly in the way he is able to relocate off the ball. The athletic limitations are apparent, and teams will pick on him defensively, but he's clearly the best shooter available right now. There is some Duncan Robinson potential here if he can hold up defensively – but that is a big if.
44	San Antonio	Maliq Brown	B	Maliq Brown is a phenomenal defender who loves to destroy passing lanes. He gets his hands on everything. Players have no interest dribbling anywhere in Brown's airspace. At 6-8 with a terrific wingspan, Brown projects as a potential All-NBA defender. Why didn't he go 20 spots earlier? He can't shoot it beyond five feet and he didn't play starter's minutes at Duke due to these offensive limitations. Brown's game is reminiscent of Matisse Thybulle. If Brown gets any kind of shot whatsoever, he'll be an impactful NBA defender.
45	Sacramento	Emanuel Sharp	A-	Emanuel Sharp is here to shoot the ball. Sharp is an aggressive scorer who is comfortable firing it from all angles, as well as driving at full speed and drawing fouls, where he is among the nation's elite foul shooters. The 6-3 Sharp also loves to get after it on the defensive end, hounding ball-handlers full court. He prefers not to pass and his efficiency numbers are a bit subpar (career 39.7% shooter from the field), but Sharp is a big-time player who has excelled in many pressure-packed games for the Houston Cougars.
46	Orlando	Felix Okpara	B-	Felix Okpara is a pure upside play, thanks to his incredible size, toughness, and shotblocking ability. His offensive game doesn't go much beyond run-jump-dunk, and Tennessee didn't ask him to make many plays in the short roll, but Okpara is a unique physical specimen who may still have some development remaining despite his advance-for-the-draft age (22).
47	New York	Tyler Nickel	B-	Tyler Nickel is one of the draft's best spot-up shooters, who needs next to no time or space to get his shot off. He is a heady cutter who leverages his deadly outside shooting ability into smart off-ball plays. He rarely makes mistakes on either side of the ball. He's a better defender than people expect, but the lateral footspeed and physical strength will be at a deficit against NBA competition. His passing vision needs work as well, particularly as he can create playmaking opportunities with his shooting ability.
48	Dallas	Tobi Lawal	B	Tobi Lawal isn't just a great athlete. He might be the best leaper in this – or any other – draft. The 6-8 Lawal recorded a 45.5-inch vertical leap at the combine and a 40-inch no-step jump. Holy moly. He's a solid all-around basketball player, too – terrific rebounder and disruptive defender. He's not much of a consistent 3-point shooter and his passing skills need serious refinement, but few are in Lawal's class in terms of playing above the rim on either end. He soars in rarified air and could help lend some juice to the dunk contest if he can stick on a roster. The Derrick Jones comparison is a good one.
49	Denver	Bryce Hopkins	B-	It looks like Bryce Hopkins has put those serious leg injuries that plagued his Providence career behind him, as he enjoyed a terrific senior season for St. John's. Hopkins is a long, versatile forward with a 3-and-D approach. He doesn't try to do anything he can't do, but that puts a bit of a cap on his ceiling. There is no singular elite skill here, but he's a decent shooter, decent ballhandler, and solid rebounder with above-average defensive instincts and a high motor.
50	Toronto	Jaden Bradley	A-	Gamer. Leader. Winner. Jaden Bradley is a coach's dream who plays with incredible toughness and intelligence on both ends. As the Big 12 Player of the Year, Bradley was the on- and off-court leader for a terrific Arizona squad. He commanded the court as the team's floor general and was relied upon to take and make the big shots. He is also a pesky defender with great hands who plays bigger than his size. He doesn't have the athletic ceiling other guards I this class have, but his floor is pretty high, as well. Look for Bradley to have a similar impact to new teammate Jamal Shead – tough as nails competitor who carves out an NBA niche and find a spot on a winning team's playing rotation.
51	Washington	Izaiyah Nelson	B+	Izaiyah Nelson is an energetic (if slightly undersized) center who can defend all over the floor and disrupt plays at all levels. South Florida took advantage of Nelson's switchability and deployed him in a variety of defensive attacks – not just standard rim protection duties. He also upped his scoring average to nearly 16 a game on a diet of rim-rolls, transition dunks, and foul shots (where he's turned himself into a 70-plus-percent shooter). He doesn't have much of a perimeter game to speak of yet, but he did at least test the 3-ball a little bit as a senior. Even though he'll be 23 by his rookie year, there still seems to be some upside here, as Nelson continues to find new ways to improve, thanks to his coachability and his motor.
52	Atlanta	Henri Veesaar	B	Henri Veesaar is an odd prospect, in that most players his size project as defense-first contributors whose offensive game lags a bit behind. Veesaar is exactly the opposite. He is a tremendously skilled offensive player who has made significant strides in his spot-up shooting ability (up to 42.6% on three attempts per game at UNC) and flashed a bit of a face-up game that he didn't have earlier in his college career. His offensive skillset might allow him to even play a little power forward alongside a tough, defensive-minded center, much like Lauri Markkanen. That might be his best chance for success, as Veesaar struggles mightily on the defensive end. When he's in the right position, he can block a shot or two thanks purely to his size, but smart teams will be able to blow by him on switches and more athletic big men will be able to overpower him. But 7-footers with his shooting/on-ball skills don’t come along very often. He was expected by many to be a first-round pick, but he took a major slide to 52. If he enters the league with a chip on his shoulder, that will help his development.
53	Detroit	Ugonna Onyenso	B	When Ugonna Onyenso is on the court, he's among the best rim protectors in college basketball. He blocked a shot about every 7.5 minutes of action over his college basketball career. He is an absolute tank with an NBA-ready body and truly spectacular shotblocking instincts. He isn't much of a high-flyer, instead racking up blocks/deflections thanks to diligence, footwork, and positioning. He also gets after it on the glass when he's out there. The problem? He's never averaged more than 18.6 minutes per game. It's unclear whether Onyenso can hold up in extended minutes or whether he can carry any kind of offensive load outside of dunks/putbacks. The defensive upside is more than enough to justify his selection here.
54	Golden State	Lajae Jones	B-	Lajae Jones is a rock-solid, physical wing with strong 3-and-D potential, even if the length isn't eye-popping. He plays with a terrific motor and finds ways to impact the game in a variety of ways. He can guard anyone 1-through-4 and shows exceptional screen-fighting abilities. He can wiggle over/around just about any screen and keep his footwork clean. He has no obvious weaknesses, but no elite-level strengths, either. If he can find a way to get his spot-up shooting stroke a bit more consistent from beyond the arc, Jones has a shot to stick around.
55	LA Clippers	Nick Martinelli	A-	Few players have scored as many points as Nick Martinelli has these last two seasons. The do-it-all wing for Northwestern carried an incredible offensive burden, upping his scoring average to 23 per game while improving on all of his shooting stats, despite higher usage. He'll be able to shoot it at the NBA level, both off the bounce and in catch-and-shoot situations. He can even provide some off-the-dribble juice as a secondary creator. The concerns are his below-average athleticism and whether he can get the same kind of separation against NBA-caliber defenders. But there is just enough Austin Reeves in his game – particularly his crafty midrange/floater skills – to make him an intriguing selection as this point in the draft. If this Benson Boone lookalike can add backflips to his dribble-drive game, the sky's the limit.
56	Dallas	Vsevolod Ishchenko	B	Vsevolod Ishchenko possesses a fascinating combination of feel, size, and shooting. At 6-8 220, Ishchenko is a power guard with terrific passing skills and lights-out shooting ability. He handles the ball like a point guard and always keeps his head up looking for hit-ahead opportunities. He changes pace well and always seems to be under control. He can be a bit too passive, deferring to teammates when the correct play is to get to the rim or fire an open jumper. He will also take time to get up to speed – both physically and mentally – on the defensive end. But at this point of the draft, he is a worthwhile gamble. Don't look for him to come over right away, but he might be a real player in a year or two.
57	LA Clippers	Narcisse Ngoy	A (for the physical frame), C- (for the basketball ability)	Narcisse Ngoy had a cup of coffee with several college programs trying to recruit him (including Auburn) after playing for nearly every team in France, but the combination of size/length/athleticism is intriguing enough to keep him in the draft. Fran Fraschilla won't say he's two years away from two years away, but I will. Ngoy is extremely raw, but he is among the most impressive physical specimens available. At 7 feet with a 7-7 wingspan and tremendous run/jump ability, Ngoy could become an impressive player down the line. It will just take time.
58	New Orleans	Jaron Pierre	B	Pierre is a potent, productive wing who does a little bit of everything – but his main thing is shooting 3s. Pierre loves to let it fly, and he's upped his percentages to nearly 40% over his last two collegiate seasons. He is an explosive athlete who can finish above the rim, and also loves to use that athleticism to disrupt plays on the other end. All the pieces of an athletic 3-and-D wing are here. His ballhandling/playmaking lag behind the rest of his skills, and he isn't always as locked in during half-court sets – and at age 23, it's unclear whether those skills improve much. But if Pierre buys into a 3-and-D role, there are a couple of NBA contracts in his future.
59	Minnesota	Trey Kaufman-Renn	B+	Trey Kaufman-Renn can flat-out score. He's a bit of a tweener between forward spots, but he's extremely crafty near the hoop and around the elbows. Kaufman-Renn plays like the best YMCA/pickup game player imaginable. He's a solid rebounder and heady passer/cutter. He offers very little floor spacing (low volume and efficiency all four seasons at Purdue), which is tough for a combo forward, and his lack of top-end athleticism makes defending in space a challenge. If Kaufman-Renn can add any kind of 3-ball to his game, it will amplify all of his other terrific skills.
60	Milwaukee	Malique Lewis	C+	Malique is a raw, bouncy wing from Trinidad who possesses excellent height/length and an intriguing set of skills. If you squint, you can see the 3-and-D potential, with terrific transition ability and theoretical switchability on defense. He needs a great deal of seasoning before he's ready for NBA action, but he has physical skills that can't be taught.