I definitely have a type when it comes to draft prospects. I am a sucker for a wing-sized player who has played guard at some point and therefore has more advanced dribbling/passing chops. In this draft, it seems like there are quite a few of these kind of players projected to go at the end of the first round. All of these guys are kind of mystery boxes– they have shown a lot of flashes but not enough for any team to be confident in taking them in the lottery. If the Jazz keep their later picks, I would love for us to snag one of these guys:
AJ Johnson
- Illawarra Hawks
- 19 years old
- 6'7" – was 6’5” but had a growth spurt over the last year in Australia
- Ranked #29 on The Athletic's latest Big Board
For me, he is the biggest mystery box of the draft– but if he hits I think he by far has the highest ceiling of anyone projected in this range. His numbers from this season won’t blow you away, but watch the tape and you will see he has athleticism that is rare in this draft. He also fits an archetype that has been successful recently– a wing-size player who used to be a guard but had a late growth spurt. He is super young and raw at basically everything, but I buy the shooting motion. He has guard passing and playmaking instincts. He has a good handle. Going to be a major project– Sam Vecenie compares him to Anfernee Simons in terms of taking multiple years to develop into an NBA player.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atfy26nw-hQ&ab_channel=NoCeilingsNBA
Kyshawn George
- U of Miami
- 20 years old
- 6’8”
- 40.8% on 3-pointers this season
- Ranked #30 on The Athletic's latest Big Board
Has a floor as a wing who can knock down 3s– the shot seems real and he has a great shooting motion. Coaches and everyone around him talk about his intelligence and work ethic. Played guard in France. Went through a recent growth spurt and is still figuring out how to move with his new length– hopefully his handle catches back up and he can improve as a driver. Right now main concerns are whether he can be fast enough to drive/cut and whether he can do anything off the bounce (he is a little slow right now and definitely isn’t an above the rim finisher).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRrxgkrrIN4&t=590s&ab_channel=NoCeilingsNBA
Jaylon Tyson
- Cal
- 21
- 6’7”
- 36% on 3-pointers this season
- Ranked 31 on The Athletic's latest Big Board
Slightly older player who had a breakout season this year. Has a pretty deep bag and can create his own shot off the bounce. Has good playmaking and passing instincts and great form on his shot. Not sure what I think of his defense yet. Switched college teams every season (3 total teams)… might be a red-flag in terms of how he is in the locker room…?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfhinyDfwe4&t=70s&ab_channel=NoCeilingsNBA