MOST INTERESTING DRAFT PROSPECTS

UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:

MOST INTERESTING DRAFT PROSPECTS:

With the top-4 basically a lock to be Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs, and Jalen Green, there should be very little movement. Yes, there could be a surprise like when Chicago went with Patrick Williams this past year. Yes, there could be anomalous draft orders that disrupt mock drafts. Yes, there could be trades. That being said, I'm looking at this first round and beyond and seeing a lot of interesting players that could drastically outperform their draft position throughout their career and probably all depends on their situation.

ALPEREN SENGUN - Probably the most interesting player in this draft for several reasons. For one, he's one of the few centers in this draft. Outside of Evan Mobley, Kai Jones, and Isaiah Jackson, there is not a plethora of bigs. While, this does make sense overall, as the league has transitioned into a position-less style of ball, all of the top teams in the league have a dominant guy at this position. Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Bam Adebayo, and DeAndre Ayton are all pivotal players for their team. Even teams like the Nets and Bucks have a 7-foot wing. In previous eras, a big that was a major defensive guy was the key, now they have to shoot and pass. 

Sengun on a per-minute basis is one of the more efficient at this skill set. His per-36 is 24.3 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, and 2.0 BPG. While his outside shooting is still developing, he's already shooting close to 80% from the line and is playing professionally overseas at 18 years old. His trajectory is incredible and he could be one of the most productive players in the draft in the right situation. My most recent Mock Draft has him going 7th overall to the Sacramento Kings, who have Richaun Holmes and Hassan Whiteside on expiring contracts, yet I've seen many drafts of teams taking him outside of the lottery. The Kings run through their guards, so this would be a great situation for him to develop, run pick and roll, and battle down low. He's 2nd among centers on most big boards and has one of the widest ranges for where he could go in this draft.

JOSH GIDDEY - I'm hoping my entire list does not end up being a referendum on Euros being selected too late, but Giddey is another example of foreign born player that will probably go later than he should. Much like my not so hot take on centers, the point guard position has evolved quite a bit over the last few years. Quick, shifty guards are fun to watch, satisfying to see drop 3s on a regular basis, and exciting to see break ankles with their creative handles. Giddey is a little different because he is in that new era of hybrid guards that are mismatches for smaller guards, but can defend 1's through 4's. These tall guards are efficient close to the basket, but are inconsistent at the line - Luka Doncic and Ben Simmons are great examples of this. Doncic and Lamelo Ball are pretty solid from beyond the arc, but are still young and still developing.

Giddey is a 6' 8" point guard. With that height, he is one of the more efficient rebounders among guards in this draft. It used to be rare to see point guards getting triple-doubles, and now it's a norm. The question mark with Giddey is will his offense catch up to the rest of his counting stats. He's not a good shooter and despite his height, not a great defender. It's possibly that he is playing out of position, but he's a young 18 years old, he does not make stupid fouls, and he is an excellent rebounder and passer. His free throws are his Achilles heel, so he could end up sliding in the draft for teams spooked with how Doncic and Simmons have been performing during the playoffs. My latest mock draft has him going 20th to the Atlanta Hawks with Lou Williams on an expiring deal, but any team as high as lottery could use a large guard. I think his floor is pretty high, but until he can develop a reliable outside shot, his ceiling will be limited.

JARED BUTLER - I'm super bullish on Butler. He was pivotal in the National Title game, is one of the best two-way guards in the NCAA, and one of the best shooters at his position. He's the prototype guards at 6'3", is a dangerous catch and shoot threat, and is a pesky defender despite his below average wingspan. What will likely cause him to slide is his age. While he gives me vibes of Jalen Brunson going into this draft, it's a poor comparison because Brunson is more of an attack the basket, slithery type basket. While Brunson compares to more of a Jameer Nelson or Derek Fisher type player, Butler is more of a George Hill or Bryn Forbes type player.

His per-36 is pretty damn impressive. 19.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.7 APG, 2.3 SPG, and 3.0 3PG on 47/42/78 splits. What really impressed me however, is his performance in the tournament. In the Championship game he had 22 points, 4 3-pointers, 7 assists, and was 6/6 from the line. He also committed zero turnovers. His veteran leadership could be very helpful for a young, developing team. My latest mock draft has him going 17th to the Oklahoma City Thunder (18th now), yet I could see him going to a team like Atlanta off the bench.

BJ BOSTON - There was a time when the 5-star prospect was considered a lock as a lottery pick, and now it's possible he falls out of the first round. His freshman campaign at Kentucky was very disappointing for those that followed him throughout his young career, yet you can't teach size. He is still a 6' 7" wing with a 6' 11" wingspan, he's still 19 years old, he's still a low-turnover guard. The issues are that he'll have games where he goose-eggs and there are games where he'll go off for 20+. He is a good defender when he wants to be and a lights out shooter on occasion.

His trajectory reminds and size reminds me a lot of Cam Reddish from Duke. Similar size, similar role, but both drastically underperformed despite heavy minutes. He performed so poorly, I had him as a second round pick in my latest mock draft, but after continuing to watch game footage, I have him fringe end of first round. There will be a team that reaches for him - Kentucky guards go off the board quickly. He may not be a centerpiece for a franchise anytime soon, but in the right role, he could be a significant asset. The Rockets, Thunder, and Magic all have a lot of picks, and any one of them could find a way to grab him. I'm under the notion that he avenges his teammate, Terrence Clarke, and has an impressive rookie campaign.

- Adam Safianow - NBA Analyst - Upsyde Sports [Copyright 2021]