OKC Thunder: NBA Draft big board 2.0 – Top 30 prospects

Rylan Stiles

LaMelo Ball of the Hawks and RJ Hampton (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

While the OKC Thunder are expected to be big players in the 2020 NBA draft the big question is who should garner their interest.

It is unclear how many picks the OKC Thunder will own, or even when the NBA Draft will take place, but we do know the Thunder will be right in the thick of things.

College basketball has come to an end, so it is time to re-evaluate all of the NBA Draft prospects on my big board. A lot has changed since the start of the college season when the first big board came out.

We are not sure what the pre-draft process will look like, from the NBA Combine to the private workouts, or even when the NBA Draft will take place. This will be the second installment of the NBA big board, and it will rank the top 30 prospects heading into the 2020 Draft.

These rankings are based totally on a prospect’s talent, and ability to translate to the NBA. This is not indicative of where I think the players will be picked. You can look at my first mock draft for that information.

This big board will kick off the summer NBA Draft coverage here on Thunderous Intentions. From more big boards to mock drafts and player profiles, you will want to return for a ton of NBA Draft content.

So sit back, settle in with your drinks and your snacks and lets breakdown some actual basketball. There will be some surprises along the way!

Without further ado, the top 30 prospects entering the 2020 NBA Draft starting with the most popular prospect on the board.

LaMelo Ball, PG, 6’6, 180 pounds, 18 years old

Even if you only follow the NBA, and do not pay attention to the incoming prospects until they burst onto the scene in the association, you have heard of LaMelo Ball.

From his family’s reality TV series on Facebook to their shoe brand, his brother already in the league, and his loud mouth father, LaMelo is no newcomer to the spotlight.

While his brother Lonzo Ball is already on his second team in the NBA, his middle brother LiAngelo is currently trying to upstart his professional basketball career with the OKC Blue.

Not only do many people suspect LaMelo is the most talented Ball brother, but many also have him going first overall in the upcoming NBA Draft.

A lot of people have opinions on Ball, and his family’s antics, but when you take all of that away and just look at the player, to me it is clear he is the best in class.

LaMelo Ball should have guard needy teams salivating, he is a prototypical modern NBA point guard. Electing to play in Australia rather than college ball, the 18-year old put up impressive numbers in the ABL.

When you watch LaMelo play, you will see a lot of playmaking upside. Highlight plays that make you wonder ‘how did he get that pass off?’ His speed mixed with control while handling the ball is something young prospects rarely possess.

With his accurate passing, and dazzling ball-handling you will not find a better playmaker in this year’s draft.

While he has a good ability to finish around the rim, playmaking and range are the extent of his offensive game.

Given his size and speed, he can defend almost any wing on the floor, but the effort and intensity would have to be there.

The hiccup in LaMelo’s game stems from the fact he has always been the best player on the floor. He oftentimes takes matters into his own hands, jacking up low-quality shots early in the shot clock, and trying to do way too much.

With NBA level talent around him, that problem could quickly subside.

Outside of poor decision making, his shot needs a ton of work. While it is not as bad as Lonzo’s shot when he first entered the league, there is no question once an NBA team gets their hands on LaMelo, they will try to change his form.

While the OKC Thunder will not land LaMelo Ball without making a dent into their future draft assets, he will still be a stud player to watch.

Anthony Edwards, SG, 6’5, 225 pounds, 18 years old

When it comes to NBA Draft prospects, Edwards presents an explosive option. The 18-year-old is dynamic, powerful, explosive, and almost moves in hyperspeed. Sound like another guard that OKC Thunder fans are very familiar with?

Anthony Edwards displays a high level of athleticism, with powerful jams mixed with a soft touch around the rim. When he gets out in transition, there is no stopping him.

While he offers beautiful dribble pull-ups, his jumper needs a ton of work if he wants to become a three-level scorer. Playing for a losing SEC school, Anthony Edwards struggled with his motor.

This is always a huge red flag for me, rarely does someone get pegged with a work ethic problem, and then it magically turns around at the NBA level.

He has the size and athleticism to defend almost any position on the floor, but when you lose track of your man and look disinterested on that side of the hardwood, it is hard to display it.

Edwards might be the best athlete in this draft, and no one can question his tough finishing at the rim. However, between the lack of effort on defense and the lack of decision-making, there are a ton of question marks surrounding the 18-year-old guard.

Although he can handle the ball at a high-level, his cutting ability and athleticism make him a great fit for a team that already has ball-handlers.

The Bulldog product posted 19 points, five rebounds, and a pair of assists in college.

James Wiseman, C, 7’1, 245 pounds, 18 years old

I will be honest, James Wiseman as a prospect scares me. he has all the talent and all the tools to be a great player in the NBA. Even in basketball’s current state of small ball and stretch big men, Wiseman has the talent.

Outside of the unnecessary NCAA recruiting scandal, the red flag on Wiseman is his work ethic. Throughout High School, and his short college stint, he has lacked effort and focus on the floor at times.

You could relate that to the lackluster competition that Wiseman faced, however, as I said about Edwards few players have had this knock on them shake it off once they get to the NBA.

The big man is an elite rebounder and shot-blocker which is why his defensive upside is through the roof. His ability to swat shots sometimes gets him in trouble, falling for pump fakes leading to unnecessary fouls. That is a trait that will get exploited by NBA players.

Wiseman is not switchable and can be picked apart in pick and roll situations. Beyond that, offensively he will not be able to stretch the floor, especially from beyond the arc.

The way he battles for rebounds, and rolls to the rim, Wiseman can still be used effectively on the offensive end. Being able to get physical down low and secure the boards at a high clip is a trait that young prospects rarely posses entering the league, so that puts him at the top of the charts for teams needing a big.

For my money, Wiseman is the best rim roller in the draft, his basketball IQ and strength tell me he has a ton of post potential when it comes to backing down fellow bigs.

The lack of a predraft process could hurt Wiseman the most. He only played three college games and could use private workouts to bolster his NBA Draft stock.

Despite his long-range shortcomings, Wiseman has a beautiful shooting stroke for a big man, the shots just do not fall. That leaves the potential for him to at least develop a midrange game.

Tyrese Haliburton, G, Iowa State, 6’5, 175 pounds, 20 years old

The Iowa State guard is the most pro-ready player in this year’s draft. The fact that his wingspan reaches 7’0, makes him a textbook off-ball defender that can play the passing lanes with the best of them.

While he does not have top-notch speed, Haliburton will quickly earn the trust of whichever coach he plays for. He will not blow past defenders but he has an incredible feel for the game. Included in these attributes are great ball-handling, fantastic court vision and he is an incredible passer.

No matter how funky it might look, Tyrese Haliburton is a brilliant off-ball shooter. Given his lack of speed with the ball, Haliburton will be a great secondary ball-handler thanks to that catch-and-shoot ability.

Instead of using his size to take on contact and finish through it, Haliburton would rather avoid it which ultimately makes his path to the rim and his layup more difficult.

The biggest problem that Haliburton will face at the next level is his defense. Despite possessing the size he does not have the speed to match up with the elite wings at this level.

He cannot maneuver through screens and is easy to blow past. Safe to say that will not fly at the next level.

His well-rounded game with elite playmaking and still high upside will make him a high pick when the NBA Draft takes place. Haliburton, who dealt with a knee injury this season, averaged 15 points, five rebounds, and six assists.

Killian Hayes, G, France, 6’5, 215 pounds, 18 years old

Killian Hayes provides the highest upside in this year’s draft. Depending on how teams view him, he might also possess the most value. Hayes has the talent to be the first pick in this class. He presents a ton of unknowns for some people, but it is a shot I would be willing to take.

Hayes is a potentially lethal 3-point shooter, shooting nearly 30 percent from downtown a year ago, with an even higher ceiling to grow into.

He is a great playmaker, with fantastic touch at the cup, but lacks the ball-handling skills required to get past high-level NBA defenders.

On the defensive end, the young guard has the strength and the size to defend almost anyone, but he makes his money on that side of the floor via his chaotic off-ball nature.

His motor, effort, and intensity is rare for a prospect, especially for an 18-year-old that oves to disrupt opposing offenses.

He is far from just a long-range shooter, he can also get to the cylinder using his strength and athleticism to finish through contact. Of course, his NBA range will be why teams fall in love with him, but his driving ability should not be forgotten.

The two biggest knocks on him have to be his defensive ability and his lack of speed. Defensively it is very easy to get around Hayes once you have him as an on-ball defender, which he will run into a lot at the next level.

For Killian Hayes to be successful, he will need to be hidden on the defensive end, or play in a scheme that allows him to be more of a roamer off-ball. The issue is, those systems are few and far between.

Obi Toppin, Wing, Dayton, 6’9, 220 pounds, 22 years old

The biggest reason that Obi Toppin might fall in this year’s NBA Draft is his age. For whatever reason, NBA teams are convinced that once you pass the age of 18, maybe 19, you no longer have upside as a prospect.

Despite scoring 20 points per game, hauling in seven rebounds, and shooting the trey ball at almost a 40 percent clip, I could see Toppin taking an unexpected and unnecessary tumble down the draft board.

The defensive end of the floor is the only red flag that Toppin possesses, the problem is it is a bright red flag. Not only does he struggle off-ball, but he is horrendous on-ball as well. Toppin often time looks lost on that side of the floor, which given his experience is a bit concerning.

His offensive game is what piques the interest of many NBA organizations. While we have all seen the high-flying rim-rattling, jaw-dropping dunks that leave us speechless, his game is much more than that.

Sure he can seemingly fly through the air and is an impeccable cutter off the ball, but he also features a soft touch and a beautiful transition game.

How do you stop a 6’9 220-pound athletic freak that can streak down the court in a blink? For a modern-day big man, Toppin turns in great playmaking with his ability to facilitate an offense from the post. Who knows how often he will need to do that, but it is nice to have the ability.

While his athleticism is a plus, you will be stunned with his ability to stretch the floor. Not only are defenses forced to respect his strong attacks to the rim, but he is a knockdown three-point shooter for his position.

Onyeka Okongwu, USC, 6’9, 245 pounds, 19 years old

The Trojans’ big man is the highest riser this season. He was not on many people’s radar entering this season, and now almost every NBA Draft expert has him as a lock to go within the lottery. The USC freshman posted 16 points, eight rebounds, and a pair of swats per game.

Okongwu has proven to be an amazing on-ball defender at the college level. You can count on him to give you everything he has every night. He is the rare player that embraces and loves to do the dirty work while having an all-star potential skillset.

The best way to say it is to give him Nick Collison‘s heart and hustle with All-Star level talent. He not only is a fantastic finisher, with a feathery touch around the rim, but he can slam it home with defenders hanging off of him.

Not only does he have a great ability to finish at the rim, and even displays great post play, when you see him dribble you would think he is a guard. With the outstanding IQ that gives him a rare ability to command an offense from down low. His outlet passes will have some of the older generations calling him the second coming of Wes Unseld.

While he is the best post defender in the draft, you do not collect two blocks a game without being obsessed with getting the rejection. That obsession frequently puts him out of position or even worse makes him commit a foul. As long as he realizes there is more to defense than the block numbers, the big man with a 7’1 wingspan could be a Rudy Gobert level defender.

While he played center in college, some wonder if he will need to transition to the four spot given his size. Lucky for him, he has the versatility and the offensive game to do so.

In my eyes, no matter which NBA team selects him, they can mold him into whatever player they want him to be. He could remain this size, or even shed a little bit of weight and become a lockdown defender at the power forward spot, or he can add weight and do that same thing from the center spot.

Isaac Okoro, SF, Auburn, 6’6, 225 pounds, 19 years old

Isaac Okoro is a fancy finisher around the rim, making him a great interior scorer. His strength at the rim is impressive to watch as the wing absorbs contact and earn trips to the charity stripe. While he lacks a consistent jump shot, he makes up for it with his elite driving ability.

Okoro is smart, he understands the game of basketball and can play almost any position. Thanks to his incredible ability to find the open man and read a defense, you can give him the ball at any point and he will not stagnant your offense. How often do rookies lack that ability?

His ball-handling is worrisome and although he will not be a walking turnover he lacks the creativity to exploit and get past a defense.

Luckily his brilliant passes move five defenders instead of a crafty ball handler that can only move one man at a time. His dribble package is limited to a few crossovers and a nice spin move. However, the door is not shut on his ball-handling upside.

Thanks to his positionless nature, he can also defend a ton of players at the next level, although it will be constricted to bigger guards and some small forwards, that still provides a ton of versatility.

If he can develop a 3-point shot, his upside skyrockets. However, given his wacky form, and the fact he shot 28 percent from the shorter college 3-point line I wouldn’t hold my breath.

RJ Hampton, G, ABL, 6’5, 185 pounds, 19 years old

I have loved RJ Hampton since before his announcement on ESPN’s Get Up to forego college and electing instead to play for the New Zeland Breakers of the ABL. He only averaged eight points and two assists per contest, but the upside is still there for the 19-year-old.

Hampton did not exactly dominate the ABL as we once expected, and the lack of spotlight games did not help his case either. He could slip down draft boards but he still has modern-day talent.

He oozes athleticism, with elite speed and a ton of explosiveness, Hampton will be tough to defend as he sprints downhill. However, he does not need the ball in his hands to display that burst.

I believe he is the best cutter in the class and displays a ton of hustle. It is almost like he loves to run and basketball is a nice bonus. Once he gets to the rim, he can also finish the play which is a rare trait for some athletes.

He has the hustle and playmaking but lacks a jump shot which is an amplified weakness in 2020, I could be pegged as a pessimist but I do not see Hampton ever becoming a solid shooter, which presents a big limitation to his game.

Given his playmaking, hustle, fundamentals, athleticism, and defensive ability, he has more than enough to make up for his poor shooter’s touch.

By no means will he be tasked with locking up the opposing teams top offensive threats, it is safe to assume with the right coaching and system that one day he could turn into a lockdown defender.

Cole Anthony, G, UNC, 6’3, 190 pounds, 19 years old

If you have followed our draft coverage throughout the season you will know I have called Cole Anthony the Tyler Herro of this draft class. Remember the hype from OKC Thunder fans about Tyler Herro? Making NBA Mock Drafts that shoehorned him into a Thunder jersey, clamoring for him in illogical trade packages for Chris Paul, the fan base loved him.

Entering this season in North Carolina, I expected the fanbase to fall for Cole Anthony. That is not exactly how the season went, in fact far from it. Anthony went from the second prospect on my big board to the 10th and has fallen even further than that for others.

Not only did the Tar Heels have one of the worst seasons in recent memory, especially during the Roy Williams era, but Anthony dealt with a ton of adversity.

He picked up so many bumps and bruises throughout the season that a crowd mic picked up a sobering moment of Cole Anthony screaming ‘Why am I always getting hurt?’, and that was the theme of the entire season.

The Carolina guard suffered set back after set back if it was not on the court, it was off it by dealing with injuries. Still, though, there is no denying his lottery level talent.

The point guard posted 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game at UNC while flashing high-level athleticism, hustle, and shooting.

The beauty with Anthony is he has a high floor, and a low ceiling. Sure, he is not going to dramatically change your franchise. However, at his best, I could see him being a fringe top ten point guard, and at worst he is one of the best backup PG’s in the league.

Anthony can scorch the bottom of the net from almost anywhere on the floor. You can tell his age just based on watching him play the game. He loves shooting the ball, deploying step-back jumpers, and twisting his body while in the act to draw any contact possible.

What made me peg him as the second-best prospect in this class before the season is the fact that he is not just a shooter, he has amazing skills at the rim to finish with touch and the aforementioned control. While I do like his ability to finish, I wonder how effective it will be within the trees of the NBA.

His lack of playmaking ability is concerning given how you would assume his 6’3 frame would be constricted to the point guard position.

Jordan Nwora, Wing, Louisville, 6’7, 220 pounds, 21 years old

Jordan Nwora is my guy. Many people at best have him going in the mid-to-late ’20s, talent-wise though, Nwora is a lottery prospect. The Louisville wing can play many positions on the floor, as well as defend them.

The two-time All-ACC wing, and 2018-19 most improved player within the conference, is going to surprise a lot of people within NBA circles. He could be a player that a few years from now during NBA re-drafts we look back on and wonder how he slipped so low?

For his career, Nwora is a 39 percent shooting from distance, but averaging just two attempts per contest. He mainly uses his explosive athleticism to get to the rim as highlighted a year ago when he averaged 18 points per game.

Given the fact that defenses have to respect Nwora’s shooting stroke, it makes his life easier to get to his comfort zone, which is anywhere past the elbow.

On defense, his size gives him the ability to defend almost anyone, and he uses his athleticism to cause havoc on that end, coming away with almost a steal and a block per game. Not to mention the fact that he contests almost every shot, and uses his reach to deflect a ton of passes.

The best way to describe Jordan Nwora to OKC Thunder fans is by thinking of the typical Sam Presti prospect and giving him a respectable jump shot. Before the dust settles and the commissioner starts reading names off, I think Nwora will have a massive leap up NBA Draft boards.

Devin Vassell, SF, FSU, 6’7, 195 pounds, 19 years old

Devin Vassell averaged 12 points last year for the Seminoles, showing off his fantastic defense both on and off-ball with over a steal per contest, Vassell can do it all.

Not only can he defend his man, but no one in this class has a higher defensive IQ. An IQ on that end of the floor that Matisse Thybulle had a year ago, and is now already trusted by the 76ers to defend some of the best NBA scorers.

He has a great catch and shoot ability that allows him to create his own shot given the height he gets on the jumper to shoot over defenders. His ability to get that shot off no matter if it is off the dribble, or a catch and shoot situation make him the best 3-and-D player in this year’s NBA Draft.

He plays his role extremely well and could become a rotation player right out the gate, I wonder given his ball-handling limitations and his inability to drive at the rim, how much more can he turn into besides a nice 3-and-D player. While that is a valuable skill to have, other prospects offer more in this class.

Vassell is a safe option, and no matter if it is right or wrong, NBA GMs rarely like safe. Still though, whoever lands Vassell will be glad they did. He could be a difference-maker from day one, and many other prospects will take a bit longer to fill into their NBA roles.

Nico Mannion, G, Arizona, 6’3, 190 pounds, 18 years old

While Nico Mannion is a lottery lock, it is still unclear where he will land. While he is a poster child for basketball in 2020, his lack of consistency and defensive ability could see him falling anywhere from the top ten or barely hanging on to the lottery.

Mannion turned in 14 points per game to go along with his five assists per contest all on 32 percent shooting from beyond the arc. He came into college basketball as one of the most hyped long-range assassins, so shooting just over 30 percent from deep is a tad disappointing considering the closer 3-point line.

On the other hand, he rarely launched it from the NCAA line, and still put up a respectable average. Nico Mannion can toss up a jumper at almost any time. No matter if it is off the dribble or wrapping around the screen.

Unlike most college 3-point specialist, Mannion can attack the rim with the best of them. While he lacks a burst of speed, once he gets where he is going he offers ambidextrous finishing and a golden touch.

On top of his scoring, he offers incredible passing and vision which sets up his teammates nicely, and with a better cast around him, those assist numbers could easily double.

The biggest knock on Mannion is his size. At just 6’3 190, he can likely only defend point guards, and when thrown up against bigger lineups could get played off the floor.

Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky, 6’3, 200 pounds, 19 years old

Intangibles. That is the word to describe Tyrese Maxey. It is almost hard to describe his game and not sound like a walking cliche of coach speak. He makes winning plays, he just flat out gets it done. He will be a franchise’s starting guard for years to come. A pillar of a franchise, likely not the team’s best player, but the leader and go-to guy for years to come.

As a freshman at Kentucky, Maxey poured in 14 points per game, with three assists, and an impressive 83 percent from the line. That has to leave NBA scouts encouraged with his ability to eventually stretch the floor.

Tyrese Maxey not only makes winning shots, and wants the ball in his hands, but he loves to win games on the other end as well. He has a big enough frame and a 6’6 wingspan that will allow him to defend a ton of players on the floor.

When Maxey plays on-ball defense, you simply will not get past him. His length, shiftiness, and quickness make him a pest for the opposition.

Off the ball, his hustle and effort allow him to rotate at an elite level, while his length allows him to deflect passes. Remember the last Kentucky player that was rated in this range? Welcome to this year’s Tyler Herro experience.

Maxey is not a perfect prospect, but that simply does not exist this year. He lacks elite playmaking for a point guard, does not take high percentage shots. Although, I do give prospects leeway for poor shot selection in college. Often the offenses are designed for the possession to end with them attempting a shot.

Deni Avdija, F, Israel, 6’8, 210 pounds, 19 years old

The Israeli forward presents a ton of upside. At just 19 years old, averaging seven points and four rebounds per contest while shooting 33 percent from downtown, no one truly knows what he can be.

On one hand, NBA scouts love that. The upside, the unknown, the mystery. It is how four-year college players fall in the draft, even to the second round, and become a key rotational player in the association but were passed up due to the lack of upside.

On the other hand, this could go south for whatever team elects to take the chance on Avdija. He is a quality playmaker for his size, he is not exactly the stretch big that everyone once thought he was.

His poor shooting from the floor, and the line, suggests that those 3-point numbers will not improve. He can not protect the rim and is not very athletic. With limited speed and leaping ability, he doesn’t have much to offer.

He can finish through contact while playing tremendous off-ball defense, he knows how and when to rotate, and understands the sport well.

The bright spot for Avdija is he embraces modern basketball. If he is not taking a 3-pointer, he is attempting to finish at the rim. If he could develop a consistent outside game, then he could be the prototypical stretch big that every team is searching for.

The issue is while he has a high ceiling, and could be something special, he has the lowest floor in this draft.

Theo Maledon, G, France, 6’4, 175 pounds, 18 years old

Theo Maledon is a prospect that is wise beyond his years. At just 18 years old he has a high basketball IQ. I love his upside and think any team that lands Maledon, while they have a project on their hands, it is one that will pay off.

For an 18-year-old, Maledon commands the game with his incredible passing and ability to dictate the pace and flow. While he will not break down the defense off the dribble like a Kyrie Irving, his handles are adequate.

He has the size and length to be an above-average defender, but there are concerns about his ability to switch to non-point guards. I expect that to be the only position Maledon can handle.

While he only averaged seven points per game as well as two assists, he can get his shot off with the ball in his hands, or during catch and shoot situations, though I expect him to spend most of the time on the floor with the ball in his hands.

He does lack the ability to drive, despite having the size, he lacks perimeter moves that can get him to the basket which limits his offensive game.

There are still a ton of questions about his defense, he lacks fundamentals that are vital to not only stay with defenders but Maledon cannot stay on the ground. He easily gets lost on pump fakes, and pass fakes.

Josh Green, Arizona, 6’6, 210 pounds, 19 years old

If Josh Green is somehow there whenever it is the OKC Thunder are on the clock, Sam Presti should highly consider scooping up the Arizona Wildcat. His stellar off-ball defense and his solid on-ball defense make him a valuable prospect that will come in and immediately make an impact.

Josh Green averaged 12 points, four rebounds, and a pair of assists per contest. He offers a great ability to shoot the 3-ball, especially when his teammates find him for an open look.

Green can create a ton of shots and can provide yet another 3 and D player that has a ton of upside to eventually become more than that. Green shot 36 percent from beyond the arc.

His energy and effort defensively along with his size will allow him to switch into any matchup and feel comfortable.

His game is not limited to just a catch and shoot man, he can also make his teams offense hum with fantastic passes and soft-touch that makes teams respect his inside game.

Green has a bit of an injury concern, having surgery on a torn labrum in 2019, but he was still able to play in 30 games for the Wildcats.

He will thrive in the NBA off-ball, with incredible slashing ability, and the aforementioned catch and shoot attribute. Adding a player that does not need the ball in his hands to succeed makes for a great plug-and-play prospect for most contending teams.

Patrick Williams, F, Florida State, 6’8, 225 pounds, 18 years old

Patrick Williams can beat you a multitude of ways offensively. No matter if it is setting screens and being a roll man, or popping out off of the screens, Williams can help an offense cook.

He showed an ability to stretch the floor shooting the trey ball at a 32 percent clip. While he can shoot, his form leaves a lot to be desired. Not only is it slow enough for defenses to close in on, but low enough to easily get swatted.

Like a ton of big men in 2020, Williams can find the open man and even handle the ball. Surprisingly enough, given his 6’11 wingspan, he can be either the screener or the ball-handler in pick-and-roll situations. Off-ball, he can make the right cuts, and track down rebounds with the best of them.

As a defender, he is a hard worker. From chasing down defenders in transition to having his solid rotations protect the rim and make up for his fellow teammates. He is a true leader defensively, making sure everyone is set up correctly and picks up their man.

One day, Williams can be the anchor of an NBA defense. Not only can he handle the back end of the defense, but he is also able to switch onto multiple positions and at worst hold his own.

At just 18 years old I anticipate that his shot will develop even more from beyond the arc, which produces greater value for his NBA future.

If Williams can turn into a slightly above league average 3-point shooter, he will be a starter in this league for years to come.

Aaron Nesmith, Wing, Vanderbilt, 6’6, 213 pounds, 20 years old

Anytime you can get a wing player with Aaron Nesmith’s size that can shoot the trey ball at a 52 percent clip, you have to do it. He averaged 23 points per game, nearly five rebounds, and a steal per contest.

Nesmith puts on a firework show from beyond the arc, knocking down triples from any spot on the floor. He has an incredible ability to catch and shoot, while also creating his own looks off the dribble.

From the fancy footwork that allows him to launch step back three’s, to his size allowing him to plow his way to the rim, Nesmith boasts an extensive offensive game.

While he can light it up from long range, he struggles to finish at the rim, often failing to finish strong on his way to the cup.

His game goes past the offensive side of the floor, with that size and athleticism mixed with his basketball IQ makes him a potentially great defender.

The playmaking side of his game needs the most improvement, as he lacks basic vision, control of the game, or the ability to pass the ball at a high level.

While his defense could be great at one point, it will not be an instant plug-and-play situation. You can expect Nesmith to struggle at the defensive end of the floor to start his career.

He can not blow past defenders on the offensive end, so most of his shots must come via off-ball screens, or help from his teammates. Adding the ball-handling necessary to effectively create his own shot and get past the defense is out of the picture, until later in the 20-year-olds career.

Jaden McDaniels, PF, Washington, 6’9, 200 pounds, 19 years old

Despite a lackluster freshman season that failed to live up to all the hype placed on him as an incoming freshman, Jaden McDaniels still did enough to catch the eyes of the NBA world.

Posting 13 points, five rebounds, and a pair of assists at Washington, McDaniels was streaky, to say the least. While an excellent ball-handler for a 6’9 center, he cannot turn that dribbling into something more.

His playmaking needs a massive overhaul, from his poor decision making with the ball in his hands that lead to a ton of turnovers, to poor shot selection; Whichever coach ends up with McDaniels next year will be giving him more than a few stern talks on the pine.

His fluid shooting motion, and ability to knock down triples have to encourage NBA front offices. With his 6’11 wingspan, and ability to shoot over the top of defenses, McDaniels will be a good modern-day big.

Defensively, he is one of the smallest 200-pound men I have ever seen. From the fouls to consistently being backed down, I am not sure how you keep Jaden McDaniels on the floor at the next level against the NBA big men.

Luckily for McDaniels, it is not all bad at the defensive end, given his slim frame but great length, he can switch onto multiple wings at the next level being a very switchable defender.

Given the size limitations though, it also hurts him on the offensive end. Sure he has the reach, but with no power to take advantage of smaller defenders.

Jahmi’us Ramsey, SG, Texas Tech, 6’4, 185 pounds, 18 years old

Jahmi’us Ramsey proves to be a high-level perimeter scorer but it will likely be the only area he can score from consistently at the next level.

For the Red Raiders last year, Ramsey posted 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal per game. In one of the toughest conferences in the sport, Ramsey shot the trey ball at a 42 percent clip per contest. Even if that number drops at the next level, with a pushed back 3-point line, he should still settle at league average from beyond the arc.

That would be an impressive feat for a rookie entering the league especially if he falls within the early to late 20s with a contending team.

Despite his high perimeter percentage, Ramsey shoots just 64 percent from the line but was not a frequent visitor to the line, attempting just three per game. Ramsey only averaged seven attempts inside the arc a year ago.

Defensively, he is extremely active collecting over a steal per game, and almost a block per tilt to go along with it.

I expect Ramsey to become a key role player early on in his career, with the upside to become a long-term starter.

Kira Lewis Jr., G, Alabama, 6’3, 165 pounds, 19 years old

When you put on the film of Kira Lewis Jr with the Crimson Tide, the unreal shot-creating prowess of a 19-year-old will stand out. Much of this is due to his fantastic dribble package and otherworldly body control.

On top of his shot creation, Kira Lewis Jr possesses elite speed that helps him blow by defenders offensively, while also chase people around the floor on the defensive end. That speed also allows him to lock up defenders on the ball, and get past screens. The only thing he lacks defensively is size. Bulking up is primary goal number one for Lewis and his future NBA team.

While he can get free on his own, he also does not settle for poor shots. He makes smart decisions within the offense possessing a consistent and solid shooting form that should make NBA front offices happy with his long-term trajectory from beyond the arc. For his career, Lewis Jr. is a 36 percent shooter from deep, scoring 18 points per game a year ago, plus four rebounds, and five assists.

Although some plays make you forget his age, he makes more than his fair share of mistakes per game that immediately remind exactly how old he is. At times he just plows his way into the paint but does not know what to do once he gets there.

The 19-year-old can still improve his playmaking at the point guard spot. While he does not have true glaring issues besides some inopportune drives, nothing about his playmaking is elite.

His growth would be accelerated if he focuses on being more precise in his playmaking. The passes he dishes out often pull players off their spot which hurts their catch-and-shoot ability. While it is recoverable at times in college, that split second to regain a poor pass could turn a wide-open shot into a heavily contested one.

Isaiah Stewart, C, Washington, 6’9, 250 pounds, 18 years old

Unlike Jaden McDaniels, Isaiah Stewart turned in a stellar season at Washington in 2019-20. Stewart’s length and strong base allow him to be an elite defender and rebounder at the next level. Unlike some 6’9 lengthy big men, Stewart still can get vertical and leap to meet his matchup in the air without fouling.

While Stewart will not stretch the floor, or even attempt to, he is so good at scoring down low that he does not need to.

One of the most impressive attributes of Stewart’s game is that he knows who he is. Although the game is shifting the bigs out to the perimeter, he knows he will never be that guy, so he does not force up triples. Instead, he attempted less than one triple per game, focusing on making his inside scoring an elite skill.

Fans will fall in love with his hard nose grit and activeness throughout the contest. Something about his game just screams Nerlens Noel to me. A rim rolling center that focuses on down low scoring, setting screens, rotating, and swatting shots. Stewart turned away two shots per game a year ago.

If there was, or is going to be, a pre-draft process, Stewart would have a great chance to impress scouts and front offices throughout the combine and private workouts to shoot up the NBA Draft boards. Unfortunately for him, it remains unclear if that will be possible.

Vernon Carey Jr., C, Duke, 6’10, 270 pounds, 19 years old

The Duke Blue Devil freshman earned consensus All American honors, as well as being named the ACC rookie of the year and joining the All-Conference team to cap off a very impressive 2019-20 campaign.

Although Carey. Jr. is a traditional center, he picked his spots nicely on his way to stroking the trey ball at a 38 percent clip on slightly less than one attempt per game. The 19-year-old averaged 17 points per game, eight rebounds, and an assist while rejecting over a shot per contest.

Varnon Carey Jr. showed an impressive motor and effort level, however, despite that, it still does not seem likely that Vernon Carey Jr. can become a modern-day NBA big man without adding a jump shot.

Defensively, despite being able to protect the rim, he can easily be broken down by nearly any matchup in space.

No matter the red flags around Vernon Carey Jr’s ability to transform himself into a modern NBA big, he should still keep his name in the draft pool due to how appealing the upside of a 19 year old big that can rim run is.

I expect the Blue Devil to go late in the first round, but slipping to the second round would not surprise anyone given the fact there is not a path to him stretching the floor.

However, he can control a game from the post both as an interior scorer, and a playmaker. Offering up great vision and backdoor passes, it is a nice wrinkle to throw into an offense.

Tyler Bey, F, Colorado, 6’7, 215 pounds, 22 years old

The Colorado Junior put on a show last year posting 13 points, nine rebounds, over a steal, and a block per game. Tyler Bey is the latest beneficiary of the stellar zone system that the Buffalo’s deploy every year.

While Bey played down low a ton in college, that just is not possible at the next level given his current measurable. His usage rate will go down, which should help limit the turnovers, but he gets easily flustered by on-ball pressure, limiting his offensive game.

Unlike a lot of Colorado prospects, Tyler Bey was forced to play a ton of on ball. He was rarely the roamer, able to play free safety and capitalize on lazy passes that are so common in the college game. His speed moving each direction and length allow him to switch on every screen as needed, and match up with any wing on the floor.

Bey keeps his head in the game on the defensive end, resulting in steals, deflections, and flustering the opposition by blowing up plays before they happen.

He has a rare ability for a college player to contest shots, even change them, without committing a foul.

The 22-year-old offers fancy finishing around the rim while making steady improvement to his shot has left him with a ton of upside to become more of a stretch wing that causes headaches for defenses. If he can develop a consistent, respected shot to go along with his athletic ability, the defense will have to pick their poison.

Myles Powell, G, Seton Hall, 6’1, 200 pounds, 22 years old

Myles Powell is the typical prospect that the NBA overlooks their talent just because of the amount of time they spent in school. Powell is an elite three-level scorer, with a deadly catch-and-shoot talent and will see his averages improve as his usage rate goes down.

At Seton Hall, with limited talent around him, Powell was forced to take on an absurd 35 percent usage rate. This season, Powell was able to post 21 points per game, with four rebounds, and three assists to go along with his one steal per game.

While he only shot 30 percent from deep, that low percentage can be explained away by the fact he was forced to jack up nine threes per contest.

Powell can be an elite scorer at the next level and a team will get a huge value pick with him as you could see him fall to the second round given his age, and height. He will only be able to defend guards, but he will not be played off the floor.

For his career, Powell averaged 34 percent from beyond the arc which shows again, that he can be an elite catch and shoot player. His ball-handling, while not flashy, gets the job done and allows him to get to the rim and around defenders.

His passing ability needs a ton of work, as he has never averaged more than three assists. Specifically, he can not use his eyes to manipulate a defense nor deliver a pocket pass in a pick-and-roll situation. If he can become a better passer, it will open his game up offensively.

Saddiq Bey, Wing, Villanova, 6’8, 216 pounds, 21 years old

While the 21-year-old does not offer a ton of upside, and will not change a franchise, he will be a key role player for years to come. With an awkward release, a poor dribbler, and the lack of explosiveness it hinders what Bey can become at the next level.

He has a ton of basketball IQ and a great spot-up jumper that can get out of his hands in a blink, being able to catch and shoot all in one motion.

Given his size, he is another defender that can match up with a ton of different positions, and he will give it all he has on that end of the floor. Bey possesses a motor and effort that will be unmatched in this class.

He is a pro-ready player but given his lack of upside or ability to impact a franchise, Bey could fall down the draft boards. If he lands on a contender, he will make headlines in his first year.

Outside of his incredible 3-point shooting, his leadership on the defensive end are strong selling points. He has a distinct ability to bark out orders and align everyone on that end of the floor.

Devon Dotson, PG, Kansas, 6’2, 180 pounds, 20 years old

Devon Dotson lacks a bit of size, but he plays much bigger than his 6’2 frame. He is fearless when he drives into the trees down low and can finish amongst them. He always maneuvers his way to daylight.

You can not teach his speed with the basketball, he can blow past almost anyone, and even better, that speed shares the same traits of the energizer bunny. He is like the kid that plays NBA 2K and never lets go of the turbo button.

The problem with his constant speed is he is often caught up in the air causing him to toss-up circus shots or airmail passes into the third row.

While he gives all he has defensively, his size will not let him switch off guards, and even the bigger guards will create matchup issues as they’ll exploit his diminutive stature. Despite the lack of length, he is strong enough to not be backed down, that solid base mixed with his speed to not be blown past will help him on the defensive end.

He cashed in at the free-throw line, going for an 81 percent from the stripe which is usually a telltale sign of potential growth from beyond the arc.

When he has his speed under control, he is one of the best playmakers in this year’s NBA Draft class. It helps that defenses have to be intimidated by his ability to get to the rim off the dribble, so often teams would sag off his teammates creating open looks for them.

If Dotson can develop a long-range shot, he has no ceiling to his offensive game. His defensive game, barring a growth spurt, will always be limited.

Precious Achiuwa, F, Memphis, 6’9, 225 pounds, 20 years old

The Memphis Tigers forward presents an elite scoring option down low, with an outstanding ability to rebound the ball, and protect the rim.

Precious Achiuwa is a great rim runner, likely the best in this year’s draft. He even can take a rebound coast to coast and make a play.

His measurables give him the most upside, with a wingspan of 7’2 and his 225-pound frame, there is a ton of potential for Achiuwa. He has the quickness that is required to defend wings while being able to handle the tasks of battling down low.

Tyrell Terry, G, Stanford, 6’2, 160 pounds, 19 years old

As a freshman at Stanford, Terry posted 14 points, with three assists, and a jaw-dropping 40 percent from beyond the arc. He is the definition of an elite sharpshooter. He has a quick release which limits the opposition’s ability to close out on him, and his speed makes him a lethal shooter when wrapping around screens and moving without the ball in his hands.

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He will tire out a defense by his ability to constantly move around the floor. The most impressive part is the fact that he isn’t aimlessly moving around the floor, he gets to his hot spots without disturbing the offensive flow. If you hesitate for a moment, Terry will find the opening and get a shot off barring his teammates finding him.

While he will never be seen on the SportsCenter top ten lists for a high-flying dunk, he does have a great ability to finish at the rim. He can not only take some contact but move his body to avoid it while still sinking the layup. Often, players are either elite perimeter scorers or interior scorers, Tyrell Terry comes as close as you can to perfect both.

He can thrive with the ball in his hand thanks to his vision and ability to pass the rock but shows his eyes when a defense applies pressure, often picking up his dribble and freezing.

Despite his heart and hustle, Terry just can not keep up defensively given his size. Teams will have to mask his deficiencies on that end of the floor.

As we inch closer to draft night, I expect Tyrell Terry to be selected closer to the top ten, than the final 10 picks in the first round.

Who is your favorite prospect in this year’s class? Who would you love for the OKC Thunder to select?

Rylan Stiles

Rylan Stiles is a credentialed media member for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Hosts the Locked On Thunder Podcast and is the site expert for Thunderous Intentions on Fansided. Rylan Stiles is also a Play-by-play for the Oklahoma Sports Network. Interact with him on Twitter @Rylan_Stiles.