2019 Draft - Top 6 Value Board
Feb 1, 2019 17:13:47 GMT
Andrei Kirilenko, Hanamichi Sakuragi, and 2 more like this
Post by George Gervin on Feb 1, 2019 17:13:47 GMT
Full disclaimer: this is not meant to be a Board of who I think has the most potential, or who could be a steal as a prospect— this is meant to be a Board of guys who I feel are surer bets to succeed at the next level. Whether that’s as a key bench guy, starter, or a star— this is my ranking of who I think provides the most value and production, regardless of their draft projection:
- Zion Williamson, Duke - I’m not going to get into why I think he has the most value of anyone in this draft; it has been beaten to death, ad nauseam, by every major outlet. He is a physical freak with raw and analytical stats that are off the charts. Easy #1, and on to the rest of the draft.
- Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech - Here’s where I imagine this board deviates from a lot of others. I’m not going to argue that Barrett isn’t a good value— he gives a team offense, a driver, and playmaking that is still developing but shows promise. However, he plays next to Zion and Reddish who draw plenty of attention. Culver at TTU has been a one man show on offense and defense; he is listed at 6’5”, but looks like he may be closer to 6’8”, and he has had great raw stats on a surprise team and advanced stats that portend an elite two way player at the next level. He probably will go mid to late lottery, but he might provide the best value after Zion.
- RJ Barrett, Duke - RJ has the international pedigree on the World Championships level, insane raw scoring production at Duke for a freshman, and a killer mentality and work ethic that indicates a guy with a super high floor. On offense, he projects as a #1 or #2 guy on a good to great team. However, defensively he still has areas he can improve on, and his shooting needs to become more efficient to push himself above Culver or Zion in value.
- Brandon Clarke, Gonzaga - Of potential first round guys, Clarke is one that I think will provide huge value based on what he brings to the table. Elite shotblocker? Check! Sticky hands with lots of steals? Check! Burgeoning offensive game and potential as a Clint Capela type roller? Check! Clarke is an advanced stats darling who, excluding Zion, is the best rated and most efficient player in college basketball based on PER, BPM, +/-, etc. If there are red flags, it’s that he will be 23 before the start of his rookie season, and he will never be the primary or secondary creator on offense for a good team. But he is a guy who will come in and give real, quality minutes early.
- Grant Williams, Tennessee - Similar to Clarke, Williams is going to make a team very, very happy when he’s drafted. His play is reminiscent of Paul Millsap at LA Tech, and he offensively can do everything at the PF spot. Capable of taking guys off the dribble, post up, mid range— he can do it all. He’s also no defensive slouch either, and he’s had great production two straight years for a top college team. His ultimate value may be capped by his smaller size (listed at 6’7”, but may be more like Chuck Hayes size) and average athleticism; however, he should, similar to Clarke, provide immediate minutes to a team and even may end up a quality starter down the road.
- Deandre Hunter, UVA - Hunter’s value will be anchored to his elite on ball and team defense; he has enveloped every main guy he’s been matched up against this season, and he’s usually smothered them. He has also demonstrated the ability to work in a system and make an impact with minimal touches, which is always promising for a guy who projects as a high level role player/starter and not a high usage star. Offensively he still struggles to get to the rack, and could improve his playmaking to add more to his versatility, but for a team in the late teens or early twenties, he will be an impactful guy right away.