The Sacramento Kings are locked, loaded, and ready to compete. With De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and the newly added DeMar DeRozan at the helm, the team has enough star power and offensive firepower to make real noise in the West. As we’ve seen in recent years, though, having a few stars isn’t enough to make a deep playoff run. You need a well-rounded team with a supporting cast who knows how to play their roles. That’s why it’s a good thing the Kings have Keon Ellis.
Ellis, who went undrafted in 2022, played some quality minutes for Sactown last season as a true 3&D guard. Now, he’s poised to break out and make a huge impact in 2025. Let’s break down his game and find out why.
Offense
If you’re gonna be a shooting guard in today’s NBA, you have to be able to shoot, especially off the catch. Keon Ellis checks that box. He shot 42.4% on catch-and-shoot threes last season, and 94.3% of his threes were assisted. His quick, clean trigger allows him to get shots off in a variety of ways. He hits spot-ups and capitalizes off advantages that Fox and Sabonis create. He also hits movement shots coming off handoffs, a key action in Sacramentos’ offense.
Shooting is just the tip of the iceberg for Ellis, though. The fun begins with what he can do off the dribble. While his catch-and-shoot volume significantly outweighed that of his pullups, he connected on 40.8% of his pullup threes last season. He’s comfortable rising up and firing off a couple dribbles from deep and from mid-range. This is a skill he often utilizes coming off ball screens. He’s far from a “give him the ball and let him cook” guy, but he has the foundation of a reliable bucket getter.
Ellis’ off-the-bounce chops become even more intriguing when you consider his passing capabilities. The Alabama product excels at making plays for others when driving, especially out of the pick-and-roll. He always has his head up searching for open teammates and he has a knack for hitting them right on time and right in their shot pockets. He dished out an assist on 18.8% of his drives last season, a rate that places him in the 96th percentile according to BBall Index. Overall, it’s clear that Ellis isn’t just a one-dimensional two guard. He’s a legitimate combo guard who can make things happen with any amount of usage and offensive involvement.
While Ellis’ drive-and-kick game is on point, his scoring at the rim isn’t. The young wing doesn’t have the strength, craft, or confidence to finish inside among the trees. As a result, he drives just 1.8 times per game and is heavily reliant on floaters inside the arc. Improving his interior prowess would allow Ellis to do more damage when attacking closeouts, an increasingly vital skill for shooters as the NBA moves away from pure specialists.
Because he struggles in traffic, Ellis is turnover prone when he gets too deep in the paint. He’ll drive with no plan, get stopped by the defense, panic, and chuck an errant pass to nobody in particular. That’s a habit that he will need to break. He doesn’t turn the ball over much overall, though. He averaged just 0.6 turnovers per game last season while handing out 1.5 helpers.
Defense
Defense is Keon Ellis’ calling card. It’s why he ranked 41st on Bench Mob Blog’s big board back in 2022. It’s why he found himself in the starting lineup in 21 games this past season. He is one of the few standout parts of Sacramento’s otherwise mediocre defense.
The key to his impact on that end is his defensive playmaking. Ellis has every tool needed to wreak havoc, from a 6’9” wingspan, to swift lateral mobility, to keen hands. As a result, he gathered 1.7 steals and 1.2 blocks per 75 possessions in 2023-24, figures that rank in the 92nd and 81st percentiles, respectively. His instincts and sense of timing are sharp and he comes up with a ton of strips, interceptions, and chasedown blocks.
Ellis is no slouch as an on-ball defender, either. The Kings often entrusted him with guarding the best of the best players in the league, as shown by his 98th percentile ranking in BBall Index’s matchup difficulty metric. The youngster rose to the challenge and locked up superstars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Damian Lillard.
2023-24 was essentially Ellis’ first NBA season, as in his real rookie campaign he played just 4.4 minutes a night across 16 games. Naturally, that means he made plenty of rookie mistakes. At this point in time, Ellis is more susceptible to lapses like getting blown by or back cut than an elite perimeter defender should be. Despite those flaws, he still levels out as a positive defender and the runway to greatness in the future is clear.
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So, what will it take for Keon Ellis’ breakout potential to materialize in 2025? The first and most important thing is a bigger role. Sacramento’s starting shooting guard spot is currently up for grabs. Kevin Huerter, the sharpshooter who’s held the spot the last two years, and Malik Monk, reigning sixth man of the year runner-up, both have strong cases to be the opener. However, coach Mike Brown could be better off going with Ellis instead. De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan are all offensively inclined players who need the ball. Guys who can play off the ball on O and guard up on D would be the best supporting cast for that trio. Ellis is a significantly better defender than Huerter and Monk and he isn’t far behind them as a shooter. Therefore, the young guy should be penciled in the starting lineup. Even if he doesn’t get the nod, the Kings believe in Ellis so significant minutes should be in the cards for him either way.
In terms of improving his game, Ellis could really benefit from getting stronger. He weighs a slim 175 pounds right now. Putting on some muscle would make a huge difference in his finishing and on-ball defensive escapades. If he doesn’t get in the weight room, Ellis should be watching tape of guys like Donovan Mitchell to find craftier ways to score in the paint.
If/when both of those things happen, Keon Ellis will be ready to break out and make a big time stamp on a Kings playoff team in 2024-25. Don’t sleep on the kid. He’s coming.
The Charlotte Hornets are stuck deep in NBA mediocrity. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2016, and that was the only time they’ve made it in the last 10 seasons. A combination of whiffed draft picks, lackluster free agency hauls, and injury issues have been the primary reasons for Buzz City’s major shortage of success.
Now, though, things may finally be looking up. The team has two franchise cornerstones in place in LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, and both guys are poised to lead Charlotte to a bright future. The 2024-25 season could be one of major growth for the young Hornets. That statement is also true for their starting center, Mark Williams.
Williams, the 15th pick of the 2022 draft, was brought in to fill a gaping hole at the five, and that’s exactly what he’s done. The big fella has been a monster through two seasons as a pro, and he’s primed for a big-time breakout in 2025. Let’s break down his game and talk about why.
Offense
On the flashy end of the court, Williams does pretty much everything you’d want from your traditional center. He uses his huge 7’0”, 241 pound frame to make an impact in the paint.
His biggest strength is his offensive rebounding. He ripped down a jaw-dropping 4.0 offensive rebounds a night last year, ranking in the *100th* percentile. Williams makes grown men look like third graders when he crashes the glass.
The Duke product is a phenomenal putback finisher who converts misses into points in multiple ways. He has soft hands and can guide the ball into the hoop with enough carefulness you’d think he was laying a baby down to sleep. He also has a mean streak and loves to hammer home two-handed putback jams.
The dunk is Williams’ weapon of choice in all situations. Pick-and-roll, dump off, putback, transition; it doesn’t matter the scenario, he’s always hungry to rip the rim off at the end of the play. He threw down 47 slams in his 19 games played in 2023-24, good for 2.5 a game. For comparison, Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford, who were third and fourth in total dunks league-wide, posted 2.6 and 2.4 dunks per game respectively. Had Williams been able to play more games, he undoubtedly would have been near the top of that leaderboard.
The same soft hands that aid Williams in finishing putbacks are put to good use when he goes to catch lobs. He snags any alley that comes his way, and if he can’t emphatically throw in the oop, he has shown a knack for tipping the ball in from some impossible angles. Having a lob threat like Williams must feel like heaven for an elite playmaker like LaMelo Ball who is looking to pass more often than score when he drives to the rim.
Williams is also a very dependable pick-and-roll partner for Ball and the rest of the Hornets. He’s a big body screener who knocks puny defenders out of the way with his humongous frame. Picks like that create a ton of opportunities to score. The big man generated six screen assists per 75 possessions last season, a tally that ranks in the 97th percentile. Williams knows where and how to position himself on the roll to give he and his teammates the best chance to get a bucket.
Outside of dunking, screening, and rebounding, though, things get a little iffy for Williams. Like most guys his size, he has no outside shot, but he also has below par touch closer to the rim. His non-dunk finishing is spotty; he hits little push shot floaters and tough reverse lays, but he also completely blows what should be simple finishes. He’s shot just 38% from 3-10 feet for his career. A quarter of his shots have come from that distance.
He also has an unusual tendency to get blocked. Nearly 12% of his field goal attempts got rejected last season, a rate that considerably exceeds those of other guys that play a similar role to him, such as Jalen Duren and Daniel Gafford. This comes as a result of a couple things. Williams often doesn’t go up strong with the ball to lay it up, leading to his shots getting completely swallowed up. He also isn’t the quickest off the ground, giving defenders a better chance to time a rejection as he rises up.
The big man ranks in the 87th percentile of BBall Index’s finishing talent metric despite those flaws, but they are still skills he must work on. The other hole to note with Williams is that he is very reliant on others creating shots for him, meaning he will almost always need to be played alongside competent passers in order to contribute at a high level offensively.
Defense
Mark Williams is an overall solid and productive offensive player. His 12.7 points per game last season ranks in the 79th percentile. It’s defensively, though, where he truly excels.
The big fella is at his best as a low post protector. His imposing frame allows him to block a ton of shots and alter countless more. He racked up 1.4 blocks (85th percentile) and contested 8.9 shots at the rim (95th percentile) per 75 possessions in 2023-24. Anyone who tests him in the paint is unwise to do so.
His rim deterrent ability shines in the pick-and-roll where he shuts things down in deep drop coverage. When he can hang back and warden the restricted area, he all but completely eliminates drives with his looming presence. Offensive players often opt for mid-range pullups and floaters instead of layups when Williams is in the vicinity.
When he’s brought further up towards the level of the screen, Williams’ performance is more of a mixed bag. He has some legitimately awesome switch/hedge possessions where he walls up against much quicker guards and forces tough shots. He also has a knack for getting his hands on the ball in passing lanes and disrupting plays. He collected 1.2 steals per 75 possessions last season, ranking in the 74th percentile.
On the flip side, his feet are pretty slow and he is highly susceptible to looking like a matador out there. He’s flashed a high switchability ceiling, but that outcome is far from realized and for now, he’s better off sticking to the paint.
Williams’ other defensive weaknesses are typical young big man things. He bites at pump fakes too often. He fouls a lot. His positioning in drop and in general is a work in progress. He gets plowed out of the way by stronger veterans. All of those things will improve as Williams spends more time on an NBA floor. Taj Gibson, the grizzled vet who signed with the Hornets this summer, will absolutely be able to teach the youngster a thing or two about defensive discipline.
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It’s clear that Mark Williams is a good player already. Before his injury last season, he was Charlotte’s cemented starter at center. But, as a 22 year old with plenty room for improvement, he has an obvious other level to reach. What will it take for him to get there?
His swing skill is his defensive versatility. In playoff basketball, all weaknesses and trends are magnified and exploited. Teams need to be capable of running multiple schemes on D or they will be exposed. Right now, Williams can only reliably anchor drop coverage. He’ll need to become more comfortable hedging, switching, or even just playing closer to the level in drop in order to see major court time in the big dance.
Deepening his offensive bag would also do Williams a lot of good, even if that just means honing his push shot or adding some quick-hit post moves. He could also work on his passing game, as short roll decision making and handoff directory are becoming highly valued traits in centers.
Overall, though, Williams’ most significant growth will come from just gaining more experience. He’s played just 62 games through his first two years in the league. Back injuries held him to just 19 appearances in his sophomore campaign. Getting reps in real games is crucial to player development, and so when Williams finds health, he’ll be able to fully spread his wings.
If Mark Williams is good to go in 2024-25, then look out, because the kid is ready to break out in a big, big way.
For a contender, the Bucks had an abnormal amount of holes to fill heading into this offseason. While most of their disappointing first round loss to the Pacers in the 2024 playoffs can be chalked up to injuries to their three stars, it was also clear that their rotation needed a major shake-up. Guys like Jae Crowder and Pat Connaughton just weren’t cutting it. The team was clearly lacking energy on both ends of the floor as well as the type of lineup versatility it takes to win a championship in the modern NBA.
The problem is that the Bucks have a lot of money tied up into their core, and they have little flexibility to make moves without breaking up the group of guys that has had so much success together. General manager Jon Horst didn’t let that stop him, though. He absolutely cooked with the free agent class he brought in. Let’s take a look at each new signee and talk about why they all will make Milwaukee better.
Gary Trent Jr.
Milwaukee’s marquee signing was their last of free agency. By filling it with Gary Trent Jr., the team’s starting shooting guard slot went from a gaping hole of uncertainty to a legitimate position of strength. Trent Jr. has been a high-end rotation piece since his sophomore year in 2019-20. In 2021, he ranked 95th on the Bench Mob Blog’s top 100 player list. In 2022, he ranked 85th.
Trent Jr.’s biggest strength is his scoring. In four seasons with Toronto, he averaged 16.4 points per game. He’s more than capable of heating up in a hurry, especially from outside. Bucks fans are likely all too familiar with that part of his game, as he’s had some big time performances against them in recent years, including a season high 31-point outing on April 5th.
In 2023-24, Trent Jr. ranked in the 86th percentile of BBall Index’s perimeter shooting metric. For his career, he’s a 38.6% shooter from deep on 6.4 attempts per game, a super impressive output. He can hit a wide variety of shots including pullups and off-screeners. He does everything good that Malik Beasley did, but better. With his flamethrowing ability, it’s very easy to imagine Trent Jr. fitting next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Those two juggernauts require all five defenders to pay attention to them which will open up countless easy looks for a hungry Trent Jr. to feast on.
He’s more than just a one-dimensional sniper though. He’s a quality mid-range shooter off the bounce with a little bit of driving juice, too. When the threat of his three ball attracts tight closeouts, Trent Jr. is more than ready to attack them. He’s not a solidified three-level guy, but he has enough diversity to his game to escape the specialist title.
You know what you’re getting with Trent Jr. offensively. Defensively, though, things are both murky and intriguing. He has had some standout defensive campaigns in the past, specifically in 2021-22 where he ranked in the 85th percentile of BBall Index’s on-ball perimeter defense metric. He is one of four players in the last three seasons to record 500+ three-pointers and 300+ steals (thanks to @statswilliams on X for that stat) and is a total ball hawk. The effort and impact on that end have both been inconsistent throughout his career, but history suggests he has some dawg in him. In a smaller offensive role on a team with a defensive-based culture, Trent Jr. could buy in and become a defensive ace.
On-court stuff aside, the most exciting part of this signing is that the Bucks were able to get Trent Jr. for the minimum. This is pretty much the best case scenario for a team with so little money to spend, and it proves that Milwaukee has some real pull as a free agent destination, or that Damian Lillard is really good at recruiting (he was teammates with Trent in Portland). Overall, this acquisition is enough to make this an A+ offseason on its own. That’s why it’s crazy that there’s more to Horst’s masterclass.
Delon Wright
The Bucks uncharacteristically struggled mightily on defense this past season, something that needs to be different in 2024-25, as it’s impossible to win a championship without a formidable fortification. Delon Wright alone could turn things around significantly. He’s one of the most underrated perimeter defenders in the sport.
Wright’s standout quality is his defensive playmaking. His 2.7 steals per 75 possessions in 2023-24 graded out in the 99th percentile, and he also racked up a respectable 0.64 blocks per 75 (59th percentile). He uses his catlike reflexes and 6’7” wingspan to wreak havoc and blow up plays. He’s also very capable guarding the ball. The guy just looks quick and energetic out there, something that can’t be said about many of Milwaukee’s other role players. A duo of him and Andre Jackson Jr. is sure to be a blast to watch on defense.
Offensively, Wright plays a combo guard role. He’s a trustworthy ball handler who rarely turns it over. He ranked in the 96th percentile of passing efficiency this past season (via BBall Index). He’s not a high volume scorer, but he can apply some rim pressure and hit catch-and-shoot threes. He’s shot 43.4% from deep for his career in the playoffs. The veteran won’t wow you on O, but he won’t catch your eye for the wrong reasons either.
Overall, this is another phenomenal value signing, as Wright will be making the minimum next season and he is ready to play big minutes in big games.
Taurean Prince
Not every signing is a real needle mover, and it doesn’t need to be that way. Taurean Prince is a rock solid, battle tested forward who can fill the role Jae Crowder was supposed to fill in Milwaukee’s rotation. Offensively, he’s a reliable catch-and-shoot threat. In his last four seasons, he shot 40.0%, 37.6%, 38.1%, and 39.6% from three, respectively. He does most of his damage from the corner and he’ll be ready to knock down shots off kickout dimes from Giannis. Defensively, he has the frame of a wing stopper and will be able to pull his weight. He’s not locking anyone down, but he’s not a liability at all and filling the lineup with players like that will go a long way for Milwaukee in improving their defense.
Prince has been a trusted piece for multiple playoff teams in recent years (Nets in 2020, Timberwolves in 2022 & 2023, and Lakers in 2024), and he’ll be able to be the same for the Bucks.
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With the resources they had, it’s tough to imagine the Bucks having a better free agency than they did. All three of Gary Trent Jr., Delon Wright, and Taurean Prince are ready to step in and make an impact. And for all the Bucks fans who have felt frustration and disappointment with their team in the last couple seasons, that’s something to be very excited about.
This has always been an NBA centered blog because that is pretty much the only basketball I watch. However, this spring, I decided to take a deeper dive than ever before into the draft and the players in it. I did extensive research and formed a big board that included over 140 names, and I even dropped a few draft related articles. For that reason, I was extra excited for draft night, and it’s with that same excitement that I present my initial 2024 NBA draft grades.
Atlanta Hawks
Draftees: Zaccharie Risacher (1st), Nikola Djurisic (43rd)
With their first top pick since 1975, the Hawks opted to bring in French forward Zaccharie Risacher. As a 6’10” forward with a silky jumpshot and some defensive versatility, he’ll be a seamless fit next to Trae Young in the starting lineup. His ceiling is lower than other lottery picks in this class, as he struggles as a creator, but you can’t blame Atlanta for going after more of a sure thing as they look to return to the playoffs with Young at the helm. Still, it feels like they may have whiffed by not picking Alex Sarr or Donovan Clingan.
Nikola Djurisic, who hails from Serbia, will bring some flair with his movement shooting and passing wizardry. He will not, however, help the Hawks improve defensively. He’s a fun player but still raw and will likely need a lot of G League reps.
Grade: B-
Boston Celtics
Draftees: Baylor Scheierman (30th), Anton Watson (54th)
As the Celtics gear up to try to go back-to-back, they did the right thing by adding two older, more experienced guys who will be more trustworthy in high-stake games than a one-and-done teenager. Baylor Scheierman is similar to current Celtic Sam Hauser in many ways. He’s a 6’7” movement shooter who uses his strong frame to hold up on defense. Anton Watson is a defensive switch knife of a four man with a burly frame and some connective passing juice.
Grade: B+
Charlotte Hornets
Draftees: Tidjane Salaun (6th), KJ Simpson (42nd)
The Hornets took one of the largest home-run swings of the draft by selecting Tidjane Saulaun at sixth. The Frenchman is incredibly raw, but has all kinds of physical tools and by all accounts works very hard. If he can scratch his ceiling in Charlotte, the team will look scary with a trio of him, LaMelo Ball, and Brandon Miller. However, the bust potential is very high for Salaun, and Charlotte doesn’t exactly have the best track record of player development. They’ll need to prioritize their new draftee’s growth to make this pick worth it. Even then, though, things may not work out.
KJ Simpson is a gamer of a point guard who plays level-headed under pressure and can score from all three levels. He might have a hard time seeing the court due to Charlotte’s loaded backcourt, though.
Grade: C+
Chicago Bulls
Draftee: Matas Buzelis (11th)
The Bulls are adding a hometown talent in Matas Buzelis with an emphasis on talent. The Chicago kid has one of the highest ceilings in this draft class. He’s a rangy 6’10” forward with plenty of bounce, fluidity, and natural skill. The determining factor in how good he’ll be is how well he can shoot the three. If he can find more success from behind the arc, he could be a star. This is a great chance to take for a Chicago team that may finally be hitting the reset button.
Grade: A-
Cleveland Cavaliers
Draftee: Jaylon Tyson (20th)
Outside of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland (and sometimes Caris LeVert), the Cavs lack players who can reliably score/create shots, and that weakness was part of their downfall in the 2024 playoffs. Jaylon Tyson can help patch that hole. The California product has a good handle and uses craft to get to his spots in the paint and the mid-range. He’s effective off the ball, too, as a catch-and-shoot guy and a cutter. Tyson’s ability to contribute in multiple ways on both ends could help him find a rotation spot in year one.
Grade: B
Dallas Mavericks
Draftees: Melvin Ajinca (51st)
Ajinca may end up being a stash guy, but whenever he does join the Mavericks, they’ll be getting a wing with great size and length who can hit shots off the catch and defend multiple positions. It’s easy to picture him sharing the court with Luka Doncic and doing some of the things that Derrick Jones Jr. or PJ Washington did for Dallas during their Finals run. He’s a ways away from reaching that point, but with a couple seasons of development overseas or in the NBA, Ajinca could get there.
Grade: B
Denver Nuggets
Draftee: DaRon Holmes II (22nd)
Backup center was one of Denver’s most glaring needs, and they found their answer by trading up to select DaRon Holmes out of Dayton. Being a Flyer in college was fitting for Holmes because he flies around the court, catching lobs and blocking shots. The most intriguing part of his game is his floor-spacing upside— he shot upwards of 38% from beyond the arc during his pre-draft season. Holmes does a lot of traditional and modern big man things well and could fit into Denver’s lineup as a five or at the four next to Jokic. This feels like the perfect pick for the 2023 champs.
Grade: A
Detroit Pistons
Draftees: Ron Holland (5th), Bobi Klintman (37th)
Ron Holland’s upside is ridiculously high. He’s 6’8” with incredible athletic tools and a relentless motor. He averaged almost 20 points per game for the G League Ignite. The craziest part is that he’s just 18 years old (until July 7th). The Pistons, coming off a dreadful season, need all the talent they can get, and they’re getting a ton of it in Holland. The only problem is that Holland is a pretty poor shooter as of now and the Pistons have some of the worse spacing in the NBA. However, most of the guys currently on the team will not be around when they are finally ready to contend, but Ron Holland could be and so they did the right thing by going for the best player available rather than the player that fits their current roster best.
Bobi Klintman is a 6’10” forward with real 3&D capabilities. He’s far from a finished product, but his path to success is very clear and the Pistons are in no rush to compete so they can afford to be patient with his development.
Grade: B+
Golden State Warriors
Draftee: Quinten Post (52nd)
Stretch fives are a hot commodity in today’s NBA, but they’re hard to come by. For that reason, the Warriors should feel great about getting Quinten Post so late in the draft. Post is a seven foot tall 40% three-point shooter who can also protect the rim and make good passing decisions. He’s very slow footed, and bigs like that have a harder time seeing the court, but he still has a chance to make an impact because of the floor spacing he brings.
Grade: B
Houston Rockets
Draftee: Reed Sheppard (3rd)
In 2023-24, Houston’s return to competitiveness and near play-in push was fueled by a gritty defense. Now, to get all the way over the hump, they must improve their offensive arsenal. With that in mind, they couldn’t have drafted a better rookie than the guy who made over 50% of his threes in college. Reed Sheppard is the best shooter in this draft and is also a smart decision maker and a chaos creator defensively. His ceiling is limited due to his size and lacking true point guard ability, but his floor is high and he is ready to help the Rockets take off to the playoffs.
Grade: A-
Indiana Pacers
Draftees: Johnny Furphy (35th), Tristen Newton (49th), Enrique Freeman (50th)
Offense is Indiana’s identity. They play at a high pace, take a ton of threes, and beat teams by outscoring them. Australian youngster Johnny Furphy will fit right into that flow with his ability to knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers, attack closeouts, and make good passes. He’s young and needs to refine his game though and probably won’t play a lot right away.
Tristen Newton and Enrique Freeman will add hustle and defensive intensity to a team that needs it. Newton is coming off back-to-back national championships at UConn and is ready to keep winning at the next level. One of these two guys will almost certainly find their way into Indiana’s rotation.
Grade: B+
Los Angeles Clippers
Draftee: Cam Christie (46th)
Cam Christie is just 18 years old and is one of the most intriguing shooters in this class. He has a beautiful outside stroke and is very capable of hitting every type of three in the book. That’s his only NBA-ready skill right now, and he has a lot of development to do, but he’s in a good situation to make that growth with head coach Ty Lue and veterans like Norman Powell and Nicolas Batum all there to guide him.
Grade: B-
Los Angeles Lakers
Draftees: Dalton Knecht (17th), Bronny James (55th)
Dalton Knecht, who was one of the best players in college basketball last season, was projected to go much higher than 17th. The Lakers should be ecstatic that he fell into their lap because he’s the perfect pick to help them compete during the twilight of LeBron’s career. He’s a dynamic and fiery shooter and off-ball mover who will force defenses to pay attention to him, opening up space for LeBron and AD to operate in the paint.
Bronny James is very far from being an NBA player, but how good he ends up being is ultimately irrelevant because he was just the 55th pick and it will be pretty freaking awesome to see him share the court with LeBron.
Zach Edey is one of the most polarizing players in this class. His college dominance is unmatched, but his playstyle makes people question how well he can translate to the next level. Most teams don’t run a ton of post-ups, and that’s Edey’s bread and butter play. However, if Memphis gets him to buy into a smaller role, he could be exactly what they need. His screening, finishing, rebounding, and rim protection would fill the hole Steven Adams left behind. There’s no question that Edey is a good basketball player. If he’s used right, he could be a star.
Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer are quality role player bets. Both are elite shooters, making them welcome additions for a team that ranked 29th in 3P% last season.
Grade: B+
Miami Heat
Draftees: Kel’el Ware (15th), Pelle Larsson (44th)
Kel’el Ware is the ideal modern big man. He’s 7’0”, he can protect the rim, he can catch lobs, and he can shoot the three. Whether he’s backing up Bam Adebayo or sharing the court with him (the idea of a jumbo P&R between Ware and Adebayo is pretty intriguing), he’ll be able to make a big impact for the Heat. And at just 20 years old, he can be a core piece for the team as they potentially enter a new era.
Dribble-pass-shoot role players are at a premium in today’s NBA, and that’s the type of player Pelle Larsson is. The Arizona product is also a true competitor and will fit the Heat culture.
Grade: B+
Milwaukee Bucks
Draftees: AJ Johnson (23rd), Tyler Smith (33rd)
Despite being in a championship window that is slowly closing, the Bucks opted to select two raw long-term projects over more pro-ready role players. AJ Johnson, coming off a NBL campaign where he played less than 10 minutes per game, is probably two years away from being two years away. There’s a lot to like about his future potential, but the Bucks need to be more worried about the right now.
Tyler Smith, while still unrefined himself (specifically on defense), has more instant impact potential than Johnson. For the G League Ignite, he shot around 37% from three. His NBA range is proven and at 6’11”, he’ll be capable of playing next to Giannis as a stretch four.
Grade: C
Minnesota Timberwolves
Draftees: Rob Dillingham (8th), Terrence Shannon Jr. (27th)
In the biggest surprise move of the night, the Timberwolves traded up to acquire Rob Dillingham, and it was a great trade. The Kentucky guard is one of the most crafty and exciting bucket-getters in the class, and he could be next in the long list of star guards his school has produced. He’ll provide a much-needed shot creation spark to Minnesota’s lineup (likely from off the bench in year one).
The Wolves doubled down on scoring with the 27th pick. Terrence Shannon averaged 23 points per game last season at Illinois, a number that ranked third in the nation collegiately. He can fill it up from behind the arc and do damage on drives. As a bonus, he’s a solid defender.
Grade: A
New York Knicks
Draftees: Pacome Dadiet (25th), Tyler Kolek (34th), Kevin McCullar Jr. (56th), Ariel Hukporti (58th)
After a few years of draft inactivity, the Knicks finally decided to get involved, and they did so in a big way. They’re bringing in more draftees than any other team, but you can’t blame them because all four are good players.
Pacome Dadiet is part of the army of Frenchmen in this class. He’s a young wing with great size, shooting mechanics, and defensive instincts. He could be a key cog in New York’s rotation in a couple years. Tyler Kolek is a brainy playmaker who should have very little trouble stepping in and running an NBA offense. He also has a ton of dawg in him. Kevin McCullar is a pro-ready wing stopper who Tom Thibodeau will undoubtedly love. Ariel Hukporti is a reliable traditional big man with pro experience.
Despite the team’s stacked rotation, it feels like at least one of these incoming rookies will end up playing meaningful minutes in their first year, and all four of them could do so in the near future. Overall, this was a heckuva draft for a New York squad that just keeps doing great things.
Grade: A
New Orleans Pelicans
Draftees: Yves Missi (21st), Antonio Reeves (47th)
Center is New Orleans’ weakest position right now, but Yves Missi is ready to change that. The Baylor product is a mammoth of a man with freakish mobility for a guy of his size. He has the potential to be a defensive game changer, and he’ll be able to make an impact offensively too with his screening, lob catching, and rebounding. He isn’t a floor spacer at all which may make his fit with Zion Williamson a little clunky, but the Pelicans still made the right pick here.
Antonio Reeves is an elite sniper who put up over 20 points per game on a loaded Kentucky roster. He and Jordan Hawkins will be a lethal shooting duo off the bench.
Grade: B+
Oklahoma City Thunder
Draftees: Nikola Topic (12th), Dillon Jones (26th), Ajay Mitchell (38th)
From an on-court perspective, Nikola Topic doesn’t make much sense for the Thunder. He’s a bigger point guard with a shaky jumpshot and he’s a poor defender— descriptions eerily similar to things you could say about Josh Giddey. He’s one of the best playmakers and slashers in the class, but he won’t be able to get enough on-ball reps on a team that already has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams handling the ball. However, looking at the bigger picture, this could be a smart pick for Sam Presti. Topic was a projected top five pick prior to injuring his ACL. Now, he’s likely going to miss his entire rookie year. OKC doesn’t need a rookie who can play right away, so they will be perfectly fine waiting for Topic to come back. When he does, he will be a valuable asset either on the team or in a trade.
Dillon Jones is a strong forward who loves to get downhill and make plays. He’s also an excellent rebounder, and the Thunder were weak on the boards last season. He was a low volume shooter in college, but if he can find consistent success from deep, he could end up in OKC’s playoff rotation.
Ajay Mitchell is a crafty combo guard with a silky mid-range game. He doesn’t really fit into this team anywhere, though.
Grade: B-
Orlando Magic
Draftee: Tristan da Silva (18th)
Last season, the young Magic proved they’re ready to compete at a high level. They finished with a top five seed in the East and pushed the more seasoned and more talented Cavaliers to seven well-fought games. With that experience under their belt, Orlando is now geared for an even better campaign in 2024-25. Tristan da Silva will be able to help them out in big games as an older rookie who can shoot, defend, pass, and rebound at a high level. The Brazilian forward will be able to slide into any lineup the Magic roll out because of his versatility, a trait the team clearly values. This was an excellent pick.
Grade: A
Philadelphia 76ers
Draftees: Jared McCain (16th), Adem Bona (41st)
Philadelphia has a ton of rotation spots they need to fill for next season. Jared McCain and Adem Bona may be able to slide into two of them. McCain is a premier competitor with a can’t-miss jumper who is built for the big moment. As a smaller guard, he likely won’t be able to share the backcourt with Tyrese Maxey full time, but off the bench, the former Blue Devil could be a trusty weapon. Bona is maybe the most defensively diverse big man in this class outside of Alex Sarr. He’s bouncy and ferocious and could be Embiid’s backup for a long time. He is one of the biggest steals of this draft.
Grade: A-
Phoenix Suns
Draftees: Ryan Dunn (28th), Oso Ighodaro (40th)
The Suns had ZERO rookies on their roster in the last twoseasons. Now, they’re adding two, and both of them are capable of making an impact from day one. Ryan Dunn might be the best pound-for-pound defender in this class. He’s an incredible defensive playmaker and he guards the ball like a maniac. Phoenix had plenty of struggles on that end last season and Dunn will be able to solve a lot of them. He’s a poor shooter at this point, but with all the offensive firepower currently on the team, that will be less of a glaring issue.
Oso Ighodaro is one of the best passers in the class, and he’s a center. He can plug in as an offensive hub off the bench while also being able to protect the rim.
(Side note— it would have been a ton of fun to see a duo of Ryan Dunn and Josh Okogie defensively. Too bad Okogie is leaving in free agency.)
Grade: A-
Portland Trail Blazers
Draftee: Donovan Clingan (7th)
Despite being in serious consideration for being the first overall pick, Donovan Clingan ended up sliding all the way to seven for reasons unknown, and the Blazers are undoubtedly stoked about it. Clingan has the potential to be one of the best rim protectors in the league one day. He has a monstrous frame and he’s a dominant shot blocker. There’s plenty to like about his offense, too, including his passing feel and the possibility for him to add an outside jumper. Clingan is a sure-fire good NBA player and will be a cemented core piece for Portland.
Grade: A
Sacramento Kings
Draftee: Devin Carter (13th)
Sacramento’s rise back to competitive basketball has been fueled by three-point barrages, but their overall lack of dawg has hindered them from becoming real contenders. Devin Carter can help change that. Carter has drawn comparisons to Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Marcus Smart due to his phenomenal defensive game. He’s a slightly smaller guard with a questionable shooting stroke, which is definitely a red flag in a league that’s becoming more and more unfriendly to little guys, but he does so much to contribute to winning that the negatives can be outweighed (plus, he did shoot over 37% from three on high volume this past season at Providence).
Grade: B+
San Antonio Spurs
Draftees: Stephon Castle (4th), Juan Nunez (36th), Harrison Ingram (48th)
Stephon Castle is a very Spursy player. He’s a dogged defender who leaves everything out on the floor and wants to win more than anything. His work ethic combined with San Antonio’s player development is definitely a recipe for success. There’s a major elephant in the room with him, though. He’s a well below par shooter who connected on just 26.7% of his 2.2 three-point attempts per game at UConn. That’s a big problem in today’s NBA, and it’s an even bigger problem because he believes he’s a point guard. Pretty much every starting ball handler in the association is at least a capable scorer. Castle will need to work hard to iron that part of his game out if he truly wants to run an offense. If he can’t, he could still make an impact as an athletic defensive ace of a wing.
Juan Nunez is a creative floor general and a supreme passer who could fulfill San Antonio’s need for a point guard. He might be a stash guy, though. Harrison Ingram is a do-it-all forward who can help the Spurs return to the playoffs with his defense and spot-up shooting.
While the guys they ended up with are solid, the Spurs made a head-scratching move on draft night when they traded away Rob Dillingham. He would have been an amazing fit for them. Hopefully that decision doesn’t come back to haunt them too much.
Grade: C+
Toronto Raptors
Draftees: Ja’Kobe Walter (19th), Jonathan Mogbo (31st), Jamal Shead (45th), Ulrich Chomche (57th)
The Raptors probably couldn’t have had a more Raptors-esque draft than this. All of their picks are lengthy and/or defensive-minded. Their first rounder, Ja’Kobe Walter, is best known for his movement shooting upside. He will give the team a warmly welcomed offensive spark. Jonathan Mogbo is a beast of a 6’8” forward with strong finishing and passing prowess. Unfortunately, he can’t shoot at all, but he’s very undersized for a five man and so he may have trouble finding a role. Jamal Shead was the NCAA Defensive Player of the Year last season. He’s short in stature but he’s proof that it’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.
Toronto’s most fascinating pick was their last of the night. Ulrich Chomche is a goldmine of raw athletic tools and natural talent. The 6’11” Cameroonian has flashed the ability to do literally everything on the court. He’s the definition of boom-or-bust, but there’s a world where he becomes one of the best players from this class.
Grade: B
Utah Jazz
Draftees: Cody Williams (10th), Isaiah Collier (29th), Kyle Filipowski (32nd)
The Jazz aced this draft by grabbing two of the biggest sliders. Kyle Filipowksi was a green room invite who didn’t even get selected on day one, a disappointing outcome that will give him a chip on his shoulder. He’s a 7’0” big man with perimeter skill on both ends, perfect for modern basketball. Isaiah Collier is the single biggest steal of this draft. He’s uber quick and strong and is one of the best offensive engine bets in the class. The former top high school recruit has as much All-Star potential as any one of his peers.
Cody Williams, brother of Thunder star Jalen Williams, is an ultra toolsy 6’8” wing. Entering a low pressure situation like Utah will allow him to spread his wings and realize his full potential.
Grade A+
Washington Wizards
Draftees: Alex Sarr (2nd), Bub Carrington (14th), Kyshawn George (24th)
The Wizards have been unexciting during the early stages of their rebuild, but that is about to change because they just had the best draft out of any team. With the second pick, they brought in the best prospect in this draft in Alex Sarr. The Frenchman has all-world defensive upside with some really appealing offensive juice, too. He has a high floor and a high ceiling and can be Washington’s cornerstone for the future.
Sarr isn’t the only potential star in Washington’s incoming rookie class. Bub Carrington is one of the most loved prospects in the draft, because of his name, but also because of his game. He’s a smooth and confident on-ball operator with really good pullup shooting touch and playmaking chops.
Rounding things out is Kyshawn George, a silky shooting wing with some jumbo ball handler ability. The Wizards were 25th in 3P% last season and George can help raise that number.
NBA draft night usually features flurries of trades that leave fans struggling to follow who and what is going where. 2024 was no different. Here are my thoughts on every deal that went down.
(Note: this article only includes trades that involved at least one non 2024 draftee.)
Trade #1
Wizards receive: Malcolm Brogdon, 14th overall pick (Bub Carrington), 2029 first round pick, 2028 and 2030 second round picks
Trail Blazers receive: Deni Avdija
The first trade that happened during 2024 draft festivities was the most interesting. The Wizards gave up one of their best young prospects in Deni Avdija in exchange for a treasure chest of picks. It was a confusing deal to many at first, but it may end up being a pretty even deal.
The Trail Blazers, who are now all in on rebuilding in the post-Dame era, are adding what could be a core piece for the long haul in Avdija. The Israel native, who was drafted ninth overall in 2020, was quietly a MIP candidate this past season. He’s been a rock-solid on-ball defender his entire career, but Avdija made significant strides on the other end in year four, specifically as a shooter. He shot a career-best 37.4% from long range on 3.1 attempts per game this past season. Now that the shot is coming along, Avdija has become a very complete player. He fills Portland’s weakest position, forward, and will be a fun running mate for Scoot Henderson and Donovan Clingan.
The two underrated aspects of Portland adding Avdija are his durability and his contract. In the last three seasons, he’s played 82, 76, and 75 games. Availability is the best ability, and the Blazers will be able to rely on their new forward to consistently play games. As for the contract, Avdija is on a deal that’s ridiculously cheap compared to what players of his caliber are making these days. It’s a front-loaded deal, meaning his annual salary will decrease over time. In 2027-28, he’ll be making just $11.8 million. Talk about a steal.
For the Wizards side of things, the deal was originally a bit of a head scratcher. Why give up a guy who is young, one of your best players, and locked up on a cheap deal? Well, Portland made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. Two first round picks, two second round picks, and a player who is probably worth a first round pick is a big haul, especially when one of those picks becomes Bub Carrington. Carrington, an 18 year old guard from Pittsburgh, has the potential to be an All-Star and could be Washington’s lead guard for the future.
Malcolm Brogdon, who is just one year removed from winning Sixth Man of the Year, likely won’t be more than a short term rental for the team. However, while he’s there, he will be a much needed veteran presence. Brogdon is smart, steady, and unselfish and could be a mentor to young guys like Carrington. He’s also a good player who can help the Wizards be a little more competitive while rebuilding.
Stockpiling assets is a good move for a rebuilding team. Just look at the Thunder. With this trade, the Wizards deepened their pool of picks while also adding a prospect with higher potential than Avdija. That seems like a win.
Trade #2
Pistons receive: Wendell Moore Jr., 37th overall pick (Bobi Klintman)
Timberwolves receive: 53rd overall pick (later traded to another team)
With this trade, the Timberwolves basically paid the Pistons to take Wendell Moore off their hands, likely just to free up a roster spot. The payment came in the form of the pick that became Bobi Klintman, a young 6’10” forward who is oozing with 3&D potential. He’s an interesting prospect, but the Wolves don’t really have room to develop him with recent draftees Leonard Miller and Josh Minott occupying the same position. Wendell Moore hasn’t shown much of anything in his short career, but he was a first round pick, and is an interesting very low risk, medium reward swing for the Pistons.
Trade #3
Rockets receive: AJ Griffin
Hawks receive: 44th overall pick (later traded to another team)
Two years ago, AJ Griffin was considered one of the top prospects in the 2022 draft class. He fell to the 16th pick, but in his rookie season, he played like the lottery guy he was supposed to be. He had one of most efficient shooting seasons by a rookie ever, posting excellent percentages from mid-range and from three. He had Hawks fans and NBA nerds alike excited about the player he could become. Inexplicably, though, Atlanta gave up on him this past season. He played just 8.6 minutes per game across 20 appearances. The coaching staff may know something we don’t, but as of now, there’s no reason to believe Griffin isn’t capable of returning to his first-year form.
Buying low on Griffin is a phenomenal move for Houston for multiple reasons. For one, they could really use some three-point shooting. At his floor, Griffin could come off the bench and knock down a couple shots while spacing the floor for Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green. At his ceiling, though, he could become a key rotation piece for them and maybe even a starter. It will be a tough road, as he will compete for minutes with guys like Green, Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, and Tari Eason, but there’s a world where he gets there. That’s why this is the best low risk, high reward move of the night. Bravo, Houston.
Trade #4
Warriors receive: Lindy Waters III
Thunder receive: 52nd overall pick (later traded to another team)
This deal is very inconsequential, but is still somewhat intriguing if you’re a total hoops nerd. Lindy Waters is a legit movement shooter who has been solid in the limited minutes he’s received for the Thunder. He shot 43.5% from deep this past season. It’s easy to picture Waters fitting into Golden State’s movement-heavy offense if he ever sees the court..
The funny part about this trade is that after a series of other moves, the 52nd pick ended up back with the Warriors. They used it to select Quinten Post, a seven-foot center from Boston College with real floor-spacing ability.
In this trade, the Kings are sending away two players they have no need for anymore in exchange for a guy who fits their team much better. In McDaniels, they’re getting a super toolsy and versatile forward. He can defend, shoot, and cut, and could definitely share the court with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Really, he’s a dollar store version of Jerami Grant, a guy who has been linked in trade rumors to the Kings for a long time.
Davion Mitchell, Sacramento’s lottery pick back in 2021, has largely failed to live up to expectations up to this point in his career. His defense has been fantastic, but he hasn’t done enough offensively to play a real rotational role. With Devin Carter coming to town, Mitchell would have been buried even deeper in the depth chart had he remained in Sactown. Sasha Vezenkov, the former Euroleague MVP, had requested a trade and is more of a salary dump than anything in this deal.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, though. The rebuilding Raptors should be excited about taking on Davion Mitchell, as a new situation often does wonders for struggling young players. Toronto has long loved players who play pesky defense, and that’s exactly what Mitchell does. They’re not just getting one pest, though. Jamal Shead was the NCAA’s defensive player of the year this past season and could form an impeccable defensive backcourt off the bench with Mitchell. Good luck getting the ball across half court when those guys are in.
Trade #6
Hornets receive: Reggie Jackson
Nuggets receive: Three second round picks
For Denver, this trade was nothing more than a salary dump. Their core has become very expensive and they need to find ways to save some money around the edges. The Hornets are getting a solid veteran guard in Reggie Jackson who can be trusted to handle the ball and get some buckets off the bench.
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Be on the lookout for draft grades and thoughts on other offseason moves coming soon!
The first trade of the 2024 offseason has been made, and man is it a fun one. The Chicago Bulls are sending one of the most coveted assets on the market, Alex Caruso, to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. No draft picks are involved, a rare occurrence in today’s NBA, and even rarer for a trade involving Sam Presti and the Thunder.
Here are my immediate thoughts on the deal for both sides.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Going into this offseason, OKC needed to figure out who their fifth starter will be for the 2024-25 season. They just found their guy in Alex Caruso. And, outside of an All-Star like Lauri Markkanen or Paul George, Caruso is probably the best possible player they (realistically) could have gotten to round out their lineup.
So why is the Bald Mamba the perfect pickup for the Thunder? It starts with the defense. Caruso is one the premier non-big defenders in the sport. He has made All-Defense in back-to-back years (First team in 2023, second team in 2024), and was also the 2023-24 winner of the NBA Hustle Award. He’s an impeccable on-ball defender who can legitimately cover positions 1-4, if not all five. He will guard the other team’s best player every night and is capable of completely shutting them down. He pairs that on-ball coverage with ridiculous defensive playmaking ability. Caruso ranked in the 97th percentile of steals per 75 possessions and the 87th percentile of blocks per 75 possessions in 2023-24 (according to BBall Index).
The Thunder had the fourth best defense in the NBA this past season, and are now adding a guy who can take them to a whole other level on that end. That’s terrifying. The idea of trying to score against a lineup of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, and Chet Holmgren gives me nightmares, and I’m not even in the NBA!
Beyond the defense, Caruso will be able to seamlessly fill an off-ball role on offense, which is exactly what OKC needs. He shot a career-best 40.8% from three in 2023-24 on 4.7 attempts per game, and 89% of his makes were assisted. He will reliably convert on open looks created by Oklahoma City’s stars, something Josh Giddey could not do. Caruso is also a very heady decision-maker and passer, a necessary trait for playoff rotation players.
The Thunder made a massive leap as a team this past season, finishing as the top seed in a loaded Western Conference. However, their second round loss to the Mavericks proved they were still a ways away from being true contenders. It feels safe to say Alex Caruso changes that. What a trade for OKC.
Chicago Bulls
Despite all the interest Alex Caurso was receiving on the trade market, the Bulls seemed dead set on keeping him in town. They probably turned down 100 first round picks in the last two years. For that reason, it’s very interesting that when they finally traded him, zero picks were involved. So, is Josh Giddey a worthy return for Chicago’s star role player? The immediate answer for many fans is absolutely not.
After a promising first two seasons, Giddey fell off a cliff in 2023-24 in terms of impact. Many nights, he was a liability on both ends. His jumper didn’t go in enough for defenders to respect it, allowing them to send extra help at OKC’s stars. His defense was flat-out poor and he was hunted relentlessly. The lights of competitive basketball were simply way too bright for him.
However, looking at the full picture, the Australian can’t be completely counted out yet. As mentioned, he had very nice rookie and sophomore seasons and proved he has some very intriguing upside. He even ranked 81st on the Bench Mob Blog’s Top 100 Players of the 2022-23 Season list. The fall-off he experienced can be attributed to two things: age and role.
Giddey is still just 21. He was drafted as a project player, and is very much still in the developmental stage. The Thunder’s timeline accelerated quickly, which forced him to play basketball at a level he shouldn’t have been expected to play at. After playing point guard for the majority of his career, Giddey was suddenly asked to play an off-ball, supporting role next to the team’s ascending superstars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, a role that minimized his ability to play to his major strengths: downhill scoring and playmaking.
The 2023-24 season for Josh Giddey was the equivalent of a parent tossing their toddler in the deep end of a pool and expecting them to be able to swim. He needs a team to be patient with him. And if this trade is a sign that Chicago is entering rebuild mode, they can be that team. Playing for a non-contender will take a ton of pressure off Giddey’s shoulders. He should be able to return to his natural position of point guard, opening things up for him to play the style of basketball he’s best at and find confidence.
So, despite what people on social media may be screaming at you, Josh Giddey still has potential. Don’t be surprised if he spreads his wings and flies in the Windy City.
It’s really no surprise, either. They have one of the most complete rosters maybe ever, they dominated the regular season, and they cruised their way to the Finals. Anybody who dared step in Boston’s way was crushed by endless three-point barrages and a suffocating defense.
This team will go down in history, and so will many of its players. Jayson Tatum, the head of the snake. Jaylen Brown, the trusty second star (and the Finals MVP). Derrick White, the heart and soul. Jrue Holiday, the ultimate winner. Al Horford, the ageless wonder. Kristaps Porzingis, the cherry on top of this modern superteam.
Of course, though, as the years go on, some parts of this team’s run will be forgotten. Sam Hauser’s admirable defensive effort. Luke Kornet’s contests. Joe Mazzulla’s unintentionally hilarious post game interviews.
Another guy who will be forgotten is Xavier Tillman. He barely played in the playoffs as a whole, but after Kristaps Porzingis got hurt, he found his way into the rotation in the Finals. And when he did, he made his mark. So before he gets washed into the sands of time, let’s give Tillman the credit he deserves.
Tillman joined the Celtics at the 2024 trade deadline in a largely insignificant deal. He was the biggest name involved, and he’s nothing more than a solid bench player. Real ball knowers saw, though, that he had a chance to be a real contributor for Boston. Who would have thought that idea would be actualized on basketball’s greatest stage?
Despite being on a team that features multiple of the league’s premier defenders, Tillman was as good as anybody on the court defensively when he got to play. Switchability/mobility is a trendy trait for big men, and Tillman has it. He was matched up with pretty much every Maverick at some point and held his own with all of them. Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Jaden Hardy… it didn’t matter who, Tillman was locking up all of them. He walled off drives and forced tough angles at the rim. His rare combination of size, strength, and lateral quickness are what made that defense possible.
Tillman’s defense is almost eerily reminiscent of Al Horford’s. Throughout the past few playoffs, Horford has proven to be capable of covering anyone from Giannis Antetokounmpo to Steph Curry. With the veteran entering the twilight of his career, it’s very possible that Tillman could become his successor as Boston’s switchknife big man.
Tillman’s impact shows up in the advanced stats. While slightly skewed due to garbage time, he had a plus/minus of +18.4 per 100 possessions while on the court in the playoffs (For those unfamiliar with +/-, that means the Celtics outscored opponents by 18.4 points per 100 possessions when Tillman was on the court). That said, though, his regular counting stats are paltry. In 8.6 minutes a night in the playoffs, he posted 1.5 points and 1.8 rebounds per game on 62.5% shooting. In the Finals, those numbers jumped up to 3.0 points and 2.5 rebounds on 66.7% shooting in 9.3 minutes per game.
All stats aside, though, just watching the games makes it clear that Tillman was a positive presence on the hardwood. His beyond-the-box-score value is a reminder that every player on a team matters, even when you might not realize it. Basketball is a true team sport, and it’s beautiful. Some guys score 30 points a night and some guys spend games cheering from the bench, but all of them are important to a winning basketball team. Xavier Tillman deserves his credit. Everyone else on the Celtics deserves their credit. So, when you’re talking about Boston’s championship, or any champion, don’t forget to give a shout to some of the unheralded guys. They matter too.
NBA teams win on the margins. Big moves will take you far, but small moves around the edges will take you farther. Last month, we looked at five deepsleepers from the 2024 draft class who could be diamonds in the rough. Let’s take a look at five more.
Zyon Pullin
Guard – 23 y/o – Florida
All the best backup point guards in the NBA have a few major things in common. Guys like Tyus Jones and Monte Morris have made their careers by being super smart floor generals who limit turnovers and hit shots off the dribble. Few guys in this class, especially in the second round/undrafted range, fit that mold better than Zyon Pullin. Pullin averaged 4.9 assists per game and posted an excellent 3.77 assist-to-turnover ratio during his senior season at Florida. His intelligence as a playmaker and decision maker will serve him well in adjusting to the higher-paced NBA. Pullin is also a quality scorer off the bounce who is comfortable pullin’ up (get it) from two and from three.
Jones and Morris provide most of their value on offense, as they are smaller and slimmer guards that get hunted on defense. Pullin, though, is 6’4” with solid length and strength and will be very capable of staying afloat on defense. In a league where defensive liabilities are finding less and less success, Pullin’s defensive capabilities make him even more likely to stick in the league. Any team looking for a reliable backup point guard should be rushing to draft or sign Pullin.
Jamarion Sharp
Center – 22 y/o – Ole Miss
Everyone knows about Zach Edey, the behemoth from Purdue who dominated college basketball. But what if I told you there’s a second giant in this class? His name is Jamarion Sharp, he’s 7’5”, and he’s one of the best shot blockers in the world. The paint is an absolute no-trespass zone when Sharp is on the court. He once averaged 4.6 blocks per game in a season. Yes, you read that right. In his senior year at Ole Miss, he played just 15.8 minutes per game, but still swatted 2.4 shots a night.
Sharp uses more than just his size to block shots though. He’s surprisingly mobile for a guy of his stature. He has no trouble rotating all around the court in a timely manner and his instincts are terrific. His block numbers are no fluke, he’s a legitimate defensive monster.
The thing holding Sharp back is his overall poor offensive game. He’s a great rim runner and lob threat, but his touch is awful and he has a tough time finishing anything besides dunks. He also has zero passing skill. If Sharp can prove to be passable in a simple offensive role on an NBA court, he can prevent himself from being another Tacko Fall. If he can’t make it in the league, he will undoubtedly excel overseas.
Martez Brown
This guy’s such a sleeper there are barely any pictures of him on the internet!
Big – 23 y/o – Lincoln Memorial
Martez Brown represents a path seldom traveled by prospects: NCAA Division II basketball. Because so few players are drafted from DII schools, it’s easy to be hesitant when one does come around. However, if you forget about his college, Brown has a convincing case as an NBA player. He’s a great athlete with a formidable combination of size, bounce, and mobility. He runs the floor well, throws down devastating dunks, and hounds the glass. At Lincoln Memorial, Brown looked like a man amongst boys. In the NBA he’ll be a man amongst men, but he could be a real player if a team is willing to give him a chance.
Moses Wood
Forward – 25 y/o – Washington
Moses Wood is more than just a goofy looking guy with an awesome name. He’s one of the best shooters you’ll find in the deep depths of this draft class. In his super-duper senior year at Washington, Wood connected on 39.6% of his 6.3 three-point attempts per game. His jumper is silky smooth and he can hit a variety of triples. He’s also a decent athlete with an NBA frame.
The blaring holdup with Wood is his age. At 25 years old, he’s one of the oldest guys in the class. That really hurts him because he’s not a sure-fire instant contributor and teams likely won’t view him as a worthwhile developmental project. However, he has a pro level skill, and could be a utility end-of-bench piece for a team in need of shooting.
Drew Pember
Big – 24 y/o – UNC Asheville
Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid is of the league’s premier role players. He’s an invaluable contributor for the Timberwolves because of his combination of shooting, ball skills, and mobility. All 29 other teams would undoubtedly love to have a big man like Reid on their team, and so all 29 other teams should be taking a look at Drew Pember.
Pember stuffed the stat sheet while at UNC Asheville. In his senior year he averaged 20.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.9 blocks while shooting 36.6% from three on over five attempts per game. Those numbers showcase the Naz Reid-esque versatility that he brings to the court. Pember is a legit floor spacing big. He’s comfortable playing on the perimeter and can drive to hoop and finish when defenders close out too hard. He can also switch across the lineup and protect the rim defensively.
Don’t be surprised if in five years Drew Pember is the next Naz Reid, both as a player and a fan favorite.
When watching the playoffs in recent years, something has stood out to me. Many rookies have made meaningful contributions deep into May and even for championship teams in June. Dereck Lively, Christian Braun, Herb Jones… the list goes on. This had me wondering, how did those guys get there? What does it take for a rookie to play in the playoffs and make a difference?
In the past five seasons (2020-2024), 35 rookies have played over 10 minutes per game in the playoffs. That’s 33% of all rookies rostered by playoff teams in that time frame. To better understand how a rookie can earn playoff playing time, let’s analyze those 35 guys and find out how and why they succeed. First, let’s take a look at some characteristics they share.
Age & Experience
(Note: all ages are according to Basketball Reference)
More often than not, “win now” prospects are on the older side and therefore have had more time to develop their game and become more complete, polished products. That type of player is clearly more likely to find a rotation role in the NBA in their first year— only two teenage rookies have been part of playoff rotations in the last five years (Darius Bazley in 2020 and Dereck Lively II in 2024). Those two guys make up just 18% of teenage rookies rostered by playoff teams in that time frame. The majority of the pool were either 21 or 22 years old, and five guys were 23 or older.
Going hand in hand with the age data, players who spent more time in college have had more success getting playoff minutes as a rookie. Twenty-three of the 33 playoff rookies who played college ball prior to the NBA spent multiple years in school. Eleven were seniors or super seniors. Of the 10 freshmen, the majority were lottery picks (Tyler Herro and Michael Porter Jr. in 2020, Scottie Barnes and Ziaire Williams in 2022, and Chet Holmgren, Dereck Lively II, and Cason Wallace in 2024).
None of that data is too surprising— it makes sense that very young and raw guys usually aren’t ready for basketball’s biggest stage. Maybe more players need to take advantage of college and spend more time honing their craft before making the jump to the NBA.
Draft Pick
In theory, the best rookies are the ones picked in the lottery. Unfortunately, lottery picks rarely get the chance to compete in the playoffs their first year because they’re usually drafted to rebuilding teams. When they do get that chance, though, they are likely to take advantage of it. Ten of the 35 playoff rookies in the last five years were lottery picks. Twenty total lottery picks have been rostered by playoff teams in the last five years, giving lottery picks a 50% chance at being in a playoff rotation. That’s the highest success rate of any draft range.
After lottery picks, the draft range most likely to produce playoff rookies is non-lottery first round picks. Thirteen rookies drafted in that range in the last five years played in the playoffs (35% of the total non-lottery first round picks rostered by playoff teams). This makes sense because the best teams pick late in the first round. Undrafted guys surprisingly find their way into playoff rotations decently often. Nine undrafted rookies played in the playoffs in the last five years (24% of the total undrafted rookies rostered by playoff teams). Notable undrafted guys to accomplish that feat include Kendrick Nunn (2020), Luguentz Dort (2020), and Jose Alvarado (2022).
Interestingly, the second round has not been a reliable source of playoff rookies at all. Forty-six second-round rookies have been rostered by playoff teams in the last five years, the most of any draft range. Only three of them have played minutes (Ayo Dosunmu and Herb Jones in 2022 and Andre Jackson Jr. in 2024).
Position
(Note: all positions are according to Basketball Reference)
Of the 35 playoff rookies from the last five years, six were point guards, 10 were shooting guards, nine were small forwards, eight were power forwards, and two were centers. Those raw totals suggest rookie point guards and centers are the least likely to play in the playoffs out of any position. Point guard is often regarded as the hardest position for players to adjust to when they get to the NBA, so that makes sense.
However, the success rates of each position paint a slightly different picture. 23% of rookie point guards rostered by playoff teams in the last five years played minutes, which is the third lowest of all positions. 20% of power forwards played and only 10% of centers played, making them the least likely positions to succeed. The most successful position has been shooting guard, with 42% of rookie two guards rostered by playoff teams in the last five years cracking playoff rotations.
Chet Holmgren and Dereck Lively II are the only two rookie centers to play in the playoffs in the last five years. Both had special rookie seasons. Holmgren anchored the first-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder while rivaling Victor Wembanyama for Rookie of the Year. Lively proved to be the perfect big man to pair with Luka Doncic and held things down for Dallas deep into the playoffs. Lively specifically is an anomaly, as he is also one of just two teenage rookies to play in the playoffs in the same time frame.
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According to basic characteristics, rookies are most likely to play in the playoffs if they are shooting guards who were drafted in the first round and played multiple years in college. The four players from the last five years who fit that description are Matisse Thybulle (2020), Payton Pritchard (2021), Christian Braun (2023), and Ben Sheppard (2024). This equation is missing a key factor, though: actual basketball ability. There are multiple skills that can earn a rookie playoff minutes. Let’s take a look at each of them.
Attribute #1: Decision Making
Case Study Players: Jose Alvarado (2022), Ayo Dosunmu (2022), Facundo Campazzo (2021)
This one is less of a potential pathway to success and more of a requirement. NBA teams play at a fast pace, and guys have to be able to process the game quickly and make correct decisions in split seconds. Taking care of the ball is a necessity. Of the 35 rookies to play playoff minutes in the last five years, only three of them had negative assist-to-turnover ratios (Michael Porter Jr., Darius Bazley, and Wenyen Gabriel in 2020).
While limiting turnovers and making the right reads isn’t a standout skill that can create a playoff role for a rookie, being a quality secondary playmaker is. Guys who can take pressure off primary creators by taking on some playmaking responsibility, or who can run a second unit, are super valuable and open things up for their teams. Take, for example, Facundo Campazzo, who was a rookie for the Nuggets back in 2021. Denver was missing their second star, Jamal Murray, that year and needed some help in the creation department. Passing is Campazzo’s best skill, and he was able to patch that hole because of it. The Argentinian averaged a solid 4.1 dimes while only turning it over 1.5 times per game in the playoffs. He ranked in the 87th percentile of playmaking talent that season (via BBall Index).
Another example is Jose Alvarado, an undrafted gem discovered by the Pelicans. Defense is his calling card, but the little guard also provides a ton of value as a floor general who pressures defenses and makes plays for others. He averaged 2.8 assists and only 0.7 turnovers per game his rookie season, posting an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.8.
Attribute #2: Shooting
Case Study Players: Keegan Murray (2023), Desmond Bane (2021), Michael Porter Jr. (2020)
Shooting is king in the NBA, so there are plenty of opportunities for rookies who can fill it up from behind the arc. Interestingly, though, out of the 35 playoff rookies from the last five years, 20 of them were below league-average shooters percentage wise. Players don’t have to shoot it to succeed. However, out of the 106 rookies rostered by playoff teams in that time frame who didn’t get minutes in the postseason, 76 of them were below-average shooters. Being a good shooter definitely gives guys a better chance of seeing the court in the playoffs, and there have been many examples in the last five years to prove that statement.
The Kings were clowned in 2022 when they drafted Keegan Murray fourth overall ahead of Jaden Ivey, who was widely considered to be a better prospect. Murray shut the doubters up quickly though, proving to be one of the top players in the class (he finished way ahead of Ivey in Rookie of the Year voting). Murray’s best skill was (and is still) his shooting. He shattered the record for most threes made in a season by a rookie. Murray’s sizzling movement shooting abilities made him a seamless fit in Sacramento’s high-octane offense, and he was able to not only be a part of the team’s playoff rotation but also be a part of their starting lineup because of it.
Michael Porter Jr. was an elite shooter from the minute he first stepped on an NBA court. He was a borderline awful decision maker and a poor defender, but his shooting made up for those weaknesses and he was a key rotation piece for the Denver Nuggets during their playoff run in 2020. Desmond Bane was a key role player as a rookie for the Grizzlies during their 2020-21 campaign because he was an ultra-efficient catch-and-shoot threat.
Attribute #3: Defense
Case Study Players: Chet Holmgren (2024), Herb Jones (2022), Luguentz Dort (2020)
Historically, rookies have a tough time on defense. Adjusting to the higher level of athleticism and physicality takes time for a lot of guys. That’s why it makes sense that out of the 35 playoff rookies from the last five years, 19 of them were below average defensively according to BBall Index’s D-LEBRON metric (with 50th percentile being average). However, rookies who can excel on defense from the jump are more likely to find minutes in meaningful games. 33% of rookies rostered by playoff teams in the last five years who were above average defenders were part of rotations in the postseason, while only 21% of below average defenders found the same success.
62% of the rookies who ranked in the 90th percentile or higher in D-LEBRON got burn in the playoffs. That elite group includes Chet Holmgren, who was one of the best rim protectors in all of basketball this past season, Herb Jones, the surprise second-round pick who is now an All-Defensive First Team honoree, and Jose Alvarado, Jones’ teammate who is an absolute pest at the point of attack. The three 90th percentile defenders who didn’t play in the playoffs are Norvel Pelle (2020), Deni Avdija (2021), and Omer Yurtseven (2022).
Perhaps the best example of a rookie earning playoff minutes purely because of his defense is Lu Dort in 2020. Dort was an undrafted rookie who played just one year at Arizona State before coming to the league. He was on a two-way contract with Oklahoma City at the time, and despite being a very inefficient offensive player, he was a starter in the playoffs for the Thunder and was tasked with guarding one of the best scorers ever (James Harden) because he was a fantastic perimeter defender. Dort is an outlier in multiple ways but proves how much defense matters for young players trying to prove themselves as NBA players.
Utility Players
Case Study Players: Jaime Jaquez Jr. (2024), Andre Jackson Jr. (2024), Christian Braun (2023)
Not every player specializes in playmaking, shooting, or defense. Some guys carve out their roles by being a jack-of-all-trades and helping their teams in multiple ways. The age of the specialist is beginning to come to an end, and versatile role players who can shoot, pass, and defend are becoming trendier and trendier. Some of the 35 playoff rookies from the last five years made their mark in that fashion. Christian Braun helped the Nuggets win a championship in 2023 by competing on defense, hitting timely threes, and cutting to the hoop relentlessly. Andre Jackson Jr. was a huge spark and breath of fresh air for the Bucks this past season. The kid is an absolute winner— he flies around the court and defends his tail off. Jaime Jaquez Jr. played like a 30-year-old as a rookie, making plays out of the post and making smart decisions consistently.
Only three of the 35 rookies posted a positive assist-to-turnover ratio, shot above league average from three, and were above average defenders according to D-LEBRON: Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, and Andre Jackson Jr. (all three were rookies in 2023-24). One more player posted an even 1:1 assist-to-turnover ratio while being above average from three and on D: Juwan Morgan in 2020. Being good in all those areas is a tall ask for a first-year player, but just being decent in every area is enough, as proven by Braun and Jaquez Jr.
Outliers
Every statistical study features outliers, data points that don’t fit into trends at all. This one is no different. Basketball isn’t played on a spreadsheet, so let’s look at some guys who, according to the data, played in the playoffs but shouldn’t have or didn’t play but should have and figure out why they aren’t hip with the patterns.
David Roddy (2023— played)
3 seasons in college (21 y/o)
23rd pick
Small forward
1.04 AST:TO ratio
30.7% 3P
33rd percentile D-LEBRON
Roddy fits the college upperclassman, first round pick archetype that has found a lot of success, but his talent-related numbers aren’t up to par with those of his playoff rookie peers. He was a well below average shooter, a poor defender, and posted a barely positive assist-to-turnover ratio while averaging just 0.8 assists per game. So why did he play? He has a burly frame that allowed him to compete physically as a rookie and he was a pretty solid finisher. He fits the utility guy description, just to a much lesser degree. Once he got to the playoffs, he shot 28% from the field and posted a -22.7 plus/minus per 100 possessions in a series that the Grizzlies lost.
Ziaire Williams (2022— played)
1 season in college (20 y/o)
10th pick
Small forward
1.59 AST:TO ratio
31.4% 3P
7th percentile D-LEBRON
Young and raw rookies are less likely to find a rotation spot in the playoffs, but Williams was an exception. Why? He’s long, athletic, and was definitely a better defender than his atrocious D-LEBRON ranking suggests (numbers aren’t everything when it comes to examining defense!). In the playoffs, he averaged 6.9 points and shot 75% on two-pointers. The Grizzlies lost in the second round. Williams hasn’t developed much since, and he was not in the playoff rotation his sophomore season, so his minutes may have been more a result of Memphis needing wing minutes than him being a particularly impressive rookie.
Markus Howard (2021— played)
4 seasons in college (21 y/o)
Undrafted
Point guard
1 AST:TO ratio
27.7% 3P
6th percentile D-LEBRON
Howard was a really good college player (he was a two-time consensus All-American and was one of the best scorers in the NCAA), but his rookie season as a pro was very underwhelming. That may have been a result of his height— he’s just 5’10” and little guards have a tough time in the big leagues. Denver was forced to call upon Howard for the postseason after star Jamal Murray went down with an ACL tear. In the playoffs, he averaged 4.7 points and shot 42.3% from three. Howard is no longer in the NBA.
Jaylen Hoard (2020— played)
One season in college (20 y/o)
Undrafted
Power forward
1 AST:TO ratio
0.0% 3P
51st percentile D-LEBRON
Outside of his (very slightly) above average D-LEBRON, nothing about Hoard screams (or even whispers) playoff rookie. So why did he play? He was a solid energy guy who could defend, finish, and rebound. Portland had a pretty rough roster that year, so they were probably just trying things and seeing what stuck with their rotation. In the playoffs, Hoard averaged 4.7 points on 58% shooting. The Blazers lost in the first round.
Anthony Black (2024— didn’t play)
One season in college (20 y/o)
6th pick
Point guard
1.63 AST:TO ratio
39.4% 3P
77th percentile D-LEBRON
Black was projected to be a good defender and passer when he was drafted, and both of those things were proven to be true during his rookie year. He also surprised people by shooting almost 40% from deep (albeit on low volume). Black started 33 games for the Magic in the regular season, but couldn’t get any playing time in the playoffs. Why? Orlando needed scoring desperately, and that’s not Black’s strong suit. Once he proves himself as a quality outside shooter and starts filling up the scoring column more, Black will be a playoff guy. It just wasn’t his year.
Omer Yurtseven (2022— didn’t play)
4 seasons in college (23 y/o)
Undrafted
Center
1.20 AST:TO ratio
9.1% 3P
90th percentile D-LEBRON
Despite being undrafted, Omer Yurtseven became a regular rotation member for the Heat as a rookie because he protected the rim and was statistically one of the best rebounders in the NBA. He wasn’t able to keep his spot in the playoffs, though, mainly because All-Star Bam Adebayo took up most of the center minutes. Erik Spoelstra opted to give the sparse backup minutes to Dewanye Dedmon, a decision likely made due to Dedmon’s seniority in the league, but it was maybe the wrong one. In 10 minutes a game in the playoffs, Dedmon averaged 3.8 points on 47% shooting and had a -2.4 +/- per 100 possessions. In just 4 minutes per game, Yurtseven averaged 2.8 points on 67% shooting. Perhaps “Big Yurt” could have proven to be one of Miami’s patented undrafted gems had he been given a chance in the postseason.
Terance Mann (2020— didn’t play)
4 seasons in college (23 y/o)
48th pick
Small forward
2.94 AST:TO ratio
35.0% 3P
69th percentile D-LEBRON
Terance Mann checked pretty much every box that a rookie needs to check to play in the playoffs. He’s a wing who spent multiple years in college. He took care of the ball and made good decisions. He defended well. He was (almost) a league average shooter. So why didn’t he play? He was competing for minutes with the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, as well as other solid role players like Marcus Morris and Landry Shamet. He didn’t get a chance as a rookie, but Mann has played in three playoffs since and has played really well in all of them.
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There are many teams in the NBA who will be hunting for instant impact players in the draft this summer. Some of them, like the Lakers or the Bucks, need to hit on those picks because that’s their best chance at getting better and winning a championship while their window is open. If win now guys are what those teams seek, then they should seek rookies who proved during their time before the NBA that they can play a role and excel in it. That’s the recipe to success.
NBA teams win on the margins. Big moves will take you far, but small moves around the edges will take you farther. Being able to find contributors on cheap contracts or late in the draft is huge for constructing a competitive roster. Gems like that can be found in any draft class if teams look hard enough. Let’s look at some guys in the 2024 class who are projected to go undrafted but could find a role in the league.
Boo Buie
Guard – 24 y/o – Northwestern
Point guard is probably the hardest position for youngsters to adjust to when they get to the NBA. Running an offense is a huge and difficult responsibility. If anybody in this class is ready for that task, it’s Boo Buie. Buie is a seasoned floor general who isn’t fazed by pressure. His passing vision is excellent and his IQ is through the roof. He’s as steady as it gets and can always be trusted to hold things down for his team. As a bonus, he’s a great shooter and a dogged defender.
There’s one large obstacle Buie must face, though. Making it in the NBA as a small guard is hard. Buie must be able to stay ahead of the curve defensively to avoid becoming a liability. If he can tread water on that end and keep his shooting numbers up, Buie could be the little engine that could.
Enrique Freeman
Forward – 24 y/o – Akron
Enrique Freeman is the ultimate energy four man. Crashing the glass is his calling card— he led the entire NCAA in rebounding in 2023-24 despite being just 6’7”. He does more than just grab boards, though. He’s an active and versatile defender who protects the rim from the weak side. During his five years at Akron, he made four all-conference defensive teams and won a defensive player of the year as well. On the other end, he finishes at a high level in a multitude of ways.
Freeman plays tough, works hard, and does the dirty work needed to win games. He performed well at the Draft Combine and will absolutely get looks from NBA teams. To succeed at the next level, he’ll need to improve in a couple areas. As a senior, he shot 37% from deep, but it was on just 1.5 attempts per game and he only made one three in his prior four seasons combined. Spacing is king in today’s NBA, and proving to be a consistently capable shooter would do wonders for Freeman’s status. The other hole in his game is his decision-making— he posted significantly negative assist-to-turnover ratios in every college season he played. Rotation players in the league have to be smart with the ball.
If Freeman can continue to develop his jumper and take better care of the basketball, he will find a role as a pro.
Michael Ajayi
Forward – 21 y/o – Pepperdine
Do-it-all wings are at a premium in today’s NBA. Role players playing big minutes in the playoffs are all able to do some of everything. Michael Ajayi is that type of guy. He’s very efficient from behind the arc. He can guard on and off the ball. He can put the ball on the floor and get a bucket. He can run the pick-and-roll. He rebounds the heck out of the ball. The only major knocks on Ajayi are that his finishing numbers leave more to be desired and that he only played one year at a D1 school so he is relatively unproven. Overall, though, he seems like a safe bet to be a decent player.
Boogie Ellis
Guard – 23 y/o – USC
The NBA is all about a bucket, and Boogie Ellis can give you plenty of those. The kid oozes confidence— he’s a professional scorer. That was evident in his performance at the G League Elite Camp where he scorched the nets and earned a call-up to the Combine. He’s an elite shooter on a high volume who is comfortable taking and making every type of shot.
Ellis’ biggest question mark is his position. He’s a score-first shooting guard in a point guard’s body. To stick in the big leagues, he’ll need to expand his playmaking capabilities and become a true combo guard. If he can’t do that, his scoring will be enough for him to have a long career in the G League or overseas.
Armando Bacot
Center – 24 y/o – North Carolina
Armando Bacot is a very interesting case. He was a phenomenal college player— he’s leaving North Carolina as the school’s all-time leading rebounder and second all-time leading scorer. He’s a top-tier traditional big man who dominates the glass, protects the rim, sets stonewall screens, and scores in the post. He has a little modern flair, too— he can pass out of the high post and switch on the perimeter decently well. Despite all that, he’s rarely talked about in draft conversations. Why? Maybe it’s his age. Maybe it’s his lack of standout athleticism. Maybe it’s just that centers like him aren’t glamorous. The answer isn’t clear, but what is clear is that Bacot is darn good at basketball and is worthy of a chance in the NBA.
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