NBA Draft: Mid-Season Top-30 Big Board

1. Jabari Smith

What can’t Smith do? He is a stretch 4 that can spread the floor. He’s got a developing post-up game and a fierce offensive and defensive profile. I’d reckon he’s the best bet to become a consistent All-NBA player out of this class.

2. Paolo Banchero

He’s got the shot. He’s got the size. Banchero looks like an NBA starter. I’ve said this on numerous occasions. The size and ability to get to the basket reminds me of a young LeBron. Disagree with that all you want, Banchero will dominate.

3. Jaden Ivey

Atheltic,intense, and motivated. He just needs a damn consistent jump shot. However, even without that (and it will come), his play is nothing but 100% every night. His energy will guide a team to new heights.

4. Johnny Davis

Why is Johnny Davis so high? Well, he’s the most realistic NBA scorer in this class. Keegan Murray (who will be mentioned later) has an almost unattainable FG%. Davis percentage seems much more realistic for NBA scoring. He’s one of the safest players in this class

5. Hugo Besson

Ahhhh. Yes, Besson should be a lot higher on most boards. New Zealand (ABA) doesn’t let him be him. There isn’t a better off-ball mover (outside of Mathurian) in this draft. If Besson comes off that screen and catches the ball at the 3 point line, instant bucket. I’m hoping he gets to develop his already impressive on-ball skills.

6. Chet Holmgren

What he’s doing at Gonzaga, that’s not going to work in the NBA. The minute he tries to run through a Nikola Jokic screen, he’s done. Gaining muscle is key, and, as that happens, some of that explosiveness and agility will go away.

7. Adrian Griffin Jr

If injuries weren’t a concern, I’d have AGJ at 1. He’s a Jimmy Butler clone and I’m not passing that up (but caution is advised).

More NBA: On the Bubble Prospects Who Can Make An Impact

8. Jaden Hardy

Hardy has no fear when trying to score. There is no shot he won’t take. That’s a gift and a curse in the NBA. He could either be a hero on some nights or shoot you out of the game.

9. Benedict Mathurin

Amazing off-ball scorer. If an NBA team allows him to play that role, the sky is the limit. I do hope he gains a better on-ball ability, however, that’s not his strength right now.

10. Kendall Brown

Typical Baylor player that values defense just as much as offense. A lot of development to be had; Brown is going to be a lottery player if he stays in Baylor one, two, three or four years. Take the leap when your stock is hot.

11. Kennedy Chandler

He plays like he’s been shot out of a cannon. I like that.

12. Nikola Jovic

Solid scorer from the wing. I had him as my top guy going into the draft. He has fallen off because of very inconsistent defensive play. Really good passer for his size.

13. JD Davison

It’s all about the swag. I love the energy he brings. Is he an NBA star? I can’t answer that. With that being said, JD is going to do all he can to be one.

14. Dyson Daniels

A Ben Simmons-style player, Daniels has a better shot developing a consistent jump shot at this point in his career. High basketball IQ, will he be a scorer?

More Sports: The Legacy of Great PGs Still Stands

15. Osumane Dieng

I’ve just now started to see Dieng develop into the player he should be. He’s attacking and facilitating around the perimeter. His length will intrigue a lot of GMs.

16. Max Christie

I wasn’t sold on Christie until a matchup with Bryce McGowens and Nebraska. Christie made his life hell on defense and offense. That pitbull mentality has been the case with a lot of MSU Spartan greats.

17. Jalen Duren

One dimensional big man that I’ve seen no development from. I’ll give the benefit of the doubt as he’s got the potential to change.

18. Keegan Murray

Yeah, Murray is a scorer. My one real complaint, he’s a shooter even at his 6’8 height. He’s going to be a 3 in the NBA. His shooting percentage (IMO) isn’t attainable at the next level.

19. PBJ

It’s obvious the skill is there. He’s not doing what he is capable of at Milwaukee. Perhaps his teammates give him no support, but something still needs to be said for him not to take on the role of leader and lead his team (especially in the lowly Horizon league).

20. Julian Champagnie

Best shooter in the draft. That’s it. That’s the explanation.

21. Tari Eason

I didn’t expect this name to be on my top-30 this season. Eason is a developing scorer and has been a driving force for LSU’s defensive (and offensive) success. He’s going to be an absolute pest on defense.

The Daily Culture: Apply to Become A Writer

22. Kenneth Lofton Jr.

Huh? Yeah, I’ll be that guy. KLJ has a lot of weight to him. He might never be more than a Robert Tractor Traylor. However, he’s athletic for his size and I think we all need to respect big men coming out of Louisiana State.

23. Hyung Jun Lee

Pure. One of the best shooters in this class. Would I like to see Lee become more aggressive in off-ball movement? Yes. He’s a good shooter, I just worry he’s going to settle for a role as a spot-up threat from 3 and not amount to much for an NBA team. If he solves that issue, I’m sold.

24. Ismael Kamagate

Potential. Kamagate held his own against 2023 top pick, Victor Wembenyama. He just has so much raw skill and athleticism. If he could develop a lethal jump shot I’d be more on board (lottery).

25. Carlos Alocean

We’ve not heard much from Alocean. In terms of a pure PG, I like him quite a bit. He’s a developmental guy. I’m fine taking the time to get him ready for the NBA. Look at it this way, Alocean is not the best prospect in this class. However, in 2-3 years that might be false. A team needs to take him now and walk away smiling.

26. Jean Montero

Admittedly I don’t have much to go off of with Montero. I’ve not seen one OT Elite game. From what I’ve seen, he’s got NBA skills. However, there hasn’t been much to go off of for me.

27. Marjon Beauchamp

Beauchamp is a freak athlete. He’s got a wide range of skills that can become elite NBA traits. He knows how to get to the basket and finish strong.

28. Alex Fudge

If you all haven’t seen Fudge play, you’re missing out. Unlike fellow breakout freshman, Jeremy Sochan, I value Fudge more as a defender with a bit higher scoring upside. To be 100% transparent, Fudge or Sochan can go here.

29. Jabari Walker

I shouldn’t be this high on Walker. He’s a poor 3-pt shooting big that probably won’t be a stretch 4 in the NBA. He’s a bit undersized, however, he knows how to get rebounds. I’m going in with a lot of optimism he wants to develop his all-around game.

30. Caleb Houstan

I had Houstan in my top-3. He’s fallen because he’s not producing as others have in this class. I guarantee he will be higher by draft time. However, I need to be realistic that he might not be.

Image Source: DANIEL POCKETT/GETTY IMAGES