Post by Rog on Feb 27, 2024 21:25:31 GMT
We are rapidly approaching the end of the season and by proxy our second draft class. As a class, the top end of this class is exceptional, headlined by a generational forward prospect. It is not quite as deep as last year's class but there is a ton of talent on offer. To start, here is a reminder on how these articles work; I am telling you the most likely best case scenario, not a prediction on where a player ends up but the if they hit the best case scenario, this is the most likely spot they end up. However, they can reach above or below their tiers in the end, so don't take this as a prediction and look at the text for a true look at a player.
Potential All-Time Greats
Cooper Flagg PF 6'9'' 215 19 B B- C+ B- B- A
Matas Buzelis SF 6'10'' 200 21 B- B- B- B- C A
Khaman Maluach C 7'2'' 235 19 B- C+ C B- C+ A
- By far the best prospect in this class is Cooper Flagg. Flagg has just about as low of a floor and as high as a ceiling of anyone in these first two drafts. Flagg is about as elite of a two way prospect as you can ask and will be a prime time contributor from day one. He can score from all three levels but is best on the perimeter. He needs to get a bit better with his finesse game but he is athletic of a big as their is and strong enough to bang with almost any PF in the league. Defensively he has terrific instincts, defends the rim well, and should eventually become a guy who can switch on pick and rolls. There isn't a true hole in his game, only places he can get better at as any player at age 19 has. The sky is the limit for this kid.
- There are two players in this class with B- B- offense and both of them can be found here among the top tier, obviously. Matas Buzelis is potentially the number 1 pick last year if he comes out but will be relegated to the number 2 pick with a generational forward in this class. Versatility is the name of the game for Matas as he can do just about anything you ask of him on the court. HEs also a three level scorer with good athleticism. His quickness will allow him to get to the rim at will against heavier, slower small forwards. Defensively he isn't going to generate a ton of stocks early on but he has potential as a devastating on ball defender who can get 1.5-2 steals a game. His two biggest weaknesses are his rebounding which is only average and his decision making, which will lead to some high turnovers early in his career. This is a 25 point, 7 rebound, 5 assist type player though, if all goes right.
- Khaman Maluach might just be my favorite prospect in this class. At 7'2 he is tied for the tallest player in the class and at 19 he is tied for the youngest player in this class. Hailing out of South Sudan, Maluach is coming from a burgeoning and ever-growing part of the basketball world. At this point in his development, Maluach is a limited scorer who is best spotting up for threes and catching lobs for dunks. He needs to work on his offensive game to ever develop into a true mega-star, but the potential and framework is there. Where he shines overall is defensively. He has Defensive Player of the Year potential. He uses his elite athleticism and underrated strength to bully opponents and combined with his height he has elite shot blocking potential. I almost put him at the very top of the Superstar tier but his overall game, athleticism, and age make me think he has the potential to be a really special piece if you camp him right, give him time, and use him in ways that best utilize his game.
Matas Buzelis SF 6'10'' 200 21 B- B- B- B- C A
Khaman Maluach C 7'2'' 235 19 B- C+ C B- C+ A
- By far the best prospect in this class is Cooper Flagg. Flagg has just about as low of a floor and as high as a ceiling of anyone in these first two drafts. Flagg is about as elite of a two way prospect as you can ask and will be a prime time contributor from day one. He can score from all three levels but is best on the perimeter. He needs to get a bit better with his finesse game but he is athletic of a big as their is and strong enough to bang with almost any PF in the league. Defensively he has terrific instincts, defends the rim well, and should eventually become a guy who can switch on pick and rolls. There isn't a true hole in his game, only places he can get better at as any player at age 19 has. The sky is the limit for this kid.
- There are two players in this class with B- B- offense and both of them can be found here among the top tier, obviously. Matas Buzelis is potentially the number 1 pick last year if he comes out but will be relegated to the number 2 pick with a generational forward in this class. Versatility is the name of the game for Matas as he can do just about anything you ask of him on the court. HEs also a three level scorer with good athleticism. His quickness will allow him to get to the rim at will against heavier, slower small forwards. Defensively he isn't going to generate a ton of stocks early on but he has potential as a devastating on ball defender who can get 1.5-2 steals a game. His two biggest weaknesses are his rebounding which is only average and his decision making, which will lead to some high turnovers early in his career. This is a 25 point, 7 rebound, 5 assist type player though, if all goes right.
- Khaman Maluach might just be my favorite prospect in this class. At 7'2 he is tied for the tallest player in the class and at 19 he is tied for the youngest player in this class. Hailing out of South Sudan, Maluach is coming from a burgeoning and ever-growing part of the basketball world. At this point in his development, Maluach is a limited scorer who is best spotting up for threes and catching lobs for dunks. He needs to work on his offensive game to ever develop into a true mega-star, but the potential and framework is there. Where he shines overall is defensively. He has Defensive Player of the Year potential. He uses his elite athleticism and underrated strength to bully opponents and combined with his height he has elite shot blocking potential. I almost put him at the very top of the Superstar tier but his overall game, athleticism, and age make me think he has the potential to be a really special piece if you camp him right, give him time, and use him in ways that best utilize his game.
Potential SuperstarsAndrej Stojakovic SF 6'7'' 195 21 C B C- C D+ A
Derrion Reid PF 6'7'' 200 19 B- C C- C+ C+ A
Dink Pate. SG 6'7'' 185 19 B- C+ C+ B- C- A
Bronny James PG 6'4'' 200 20 B- C C+ B- C A
Dame Sarr. SF 6'6'' 200 19 B- C+ C+ C C A
Cam Scott SG 6'5'' 185 20 C+ C C+ C C- A
Ulrich Chomche* C 6'11'' 235 20 C D+ D+ B- B- A
Stephon Castle. SG 6'6'' 195 20 C+ C B- B C- A
Trey Alexander PG 6'4'' 195 23 B- C+ C+ B- C- A
Felix Okpara C 6'11'' 235 22 C+ D+ D+ B C+ A
Potential All-Stars
Donovan Clingan C 7'2'' 260 23 B- C- C- B- B- C
Tahaad Pettiford PG 6'1'' 170 19 C+ B- C+ C+ D+ B
Johnuel "Boogie" Fland PG 6'2'' 185 20 C C B- C D+ A
Yves Missi C 6'11'' 235 21 C+ D+ C C+ C+ A
Ismaila Diagne*** C 6'11'' 222 19 C C- C- B- C+ A
Berke Buyuktuncel** SF 6'9'' 210 21 B- C C+ B C C
Trentyn Flowers SF 6'8'' 215 21 B C C C+ C B
Dillon Jones SF 6'6'' 235 23 B C C C C+ C
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