NBA Draft 2018 Big Board 1.0: Ranking the top 60 prospects
By John Ryan
Tier 6: Potential Starters
31. Chandler Hutchison (SF, Boise State): Hutchison has great size and has blossomed into an efficient three-level scorer. The addition of his 3-point shot makes him tough to guard.
30. DeAnthony Melton (PG, USC): Ruled ineligible, Melton was forced to sit out this season from USC. He has great size and length (6’8” wingspan) to go with being a very good athlete. He excels in the open court and has great court vision. His main weakness is jump shooting, something that he should eventually refine.
29. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (SG, Kansas): Svi is a sharpshooter. At 6’8”, he can get his shot off over nearly anyone and has a quick release to ensure that happens. Like all great shooters, Svi is excellent at moving without the ball and getting himself open. He cuts with purpose and is a great fit for any roster.
28. Keita Bates-Diop (SF, Ohio State): Bates-Diop developed into a go-to scorer for the Buckeyes and found himself rising up draft boards in the process this past season. He has prototypical size for an NBA wing and scores well from all three levels. He should supply good value as a late first-round pick.
27. Chimezie Metu (C, USC): Outside of Ayton, Chimezie Metu may be the most NBA-ready big in this class. He’s a supremely polished scorer who is developing a jump shot that could make him even more dangerous on that end. He possesses a post hook that he can execute with either hand and is an athletic finisher at the rim. Metu has quick feet and is becoming a much smarter defender.
26. Khyri Thomas (SG, Creighton): Khyri Thomas is one of the better pure shooters in this class but is able to separate himself from the pack with his versatility elsewhere. He’s an efficient scorer from all three levels and has the length (6’10” wingspan) to make up for his height (6’3”). Thomas defends well on-ball and projects well as a rotational piece.
25. Lonnie Walker (SG, Miami): Walker oozes athleticism and has the ideal frame of an NBA combo guard. He can play off-ball but is limited at the moment due to his inconsistent shooting. He thrives in an up-tempo system and should defend the perimeter well enough to keep him heavily involved in the rotation.
24. Dzanan Musa (SF, Bosnia): Musa is a big, dynamic wing who can score at all three levels. He’s an impressive ball handler for his size and excels in running the pick and roll. Musa is right-handed but is excellent with his left, even preferring to attack defenders on their left side. This keeps defenders guessing and allows him to create separation at will.