NBA Draft 2018 Big Board 1.0: Ranking the top 60 prospects

Tier 5: High Risk, High Reward

23. Jontay Porter (PF, Missouri): Coming into the season widely known as “Michael Porter Jr’s younger brother”, Jontay developed into the most important player on a good Missouri team. He should be a solid floor-spacer at the next level as long he proves his ability to hit the three at the NBA distance. He has an improving post game, is a plus rebounder, and has a ton of defensive versatility.

22. Trevon Duval (PG, Duke): Duval came into his own toward the end of the season for Duke. With this, he likely put himself in a position where he will keep his name in this year’s draft. Duval is an explosive athlete and a terrific playmaker. He defends the perimeter well but lacks the consistent jump shot needed to push him closer to the lottery.

21. Miles Bridges (F, Michigan State): While it’s likely Bridges is drafted before #21, I have him this low on my board for a variety of reasons. Leading off is his “tweener” label. Standing 6’7”, Bridges does not have ideal size to play power forward in the NBA. However, Bridges does have a 7-foot wingspan that largely makes up for any perceived height deficiency. I expect Bridges to excel as a defender, being quick enough to guard wings, and long and tough enough to defend the post.

What worries me is his offensive game. Best suited as a stretch big, Bridges did improve his outside shooting this season. The problem is that in doing so, he decided he was going to solely shoot jump shots. His game became perimeter-oriented, but his shot selection, playmaking ability, and ball handling are not adept enough to play that way in the NBA.

I like Bridges in the sense that he should be productive at the next level. I just do not love his upside as a prospect. He displayed this season that he may be close to a finished product, posting basically identical numbers to his freshman campaign. There are players with way too much upside to take Bridges anywhere in the teens.

20. Melvin Frazier (SF, Tulane): The junior forward is a great fit for today’s NBA that so heavily relies on versatility. Frazier is 6’6” and an explosive athlete. He can defend multiple positions and has developed into a capable offensive asset over the past two years.

19. Anfernee Simons (PG, IMG Academy): Anfernee Simons has officially elected to enter the NBA Draft. Simons was able to avoid the college requirement by playing his 19-year-old year for a well-respected preparatory high school. Simons is a big guard who can score at will from all three levels. He is a very strong outside shooter and uses his 6’4” frame to finish up against bigger defenders inside. He is shifty, athletic, and can play off-ball if needed. Despite his youth, teams will surely view Simons as a first-round pick based on his enormous upside.

18. Mitchell Robinson (C, USA): Mitchell Robinson remains largely an unknown due to his decision to forgo college, focusing solely on preparing for the draft instead. Expect this to all change at the combine. He’s big, athletic, and has a lot of skill for a big his size. Expect him to fly up boards as the draft approaches.