NBA Draft 2018 Big Board 1.0: Ranking the top 60 prospects
By John Ryan
Tier 3: Fringe All-Stars and Important Starters
10. Colin Sexton (PG, Alabama): Sexton is an athletic point guard who uses his speed and physicality to wear down opponents. He’s an excellent perimeter defender and showed lots of promise as a passer this season. When it comes to Sexton, it’s worth noting that everyone raves about his character. He’s a great teammate, a hard worker, and maintained a 4.0 GPA at Alabama this year.
9. Wendell Carter (C, Duke): On a loaded Duke team that featured Marvin Bagley lll, Wendell Carter may have been the most important player on the team. Carter made life much easier for Bagley and helped mask his defensive weaknesses. Carter plays with a high motor and an even higher IQ. He is a terrific post defender and rebounds well. While he may not be as gifted as Bagley on the offensive end, he does all the little things that most teams require out of their bigs. He’s a good screener and should excel in the pick-and-roll.
8. Trae Young (PG, Oklahoma): Few college athletes have been as polarizing as Trae Young was to fans and media this season. To some, he’s the next Stephen Curry while others believe he’s vastly overrated. In reality, Young sits somewhere in the middle. Young is an elite offensive player but his flaws became apparent towards the end of conference play. His decision making needs work, both as a passer and in regards to his shot selection.
He’s a good 3-point shooter, though streaky, but really thrives in dribble penetration. What’s most impressive about his game is his vision and willingness to push the ball in transition. A lot of Young’s success will be dependent on his situation and surrounding talent, more so than anyone else in this class. At his best, he is a player who can change a franchise with his impact on the offensive end. Whether he can consistently become that player remains to be seen.
7. Mikal Bridges (SF Villanova): One of the safer prospects in this draft, Bridges offers the extremely valuable 3-and-D skill-set. The next step in his progression will be shot creation off the dribble, something he struggled with in college. Bridges should make a positive impact immediately, regardless of where he may end up.