2019 NBA Draft Big Board: Top 50 player rankings, scouting reports

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 08: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Virginia Cavaliers is defended by Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the second half during the 2019 NCAA men's Final Four National Championship game at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 17: Chuma Okeke #5 of Auburn shoots. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

30. Chuma Okeke, Auburn

20 years old | Forward | 6-foot-7 | 233 lbs

Stats (SO): 12.0 ppg (.496/.387/.722), 6.8 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.8 spg

Despite the fact that Chuma Okeke is rehabbing an ACL tear, I think he is worthy of discussion as a late first-round selection. With a well-built frame and a lengthy wingspan, Okeke projects as a solid wing at the next level. Although maybe not the best athlete in the class, he certainly plays with a fair amount of bounce and his game is already quite refined. He shoots the ball well from distance, can finish at the rim, and can defend both on the perimeter and in the paint. There are some concerns regarding his shot-creating and his ability to switch onto smaller guards but these should be either covered up or remedied with a different role in the NBA compared to at Auburn. Okeke might not be a star but he should be a functional role player.

29. Nic Claxton, Georgia

20 years old | Center | 6-foot-11.75 | 216.6 lbs

Stats (SO): 13.0 ppg (.460/.281/.641), 8.6 rpg, 2.5 bpg

Even though Georgia, as a team, struggled during this past season, Nic Claxton showed why he can be a valuable asset at the NBA level. As nearly a true seven-footer, Claxton clearly brings plenty of size and his wingspan is also relatively impressive at 7-foot-2.5. And while he is not the most physically-built player in the draft, he is a great athlete and projects as a big man with the ability to switch in ball-screen actions. In the modern age of the NBA, switchable bigs are at a premium and this makes Claxton a tantalizing prospect. He also seems to be improving as a shooter on the offensive end and this would take him to the next level as a prospect. Claxton is not an incredibly polished player at this point in time but he could develop into an underrated star inside if he is able to become more consistent.

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