NBA Draft 2021: Joshua Christopher, Marcus Bagley among top California prospects

Nimari Burnett – Texas Tech – 6’4 – 195 lbs – December 2001

Burnett is someone I’ve seen play since he was an eighth-grader and I have been blown away by his progress. Entering Lubbock as the highest-rated recruit in Red Raider history, Burnett should make an impact right away for a talented team.

Burnett is one of the best shooters in the class. He’s got deep range and can fire off the dribble. He’s improved as an athlete each season and is a capable finisher at the rim. Burnett is a bit of a tweener in the sense that he’s a bit short for a shooting guard, but lacks the playmaking to run an offense. He’s a good passer but has a hard time pressuring the defense.

Defensively, Burnett is too smart and long to fail. Despite being 6’4, Burnett’s wingspan is reportedly 6’10. He’s got good instincts on that end and moves his feet well. Despite being undersized, he’s smart and long enough to make it work.

The Texas Tech backcourt situation is an interesting one. Chris Bears awaits a waiver decision on Georgetown transfer Mac McClung, who would certainly be the team’s starting point guard if eligible. If not, the pressure turns to Burnett and junior Kyler Edwards. Both of whom are more so combo guards.

If McClung is not eligible, Burnett will get plenty of opportunity stepping into a void left by both Jahmi’us Ramsey and Davide Moretti. With his shooting and defense in Beard’s system, the outcomes could be really good.

If Burnett decided to turn pro after one season, he would be a first-round player for me. The league prioritizes shooting and Burnett will do that at an NBA level. Plus I’m optimistic he can become a secondary creator down the line. But Texas Tech is not a notorious one-and-done school and if McClung is eligible, Burnett’s touches will be trimmed.

NBA Draft Projection: First-round pick (in either 2021 or 2022)