NBA Draft 2021: Intriguing early-entry decisions to watch in coming month

JT Thor – Auburn – 6’10, 225 lbs – Freshman – August 2000

Thor, originally from Anchorage, Alaska, entered Auburn No. 44 in RSCI and wasn’t necessarily seen as a one-and-done player. While his stats weren’t eye-popping (9.4 points, 29.7% from three, 5.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.6 TO’s), Thor had some wildly impressive flashes. He’s an incredibly fluid mover with legit size and leaping ability.

Thor’s season was much better with a true point guard, Sharife Cooper, in the lineup. His scoring increased and he shot a more respectable 35% from deep. His jumper looks mechanically sound and his free throw percentage (74%) and relatively soft touch are positive indicators that he’ll be able to shoot at a proficient level. He needs to improve his ability to attack closeouts and make passing reads, but I wouldn’t necessarily call him a low-feel player.

Thor also showed some astonishing defensive flashes. He was one six freshmen with a block rate of 5.5 and steal rate of 1.5. His length and movement skills project him as a multiple position defender, who can offer some rim protection out of the forward spot.

Thor is still very raw, but his youth and tools should make him worth a gamble, starting as early as the end of the first round. He doesn’t truly have a bankable NBA skill right now and may need G-League time, but the base of a potential plus role player is there. If Thor does return, he could certainly improve the scoring and passing and jump into the round one discussion.

But if said leap is anticipated, I don’t see why he should go lower than 40 in this draft. Alas, if Thor does return, then Auburn will run arguably the best frontcourt in the country with Thor, Jabari Smith, and Walker Kessler, alongside another NBA prospect, Alan Flannigan, at the two.