NBA Draft 2021: Final Big Board of top 60 prospects before draft night

51. Jericho Sims – Texas

Senior – 6’9, 245 lbs – October 1998

Sims’ physical measurements were a bit underwhelming at the combine, but he blew teams away with his explosiveness. Sims has always been a powerful athlete, skying off of two feet to snag rebounds and catch lobs. Using his leaping ability to protect the rim will be key. Sims has shown he’s somewhat capable of switching on the perimeter, a unique ability for bigs in this range. He’s a non-shooter, has stagnated as a passer, and there is probably not much room left for growth. But the physical tools and need for low-maintenance bigs in the NBA is key and should get Sims picked.

52. Greg Brown – Texas – Freshman

6’8, 205 lbs – September 2001

The biggest faller from my preseason board, I chronicled Brown’s combine struggles here. Brown has the physical gifts of an NBA star. He’s got size, to go with unparalleled athleticism. He just doesn’t bring much else right now. He’s an extremely low-feel player, registering just 10 assists to 60 turnovers this season. He floats at times offensively, and never figured out how to play within a team context. Brown was willing to shoot, but his form needs a ton of reworking and the results weren’t great.

https://mobile.twitter.com/BrandonSimberg/status/1357131922053431300

Even with his struggles, Brown was once a five-star and he does have some unteachables. If a team can simplify the game for him and work on his jumper, then he can be a versatile four-man offensively. For the time being, he’s a G-League project who may never reach that potential.

53. Dalano Banton – Nebraska

6’9, 204 lbs – Redshirt Sophomore – November 1999

After helping himself at the G-League Elite Camp, Banton is in position to earn a two-way contract. Banton has an interesting combination of size to go with handling and good vision. Despite playing with some lesser teammates, he surpassed the 100 assist total.

https://mobile.twitter.com/BrandonSimberg/status/1348351424128815105

Banton will have to improve as a scorer. He’s a solid finisher at the rim, but he struggles to put pressure on the defense given his lack of shooting gravity. He shot just 20-81 from deep (24.7%) and his intermediate game needs to be improved. Banton is certainly a project and will need G-League time, but there’s an intriguing package with his passing and defense that is worth betting on in this range.

54. Vrenz Bleijenbergh – Antwerp (Belgium)

6’10, 210 lbs – October 2000

Blejeinbergh wasn’t overly productive in his ten games last season, but he showed he’s a well-rounded player. He handles the ball and makes passing reads well for his size, and is a capable shooter. He’ll need to get stronger to guard inside, as his lateral movement is not nearly at an NBA level. It would help if he wasn’t turning 21 in the fall, but Bleijenbergh has the basis of a linking four for a team looking to patch gaps. He would probably benefit from another year overseas.

55. Jose Alvarado – Georgia Tech

Senior – 6’0, 180 lbs – April 1998

A pitbull in the form of a basketball player, Alvarado was one of college basketball’s most menacing defenders last season. He’s a pest at the point of attack and does so many little things well on that end. Alvarado made things miserable for opposing guards at the G-League combine. The offense will be a challenge given the size and the fact that he’s not a nuclear shooter. He’s quick with the ball and unselfish, but bigs can deter him easily at the rim. Still, he adds a skill that few have in this class and his killer wiring makes it hard for me to see him fail completely.