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

11. Josh Giddey – Adelaide 36ers

6’8, 205 lbs – October 2002

Giddey is a passing savant, who notched a few triple-doubles in the NBL despite being one of the league’s youngest players. He lacks athleticism and burst but put him in pick-and-roll and he will dice defenses. Giddey’s shooting is what could take him to the next level and more than just a connector piece on offense. He was streaky from deep, ultimately finishing the year at 29%, but he showed flashes of being able to shoot consistently. He had a five-game stretch midseason where he shot 12-26 (46%) from deep.

If Giddey can draw more gravity, he’ll be able to use his handle and stride length better to get downhill. He should add strength to his wiry frame, which will help him dislodge defenders, especially with his height. I project him being, at least, a good finisher. Giddey probably isn’t a starting primary, but spam pick-and-rolls with him and he can make things happen. Place him next to someone who can create advantages, and he’ll be excellent at attacking on the weak side.

12. Jalen Johnson – Duke

Freshman – 6’9, 220 lbs – December 2001

One of the biggest enigmas in this draft class, Johnson went to Duke without much pre-college tape after he transferred out of IMG Academy halfway through the season. He then played in just 13 college games after missing a few with a foot injury, returning, then ultimately opting out of the remainder of the season.

Few players in this class are more physically gifted than Johnson, who’s got strength to go with his run-and-jump ability. Johnson at his best uses said strength to get downhill and finish at the rim. In post-ups, he’s a very willing passer that sees over the defense. When engaged defensively, Johnson covered a ton of ground and provided some moments of rim protection.

But Johnson had his lows as well. He shot 44% from three, but only took 18 shots, with teams daring him to shoot and going under against him. He struggled to beat his man one on one and didn’t provide much else off the ball. The defensive flashes were nice, but Johnson had far too many lapses. There are some character concerns as well.

There’s plenty of pathways for Johnson to have success at the next level, even if he doesn’t shoot. But his lackluster season at Duke is a concern, making him a high-risk, high-reward player.

13. Kai Jones – Texas

Sophomore – 6’11, 220 lbs – January 2001

If you watched a three-minute video of Kai Jones’ best plays, you’d think he would be the best player in this class. A unique athlete, with shooting touch and handling, Jones has many desired traits in the modern forward.

But the flashes came and went and there were several times Jones had trouble producing. He’s not super comfortable shooting yet, taking only 34 attempts last season. He needs to bulk up to defend the interior better, but that runs the risk of losing some of his special movement ability.

I also question Jones’ fit at the next level. Will he have the foot speed to guard wings? Will he rebound well enough to be a five? There’s plenty of intriguing parts that could lead to a valuable role player, but there’s also a significant downside here.

14. Jared Butler – Baylor

Junior – 6’3, 195 lbs – August 2000

There’s little to dislike about Butler. He’s a smart guard, with an incredible handle, and the ability to hit a variety of shots. He could have been a first-rounder last season, but returned to Baylor and was the best guard in college basketball, leading the Bears to a National Championship.

The knock would be his standstill burst and athleticism. He isn’t very shifty and while the handle helps overcome that, he doesn’t necessarily get into the paint at will. He’s got great finishing touch, but isn’t a great leaper so I wonder if some of those tough finishes he got off in college will translate to the next level. He’s better defensively than he gets credit for and should be able to defend point guards and smaller twos.

He doesn’t have a ton of upside, but Butler is already an incredibly polished guard, who’s well-liked by everyone and a winner. I wouldn’t overthink it with him.

15. Corey Kispert – Gonzaga

Senior – 6’7, 220 lbs – March 1999

Kispert returned to Gonzaga for his senior season and put on a nutty shooting display to boost his stock. He shot 44% on 6.5 attempts from deep and capped his career at a ridiculous 270-668 (40.8%) from behind the line.

He’s got legitimate size and isn’t a terrible athlete. He isn’t overly explosive but was solid finishing at the rim. He has good enough ancillary skills to attack closeouts. Defensively, he was a little exposed in the national championship game and would probably get picked on in a playoff series. His size and decent enough quickness should hold up in the regular season.

Kispert is arguably the least complicated prospect in this draft. He’ll boost a team’s ceiling right away and should be a solid role player for a long time. There’s just limited room to grow.