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

36. Brandon Boston Jr. – Kentucky

Freshman – 6’7, 185 lbs – November 2001

Boston was No. 3 on my preseason big board, but a disastrous season at Kentucky sank his stock. Billed as a potential wing primary, Boston struggled to beat defenders. He still had some impressive handle flashes, but his lack of burst and strength was eminent. He was greatly discouraged by contact at the rim and the acrobatic finishes he was known for in high school were unsuccessful. It looks like the Kentucky staff reworked his jumper, which hurt him in the short term as he shot just 30% from deep. Boston looked lost defensively and his upper-body weakness impacted his ability to make plays.

https://mobile.twitter.com/BrandonSimberg/status/1300158200713564160

With that being said, Boston didn’t, and has never really, had a true primary to create advantages for him. He’s clearly better off the ball and if he can return to being a passable shooter, Boston has some skills that could get him some easy buckets. He’s a project in the short-term, but I believe there’s still a version of the high school star in him and he can find his niche in the league.

37. Joe Wieskamp – Iowa

Junior – 6’7, 212 lbs – August 1999

A riser in the pre-draft process, Wieskamp has long impressed me with his size and shooting. He finished his career at a 41% clip from three, on 447 attempts. He can hit shots off the catch, move, and is getting better off the dribble.

https://mobile.twitter.com/BrandonSimberg/status/1341260646911012865

He’s a better athlete than he gets credit for, posting impressive leaping numbers at the combine. Wieskmap’s lack of ancillary skills hinders his ability to use said athletic abilities, but when he gets to the rim he’s a plus finisher. It remains to be seen how much better he can get at attacking gaps after showing limited improvement in three seasons at Iowa, but he’s got a desired, bankable, skill in his shooting and size to partner with it. Those things alone should help him stick in a rotation for quite some time.

38. Isaiah Todd – G League Ignite

6’10, 210 lbs – October 2001

Todd was actually better than expected as an 18-year-old competing against grown players in the G-League. He’s got the size to play at both frontcourt positions and is a solid mover. Todd shoots it well, with a high-release and clean-looking stroke. Added strength should help him finish inside, but he’s young enough where said addition is possible. He’s got to process the game better, posting a negative assist to turnover ratio.

Even after a year in the G-League, Todd is still a project. Improved feel on both ends and Todd could wind up being a starting four, and if the feel doesn’t come along, he still has a floor as a rotational stretch four.

39. Nah’Shon Hyland – VCU

Sophomore- 6’3, 175 lbs – September 2000

Hyland lit up the A10 last season, posting impressive scoring numbers as the lead guard. He’s got limitless range and the ability to shoot off the dribble. He showed what he can when he’s on, erupting for 15 points in one half of a combine scrimmage. Despite his high usage, Hyland is behind in the playmaking department and figures to be better off the ball. He’s got a skinny frame with a high center of gravity that makes it hard to go past people. But, he’s a tough-minded player with a nifty finishing craft.

If placed next to a jumbo creator, Hyland has pathways of maximizing his microwave scoring. Other than that, his fit is murky to me. He still needs to find ways to impact winning on both ends and it’s hard for me to see him impacting a playoff series, however, there’s still a place for his ability to get buckets.

40. Juhann Begarin – Paris Basketball (France)

6’5, 185 lbs – August 2002

Begarin impressed me, in spurts, at the G-League Elite Camp despite being one of the youngest players there. He’s got an excellent body with plus strength, length, and good size for a wing. Begarin was a solid yet uninspiring shooter in France’s B League (although his low free throw percentage is a concern for development. His feel for the game at this stage on both ends is already impressive, as he’s a capable passer and was a solid team defender.

Begarin is a project, who is better suited as a draft-and-stash. When looking at his body, feel, and shooting upside, there’s enough to feel confident that he eventually makes it in the league.