The thing I like best about this draft class is its high character. Of the drafts I have analyzed, there has not been a better group of guys to come into the NBA. From my seat, there is not a bad apple in the group, and this will serve these players well.
I believe the character of these players will extend their careers beyond the level of their talent.
Let's take a look at the 10 things I like best about some top draft prospects:
1. Jahlil Okafor's low-post dominance.
Karl-Anthony Towns can do more things, but he does not have the dominant feature of his game to match Okafor's low-post scoring. Remember, Okafor wasn't healthy after he injured his ankle against North Carolina in the first game. Still, he commanded a double-team and handled the Tar Heels well. Okafor is a very good passer with huge, sure hands. His shot within 12 feet just dives into the basket, but his free throw shooting leaves a lot to be desired. Okafor shot 51 percent from the line but over 65 percent from the field. He is an outstanding offensive rebounder who has great hands and great footwork.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns' versatility.
At 6-foot-11 with crazy long arms, Towns can play with his back to the basket or face-up. He can also knock down a perimeter jumper. Towns can change ends, rebound defensively, block shots and make his free throws at an 80 percent clip. He is a better and more productive shot-blocker and rebounder than Okafor. Towns has the aptitude to get better and better.
3. D'Angelo Russell's feel.
Russell is the best pure basketball player in this draft. He has an innate ability to make the right play without forcing things. He is a passing savant who can also shoot the ball with a pure left-handed stroke. He is not a crazy athlete, but he has the skill and feel to get past defenders and the versatility to make a variety of shots. Russell shows great maturity for his age and is not a ball-dominant player. He is easy to play with and an outstanding teammate. The top of the draft always favors size, but Russell is the best baller in the crowd.
4. Emmanuel Mudiay's playmaking ability.
Mudiay is a big, strong, slashing guard who can get to the rim, get into the lane, get a head of speed in transition and make plays. Is he a great shooter? No, but he can make shots, and his perimeter shooting will continue to improve. He is athletic and defends well. He is a point guard in a point guard's league.
5. Justise Winslow's open-court athleticism.
Early in the preseason, I was thinking Winslow could be compared to James Harden. Mike Krzyzewski likened him to Dwyane Wade. Either way, he is pretty darn good. Winslow can grab a rebound and bust it 90 feet in no time. He can hit from deep. He is a big, strong, driving wing. Sure, he played to some mismatches at the 4 spot, but he will do that in the NBA, too. Winslow can defend multiple positions, and he is going to be a terrific NBA player.
6. Kristaps Porzingis' upside.
I haven't seen Porzingis in person, but those I trust have said he is the real thing as a prospect. Long, skilled and with the ability to shoot the ball, "Zinger" is among the most talented players in the draft. He has a ton of future potential. He is very young, but he is worth the wait.
7. Willie Cauley-Stein's defensive versatility.
Cauley-Stein is an amazing athlete who can run like the wind, cover a point guard on the perimeter and protect the rim. Cauley-Stein is not a shot-blocker like Towns, but he is a defensive freak who can be put on almost anyone and make an impact. He does not have offense, but he has major defensive ability.
8. Mario Hezonja's perimeter shooting.
Fran Fraschilla said Hezonja is the only player in this draft who could win the 3-point shooting contest and the dunk contest. He has size and can make open shots, making him a valuable commodity. Hezonja is an athlete, a fighter and a player with legit skills.
9. Devin Booker's shooting stroke.
Booker is a much better driver and athlete than he gets credit for. He was primarily a catch-and-shoot guy at Kentucky. He has size, strength, a solid build and the ability to make shots. Booker might be the best shooter in this draft (which is not a draft that boasts great shooters), and this one special skill will get him chosen in the lottery. He can do other things, too, making him even more valuable.
10. Frank Kaminsky's pick-and-pop ability.
The 7-footer is a big body who can screen on the ball, pop to an open spot, get a shot or shot fake and drive it. Arguably the most skilled big man in the draft, Kaminsky seems to be further down on the list because he is older and has been around awhile. But he has improved every season, and I believe he can continue to get better. Kaminsky is a terrific, stretch big man, and will have a long career in the NBA.