Scouting likely NBA draft first-rounders: Strengths, comps, intel

Who are the best 2019 NBA draft prospects available in this year's first round?

Our draft experts give full scouting reports on the top players in our rankings -- including strengths, improvement areas, draft ranges, physical comps to current and former pros when they were at a similar age, projected roles and intel from around the league.

This page will continue to update as players move into and out of the first round in our rankings.

Go here for part 1 featuring our lottery prospects, including Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and RJ Barrett

Bol Bol | C | Oregon | Age: 19.5

The son of NBA vet Manute Bol, Bol Bol earned acclaim in high school for his size, freakish wingspan, shooting ability and rim-protection prowess despite bouncing between Kansas, California and Las Vegas in somewhat controversial fashion. He ultimately graduated from Findlay Prep as a consensus top-four recruit. Bol made a name for himself as arguably the most productive player on the vaunted Nike EYBL circuit, earning the first of several invites to USA Basketball.

Bol set the college basketball world ablaze with an incredibly impressive performance at Madison Square Garden in mid-November against Syracuse, looking like a potential top-three pick. His season ended a few weeks later due to a stress fracture in his foot. Bol was extremely productive in nine games, averaging 30 points, 14 rebounds and nearly four blocks per 40 minutes. -- Givony

Strengths

• The tallest and longest player projected to be drafted. Barely needs to jump to dunk thanks to his extraordinarily long standing reach, which was measured 9-foot-7½ at the combine Moves extremely well for a player his size. Fluid and agile athletically.

• Talented and skilled offensive player with impressive scoring instincts. Extremely effective in the limited action he saw at the college level, scoring more prolifically than any player in the draft (on 64% true shooting). Fairly dynamic shooter, despite his unorthodox mechanics, who can execute complicated step-backs and pull-ups with ease. Hit over half of his 3-point attempts and 76% of his free throws. Handles and passes the ball impressively for his size. Has elite footwork and touch.

• Brings significant potential as a rim protector thanks to his physical tools and mobility. Ranked as the third-best per-minute shot-blocker among likely draft picks. Blocks shots on the ball in the post, challenging shooters on the perimeter, rotating from the weak side and chasing down players in transition.

Improvement areas

• Body is frail at just 208 pounds. Has high hips, long legs and a high center of gravity that makes him susceptible to getting knocked off balance easily, especially in the post. Conditioning is fairly poor; needs frequent rest. Fractured navicular bone is a scary injury for a player his size. Can his body handle the rigors of an 82-game season?

• Effort level leaves a lot to be desired. Doesn't always show the type of intensity or physicality you might hope to see while getting back on defense or battling in the post. Has a difficult time stepping outside of the paint defensively on pick-and-rolls. Primarily fancies himself a stretch guy offensively.

• Came into college with plenty of questions regarding his approach to the game, especially regarding his work ethic.

Projected role: Rim-protecting, 3-point-shooting center

Range: Nos. 10-25

PJ Washington | F | Kentucky | Age: 20.7

Washington was identified early on as an elite prospect, receiving his first invite to USA Basketball as a 15-year-old. He tested the draft waters after an inconsistent freshman season but returned to Kentucky for his sophomore year after receiving mixed feedback from teams. He improved his conditioning to emerge as an All-American and one of the most productive big men in college basketball, expanding his game out to the perimeter and becoming much more consistent with his energy level. -- Givony

Strengths

• Not particularly tall at 6-8 in shoes, but has a chiseled frame, big hands, a 7-3 wingspan and an 8-11 standing reach that should allow him to see minutes as a small-ball center. Fairly quick off his feet and has solid explosiveness off two feet.

• Developed into a versatile offensive player in his sophomore season, converting 42% of his 3-point attempts and 55% of his 2s. Was utilized in a variety of ways at Kentucky -- both facing and with his back to the basket, playing as a pick-and-roll finisher and moving off the ball in open spaces. Creative finisher with good hands and touch.

• Can make an impact as a defender and rebounder thanks to his length and improved conditioning and activity level. Showed a lot of toughness by playing through injury in the NCAA tournament. Ticks quite a few boxes on both ends of the floor. Has a high floor.

Improvement areas

• Awareness is average on both ends of the floor. Not a great passer -- posted a negative assist-to-turnover ratio. Split-second late rotating and making decisions defensively at times. Didn't always play with a consistent motor earlier on in his career.

• Shot the ball well as a sophomore (33-of-78 from 3) but that was on a small sample size and an outlier compared to the rest of his career. Made just 63% of his free throws in college.

• Spent nearly the entire pre-draft process in a boot after injuring his foot and playing through injury in the tournament. Well-known player to teams, but inability to conduct private workouts may not be ideal.

Projected role: Versatile stretch-4 who can slide to the 5 in smaller lineups

Range: Nos. 12-22

Goga Bitadze | C | Mega Bemax | Age: 19.8

Discovered as a 15-year-old playing up for the Georgian national team in FIBA competition, Bitadze was brought to Serbia to develop for Mega Bemax, where he's spent the last four seasons. Bitadze has made the rounds in virtually every international scouting competition since, becoming a well-known prospect despite not yet turning 20. He was loaned to Buducnost in Montenegro midway through the EuroLeague season, playing 13 games at the highest level of international competition, where he was highly productive for the last-place team. -- Givony

Strengths

• Has tremendous size, listed at 7-feet tall with a reported 7-3 wingspan and 9-2 standing reach. Big, strong frame, tipping the scales at over 250 pounds. Moves well. Light on his feet. Can play above the rim in space. Shows impressive timing as a rim protector. Led the EuroLeague and Adriatic League in blocks on both a per-game and per-minute basis.

• Skilled offensive player. Excellent target as a pick-and-roll finisher thanks to his mobility, footwork, timing, reliable hands, big reach and soft touch. Can also play with his back to the basket some. Has hit 41% of his 3-pointers on the season.

• High-floor prospect who produced at historic rates relative to his age in EuroLeague. Basketball junkie who has improved considerably over the years and will likely continue to make strides thanks to his work ethic and character.

Improvement areas

• Struggles to cover ground defensively, especially when on an island on the perimeter. Projects as mostly a drop defender in pick-and-rolls.

• Average passer who struggles to make quick decisions with the ball in his hands. Plays a sped-up brand of basketball at times.

• Isn't always as decisive of a perimeter shooter as you might hope, especially relative to his strong percentages. Career 63% free throw percentage indicates he has room to improve in this area. Gets in his own head at times. Could stand to improve his toughness.

Projected role: Old-school center with modern elements

Range: Nos. 12-22

Tyler Herro | G | Kentucky | Age: 19.3

Herro was one of our potential one-and-done candidates thanks to his versatile shooting stroke and projected role at Kentucky. He lived up to those expectations, finishing second in scoring and giving the Wildcats a much-needed shooting threat. While improving greatly defensively over the course of the season, Herro scored 20 or more on six different occasions and showed the type of on-the-move shot-making and passing instincts that teams covet in the quick-action heavy NBA. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Solid positional size for a combo guard at 6-6 in shoes despite short arms. Decent frame at 192. Scrappy defender who shows an impressive competitive level on and off the ball.

• High-level shooter who can fill it up out of a variety of actions, especially off the dribble. Can hop or 1-2 into pull-up 3s. Capable of creating space with step-backs. Great elevation and balance. Catches on the hop in transition. Can sprint off screens or into handoffs. Shot 93.5% from the free throw line as a freshman. Picturesque shooting stroke.

• Has offensive upside beyond shooting. Played some PG at the prep level. Comfortable in second-side pick-and-roll. Can make basic reads out of pin-downs or ball screens. Changes speeds to get into his pull-ups. Has touch on floaters.

Improvement areas

• Lacks a degree of defensive upside. Likely at his best guarding point guards in the NBA given his wingspan. Good but not great feet. Struggled with quicker guards like Jared Harper at the collegiate level. Will have to get by on feel and toughness in the NBA.

• Live-dribble game and finishing package are still developing. Made only 24 shots at the rim in the half-court in 37 games. Shot under 50% at the rim and generated only 3.1 free throws per 40 minutes. Has a floater but lacks deceptive finishes. Not overly explosive as a leaper and doesn't get great extension.

• Given his role as a shot-maker, you'd like to see him knock down more than 35.5% of his 3s once he gets to the NBA. Looks much more comfortable off the dribble, as he ranked in the 47th percentile on catch-and-shoot jumpers (and only the 25th percentile when contested).

Projected role: Shot-maker and secondary creator

Range: Nos. 11-21

Keldon Johnson | F | Kentucky | Age: 19.6

Johnson put himself on the radar early in his high school career but wasn't considered an elite-level recruit until later on, after significantly improving his conditioning level and also expanding his range as a shooter. Johnson was on fire to start his freshman year but was inconsistent during SEC play, losing some confidence in his jumper and having a difficult time finding ways to impact the game offensively outside of that. -- Givony

Strengths

• Has good physical tools for an NBA wing at 6-6, 216 pounds with a 6-9 wingspan and 8-8 standing reach. Strength and length should allow him to slide up to the power forward position at times in smaller lineups

• Aggressive, versatile player on both ends of the floor. Powerful attacking in a straight line or in the open floor. Capable outside shooter with feet set.

• Highly competitive rebounder and defender. Plays with toughness, intensity and confidence. Has a relatively high floor thanks to his dimensions, ability to guard and make an open shot.

Improvement areas

• Not yet a dynamic shooter at this stage, especially pulling up off the dribble or on the move. Has improved, but he's still very streaky (38% from 3; 70% on free throws). Doesn't have the quickest release.

• Powerful, but not an especially fluid or explosive athlete creating in the half-court. Struggles to create high-percentage offense for himself or others when he can't get by opponents in a straight line. Average passer.

• Energetic defender, but not the rangiest or most instinctive player around. Struggles at times to stay in front of smaller and quicker players.

Projected role: 3-and-D wing

Range: Nos. 15-25

Kevin Porter Jr. | G | USC | Age: 19.0

One of the more naturally gifted players in the draft, Porter had a roller-coaster ride of a season. Long known in the Pacific Northwest for his bucket-getting prowess, the RSCI No. 32 recruit entered the season with a fair amount of buzz and backed it up early on, scoring 70 points in his first five games with some jaw-dropping highlights against Vanderbilt and Texas Tech. Porter eventually suffered a deep thigh contusion that kept him out for the better part of six weeks, causing scouts to speculate about whether he was opting to shut it down for the season.

After his absence and the noise surrounding it caused frustration within the program, Porter eventually returned and had an extremely inconsistent season that featured a suspension and a few dud performances. But he also made some spectacular highlights that only a few players in this draft could provide. Because of his uneven season, spotty intel about his approach to the game and yet his tremendous natural talent, Porter is one of the draft's most polarizing players. Situation figures to play a key role in whether he's able to maximize his sky-high potential. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Impressive combination of sheer strength, shiftiness and leaping ability. Powerful frame at 220 pounds. A load when he gets going downhill in the open floor, where he did most of his damage. Transition made up 23.6% of his offense (89th percentile). Changes speeds and directions with ease and power. Can play above the rim in space off one or two feet. Comfortable playing out of the post as well.

• Ultra-talented shot-creator with a dynamic live-dribble game. Can get to his pull-up at will with a variety of different combo moves. Uses violent left-to-right crossovers, step-backs, pull-backs and behind-the-back stomps. Good decelerator who can make 3s off the bounce. Uses the threat of his jumper to set up the dribble-drive. Can finish with either hand around the rim and take contact. Has shown flashes as a passer when fully engaged.

• Has the physical tools to be a useful defender given his strong base and quick feet. Can rotate for plays with instincts -- 1.5 steals and 0.9 blocks per 40 minutes. Improved on that end as the season progressed. Good positional rebounder (7.2 per 40 minutes) who isn't afraid to throw his body around.

Improvement areas

• Undisciplined player who adds little value when he doesn't have the ball in his hands. Floats when he's off the ball. Not all that comfortable playing out of spot-ups. How good of a shooter is he? Poor shot prep off the catch. Low release point from the right side of his face. Shot 52.2% from the foul line as a freshman. Narrow base on his jumper and almost always lands on one leg. Branded as a scorer but averaged only 17.2 points per 40 minutes at USC.

• Erratic decision-maker. Settles for contested pull-ups rather than using his physical gifts to get to the rim. Jump shots made up 73.6% of his field goal attempts. Not always efficient with his dribble. Misses open teammates in transition and in the half-court. Finished the season with 30 assists and 39 turnovers. Needs to develop his feel, as he's most useful with the ball in his hands.

• Wildly inconsistent defender who shifts between energetic and lethargic. Engagement on and off the ball needs work. Emotional on the floor. Body language needs to improve. Questions among scouts about his work ethic.

Projected role: Bucket-getter

Range: Nos. 15-30

Cameron Johnson | F | UNC | Age: 23.2

A late bloomer and fairly unheralded high school recruit, Johnson now arrives as the best shooter in the draft. At close to 6-9, Johnson made the seventh-most 3s among prospects in our top 100, finishing with a better percentage (45.3) than every prospect both ahead of and behind him on that list. Praised for his basketball IQ and work ethic, Johnson displayed steady improvement and production (16.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists in 29.6 minutes) on one of the most electric offenses in the country, making him one of the higher-floor prospects set to be selected outside of the lottery. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Nice size for a wing. Not physically imposing but at least has the positional size to develop into a decent space defender. Had some success gapping and contesting guards and wings, as opposed to bodying up more physical forwards.

• The best shooter in the draft, knocking down 40.3% of his career 3s on 630 attempts. Outstanding shot preparation. Can catch on the hop or 1-2 step into shots. Hands and feet always ready. Great balance. One of the quickest releases in basketball. Simple, compact mechanics. Can shoot off screens. Capable of knocking down a one- or two-dribble pull-up if run off his spots. Has mid-post turnarounds over either shoulder.

• Mature, productive player who can have an impact right away. Knows how to play. Doesn't need many dribbles to contribute offensively. Can pass out of quick actions. Understands his role. Smart getting out in transition.

Improvement areas

• Lacks a degree of physicality and toughness. Struggles to defend more physical forwards. Still has a ways to go on the defensive end of the floor. Not the most intense rebounder in traffic.

• What does he do for you when he's not making shots? Limited pick-and-roll ball handler. Not going to generate much offense. Impressive career shooting percentages, but is his 34.1% from 3 as a junior something to keep an eye on? Was a shooter who didn't always make big shots prior to his senior season.

• Not the most physical or explosive finisher. Small hands. Frail frame. Below-the-rim guy in traffic. Doesn't finish well through contact. Gets knocked off his spots easily. Averaged only 3.2 free throw attempts per 40 minutes during his collegiate career. One of the oldest players in the draft.

Projected role: Wing shooter

Range: Nos. 16-24

Nickeil Alexander-Walker | G | Virginia Tech | Age: 20.7

Because of his strong prep resume, Alexander-Walker projected as a potential one-and-done entering Virginia Tech, but he struggled early, making too much of an effort to prove himself and live up to that status. Alexander-Walker settled in impressively as a sophomore, playing a much more unselfish brand of basketball, evolving into a tougher defender and reminding teams of his intrigue as a versatile, pass-dribble-shoot guard who can play on or off the ball. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Nice size for a combo guard. Long strides to the rim in space. Greatly improved defender. Has the tools and motor to check positions 1-3 in a pinch. Strong instincts -- 2.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per 40 minutes. High-intangible prospect known for his work habits and maturity.

• Sound shooting stroke with his feet set, ranking in the 76th percentile on catch-and-shoot jumpers while cashing in on a career 38.3% of his 3s in 67 collegiate games. Can make a pull-up 3 when given time and space.

• Comfortable ball handler and capable pick-and-roll playmaker who can make virtually every pass with his left hand. Shoots right-handed yet favors his left as a driver and passer. Able to hit the roll man from all different angles. Has the size to see over the top. Can hit the weakside corner as well. Does a great job of changing pace.

Improvement areas

• Struggles to get by defenders when operating as the primary ball handler. Knows how to change speeds and directions but unable to do so with much quickness or force. Methodical nature limits his on-ball upside somewhat. Lacks a degree of bounce at the rim. Predominantly a left-handed finisher who will have to rely on touch and craft at the NBA level. Leans on his left hand as a driver and passer as well.

• Ranked in the 53rd percentile on pull-ups. Will have to become a more dynamic off-the-dribble shooter given his lack of shiftiness with the ball in his hands.

• Still rounding out his decision-making (1.39 assist-to-turnover ratio). Still finding the right balance between scoring and playmaking. Solid across the board but doesn't quite have an elite skill on the offensive end of the floor.

Projected role: Secondary creator

Range: Nos. 15-25

Mfiondu Kabengele | C | Florida State | Age: 21.8

The nephew of Dikembe Mutombo, Kabengele is a late bloomer who stood only 6-5 going into his senior year of high school and redshirted his freshman year at Florida State. He exclusively came off the bench in his two seasons with the Seminoles, still developing into an all-conference player in the ACC and growing to 6-10 along the way. He helped lead Florida State to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament in both seasons with strong showings. Kabengele is skilled enough to play some 4 offensively in bigger lineups but strong and long enough to handle most centers as well, giving him nice versatility. -- Givony

Strengths

• Measured impressively at the combine in terms of length (7-3), reach (9-1 ½) and bulk (256 pounds). Mobile big man with good agility defending on the perimeter.

• Skilled offensive player with impressive scoring instincts. Made 37% of his 3-pointers and 76% of his free throws. Looks comfortable shooting the ball out to NBA range with his high release point and clean mechanics. Shows nice footwork inside the post and soft touch on his turnaround jumpers. Can attack a closeout and is adept at creating his own offense from the perimeter. Draws fouls at a prolific rate.

• Shows potential switching on pick-and-rolls and moving his feet, while also providing solid rim protection in the paint. Pretty physical inside the paint with his strong frame.

Improvement areas

• Lack of experience shows up frequently in his decision-making. Somewhat of a black hole offensively -- dished out just 11 assists in 800 minutes. Can get a little predictable at times, looking to shoot at the first sign of daylight.

• Not always a disciplined defender. Averaged over five fouls per-40 minutes, which partially explains why he played only 22 MPG. Fundamentals and awareness are a work in progress at times, especially defending off the ball.

• Will turn 22 in August, potentially limiting his upside case.

Projected role: Scoring center who can play in both small or big lineups

Range: Nos. 15-25

KZ Okpala | F | Stanford | Age: 20.1

Okpala shot up nearly a foot after standing 5-10 as a high school freshman. He developed into a first-team all-conference player during his sophomore year at Stanford, emerging as a potential first-round pick with strong nonconference games against North Carolina and Kansas. -- Givony

Strengths

• Impressive physical profile at 6-7 ¼ barefoot with a near 7-2 wingspan and 8-10 ½ standing reach. Terrific frame that will fill out nicely in time. Has significant upside to tap into both physically and skill-wise.

• Brings the size and length of a power forward, but was utilized as a big playmaker tasked with significant shot-creation responsibility at Stanford, operating out of isolation or pick-and-roll. Shows good footwork while attacking closeouts with long strides, on straight-line drives and while changing speeds in the open court. Improved perimeter shooter who made 37% of his 3s as a sophomore.

• Has multipositional defensive versatility with his size, length and ability to cover ground fluidly at his size. Moves like a wing with rangy strides.

Improvement areas

• Still fairly raw in terms of his feel and overall polish. Doesn't demonstrate the type of court vision or passing ability you hope to see from a modern wing player. Shot selection and decision-making leave something to be desired.

• Made strides as a perimeter shooter but was streaky from beyond the arc overall. Made just 67% of his free throws in college. Inconsistent mechanics with a slow, low release. Not very dynamic in terms of shooting off movement or pulling up off the bounce. Mostly a spot-up, catch-and-shoot player at this stage.

• Didn't always have the defensive impact you might expect, particularly off the ball. Lacks a degree of physicality and toughness at times.

Projected role: Versatile modern combo forward

Range: Nos. 14-28

Ty Jerome | G | Virginia | Age: 21.9

Jerome's leadership, positional size, basketball IQ, shooting touch and craft earned him fans in NBA front offices this past season, and his national championship run only helped that. Though some scouts write him off due to his subpar explosiveness, Jerome has all the makings to outplay his eventual draft slot. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Solid positional size despite his underwhelming length and athletic metrics. Underrated, competitive defender with quick hands and outstanding instincts, logging 1.8 steals per 40 minutes despite Virginia's packline defense. Size allows him to play either guard spot in a pinch. High-intangible guard who has won at every level.

• Arguably the best pick-and-roll passer in the draft. Moves defenses with his eyes, regularly staring down opponents to open up teammates. Can pass off a live dribble accurately with his right hand. Does a great job of hitting the weakside corner from the perimeter. Size and feel allow him to pick defenses apart without having to get a piece of the paint.

• Deep range and soft touch on his jumper. Career 39.5% 3-point shooter on 488 attempts. At his best with his feet set. Ranked sixth in Division I in catch-and-shoot efficiency (1.45 points per possession). Can shoot off screens as well. Not explosive or shifty but uses his footwork and change-of-pace to play off his jumper to get an angle to the rim. Elite floater game.

Improvement areas

• Only a 6-4 wingspan and 8-2 standing reach. Lacks fluidity in his lower body. Plays completely below the rim. Finished with a sub-50% 2-point clip in both his sophomore and junior seasons. Doesn't generate free throws.

• Struggles to get by rangier defenders in the half-court. Is he better off functioning more as a combo guard next to another shifty ball handler? Virginia played with the slowest pace in college basketball. How will he adjust to a team that wants to get out and run?

• Solid defender at the collegiate level, but how will he hold up against more explosive guards in the NBA? Gets caught flat-footed at times.

Projected role: Pick-and-roll playmaker

Range: Nos. 21-32

Luguentz Dort | G | Arizona State | Age: 20.1

Dort was a well-known commodity for NBA scouts by the time he got to college and helped his draft stock considerably at ASU, making an NCAA tournament appearance. He was named conference freshman of the year and made the league's all-defensive team as well second team all-conference. -- Givony

Strengths

• Shredded frame for a guard at 222 pounds. Not particularly tall at 6-4 ¼ in shoes but has a 6-8½ wingspan that helps him play bigger than his height. Ready to play a role fairly early in his career bringing energy and aggressiveness off the bench.

• Powerful athlete in space. Tough to contain in the open floor or when he can get downhill driving in the half-court. Draws a lot of fouls with his willingness to attack unbalanced defenses and embrace contact around the rim. Hit 70% of his free throws. Plays with confidence and aggressiveness.

• Tough, competitive defender who can guard either backcourt spot and also may be able to check most wings in smaller lineups. Puts strong pressure on opposing ball handlers from the point of attack.

Improvement areas

• Struggled to score efficiently in college. Streaky shooter with unconventional, inconsistent mechanics. Pulls the string on his release and shoots a high-arching moon-ball. Made just 31% of his 3s. Shot-selection is questionable at times.

• Power-based driver. Not the most dynamic shot-creator. At his best in a straight-line, struggles when asked to do more in the half-court. Drives into traffic wildly without a plan. Averaged more turnovers than assists on the season. Decision-making needs a lot of work.

• Not the most disciplined defender, especially off the ball. Gets by mostly on tools and energy. Needs to continue to improve his technique. Feel for the game is a work in progress.

Projected role: Defensive stopper off-guard

Range: Nos. 22-35

Darius Bazley | F | Age: 18.9

Bazley initially announced his intentions to play in the G League once deciding to forgo college, then ended up changing his mind late in the summer after struggling badly at the Nike Skills Academy, where he had a difficult time with the level of physicality among older players. Bazley instead spent the season working on his body, polishing his game and completing a lucrative internship at New Balance. He recaptured any momentum he lost in the pre-draft process with an impressive performance at the combine, followed by a notable showing at his agency's pro day and strong private workouts with teams. -- Givony

Strengths

• Good physical profile for a wing/combo forward, standing 6-9 in shoes with a 7-foot wingspan and 8-11 standing reach. Improved his frame during his year off. Smooth, fluid athlete who is quick off his feet and plays above the rim effortlessly. Has big shoulders and a solid base, giving him plenty of room to continue to fill out as his frame reaches physical maturation.

• Has some guard skills. Shows nice potential handling the ball, passing out of pick-and-rolls creatively and changing speeds with long strides in the open court. Finishes with either hand and throws in 3-pointers with soft touch.

• Projects as a multipositional defender who can check guards, wings and forwards alike. Sits down in a stance, covers ground fluidly and makes plays getting in the passing lanes and contesting shots. Has the size and length to defend big men once his body fills out. Plays with solid energy.

Improvement areas

• Has unconventional shooting mechanics that could lead to inconsistent results. Only made 30% of his 3s in the 50 games in our database.

• Lacks experience in a serious way. Has gotten stronger but is still on the skinny side. Late bloomer physically and skill-wise who played for a smaller high school and was inconsistent even at lower levels of competition.

• Feel for the game is a work in progress on both ends of the floor. Can be mistake-prone. Will need plenty of time, patience and development after skipping college.

Projected role: Versatile wing/combo forward

Range: Nos. 18-35

Luka Samanic | F | Olimpija Ljubljana | Age: 19.4

Samanic showed glimpses of his tremendous talent on the FIBA circuit dating back to the 2016 Under-16 European Championships, yet scouts soured on him somewhat during his two-year tenure with Barcelona due to questions about his ability to maximize his potential. At Olimpija Ljubljana this past season, Samanic was able to play 49 pro games and over 900 minutes, leading to the added toughness and confidence that teams saw during his impressive combine performance. Though questions still remain about his elite NBA skills, Samanic is turning the corner at the right time. He's perfectly built for the modern game with his two-way versatility. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Great size for a modern big man at 6-11 with an improved frame and an 8-11 standing reach, which should allow him to play either big spot as he continues to mature physically. Extremely light on his feet. Incredible coordination for a player his size. Moves fluidly on both ends of the floor. Capable of playing above the rim in space.

• Does a little bit of everything on offense. Can push off the break, make a standstill 3, attack slower-footed bigs off the dribble, operate in the post and make basic reads. Agility, positional handle and shooting potential should make him a tough cover with NBA spacing. Can move him all over the floor because of his mobility and skill level.

• Greatly improved defensive toughness. Has the feet to switch comfortably on the perimeter.

Improvement areas

• Can do a little bit of everything but doesn't quite have an elite skill. Career 31.9% from 3 on 332 attempts. Mechanics break down a bit when he's heavily contested. Confidence seems to come and go from the perimeter. Can make basic reads but not quite a great passer -- 2.0 assists and 3.0 turnovers per 40 minutes in 49 games last season. When he's not making shots, what does he do at a high level offensively?

• Doesn't always handle adversity well. When he misses his first couple shots, the wheels can come off quickly. Severe highs and lows over the course of his career.

• Doesn't always play through contact well. Can he finish through NBA physicality and over length? How will he react to defending the league's more traditional bigs?

Projected role: Modern big

Range: Nos 25-35

Nic Claxton | C | Georgia | Age: 20.1

Claxton showed promise as a freshman in college but wasn't all that productive. With added strength and a new coaching staff, Claxton broke out as a sophomore, seeing plenty of time on the perimeter handling the ball and operating as a big playmaker. He tested the waters, went to the combine and elected to keep his name in the draft at the deadline. -- Givony

Strengths

• Interesting physical profile standing just under 7-feet in shoes with a 7-2 ½ wingspan and a huge 9-2 standing reach. Wide shoulders and late-blooming trajectory suggest he'll continue to fill out his frame in time. Fluid athlete who is light on his feet and covers ground extremely well.

• Has a lot more versatility than most players his size. Very good ball handler who is at his best grabbing and going off the defensive glass. Shows the ability to change speeds some in the open floor. Can attack closeouts with smooth footwork. Not afraid to hoist up jumpers. Drops glimpses of talent that are rare and unique for a big man.

• Has significant potential defensively with his intriguing combination of mobility, timing and reach. Rotates impressively from the weakside to block and alter shots around the rim. Shows flashes of being able to switch on the perimeter and move his feet staying in front of guards. Plays with good energy.

Improvement areas

• Frame has a long ways to go at just 217 pounds. Got overpowered defensively by relatively mediocre big men in college. Just an average rebounder.

• Very much a project as a prospect, and doesn't always know his limitations. Game moves too fast for him at times. Lacks discipline on both ends of the floor. Not a great passer.

• Will likely need to continue to develop his perimeter shooting to find a way to score early in his career. Made 30% of his 3s in college and 61% of his free throws.

Projected role: Rim-protecting big man who can grab and go

Range: Nos. 22-40

Grant Williams | F | Tennessee | Age: 20.5

Williams led Tennessee to a 30-6 record and finished with a 31.2 PER in the process. Despite his winning impact and impressive overall productivity, scouts are still split on his NBA outlook. A shaky showing at the combine didn't help matters. Although his game isn't always pretty and he could fall to the second round, Williams has the toughness and feel for the game to carve out a long career on a winning team. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• High-IQ player on both ends of the floor. Can make most reads necessary from the elbows and the post, averaging 3.9 assists per 40 minutes as a junior. Has a strong understanding of his role and abilities.

• Hard-nosed defender who can step out onto the perimeter or body up on the interior. Immovable in the post and always in the right position off the ball. Great verticality and timing defensively despite his underwhelming length. Willing to do the little things necessary to function as a small-ball big in the NBA.

• Inside-outside game as a scorer. Improved perimeter shooter. Shot a career-best 31.8% from 3 (44 attempts) and 81.8% from the free throw line this year. Comfortable operating from the elbows and punishes switches in the post.

Improvement areas

• Subpar length (6-9¾) and reach (8-8½) for a modern big man. Plays below the rim in a crowd. Ground-bound style of play. Would benefit from adding a short-roll floater to neutralize shot-blockers. How will his defense translate given his so-so length and explosiveness?

• Improved shooter but still has yet to prove he can space the floor consistently from the NBA level. Will need to have at least a league-average 3-ball to maximize his offensive potential.

• Relied quite a bit on getting to the free throw line at the college level with a smashing style. How will that part of his game translate?

Projected role: High-IQ small-ball big

Range: Nos. 25-35

Eric Paschall | PF | Villanova | Age: 22.5

Paschall entered his senior season as a projected lottery pick but is now more of a fringe first-rounder. With little around him in terms of shooting and additional shot creators, Paschall finished the season with more turnovers than assists and more questions than answers among NBA scouts. Because of his role change and lack of supporting cast, Paschall could be a solid sleeper, as he's far better suited as a fourth or fifth option than the role he played as a senior. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Physical, explosive leaper off two feet in space. Long arms with a strong frame. One of the draft's best finishers, converting 68.2% at the rim in the half-court (94th percentile). Should look even more explosive with NBA spacing.

• Versatile, energetic defender who has the strength and length to body up bigs on the interior and the feet to step out and switch onto the perimeter. Will stick his nose in and rebound as well, even if his metrics say otherwise. Competitive and physical on the defensive end of the floor. Willing to do the little things to impact winning.

• Improved perimeter shooter and offensive player. Shot around 35% from 3 in each of his last two seasons at Villanova. Career 76.7% free throw shooter. Capable of pulling up in mid-range spots or getting to the rim in a straight line on a spaced floor. Better passer when surrounded by talent and playing more of a complementary role.

Improvement areas

• Streaky shooter who gets caught between a set and a jump shot at times. Shoots on the way down from 3 on occasion. Career 32.9% 3-point shooter on 505 attempts.

• Feel for the game is average. Not an advanced decision-maker. At his best when he keeps things simple. Rudimentary ball-handler. Doesn't always create high-percentage shots, settling a lot for contested mid-range pull-ups. Much better leaper off of two feet than one.

• Strong and bouncy but slightly undersized for a modern big man with an 8-7½ standing reach. How will he handle more traditional bigs on the defensive end?

Projected role: Small-ball energy big

Range: Nos. 25-35

Matisse Thybulle | SF | Washington | Age: 22.2

Although not a prolific scorer, Thybulle turned in a solid career at Washington, starting all 134 career games and earning back-to-back Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors his last two seasons while shattering career blocks (181) and steals (327) records. A statistical darling with the best steal rate among prospects in our top 100, Thybulle elected to skip the combine, generated rumblings that he may have secured a promise late in the first round. Thybulle is a bit of a controversial prospect, as some poke holes in his lack of scoring and shaky shooting. But Thybulle's defense is elite and he's the type of wing teams covet. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Prototype wing tools at 6-6 with a 7-0 wingspan, big reach and a projectable frame. Fluid athlete. Tools allow him to play above the rim in space.

• One of the most impactful defenders in the draft. Averaged 4.4 steals and 2.8 blocks per 40 minutes playing on the perimeter, though Washington's zone defense was a factor. Elite instincts in the passing lanes. Quick hands. Tremendous at blocking jumpers from behind. Has the tools and instincts to check positions 1-3 at the NBA level.

• Solid feel for the game offensively and understands his role. Averaged 2.8 assists per 40 minutes for his career with a positive assist-to-turnover ratio. Will make the extra pass

Improvement areas

• Shot over 36% from 3 in each of his first three college years on 350-plus total attempts, yet cashed in only 30.5% of his triples as a senior. Rigid mechanics. Shoots it somewhat flat and across his face. Turns down open spots. Mechanics break down when closely contested.

• Extremely limited overall offensively. Averaged just 12.5 points per 40 minutes over his four-year career. Not an advanced ball-handler. Limited to mostly transition runouts and spot ups. Lacks a degree of aggression overall. Feel around the rim as a finisher isn't great. Will he ever be more than a fifth option on offense?

• Elite defender but doesn't play with the most physicality. Can he check power wings or is he better off against 1s and 2s in the NBA? Doesn't play well in a crowd or have a knack for drawing fouls. Averaged just 4.1 rebounds per 40 minutes over the course of his career.

Projected role: 3-and-D wing

Range: Nos. 21-32