Scouting NBA draft lottery prospects: Strengths, comps, intel

Who are the best 2020 NBA draft prospects heading into the 2019-20 college basketball season, and what do we know about them now?

Our draft experts give full scouting reports on James Wiseman, Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and more of the top players in our rankings, including strengths, improvement areas, physical comps, projected roles and intel from around the league.

We are starting our scouting reports with our current lottery prospects. We'll debut more as players move into and out of our top 14.

1. James Wiseman | C | Memphis | Age: 18.5

Wiseman has long been considered one of the elite prospects in his class, identified at an early age thanks to his enviable physical tools and versatility on both ends of the floor. His productivity has fluctuated throughout his evolution, as he hasn't always been a dominant force. He ended up cementing himself as the near-consensus No. 1 player in his class with a strong showing on the high school all-star game circuit this spring, but he enters the season with a hint of skepticism. Teams will want to see him maintain his intensity level and prove that he can affect winning, especially with the declining value of centers in his mold. -- Givony

Strengths

• Incredible frame standing more than 7 feet in shoes, 250 pounds with a 7-foot-5 wingspan and gigantic standing reach. Exceptional athlete for his size in terms of his ability to get up and down the floor, cover ground and elevate around the rim quickly with explosiveness and power.

• Has a good skill framework. Agile in the post and as a pick-and-roll finisher with impressive body control. Capable of handling and creating for himself. Shows some creativity with his footwork. Has soft touch around the rim and even extending out to 3.

• Impactful as a rim protector when locked in and operating at maximum intensity thanks to his reach, timing and quickness. Also capable of switching on the perimeter with excellent mobility.

Improvement areas

• Feel for the game is a work in progress on both ends. Game moves a little quickly for him at times. Average passer who shows questionable instincts and awareness defensively, especially guarding pick-and-rolls. Can be foul-prone.

• Doesn't always know his best role offensively. Has been intent on proving his skill on the perimeter rather than using his incredible frame to his advantage inside the paint. Elongated release, side spin and questionable percentages from the free throw line raise doubts about his shooting ability.

• Has left scouts wanting more at times in terms of his offensive efficiency, rebounding and defensive impact. Has stretches in which he floats, goes through the motions and looks like he's in cruise control. Not always as tough and physical as you might hope boxing out opponents and operating through contact. Very quiet on the floor.

Projected role: Franchise center

2. Anthony Edwards | SG | Georgia | Age: 18.2

Edwards wasn't identified as an elite prospect until later in his high school career. Eventually, his powerful frame, explosive leaping ability, length and scoring instincts were too impressive for scouts to ignore, and he climbed toward the top of the high school rankings. As he heads into his freshman campaign, Edwards might have found a mentor in head coach Tom Crean, who helped develop Dwyane Wade and Victor Oladipo. Edwards is a legitimate candidate to hear his name called first overall. - Schmitz

Strengths

• Powerful guard with elite length and downhill explosiveness. Tough to contain when he gets going with a head of steam, especially in transition. Strong first step and bouncy off one or two feet in space. Embraces contact in the paint.

• Three-level scorer who can function on or off the ball. Capable shooter with his feet set but most intriguing with the ball in his hands. Can make a pull-up 3 if the defense goes under, rise up in midrange spots or use his strength and explosiveness to get all the way to the rim in a straight line. Shows potential as a facilitator, particularly in the open court. Can make basic passes.

• Strength, length and quickness to be a lockdown defender who can check three positions at the NBA level. Doesn't always buy in on that end but has shown glimpses. Can sit down and slide well. Has the tools to make plays off the ball.

Improvement areas

• Still learning how to play on both ends. Decision-making is a work in progress. Tends to settle for a lot of contested jumpers rather than using his physicality to get all the way to the rim. Shows glimpses of playmaking potential but wired to score. Still learning how to play with other elite prospects. Reputation for inconsistency in his production.

• Streaky perimeter shooter. Career 34.6% 3-point shooter on 205 attempts and 72.1% free throw shooter on 204 attempts. Needs to become a reliable perimeter shooter, as he's not the most gifted ball handler.

• Undisciplined defender who isn't always engaged. Motor and intensity on that end fluctuates play to play. Doesn't have all that much high-level experience.

Projected role: Franchise shot-creator

3. LaMelo Ball | PG | Illawarra | Age: 18.1

Ball has been on one of the more unique odysseys of any high-profile prospect in recent memory, moving from California to Lithuania to Ohio and now finding himself in Australia as the centerpiece of the NBL Rising Stars program. He accumulated nearly five million Instagram followers along the way, partially due to being the face of his father LaVar's Big Baller Brand. While LaMelo Ball's level of fame has never been in question, NBA executives have had concerns about his development path, questionable approach to defense and shot selection -- along with potential off-court distractions, most notably revolving around his father. Ball has begun to put those concerns to rest by detaching himself from BBB, showing his extraordinary talent on the court and fitting in well with Illawarra. Still, many NBA scouts seem skeptical at the moment. - Givony

Strengths

• Has elite size for a point guard at 6-foot-7. Controls the game from his unique vantage point with impressive creativity, flair, poise and instincts operating off a live dribble. Gifted ball handler who plays at different speeds and can make every pass with either hand, especially operating out of pick-and-roll. Throws 90-foot outlets, makes magical touch passes.

• Has a chance to be an adequate defender eventually due to his combination of terrific size, quick feet and instincts, particularly when he's playing with energy. Already has some impressive moments at times rotating for steals and contesting shots around the basket. Excellent rebounder for a guard.

• Won't turn 19 until well after the draft. Will be one of the youngest players picked in the first round. Might still be growing. Frame should continue to evolve into his 20s.

Improvement areas

• Has struggled to score efficiently throughout his career. Currently shooting 44% from 2-point range and 18% from 3. Shoots jumpers with unorthodox mechanics, including a two-handed release while kicking his legs out. The touch he shows on floaters and career 84% free throw percentage leaves room for optimism, but his inability to buy a basket at times this season has been discouraging.

• Lacks a degree of high-end explosiveness creating offense from a standstill and beating opponents off the dribble. Doesn't have the strength to finish what he does create around the basket. Relies on a lot of tough floaters and other high degree of difficulty attempts inside the arc. Might not ever be a guy who goes and gets you a bucket in a pinch. Much more effective when he can move the defense and create for others.

• Indifferent defender for much of his career. Still reverts back to that frequently, especially off the ball, where he falls asleep regularly. Struggles to get over screens due to his lack of strength. Has been maligned at times for his work ethic and level of focus on and off the floor.

Projected role: Franchise point guard

No official measurements available

4. Cole Anthony | PG | North Carolina | Age: 19.4

The son of NBA veteran Greg Anthony, Cole has been on the scouting radar for years. Anthony transferred to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia for his senior year and pulled off a rare hat trick, winning MVP of the Nike Hoop Summit, Jordan Brand Classic and McDonald's All American Game. Like Coby White last season, Anthony figures to continues his scoring ways as the leader of the Tar Heels' offense. His scoring instincts, competitiveness and yearning for the bright lights should make him one of the most accomplished players in the country and a candidate for the No. 1 pick. - Schmitz

Strengths

• Aggressive, confident scorer who has been extremely productive at virtually every stop. Good open-court athlete who changes ends quickly. Has the ball on a string. Creates space for himself with quick crossovers. Can knock down pull-ups with range, change speeds and direction with burst and initiate contact in the paint. Improving facilitator who can make basic reads, especially in transition.

• Competitive defender who has shown the willingness to fight through ball screens. Has done a nice job of maximizing his frame thus far. Quick hands and feet. Will stick his nose in on the glass. Knows where to be off the ball.

• Impressed NBA scouts at the Nike Academy, competing in every session and going toe-to-toe with NBA players. Should be a productive college and NBA player from Day 1.

Improvement areas

• Much more of a scorer than facilitator at this stage. Can make basic drop-offs and kickouts but still learning how to manipulate defenses with his eyes and change of pace. Tends to pound the ball a little too much. Shot selection has room to improve. Still working to better balance scoring and playmaking. Lack of elite size limits his ability to see over the top of bigger defenders.

• A bit streaky, shooting 35% from the high school 3-point line on 464 attempts, according to Krossover data. Shows deep range and the ability to rise up in the midrange, but scouts will have a close eye on his consistency.

• While tough and quick-footed, average size and length limits his defensive versatility. Got by on athleticism as a high school finisher, but he could stand to add more finesse around the rim to combat NCAA and NBA length. Will have to rely more on floaters. Right-hand-dominant finisher. Will be 20 by the time he's drafted.

Projected role: Franchise point guard

5. Deni Avdija | SG/SF | Maccabi | Age: 18.8

Avdija hit a late growth spurt that catapulted him from being a 6-foot-2 guard to a big playmaker. He put himself on the NBA radar by posting per-40-minute averages of 19.4 points, 16.0 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.3 blocks while making a barrage of 3-pointers at the FIBA Under-16 European Championship in 2017. In the two summers since, he helped Israel win back-to-back championships at the FIBA Europe U20s, claiming MVP honors in 2019 despite playing up two years. Avdija joined Maccabi Tel Aviv's youth program prior to starting high school and has been developing with the storied EuroLeague franchise since, now firmly entrenched as a rotation player. - Givony

Strengths

• Big enough to play PF at 6-foot-9 with a good frame, but has the ballhandling, creativity and playmaking skill of a PG. At his best operating out of pick-and-roll, where he displays excellent timing and vision from his unique vantage point, allowing him to make every read and pass in the book. Aggressive offensive player who is in attack mode every time he steps onto the floor. Loves shooting pull-up 3-pointers in transition. Never hesitates to fire away when open. Brings toughness, competitiveness and swagger.

• Learning how to play without the ball this season in a more compact role at the pro level. Elite cutter thanks to his strong feel for the game. Capable of playmaking out of secondary ballhandling situations. Makes the right play more often than not.

• Has made significant strides on the defensive end, one of the main reasons he's been able to get real minutes in the EuroLeague. Covers ground well and plays with real intensity getting over screens, battling on the glass and rotating to protect the rim. Gets in passing lanes, blocks quite a few shots and rebounds very well.

Improvement areas

• Inconsistent shooter who has converted just 32% of his 3-pointers and 58% of his free throws over a huge sample size. Mechanics have been tweaked repeatedly to the point that you rarely see him shooting the same way, sometimes kicking his legs out excessively or looking very stiff with his release.

• Being asked to do very little in terms of creating his own shot in isolation, pushing in the open court or playing pick-and-roll. Some NBA teams might struggle to get past his limited role.

• Struggles to create offense from a standstill. Right-hand-dominant and much more limited when pushed to dribble or finish with his off hand. Reliant on changes of speed and using his body to create space, which might prove more difficult against NBA defenders.

Projected role: Big playmaker

6. RJ Hampton | PG/SG | New Zealand | Age: 18.7

Hampton made his USA Basketball debut in 2016, going on to play a key role for the U16 team at the 2017 FIBA Americas, posting a 39.2 PER over five games. Hampton shocked the recruiting world by spurning Kansas and Memphis to join the Australian NBL's Next Stars program. Already having gone toe to toe with NBA point guards in preseason action, Hampton is starting to find his footing on a talented Breakers team thanks to his athletic tools, playmaking ability and athleticism getting downhill. - Schmitz

Strengths

• Explosive, athlete with nice size and length for a combo guard. Wiry frame but has room to fill out in his upper body. Has grown three inches over the past few years and is far from a finished product physically. Plays above the rim with ease in space. Explosive first step with the ability to shift gears on a dime. Uses Eurosteps well in the open floor.

• Versatile offensive game. Can play on or off the ball in a pinch. At his best putting pressure on the rim with his speed in transition and the half court. Has considerable burst off the bounce. Developing shooter who can make a spot 3 or a midrange pull-up with nice elevation. Holds quite a bit of playmaking potential. At his best in drive-and-kick situations.

• Fundamentals need work but has the tools to defend either backcourt spot at the highest level in time. Quick feet when fully engaged. Length allows him to contest shots on the perimeter. Covers ground quickly on closeouts.

Improvement areas

• Doesn't quite have one elite skill right now. Needs to become a more consistent 3-point shooter, especially off the dribble. Will turn down rhythm 3s once he misses one or two. Handle slows him down against elite defenders. Hasn't shown advanced combo moves at the NBL level. Right-hand-dominant as a driver.

• Can stand to toughen up both as a finisher and defender, not generating many free throws. Gets taken advantage of by stronger guards defensively.

• Defensive technique needs work. Gets hit on screens far too often, more due to fundamentals than lack of strength. Doesn't direct the ball handler in one position or another. Narrow base and hunched frame.

Projected role: Creating combo guard

7. Theo Maledon | PG | Villeurbanne | Age: 18.3

Maledon was identified early, receiving a scholarship at age 14 to INSEP academy. He left the program earlier than most to join ASVEL, Tony Parker's club in Lyon, and started to see minutes at the pro level just a few months after turning 16, becoming the second-youngest player in club history to do so. After a summer training with the French senior national team, Maledon rejoined a deep ASVEL squad that was invited to participate in the EuroLeague for the first time since 2015. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury he suffered in early October after four consecutive starts will end up costing him at least a month of games. - Givony

Strengths

• Excellent size for a point guard at 6-foot-5. Has a good frame and a long wingspan, which will allow him to defend shooting guards and eventually small forwards. Plays with excellent intensity, putting a lot of pride into stopping his man. Already an effective defender, which is rare given his age and level of competition.

• Career 36% 3-point and 79% free throw shooter. Has clean, compact, projectable shooting mechanics. Has proved capable both with his feet set and off the dribble.

• Efficient player who keeps mistakes to a minimum and plays with impressive poise for his age. Arguably the most experienced player in the draft in terms of the minutes he's received against quality competition. Draws rave reviews for his work ethic and approach to the game.

Improvement areas

• Doesn't play a huge role for ASVEL as one of three point guards on the roster. Starts most contests, but usually sees around only 15 MPG. Often operates alongside a lead guard in more of a spot-up role.

• Has lacked a level of aggressiveness from a very early age. Not as dynamic or explosive a scorer as many teams like to see from their modern PG. Just an average athlete in terms of pure speed and shiftiness. Looks too focused at times on minimizing mistakes. Will likely be best suited operating alongside a scoring guard who can shoulder the bulk of the shot-creation responsibilities, at least early on in his career.

• Needs to continue to add bulk to his lanky frame. Career 48% 2-point shooter, partially due to lack of strength but also because of his lack of explosiveness and methodical style of play. Relies heavily on craft and touch shots. Gets caught up on screens and struggles with the physicality of handling switches.

Projected role: Secondary creator and 3-and-D guard

8. Nico Mannion | PG | Arizona | Age: 18.6

Mannion attended multiple USA Basketball camps dating back to 2016, but didn't gain any junior national team traction and opted to compete with the Italian national team instead. (He was born in Siena.) Mannion was a standout at the 2017 U16 Euros, posting a 38.2 PER. Representing the World Team at the 2019 Hoop Summit, Mannion put up 28 points, five boards and five assists against Cole Anthony, earning the respect of NBA scouts. - Schmitz

Strengths

• Offers a healthy blend of scoring and playmaking with the ability to function on or off the ball. Change of pace allows him to get into the paint. Reliable shooter, knocking down 37.6% from 3 and 84.5% from the line. Has floaters in the lane when run off his spots.

• Can make virtually every read necessary to run a team -- transition hit-aheads, pocket passes, hook passes to wings, drive and kicks, drop-offs.

• Competitive defender despite mediocre tools. Solid feet in small spaces. Will fight in the post after switches. Reliable off-ball defender. Has been productive at virtually every setting.

Improvement areas

• Nothing special physically at 6-foot-3 with a fairly narrow frame and a negative 6-2½ wingspan. Solid leaper but lack of a standing reach limits him as an at-rim finisher. Likely only a one-position defender given his tools.

• Doesn't have many ways to create separation right now. Has trouble breaking down athletic defenders. Not the most advanced ball handler.

• Can stand to become a more dynamic shooter. Doesn't have the quickest release, especially off the dribble. Checks a few boxes, but what's his elite NBA skill? Good passer but not in the special category.

Projected role: Lead guard

9. Jaden McDaniels | F | Washington | Age: 19.0

A late bloomer with perimeter skill, McDaniels averaged 18.6 points over 21 Nike EYBL games in 2018. McDaniels was subsequently invited to USA Basketball minicamp, but he was left off the Nike Hoop Summit team despite his buzz among NBA scouts. With the event taking place only a few hours from his hometown of Seattle, McDaniels opted to take part in the annual Hoop Summit scrimmage in an attempt to prove to USA Basketball that it made a mistake. McDaniels struggled there, as his energy levels and aggressiveness fluctuated, and he ultimately ended his senior year on a bit of a down note. At Washington, he has a great chance to bother opponents with his length in a zone defense and play off of a more aggressive freshman prospect in Isaiah Stewart. - Schmitz

Strengths

• Interesting blend of size, reach and agility at 6-foot-10 with an 8-11 standing reach. Extremely fluid and light on his feet. Can play above the rim in space.

• Holds considerable defensive upside given his agility and size. Has shown the ability to sit down and slide with wings. Reach is a factor contesting on the perimeter and rotating for blocks.

• Versatile offensive attack with his ability to make a standstill 3, handle in the open floor and create for others. Plays an unselfish brand of basketball. Can develop a spot 3 in time and hit midrange pull-ups as well. Has floaters. Fairly skilled for a player his size.

Improvement areas

• Body hasn't improved much at all. Narrow shoulders, rail-thin legs. How much weight can he actually put on his frame? Struggles to play through contact. Can he defend more physical forwards?

• Lacks a degree of toughness on both ends. Tends to fade in and out of games. Doesn't always attack or look for his own offense. Would be far more intriguing if he consistently did the little things, like Jonathan Isaac.

• What's his elite NBA skill? Not the most consistent shooter. Has his wow moments but there's nothing he does consistently well from a skill perspective.

Projected role: Two-way forward

10. Scottie Lewis | SG/SF | Florida | Age: 19.6

Identified as a potential phenom at age 13, Lewis navigated the ups and downs of early fame to ultimately emerge as a top-10 recruit. He has been inconsistent offensively at times, but ended up solidifying himself as one of the top prospects in his class with impressive showings at USA Basketball camps and on the high school all-star game circuit. - Givony

Strengths

• Outstanding athlete with a long wingspan that allows him to play bigger than his height. At his best in the open court using his speed, body control and explosiveness to attack the rim relentlessly. Has a terrific first step and isn't afraid of contact.

• Multipositional defender who operates with arguably the highest intensity level of any player in this class. At his best guarding point guards where he can smother opposing ball handlers at the point of attack with his length and quickness. Gets over screens, crashes the glass and dives on the floor for loose balls.

• Excellent teammate who doesn't need to score to contribute. Willing passer. Wants to do all the little things. Always talking. Embraces contact. Approaches every possession like it's the NBA playoffs. Has a high floor because of his role-player potential.

Improvement areas

• Frame hasn't changed much over the years. Might have a tougher time with the bigger, stronger players he'll be asked to guard in the NBA. Turning 20 in March.

• Plays a frenetic style that can work against him. Not as dynamic a ball handler as he needs to be, especially in the half court. Tends to settle for the first floater or pull-up jumper he can find. Decision-making can be poor. Will the game slow down for him?

• A streaky and at times reluctant shooter. Shows flashing of shot-making ability with his pull-up jumper, but has too many bad misses in spot-up situations that cause him to get hesitant.

Projected role: Versatile 3-and-D guard/wing

11. Kahlil Whitney | F | Kentucky | Age: 18.8

Whitney shot up recruiting rankings in the spring prior to his senior year, averaging 21 points and seven rebounds per game in the Nike EYBL. He emerged as a five-star recruit and committed to Kentucky. He had an uneven senior season as he attempted to become more of a go-to guy offensively, struggling to put the ball in the basket on the high school all-star game circuit, but he rebounded with a strong showing at the Nike Skills Academy in August. Whitney -- who is drawing some early comparisons to Nassir Little -- has a lot to prove as a freshman. Still, he fits the mold of what NBA teams are looking for at the combo forward position physically. - Givony

Strengths

• Physical marvel at 6-foot-7, 210 pounds with a 7-foot-plus wingspan. Shredded frame and tremendous athleticism. Plays above the rim consistently, often in highlight fashion finishing lobs, chasing putback dunks and elevating in the open court. Tested a 42-inch vertical leap at the Kentucky pro day.

• Has significant upside defensively with his ideal combination of length, strength, athleticism, intensity and toughness. Projects as a multipositional defender who can contain smaller guards off the dribble while possessing the bulk to bang with bigger players.

• Shows flashes of ability offensively. One of the top scorers at the Nike EYBL. Made 37% of his 3-point attempts in 19 EYBL games. Has a projectable shooting stroke, both with his feet set and off the dribble. Good in the open court or using straight-line drives. Can punish smaller defenders in the post.

Improvement areas

• Jumper is prone to streakiness. Converted only 66% of his free throw attempts in the EYBL. Needs to improve the speed of his release. Struggles when rushed.

• Not great at generating high-percentage offense for himself or others in the half court. Average ball handler who struggles with pressure and doesn't show much playmaking ability. Drives with his head down, runs into brick walls with predetermined moves and average touch.

• Motor fluctuates at times defensively. Lack of feel shows up on this end of the floor. Doesn't always rebound or generate as many steals or blocks as you might expect relative to his tools.

Projected role: Two-way combo forward

12. Isaiah Stewart | C | Washington | Age: 18.4

Stewart has been a staple in the USA Basketball program since he was 15. More of an energetic bruiser at the time, Stewart started to really expand his game after moving from McQuaid Jesuit in New York to powerhouse La Lumiere in Indiana for his final two years of high school. He made his Team USA debut at the 2018 U17 world championships, finishing second in the tournament in PER on a loaded squad that took home gold. By adding more and more skill to his game to go along with his physicality and motor, he was deemed a consensus top-10 player in his class. Stewart is considered a high-floor prospect given his tools and consistent development. - Schmitz

Strengths

• Shredded, powerful frame. Already has the body to battle with NBA bigs. Wide shoulders, long arms. Mobile for his size. Body type that could thicken up but has done a great job of staying in shape. Length helps him play above the rim when he has a runway.

• Relentless pursuing offensive rebounds. Has the strength to defend the post and clean up the defensive glass as well. Willing to do all the little things. Sets hard screens.

• Expanded his game beyond the 3-point line. Gets great rotation with sound overall mechanics. Can make basic reads as well.

Improvement areas

• Strong and long but lacks elite height at 6-foot-9 and doesn't make up for it with great leaping ability.

• Struggles to defend on the perimeter. Will compete on switches but has to rely more on energy to get by than foot speed. Not a natural rim protector. Lack of standstill pop hurts him in that regard. How does he fit in to an NBA defense if he's not going to guard the perimeter or protect the rim? The zone defense should help hide some of his defensive deficiencies.

• Touch around the rim comes and goes vs. length. Can make face-up jumpers and has stretch ability, but still adding more ways to score to his repertoire. Not an advanced passer.

Projected role: Energy big

13. Tyrese Maxey | SG | Kentucky | Age: 18.9

Identified early on as a top-shelf prospect, Maxey spent his entire high school career at South Garland in suburban Dallas, being the first player to commit to Kentucky's vaunted recruiting class. Maxey won a gold medal with USA Basketball at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship and was one of five class of 2019 players to participate in each of the McDonald's All American, Nike Hoop Summit and Jordan Brand Classic events. - Givony

Strengths:

• Versatile guard who has the size, strength and length to play either backcourt position. Instinctive scorer who shows the ability to put the ball in the basket from all over the floor. Ranked as one of the top scorers in the Nike EYBL at 22 points per game. Plays at different speeds and has an advanced floater game for his age. Shows the ability to manipulate a ball screen and get to his spots on the floor. Finishes through contact. Confident shot-maker with range and touch.

• Fills up the stat sheet with assists, rebounds, steals and blocks. Has a feel for the game that allows him to contribute in a variety of ways.

• Physical player who isn't afraid of sticking his nose in defensively. Uses his strong frame, length and anticipation skills to his advantage. Fearless player with toughness and swagger.

Improvement areas:

• Not a freakish athlete from a run/jump standpoint. Has a frame that can get heavy if he isn't careful. Doesn't have blazing speed. Game revolves more around changes of speed, strength and pace. Struggles to finish over length at times.

• Would benefit from showing improved playmaking and decision-making ability, something he's demonstrated flashes of at times. Future appears to be at the point guard position, but he might not be in position to show that much this season.

• Makes 3s at a high volume, but has been somewhat streaky throughout his career. Has a low release point on his jumper that hinders him at times when closely contested.

Projected role: Versatile two-way combo guard

14. Precious Achiuwa | PF | Memphis | Age: 20.3

Born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Achiuwa moved to the U.S. in eighth grade. He made a name for himself playing for New Heights on the Under Armour circuit thanks to his impressive physical profile and versatility. He eventually finished his high school career at Montverde Academy, where he turned in an up-and-down senior season. How Achiuwa develops as a shooter and decision-maker will go a long way in determining his draft stock, as he'll be 21 years old by draft night. - Schmitz

Strengths

• Elite physical profile. Has the strength and reach (9-foot-1½) to slide all the way up to the center spot in small lineups. Explosive above the rim in space. Light on his feet. Long arms, big hands. Has the tools to check either forward spot in the NBA while also switching onto the perimeter. Can make plays off the ball, particularly rotating from the weak side to protect the rim. Good positional rebounder.

• Has grab-and-go potential. Can handle in the open court. At his best attacking the rim in space as a mismatch 4. Aggressive mentality.

• Has upside as a shooter, sometimes even knocking down shots off the dribble. Midrange shot-making gives him hope from beyond the arc.

Improvement areas

• Feel for the game is a major work in progress. Tunnel vision with the ball in his hands. Can handle in space but really rigid with the ball in traffic. Drives into help defenders. Settles for contested midrange jumpers. More turnovers than assists.

• Needs to become a more consistent 3-point shooter. Shoots on the way down in midrange spots. Hit 32% from 3 on 319 attempts and 58% from the free throw line on 405 attempts, according to Krossover data. Touch around the rim comes and goes.

• Defensive fundamentals and discipline can improve. Doesn't always sit down in a stance. Gets lost off the ball at times. Foul-prone. Will he buy into being a lockdown defender or want to focus more on scoring?

Projected role: Two-way forward