Scouting NBA draft lottery prospects: Strengths, comps, intel

Who are the best prospects in the 2020 NBA draft?

Following the coronavirus outbreak, NBA team executives are expecting that this year's lottery odds likely are already locked in, and that any pre-draft process will be limited.

With ESPN's projected lottery picks having played their last competitive games before draft day -- whenever that might occur -- we break down the strengths and weaknesses for our top players, as well as likely NBA roles, physical comps and more intel.

MORE: Top 100 NBA draft rankings

Anthony Edwards | SG | Georgia | Age: 18.6

One of the youngest players in the draft, Edwards turned in an up-and-down season that featured some incredible highs and head-scratching lows. Scouts would like to have seen more efficiency and defensive intensity, but when he was fully engaged, he looked like the clear No. 1 pick. In a draft that lacks starpower at the top, Edwards has arguably the most complete resume and should be considered the front-runner to hear his name called first. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Powerful guard with elite length and explosiveness. Tough to contain, 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. Made 42 pull-up jumpers in 32 games, regularly elevating over the top of defenders with ease. Can splash 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.

• 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. 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 contested jumpers rather than using his physicality to get all the way to the rim. Still learning how to play with elite players. Reputation for inconsistency in his production.

• Streaky perimeter shooter. Shot 29.1% from 3 on 237 attempts at Georgia.

• Undisciplined defender who isn't always engaged. Motor and intensity on that end fluctuates. Completely upright in his stance at times.

Projected role: Star scoring guard

LaMelo Ball | PG | Illawarra | Age: 18.5

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 then Australia as the centerpiece of the NBL Rising Stars program. NBA executives have expressed skepticism about his development path, questionable approach to defense and shot selection -- along with potential off-court distractions, most notably revolving around his father, LaVar. Ball began to put those concerns to rest by detaching himself from BBB, showing his extraordinary talent on the court and fitting in well with Illawarra, but he eventually shut down his season after 12 games due to a foot injury. -- 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 due to his combination of terrific size, quick feet and instincts, particularly when he's playing with energy. Already has some impressive moments 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.

Improvement areas

• Has struggled to score efficiently throughout his career. Shot just 46% from 2-point range and 25% from 3. Shoots jumpers with unorthodox mechanics, including a two-handed release while kicking out his legs. The touch he shows on floaters and career 82% free throw percentage leaves room for optimism, but his inability to buy a basket at times this season in the half court was 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 difficult attempts inside the arc.

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

Projected role: Franchise point guard

No official measurements available

James Wiseman | C | Memphis | Age: 18.9

Wiseman ended up cementing himself as the near-consensus No. 1 player in his high school class with a strong showing on the all-star circuit last spring, but he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA and served with a 12-game suspension -- eventually leading to him leaving Memphis. He offered few answers about his abilities in the three games he did play. -- Givony

Strengths

• Incredible frame standing over 7-feet in shoes and 250 pounds with a 7-5 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 set. 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 a soft touch around the rim and even extending out to 3.

• Impact player 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. 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 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 looks like he's in cruise control.

Projected role: Franchise center

Isaac Okoro | G/F | Auburn | Age: 19.1

Despite going undefeated as a high school senior, Okoro didn't get many accolades early on, ranked as just the No. 40 player in his class entering college. But he quickly showed his value for an Auburn team that started the season 15-0, elevating his draft stock into the lottery. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Has ideal physical tools for an NBA wing. Was one of the most impactful defenders in the college game and has All-NBA potential thanks to his excellent lateral quickness, high intensity level and sound technique. Was often tasked with shutting down the point of attack for Auburn, but has the size, strength, length and toughness to defend power forwards as well.

• Has plenty of room to grow offensively, but already shows enough flashes as a ball handler and passer to leave plenty of room for optimism. Attacks the rim with purpose and finishes well inside the paint, while also showing potential operating out of pick-and-roll. Has good court vision, can playmake with either hand and generally shows a high basketball IQ.

• Lauded for his approach to the game. Impacts the game without scoring. Excellent rebounder. Plays a position and role that is extremely hard to find in today's NBA.

Improvement areas

• Is he a good enough overall scorer to warrant being a top-10 pick? His 16 points per 40 minutes is the lowest scoring rate of any college player currently projected in the top 20.

• Perimeter shooting struggles are especially concerning. Made just 29% of his 3s and 67% of his free throw attempts.

• Didn't come into college projected as a one-and-done lottery pick and could have benefited from showing his ability to impact winning in the SEC and NCAA tournaments.

Projected role: Versatile two-way role-player

Deni Avdija | SG/SF | Maccabi | Age: 19.2

Avdija joined Maccabi Tel Aviv's youth program before starting high school and has been developing with the storied franchise, entrenching himself as a valuable two-way rotation player this season. After starting the season somewhat slowly, he had hit his stride in a major way in January and February, particularly with his outside shooting. -- Givony

Strengths

• Big enough to play PF 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, 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. Brings toughness, competitiveness and swagger.

• Was 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 ball-handling situations.

• Has made significant strides on defense. 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 well.

Improvement areas

• Inconsistent shooter who has converted just 32% of 3-pointers and 58% of free throws over a large sample. 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 stiff with his release.

• Wasn't asked to do much in terms of creating his own shot in isolation, pushing in the open court or playing pick-and-roll this season.

• 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

Onyeka Okongwu | C | USC | Age: 19.2

Okongwu turned heads during USC's foreign tour entering the season and quickly emerged as the Trojans' best all-around player. Through 28 games, Okongwu posted a 31.6 player efficiency rating (PER) and was the only player in the country to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 3.0 blocks per 40 minutes. He's now widely viewed as a high-floor, sure lottery pick and could ultimately end up as the top big to come out of the draft. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Strong, mobile center who finishes above the rim with ease off two feet. Vertical spacer thanks to his hands and leaping ability. Tremendous offensive rebounder thanks to his quickness, strength and bounce.

• Versatile defender with outstanding shot-blocking instincts. Averaged 1.6 steals and 3.5 blocks per 40 minutes. Great timing. Can step out and switch onto the perimeter even if his technique isn't great. Generally stays down on shot fakes. Contests jumpers effectively.

• Excellent interior skills and sharp footwork. Comfortable dropping in jump hooks over either shoulder. Better passer than his metrics would suggest and feels double teams well. Soft overall touch in midrange spots. Shot 72% from the free throw line at USC. Praised by coaches for his approach to the game.

Improvement areas

• Has some struggles with more traditional centers given his size at 6-9. Not the most physical post defender. Generally plays hard but had some no-show energy games.

• Strictly a 5 on offense at this stage. Took only 10 3s in 42 high school games, according to Krossover's database. Went 1-for-4 from 3 at USC. Decent mechanics from the free throw line but doesn't extend beyond that quite yet. Capable passer but not advanced. Not the most comfortable ball handler.

• Does he have the offensive upside to be more than a role player? If not, is he special enough defensively at 6-9 to warrant serious consideration in the top 10?

Projected role: Lob-catching, shot-blocking center

Tyrese Haliburton | PG | Iowa State | Age: 20.0

Haliburton took advantage of an injury to Iowa's starting point guard to gain valuable experience as a freshman and eventually forced his way onto NBA radar with a strong showing at the FIBA U19 World Cup this past summer where he led USA to a gold medal. His season was cut short in February with a fractured wrist, but not before he emerged as one of the most versatile and efficient college PGs, despite being forced to shoulder a significantly heavier load. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Has good size for a point guard at 6-5 with a 6-7½ wingspan that should allow him to defend either guard position. Fluid athlete who changes speeds with long strides, polished footwork and smooth body control. Still developing physically.

• Has one of the highest basketball IQs of any player in the draft. Creative passer who empowers teammates with outlet passes and makes the game easy with the tremendous vision in pick-and-roll. Size, length and feel make him a factor on the glass, getting in passing lanes and even blocking shots on occasion.

• Career 43% 3-point shooter and 78% free throw shooter at the college level. Reliable with his feet set despite his unconventional mechanics. Has outstanding touch on floaters.

Improvement areas

• Has played off the ball quite a bit in his college career due to his struggles creating offense from in the half court. Can't always beat better defenders off the bounce cleanly. Low release on his pull-up jumper makes it difficult for him to get his shot off at times. Likely will be at his best operating alongside a high-volume shot creator.

• Light frame limits him on both ends. Gets knocked off his path easily and forced to settle for difficult shots from outside the paint. Has a propensity for avoiding contact. Attempted only 71 free throws in 57 games in college.

• Team went just 10-12 with him on the roster this season. Going to be more appealing to teams with existing pieces in place, which limits his ceiling among bad teams picking at the top.

Projected role: Secondary ball-handling 3-and-D guard

Tyrese Maxey | SG | Kentucky | Age: 19.3

Identified early 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 the McDonald's All American, Nike Hoop Summit and Jordan Brand Classic events. Maxey had a strange freshman season in the sense that he was outstanding in many of Kentucky's biggest and most visible games, but he struggled with inefficiency and inconsistency for much of the year. -- Givony

Strengths:

• Versatile guard who has the size, strength and length to play either backcourt position. Only 6-3 but has a strong frame and a near 6-8 wingspan. Has a feel for the game that allows him to contribute in a variety of ways. Played mostly off the ball for Kentucky but showed flashes of basic playmaking operating out of pick-and-roll, including the ability to manipulate a ball screen and get to his spots on the floor.

• Instinctive scorer who excels in transition and shows the ability to put the ball in the basket from all over the floor. Plays at different speeds and has an advanced floater game for his age. Finishes through contact. Confident shot-maker with range and touch.

• Physical player 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. Doesn't have blazing speed. Game revolves more around changes of speed, strength and pace. Struggles to finish over length at times. Can't always create high percentage shots for himself or others. Made just 49% of his 2-pointers at Kentucky.

• Shot-selection and decision-making are works in progress. Has demonstrated flashes of being able to make others better but was inconsistent in that area. Posted just a 1.4-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.

• Makes 3s with some volume, but has been streaky throughout his career. Made just 29% of his 3-pointers at Kentucky. Has a low release point on his jumper that hinders him at times when closely contested.

Projected role: Versatile two-way combo guard

Obi Toppin | PF | Dayton | Age: 22.0

A late bloomer, Toppin emerged as one of the most productive and exciting players in all of college basketball, crashing the lottery with his high-flying dunks and deep 3s during the Maui Invitational. As the best player on a Dayton team that seemed poised for a Final Four run, the ultraproductive Toppin has one of the most complete resumes of any player projected in the top 10. It's easy to envision him having a role in the NBA immediately. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Explosive leaper with solid size. Big hands. Runs the floor hard. One of the most efficient transition finishers in college basketball. Lob threat out of pick-and-roll and from the dunker spot.

• Versatile offensive skill set. Can space the floor vertically, pop out to 3 with sound mechanics and score in the post. Takes advantage of switches with jump hooks over either shoulder or quick spins. Comfortable post passer. Handles double teams fairly well. Sound feel for the game.

• Has fairly sharp defensive instincts even though he's a bit limited on that end. Plays the passing lanes and is comfortable protecting the rim in a pinch. Spent most of the season playing center and has decent verticality and shot-blocking timing when he's fully engaged.

Improvement areas

• Lacks a degree of versatility and upside on the defensive end. Upright mover with choppy strides. Struggles to sit down and slide with perimeter forwards. Doesn't change direction all that well. Discipline comes and goes as a pick-and-roll defender. Has issues with more physical bigs given his light base. Buried in the post regularly. Not always the most engaged rebounder. Can he play any small-ball 5 in the NBA?

• Not the most polished perimeter player for a modern 4. Benefited from playing the 5 with shooting and skill surrounding him. Upright ball handler. Not really a dynamic shooter.

• Gets moved off his spots easily in the paint. Doesn't always maintain balance in a crowd. Was effective on the block in college, but will he be able to punish switches regularly in the NBA? High floor but what's his ceiling at age 22 with some limitations on the defensive end?

Projected role: Run-and-jump big with stretch skills

Killian Hayes | G | Ulm | Age: 18.6

Hayes resurfaced as a potential top-10 pick in part thanks to the freedom he has had with Ulm, where he started all 30 games, played more than 25 MPG and had the opportunity to show his talent. Although the club had an up-an-down season, Hayes' positional size, passing creativity and off-the-dribble shooting potential really stood out to scouts. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Great size for a lead guard at 6-5. Strong frame. Has the tools to defend either guard spot when fully motivated. Can change speeds and directions with the ball. Fairly fluid athlete who can use his size to overpower smaller guards.

• Comfortable pick-and-roll player with three-level scoring potential and creativity as a passer when he's able to get to his left hand. Has also improved as a shooter. Can rise into midrange pull-ups or even bounce out to 3 with step-backs. Shows glimpses of finesse as a finisher with his left hand in the paint.

• Fairly experienced and productive for his age having played 72 pro games (BBL, France Pro A, EuroCup). Should be able to have an instant impact if he's in a situation where the ball is in his hands.

Improvement areas

• Average athletically both in terms of burst and vertical explosion. Struggles with aggressive ball pressure. Turned the ball over on 25% of his possessions. Can change speeds and directions but doesn't quite have the shiftiness to beat rangy defenders off the dribble consistently. Will have to become a more consistent shooter to combat that. Doesn't get to the free throw line at a high rate.

• Extremely left-hand dominant as a driver, passer and finisher. Lack of willingness to use his right hand limits him all over the floor.

• Defensive intensity comes and goes. Struggles with speedy guards. While improved, his approach to the game was a question in the past. How much of his success is a product of the freedom and volume he was given with Ulm? Has looked ordinary at times in camp settings when surrounded by strong athletes.

Projected role: Big playmaker

RJ Hampton | PG/SG | New Zealand | Age: 19.1

A consensus top-five recruit, Hampton spurned Kansas and Memphis to join the Australian NBL's Next Stars program. While battling injury over the course of the season, Hampton was still evaluated quite extensively by NBA scouts and decision-makers, showing glimpses of his long-term potential given his speed, explosiveness and scoring instincts. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Quick, explosive athlete with nice size for a combo guard. 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. Streaky, yet developing shooter who can make a spot 3 or a midrange pull-up with nice elevation. Holds quite a bit of playmaking potential. Sound feel for the game. At his best in drive-and-kick situations.

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

Improvement areas

• Solid foundation overall but doesn't quite have one elite skill. 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.

• Can stand to toughen up both as a finisher and defender. Shot only 3.6 free throws per 40 minutes despite his athletic tools. 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. Focus comes and goes off the ball.

Projected role: Creating combo guard

Cole Anthony | PG | North Carolina | Age: 19.8

Due to a knee injury that forced him out of 11 games, mediocre efficiency and an underwhelming Tar Heels roster, Anthony's stock took a bit of a hit as UNC uncharacteristically finished second-to-last in the ACC. Anthony still had his bright spots scoring and improving his floor game over the course of the year, but with a true shooting percentage of 50.7 over 22 games and not a ton of physical upside, scouts are still trying to figure out Anthony's NBA fit. But his confidence and scoring instincts are strong, and he's likely to look far more adept as a playmaker with more talent around him. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Aggressive, confident scorer who has been productive at virtually every stop. Good open-court athlete who changes ends quickly. Creates space for himself with crossovers and step-backs going left. Can knock down pull-ups with range, change speeds and directions and initiate contact in the paint.

• Glimpses of competitiveness on the defensive end. Has shown the willingness to fight through ball screens. Quick hands and feet when fully engaged.

• Impressed NBA scouts at the Nike Academy, competing in every session and going toe-to-toe with NBA players. Plays with a lot of confidence. Can play off the ball some with ability to shoot off the catch.

Improvement areas

• Much more of a scorer than facilitator at this stage. Can make basic drop-offs and kickouts, but he's still learning how to manipulate defenses. Tends to pound the ball a little too much. Shot selection has room to improve.

• A bit streaky, shooting 35% from the high school 3-point line on 464 attempts and 35% from 3 at the collegiate level. Shows deep range and the ability to rise up in the midrange, but scouts will have a close eye on his consistency. Lacks finesse at the rim. Right-hand dominant finisher.

• While quick-footed and fairly strong for his height, average size and length limits his defensive versatility. Ball-watches defensively and gives up open looks to shooters. Does his production translate to winning?

Projected role: Shot-creating lead guard

Precious Achiuwa | PF | Memphis | Age: 20.7

Achiuwa entered college with a reputation for inconsistency -- playing with energy, defending everyone and showing glimpses of skill one day, yet hunting shots, missing open teammates and looking lost defensively the next. He ultimately bought into a reliable role after James Wiseman's departure, finishing the year averaging 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.9 blocks in 30.2 minutes. Although his skill set is still a work in progress, it's easy to see Achiuwa's role in the NBA as a modern big with the defensive versatility to guard all five positions. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Elite physical profile and ideal defensive versatility. Has the strength (234 pounds) and standing reach (9-1½) 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 (7-2 wingspan), big hands. Has the tools to check either forward spot in the NBA while also switching onto the perimeter.

• Has grab-and-go potential with the ball. At his best attacking the rim in space as a mismatch 4. Aggressive mentality.

• Shows glimpses of upside as a shooter, sometimes even knocking down shots off the dribble. Poor free throw shooter but made 32.5% of 40 3-point attempts at Memphis.

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 rigid with the ball in traffic. Settles for contested midrange jumpers. Finished the season with 30 assists and 87 turnovers. Has improved but didn't always want to accept his role as an energy defender.

• Needs to become a more consistent 3-point shooter. Shoots on the way down in midrange spots. Shot 59% from the free throw line on 187 attempts at Memphis. Doesn't have great touch around the rim.

• Defensive fundamentals and discipline can improve. Doesn't always sit down in a stance like he could. Gets lost off the ball at times.

Projected role: Versatile defender

Nico Mannion | PG | Arizona | Age: 19.0

Mannion had an uneven season at Arizona that featured some tremendous highs -- such as his 23-point, 9-assist game in a win over Illinois -- and some forgettable moments, including his 3-for-14 shooting performance in a lifeless road loss to USC. Despite shooting just 33% from 3 and underwhelming on the defensive end, Mannion made enough NBA-caliber plays with the ball in his hands to warrant looks in the lottery. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Offers a healthy blend of scoring and playmaking at the lead guard spot. Has potential as a three-level scorer with his ability to make shots off the dribble with range, change speeds and directions, pull-up in midrange spots and finish with floaters. Struggled at the rim in the half court but can drop in floaters from different angles.

• Can make virtually every read necessary to run a team. Gets trigger-happy from time to time but overall understands when to get his own and when to facilitate.

• Even-keel demeanor and a strong feel for the game. Can function off the ball some next to bigger guards thanks to his ability to spot shoot.

Improvement areas

• Nothing special physically at 6-3 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. Doesn't get to the free throw line consistently. Lack of tools limits him on the defensive end.

• Doesn't have many ways to create separation off the dribble. Could stand to add more dynamic combo moves and get to his jumper more quickly.

• Needs to become a knockdown shooter given some of his physical limitations. Shot just 32.7% from 3 on the season. Has touch but is a little streaky. Confidence came and went from 3.

Projected role: Skill-based point guard

Theo Maledon | PG | Villeurbanne | Age: 18.7

Maledon started to see minutes with ASVEL -- Tony Parker's club in Lyon -- 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. A shoulder injury suffered in early October cost him nearly six weeks of action, and he never seemed to be quite on the same page with his head coach, seeing his role fluctuate from game to game. -- 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 point guards, shooting guards and potentially even small forwards.

• Career 36% 3-point and 79% free throw shooter. Has clean, compact shooting mechanics. Capable both with his feet set and off the dribble, even if he's been inconsistent at times.

• Efficient player who keeps mistakes to a minimum and plays with impressive poise. 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

• Didn't play a huge role for ASVEL as one of three point guards on the roster. Started some games, but only averaged 17 MPG. Often operates alongside a lead guard in more of a spot-up role. Wasn't too efficient this season, posting a high turnover rate and average shooting percentages.

• Lacks a level of aggressiveness. 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 in his career.

• 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

Jaden McDaniels | F | Washington | Age: 19.4

McDaniels entered the collegiate ranks with considerable expectations, but the Huskies were the Pac-12's biggest disappointment, finishing last in the conference. McDaniels had highs and lows throughout his freshman season, looking like a sure top-five pick some nights and then years away from helping an NBA team win on others. Still, McDaniels is bound to garner interest in the lottery in a draft that lacks star power, and he should certainly look better on a more open NBA floor. -- Schmitz

Strengths

• Interesting blend of size, length and agility at 6-foot-10 with an 8-11 standing reach. Can play above the rim in space with relative ease.

• Holds considerable defensive upside given his agility and size. Has shown the ability to sit down and slide with wings. Finished the year averaging 1.0 steals and 1.6 blocks per 40 minutes. Improved motor.

• Versatile offensive attack with his ability to make a standstill 3, handle in the open floor and create for others on occasion. Although he made only 34% of his 3s at Washington, he has sound touch and solid mechanics. Can rise into 3s and mid-range pull-ups. Good footwork overall. Has touch on floaters. Changes speeds and directions with the ball. Shows glimpses of feel as a playmaker.

Improvement areas

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

• Tends to fade in and out of games. Led the Pac-12 in turnovers and fouls. Erratic with his decision making.

• What gets him on an NBA floor early in his career? Not the most consistent shooter. Has his wow moments but still finding his elite skill. Scouts see him as more of a long-term prospect.

Projected role: Two-way forward