My 2026 NBA Draft Board
“It’s bigger! It’s badder! Ladies and gentlemen, it’s too much for Mr. Incredible!”
Humanity has evolved in countless ways over hundreds of thousands of years. Current culture, attire, architecture and global lifestyles would be unrecognizable to prehistoric hunter-gatherers.
My favorite film, Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, depicts evolution through tools. Bones used to drive away rival hominids from a water hole become nuclear and observation satellites circling the Earth, then a massive spaceship reaching Jupiter’s orbit, and finally an indescribable being who will determine humans’ further trajectory. Similarly, modern NBA players possess more versatility and approach the game much more efficiently than their past counterparts.
An even more effective juxtaposition for projecting draft prospects comes from Brad Bird’s The Incredibles. Childhood Buddy Pine, who’s obsessed with the extremely strong Mr. Incredible, makes a 180-degree turn to Syndrome after the superhero shuns him from partnering up. While Mr. Incredible, his gifted family and all other known heroes blend in with the general public over the following decades due to a government ban on superpowers, Syndrome creates one Omnidroid robot after another to fight — and kill — them. This was not for fun, but rather drawn-out revenge on his former idol. Syndrome reached a powerful, intimidating solution through rampant experimentation against better and better competition, with the only counter to the eventual city-attacking Omnidroid being itself.
Simply put, my draft principles mirror Omnidroid evolution. The more advanced models possess numerous positive attributes, such as spherical mobility, sensors and a laser gun, unlike one-trick ponies. I would much rather bet on proven production and/or high feel than theoretical upside. The Omnidroids shown in the movie anticipate and block Mr. Incredible’s attacks just as well as they attack him. I almost always fade those who project as below-average to horrible defensive players moving forward. And, of course, size matters with those robots and in the NBA. I typically prefer big men and forwards over guards and wings because they have more avenues to impact the game, specifically two-way true shooting (due to rim shot frequency and quality) and rebounding.
Without any further ado, let’s get into my board.
1. Cameron Boozer, Duke
6'8.25, 253 pounds, 7'1.5 wingspan, 18.9 years old
2025–26: 83.6% of team minutes, +17.1 Box Plus-Minus (No. 1 in NCAA), +15.5 Regularized Adjusted Plus-Minus (No. 1 in NCAA), +14.5 Bayesian Performance Rating (No. 1 in NCAA)
Boozer was the most productive, well-rounded and consistent player in college basketball last season. I’m shocked he isn’t consensus No. 1 given his age and track record. I have simply never seen a more surefire offensive force. He scored 40.3 points per 100 possessions on 65.3% true shooting by combining rampant rim volume (332 attempts), tons of free throws (221-for-280, 78.9%) and shooting 6.5 3-pointers/100 on 39.1%. He dished out 1.6 assists for every turnover. He racked up a 12.5% offensive rebound percentage, remaining in the double-digits against all competition.
There are valid questions about Boozer’s rim finishing and shot-blocking, which lock him into playing the 4 (or 3) throughout his career, in my opinion. Still, his dominant rebounding and respectable event creation ensure he will not be a negative defensively. I think his age, physicality, mobility, motor and super high feel give him lots of room for growth on that side.
At the end of the day, Boozer recorded a higher BPM against top-50 opponents (+15.6) over a 21-game sample than every other player in the nation did overall. By far the easiest choice on here.
2. Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
6'8.75, 241 pounds, 7'3.25 wingspan, 23.7 years old
2025–26: 75.1% of team minutes, +15.1 BPM (No. 2), +14.9 RAPM (No. 2), +13.75 BPR (No. 2)
I placed Lendeborg firmly within my top-10 prospects in the 2025 draft cycle and was very disappointed he returned to college. Little did I know this turned out to be the best on-court decision he’s ever made.
Lendeborg already possessed elite rebounding on both sides and a 2.0 assist-to-turnover ratio that highlighted his all-around game. Michigan pushed his profile to a sky-high level. He replaced most mid-range attempts with 3-pointers and shot 82.4% from the line while keeping a nice free-throw rate, leading to 5% increases in true shooting and effective field goal percentage. He reduced his turnover percentage from 14.2% to 9.5%, which held up against all competition. Most importantly, he guarded all five positions at points while playing next to two true big men. This more efficient, perimeter-oriented playstyle fits with all 30 NBA teams.
Lendeborg’s two-way and lineup versatility come with tantalizing measurements, especially his weight and wingspan. While he is the oldest prospect on this board, I do not mind very much because of his year-to-year improvement and strange trajectory — he returned to competitive basketball as a high-school senior with 11 games left in that season. He does too many things well with a modernized approach for me to rank him lower. I truly think he can be a positive playoff player as soon as next year and return All-Star value within a few years.
3. Darryn Peterson, Kansas
6'4.5, 199 pounds, 6'9.75 wingspan, 19.4 years old
2025–26: 49.4% of team minutes, +12.4 BPM (No. 7), +5.1 RAPM (No. 196), +7.53 BPR (No. 66)
Peterson’s 3-point volume (13.9 attempts/100), defensive playmaking (2.9% steal percentage and 2.3% block percentage, each of which understate his ability) and positional size are enough to carry a noticeably flawed profile. After all, he displayed lackluster finishing and passing volume, taking far more mid-range than rim shots with just a 12.5% assist percentage. These shortcomings did not impact his production much, as his shotmaking alone generated 40.7 points/100 on about average efficiency.
From Day 1, Peterson will be an elite shooter and defender relative to position who does not turn the ball over often. Long-term swings include scoring process and on-ball percentage, as he should end up more effective as an off-ball wing/secondary creator than a lead guard. Hopefully, his full-body cramps, hamstring strain and other injuries remain in the past.
4. Allen Graves, Santa Clara
6'7.75, 226 pounds, 7'0 wingspan, 19.9 years old
2025–26: 57.0% of team minutes, +12.7 BPM (No. 6), +5.7 RAPM (No. 155), +7.64 BPR (No. 58)
That’s right: A bench player with no pedigree put up one of the most impressive statistical campaigns I have ever seen. Graves shot well on all four scoring types, raising his efficiency as the season progressed, while registering mind-boggling offensive rebounding, turnover prevention and event creation on defense. Any lineups containing him should win the possession battle thanks to his extraordinary feel, with his secondary scoring and playmaking being bonuses.
Graves went through an underwhelming combine athletically, to say the least, meaning his rim finishing and block rate will not translate without hitches. He committed 7.9 fouls/100 last season, fouling out six times in 34 games, which was the only black mark on his profile. Neither point matters much to me, since I expect him to play next to a big man at all times.
5. AJ Dybantsa, Brigham Young
6'8.5, 217 pounds, 7'0.5 wingspan, 19.3 years old
2025–26: 86.6% of team minutes, +10.1 BPM (No. 23), +11.1 RAPM (No. 8), +9.55 BPR (No. 15)
Dybantsa is an extremely polished scorer for his size and age. He shot 133-for-184 (72.3%) on rim attempts, including 43-for-48 on dunks, while being about 80% unassisted. He also showcased consistent mid-range creation, making 126 shots on about 88% unassisted — these are most likely inflated since he takes off on some layups from far away. His 49.0 free-throw rate and 42-inch maximum vertical wrap up the inside-the-arc portfolio very nicely.
Dybantsa put up much better rebounding numbers than the average guard, but just a 1.2 assist-to-turnover ratio that fits more with wings. I expect him to maintain a jacked-up usage rate as soon as his NBA debut. The elephant in the room lies with his abhorrent defensive playmaking, which matches with a low-effort indicator (2.0 fouls/100). I must also note that his scoring efficiency, rebounding and defense dropped against better competition. Some of these woes disappear if he plays guard long-term, and he has the creation and enough playmaking to do so.
6. Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
6'9.25, 211 pounds, 7'0.25 wingspan, 19.9 years old
2025–26: 56.7% of team minutes, +12.7 BPM (No. 5), +7.8 RAPM (No. 57), +8.76 BPR (No. 28)
Wilson played winning basketball during his lone college season, dunking 2.8 times per game on his way to 72% shooting at the rim, recording a 10.5% offensive rebound percentage, limiting turnovers (1.4 A/TO) and getting to the line relentlessly. He ended up at 62.6% true shooting despite taking over two-fifths of field goals from the mid-range, and going 71.3% on free throws implies at least some outside shooting potential.
With that said, I am skeptical of Wilson’s offensive role and defensive upside. He relied on numerous post-ups for scoring and is not large enough (wingspan or weight) to impose his will down low, so I do not expect a similar dunk rate in the NBA. This also means he should slot into a help-side roamer for turnover generation and cleaning the defensive glass, rather than functioning as a legitimate rim protector. He must mature physically and attempt 3-pointers regularly to maximize impact.
7. Aday Mara, Michigan
7'3, 260 pounds, 7'6 wingspan, 21.2 years old
2025–26: 58.3% of team minutes, +12.7 BPM (No. 4), +8.2 RAPM (No. 46), +9.58 BPR (No. 14)
Mara’s case is as straightforward as it gets: Huge with titanic two-way rim influence. He shot a ludicrous 159-for-196 (81.1%) in the restricted area, making 2.0 dunks per game, and blocked 6.2 shots/100 last season. His 10.4% offensive rebound percentage dropped 6.5% from his sophomore campaign at UCLA, which I attribute to sharing a larger frontcourt and Michigan being so efficient at the rim. It still reinforces how much he stands out close to the basket.
Mara recorded 1.2 assists for every turnover but finished with a 19.8% turnover percentage, nonexistent steal/3-point numbers and a horrific 56.4% free throw percentage on 140 attempts. I do not think he will ever become much more impactful than he is right now — the great news is he does not need to. His playmaking is clearly the largest swing skill.
8. Kingston Flemings, Houston
6'2.5, 183 pounds, 6'3.5 wingspan, 19.4 years old
2025–26: 78.9% of team minutes, +11.4 BPM (No. 11), +10.4 RAPM (No. 13), +9.89 BPR (No. 9)
Flemings is a top-tier playmaker (2.9 A/TO) and promising shooter (84.5% free throws, 5.6 3-point attempts/100 with 39.0% unassisted) who creates for himself and forces turnovers. Add in the defensive rebounding and there isn’t much more you can ask from a lead guard. He shot 95-for-166 (57.2%) at the rim, hampered by Houston clogging the paint and relying on long twos, but his passing consistency ensured his team shot more and finished better down low.
The league should be thankful Flemings has a short wingspan and mediocre size, which means I cannot fully buy into his scoring and defensive potential. He should shoot more triples in an NBA system and continue to thrive as a primary playmaker wherever he ends up.
9. Keaton Wagler, Illinois
6'5, 188 pounds, 6'6.25 wingspan, 19.4 years old
2025–26: 83.7% of team minutes, +11.0 BPM (No. 14), +12.4 RAPM (No. 3), +9.84 BPR (No. 11)
Wagler made a seismic jump from his preseason status with a very intelligent approach, helped by a friendly supporting cast and system. He shot 87-for-219 (39.7%, 10.7 attempts/100) from downtown, with about half being pull-ups. His 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio and 79.6% free throw percentage are quite encouraging, although his 6.5% offensive rebound percentage came more from Illinois emphasizing second-chance opportunities.
Wagler shot poorly inside the arc, going 57.5% at the rim with ZERO made dunks thanks to horrendous in-game verticality. He displayed passable defensive rebounding and event creation. At the end of the day, his feel and production mitigate my athletic concerns greatly. His offensive process worked against all competition, and I think he would be a welcome addition to most teams’ backcourts.
10. Ebuka Okorie, Stanford
6'1.25, 186 pounds, 6'7.75 wingspan, 19.2 years old
2025–26: 82.2% of team minutes, +9.6 BPM (No. 29), +8.6 RAPM (No. 36), +7.41 BPR (No. 70)
Okorie shouldered countless responsibilities for his team last season, scoring the vast majority of 2-pointers and most 3-pointers off the dribble. He got up 9.7 threes/100 with an 83.2% free throw percentage, giving me strong belief his shotmaking will translate smoothly. He registered 1.9 assists for each turnover, nearly recording more steals/100 (2.7) than turnovers/100 (3.1) as a lead guard. NBA-quality teammates should help his passing output.
A noteworthy problem in Okorie’s profile: He took three times as many rim attempts as non-rim twos while converting just 56.2% of those shots. His 2-point percentage unsurprisingly dropped against good competition. Despite problematic finishing and rebounding, his creation, shooting and steady defense mean he will produce well for quite a while.
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11. Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
6'2.5, 186 pounds, 6'6 wingspan, 22.7 years old
2025–26: 94.0% of team minutes, +9.1 BPM (No. 42), +10.6 RAPM (No. 11), +9.14 BPR (No. 23)
Stirtz was an NBA-ready initiator last year. His mature scoring approach leaves few, if any, doubts about putting the ball in his hands. Last season, he shot 70.5% at the rim and 46.9% in the mid-range while splitting those attempts almost equally. His free-throw percentage jump is more encouraging than his 3-point percentage drop is concerning, especially because he attempted 11.7 triples/100. He dropped a 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio while playing nearly every minute.
Despite admirable improvement as a scorer and shooter, Stirtz’s assist percentage, defensive rebounding and steal percentage dropped from his junior campaign at Drake. I expect him to play fewer minutes in the NBA, which will juice his ancillary numbers back up. Overall, his offensive impact far outweighs his age and other minor concerns.
12. Hannes Steinbach, Washington
6'10.25, 248 pounds, 7'2.25 wingspan, 20.1 years old
2025–26: 77.9% of team minutes, +9.0 BPM (No. 43), +8.6 RAPM (No. 37), +7.61 BPR (No. 60)
Steinbach is a tremendous two-way rebounder and showcased strong finishing last season despite lackluster playmaking surrounding him. He drew and shot free throws well for a big man, suggesting untapped outside shooting potential, and showed off his soft touch by going 44.8% on non-rim twos. I cannot diagnose his long-term position because of the shooting uncertainty, limited passing and questionable defense, but he will be able to impact the game very positively with or without constant usage.
13. Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s
6'7.5, 245 pounds, 7'2 wingspan, 22.2 years old
2025–26: 74.7% of team minutes, +13.5 BPM (No. 3), +9.2 RAPM (No. 28), +10.10 BPR (No. 8)
Ejiofor improved drastically from each college season to the next. He finished with a career 13.8% offensive rebound percentage, 7.0% block percentage and 70.0 free throw rate (!!!), making 70.9% of all free throws. During his senior season, he made 35 of 36 dunks and took a ginormous passing jump, which culminated in 1.7 A/TO. His outsized production and ancillary skills have not only held up but improved against good competition over three straight seasons. The combined physicality and skill is too overwhelming to leave out of my lottery.
14. Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan
6'9, 251 pounds, 7'3.5 wingspan, 20.4 years old
2025–26: 62.6% of team minutes, +10.1 BPM (No. 20), +9.9 RAPM (No. 18), +9.29 BPR (No. 22)
Johnson Jr. improved across the board and won a national championship while playing mostly out of position. He shot 72.9% on prolific rim volume and made 50 of 53 dunks last season, each a slight increase from his freshman year, and increased his free-throw percentage by 16.4% (!!!). He still rebounded very consistently but dipped for the same reasons as Mara. Near-neutral A/TO and solid event creation complete a safe profile, and it can skyrocket if the free-throw jump remains. You know what you’re getting here.
15. Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
6'9, 253 pounds, 7'5.25 wingspan, 18.9 years old
*2024–25*: 53.1% of team minutes, +5.4 BPM (No. 216), +3.7 RAPM (No. 365), +4.71 BPR (No. 260)
I would not be surprised if Quaintance performs much better than my ranking OR flames out of the league relatively quickly. He put up super impressive block, offensive rebound and finishing numbers for a 17-year-old, possessing an immense wingspan and weight to boot. However, the rest of his offense lies somewhere between theoretical and actively harmful, and his injury-plagued season takes away some age advantage. Time will tell which side prevails.
16. Dailyn Swain, Texas
6'6.5, 211 pounds, 6'10 wingspan, 20.9 years old
2025–26: 81.9% of team minutes, +9.5 BPM (No. 33), +6.9 RAPM (No. 98), +8.50 BPR (No. 33)
Swain only trails Dybantsa as an inside-the-arc creator in this class. He has drawn and made numerous free throws for two straight seasons, finishing respectably well at the rim and extremely well in the mid-range for primarily a downhill player. His career 18.1% defensive rebound percentage and 3.0% steal percentage are excellent complementary skills. The lackluster A/TO, decreasing block percentage and age offer reasons to fade, and his length with constant efficiency jumps brings me right back.
17. Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
6'7.75, 246 pounds, 6'10.75 wingspan, 22.6 years old
2025–26: 73.1% of team minutes, +11.6 BPM (No. 9), +9.6 RAPM (No. 23), +10.37 BPR (No. 6)
Jefferson has a high defensive floor thanks to a career 21.8% defensive rebound percentage and 3.5% steal percentage (at that size). Last season, he jumped to 1.9 A/TO while keeping a really high 51.7 free-throw rate, although his shooting efficiency at all four levels hovered around average. His high feel, versatility, defense and impact numbers should give him somewhere to excel despite legitimate scoring and age concerns.
18. Brayden Burries, Arizona
6'3.75, 215 pounds, 6'6 wingspan, 20.7 years old
2025–26: 74.3% of team minutes, +10.4 BPM (No. 16), +10.1 RAPM (No. 15), +9.48 BPR (No. 17)
Burries is a well-rounded player without many top-tier skills. I am most intrigued by his outside shooting (8.6 threes/100 on 39.1%, pull-up flashes), backed with 80.5% free throws from quality volume. He scored efficiently on decent usage. He cleaned the defensive glass and abandoned the offensive glass. He suppressed turnovers without dishing too many assists. Above-average steals, below-average blocks. Quality impact metrics that do not project his long-term offensive role. He’ll most likely turn out as a reliable backup.
19. Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
6'11.25, 227 pounds, 7'2 wingspan, 22.3 years old
2025–26: 73.5% of team minutes, +9.6 BPM (No. 28), +11.2 RAPM (No. 6), +9.13 BPR (No. 24)
Last season, Veesaar finished 75.3% at the rim with 1.9 dunks per game and shot 86-for-180 (47.8%) on all jumpers, with just over half coming from downtown. His offensive rebounding, defensive playmaking and free-throw output regressed, with increases showing up on the defensive glass, turnover prevention and passing. His scoring versatility/efficiency at that size seals the deal for me. Shooting will be his long-term swing skill.
20. Bruce Thornton, Ohio State
6'0, 223 pounds, 6'5 wingspan, 22.8 years old
2025–26: 90.3% of team minutes, +11.6 BPM (No. 8), +11.2 RAPM (No. 5), +10.19 BPR (No. 7)
Thornton became a much better passer in his sophomore season, a much better 3-point shooter in his junior season and a much better 2-point scorer/offensive rebounder last season. His evolution into a rock-solid, highly efficient lead guard with physicality earns this spot, although he is much more potent on offense than defense. I hope to see an increased 3-point rate that would pair beautifully with his consistent turnover aversion.
21. Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama
6'2.5, 176 pounds, 6'6.25 wingspan, 20.5 years old
2025–26: 72.3% of team minutes, +10.3 BPM (No. 17), +9.1 RAPM (No. 31), +9.35 BPR (No. 21)
Philon Jr. improved his offensive profile in every conceivable way from his freshman year, highlighted by 3-point shooting (10.7 attempts/100 on 39.9%, nearly half unassisted), playmaking (31.9% assist percentage, 14.8% turnover percentage) and free-throw shooting (79.8% on higher volume). This came at the cost of defense and rebounding, a theme for these spots, and he remains thin with mediocre athleticism. At the very least, he will ensure his team controls the ball.
22. Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
6'1, 180 pounds, 6'6.25 wingspan, 20.2 years old
2025–26: 92.7% of team minutes, +8.3 BPM (No. 56), +8.1 RAPM (No. 47), +9.46 BPR (No. 18)
Anderson offers a nice combination of shooting (12.1 threes/100 at 41.5%), playmaking (2.2 A/TO) and finishing (72.4% at the rim on over 87% unassisted, although low volume). He was a great shooter for two straight college seasons, which is necessary for projection since he must keep making jumpers to stick in NBA rotations. After all, his poor 20.2% turnover percentage and overall rebounding do not offer hope for winning the possession battle.
23. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
6'2, 186 pounds, 6'6.5 wingspan, 19.6 years old
2025–26: 84.3% of team minutes, +8.9 BPM (No. 45), +8.3 RAPM (No. 42), +8.58 BPR (No. 31)
Acuff Jr. scored 36.7 points/100 on 60.4% true shooting with a 3.0 A/TO ratio, earning a well-recognized college season. He must launch more 3-pointers to reach his offensive ceiling, well within the realm of possibility with 80.9% free throw shooting and already attempting 9.0 threes/100 last season. His process on that end really matters because of atrocious defensive playmaking (that matches low-effort 2.6 fouls/100) and two-way rebounding. A notable jump on defense at any point would make this ranking look silly.
24. Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
6'10.25, 240 pounds, 7'5 wingspan, 19.4 years old
2025–26: 61.8% of team minutes, +6.1 BPM (No. 164), +7.1 RAPM (No. 85), +6.44 BPR (No. 113)
Ugly, ugly scoring distribution — 77.5% finisher at the rim but took almost twice as many mid-range attempts despite dominant measurements. Lackluster free-throw rate and percentage, minuscule assist percentage that shrank against better competition. I remain somewhat optimistic because he carried tremendous two-way rebounding, was a willing outside shooter and improved as the season went along. He’s also relatively young.
25. Tarris Reed Jr., Connecticut
6'9.75, 264 pounds, 7'4.25 wingspan, 22.8 years old
2025–26: 59.4% of team minutes, +11.6 BPM (No. 10), +9.2 RAPM (No. 30), +9.48 BPR (No. 16)
Appealing size and athleticism with career 14.2% offensive rebound percentage, 23.2% defensive rebound percentage and 7.5% block percentage. Last season, he handled 26.5% usage but did not improve as a shooter whatsoever. His rim efficiency, passing and turnover prevention have skyrocketed since transferring to UConn, so I wonder how much of his offensive game will remain moving forward.
26. Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
6'3.5, 190 pounds, 6'7.5 wingspan, 20.2 years old
2025–26: 43.8% of team minutes, +5.4 BPM (No. 225), +4.5 RAPM (No. 278), +6.38 BPR (No. 117)
I rock with process over results unless the results are this crippling. Brown Jr. attempted 14.7 3-pointers/100 and still registered a 44.7 free-throw rate, converting 84.4% of them. He was unassisted on about three-quarters of rim makes and about half of 3-point makes. However, his 19.3% turnover percentage, ONE total offensive rebound, three total blocks and 24.4% shooting in the mid-range are each catastrophic. I cannot envision him as any NBA team’s primary playmaker with those efficiency woes, and the possession battle’s pretty hopeless. Consensus rates him highly, although I thought he should have gone back to college.
27. Koa Peat, Arizona
6'7, 245 pounds, 6'11.25 wingspan, 19.4 years old
2025–26: 63.9% of team minutes, +7.4 BPM (No. 83), +7.8 RAPM (No. 55), +7.82 BPR (No. 51)
Fantastic build that led to 70% rim finishing and 1.5 dunks per game, but he attempted eight times as many mid-range jumpers as 3-pointers with poor efficiency. He drew lots of free throws, though he shot just 62.3%. Recorded 1.6 assists per turnover but registered underwhelming defensive rebound and steal numbers. I’m unsure what role he will play on either side of the ball. Should have gone back to college.
28. Ugonna Onyenso, Virginia
6'11, 237 pounds, 7'4.75 wingspan, 21.8 years old
2025–26: 45.7% of team minutes, +11.3 BPM (No. 13), +4.0 RAPM (No. 343), +4.95 BPR (No. 239)
Incredible measurements, career 15.1% block percentage (17.4% last season) that meant almost twice as many blocks as fouls committed, question marks pretty much everywhere else due to low usage/minutes. Could thrive in a streamlined role as a rim outlet with dominant defensive true shooting, as long as he keeps a single-digit turnover percentage with good enough offensive rebounding.
29. Maliq Brown, Duke
6'8, 217 pounds, 7'0.75 wingspan, 22.6 years old
2025–26: 50.6% of team minutes, +10.1 BPM (No. 22), +3.1 RAPM (No. 499), +7.34 BPR (No. 72)
Career 4.2% steal percentage (5.3% last season) with decent shot-blocking at his size speaks for itself. Effective play-finisher, great offensive rebounder for his position, but a nonexistent shooter. He notched nightmarish turnover percentages in both Duke campaigns. Must commit fewer giveaways to enter NBA rotations.
30. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee
5'11.75, 182 pounds, 6'4 wingspan, 22.2 years old
2025–26: 86.0% of team minutes, +9.9 BPM (No. 25), +9.7 RAPM (No. 20), +10.59 BPR (No. 5)
Extremely strong steal numbers all four years, career 2.2 A/TO (2.4 last season), career 81.0% free throw percentage, shot 14.1 3-pointers/100 last season. Dependable offensive process that does not rely on field goal efficiency. However, he struggled mightily inside the arc while being short and old. I’ll gladly bet on impact metrics at the end of the first round.
