The NBA draft will start on June 26. 100s of NBA prospects will look to make their lifelong dream come true and hear their name called for a selection.
A lot of NBA draft coverage is team based. The media generally looks to see which player is most likely to fix a weakness that a team has. However, it’s very important to remember these players are still developing themselves. That’s why it’s also important to look at which team is most likely to help a prospect develop.
NBA draft prospect one- Alexandre Sarr
The NBA has seen an increase in seven foot players being able to handle the ball like a guard. Sarr looks to add his name to this list. Sarr’s height of seven foot one inches and his ability to guard the perimeter makes him an exciting prospect. Despite Sarr’s exciting potential he still needs a lot of development. I believe he needs to go to a team that is willing to build around him and accept that he is a development project. The Wizards are a team that could desperately use a player who can give them a slight chance of being competitive in the future.
NBA draft prospect two- Zaccharie Risacher
Risacher is one of the many foreign prospects that have caught NBA scouts’ eye. Unlike most of the prospects in this class he doesn’t come with a major risk that he isn’t going to work out. He looks NBA ready and can help any team win in his rookie year. I believe his best bet is going to a team that is a piece or two away from the playoffs. He isn’t a franchise savior but someone who can help complement a star level player. The Hawks could use Risacher as a building piece around Trae Young, or as possible trade bait for a star. The Hawks have many options with that first overall pick.
Photo via Wikipedia
NBA draft prospect three- Matas Buzelis
Buzelis was originally considered the number one prospect for the NBA draft at the start of the season. Although other prospects have overtaken him he’s still a player that excites scouts. Buzelis is a scoring machine. He can score near the rim with both hands along with having a really good three point shot. The main questions about him are his frame. At just 200 pounds he may not be able to take NBA level contact. The TrailBlazers are a team looking to find some young talent at the forward spot, and Buzelis could be a perfect fit.
NBA draft prospect four- Ron Holland
Just like his g-league ignite teammate Buzelis, Holland was projected as a high level prospect from day one. Holland is one of the most athletic prospects in this draft class. He’s able to use his athleticism effectively, allowing him to be a great paint scorer, rebounder and defender. The main question surrounding Holland is his three point shooting. His shooting will ultimately dictate just how good he will be. After a season riddled with injuries, the Grizzlies are looking to find a young prospect who can add to the team immediately. I think Holland can fit right into the roster from day one.
Photo via NBA G-league Ignite
NBA draft prospect five- Donovan Clingan
Representing the NCAA champions Uconn Huskies, Clingan is one of the few college prospects that are exciting scouts. Despite being a giant at 7 foot 3 inches Clingan has a lot of finesse and skill near the paint. He’s one of those players who once you let them get into their position it’s too late. He also is very skilled as a rebounder. The question with Clingan is if he’ll be able to keep up with NBA speed. The Hornets have lots of talent on the perimeter but are still looking for a difference maker from the big man positions.
NBA draft prospect six- Bronny James
Lebron James Jr., more commonly known as “Bronny” is the most interesting prospect in this class. Unlike the prospects mentioned before, he is not projected to be drafted in the first round. Despite his obvious talent James’ freshman season showed he clearly has a lot of development to do. This is why I hope that he gets drafted to a team that can give him minutes and won’t have major expectations for him. Out of all the teams in the late second round, the Grizzlies are the team that can probably give James the best chance at success.
