9. Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah
Perhaps the most prototypical 7-footer in this draft, Jakob Poeltl has all the tools to find a nice role in the always-changing NBA. He’s a legitimate 7-foot center than is agile on his feet. He’s althetic and can run the floor with smaller and quicker centers.
Despite the NBA trend of moving away from the big man, Poeltl should be a lottery pick. Think of Andrew Bogut, Poeltl has the potential to be that kind of center at the next level.
Yes, his offense needs work – specifically his jump shot and post game. But he has the tools to be a good offensive player in the NBA. He has a nice touch around the rim, but rarely creates his own shot – that will change once he gets a developmental summer under his belt.
Poeltl can be the exception in this year’s draft, a year in which the big man won’t be chased after.
Next: Henry Ellenson