5. Lauri Markkanen, F/C, Arizona
Lauri Markkanen is one of the best shooters in the draft. As a 7-foot three-point specialist, his role on an NBA team will be as a stretch four. He might be able to play center if he improves his strength and rebounding. He’s not a great athlete, but he’s extremely skilled.
Markkanen will never be an elite defender, but he has enough size to be a disrupter. Markkanen’s calling card is his scoring ability. He can score down low, from mid-range, and from deep. He’s also a great ball-handler and passer for his size.
Even if he doesn’t improve much in the NBA, he’ll be a valuable player that every team could use. Markkanen should be a top 10 pick.
6. T.J. Leaf, F, UCLA
T.J. Leaf is one of the safer players in the draft. He doesn’t have a high ceiling, but his bust potential is extremely low. Leaf is an extremely polished offensive player. He can score the ball from anywhere on the court.
Leaf isn’t a consistent shooter from deep yet, but he’s shown the ability to become a stretch four. He’s a great scorer around the hoop. Leaf is a good passer and ball-handler for his size. Leaf isn’t an elite athlete, but he’s a good enough athlete for his size.
He isn’t a great defender or shot blocker, but he tries hard on that end of the floor. Leaf will never be a star, but he’ll be a valuable role player.