NBA Draft Big Board 1.0: Cunningham, Mobley, Suggs, And The Best Of The Rest

11. Jalen Green, G, G League Ignite

Measurables: 6-foot-6, 180 pounds, 6-foot-7.5 wingspan

Class: G League

Age: 19

Mike’s Ranking: 2

Evan’s Ranking: 19

Jalen Green may not be a name that many NBA fans are familiar with head into the draft. A big reason why is because he’s one of the top prospects that elected to play in the G League over playing in college. And that might be one of the biggest reasons why he isn’t a unanimous top 3 player. That’s why his pre-draft process could be huge for him. He’ll be able to show scouts what they simply haven’t been able to see on tape yet.

Green is an especially talented offensive prospect. In the G League, Green averaged 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game on 46 percent shooting from the field overall and 37 percent shooting from 3-point range. With his elite athleticism and natural scoring ability, Green has the ability to develop into a legit offensive star. And if he’s selected in the top 3, that will be a big reason why.

Green’s defensive inconsistencies are where scouts could shy away; though, and as is generally the rule in my pre-draft breakdowns, I don’t hold too much weight in players’ lack of defensive prowess before the NBA. Especially if they haven’t played collegiate basketball. If Green continues to struggle on that end of the floor with NBA coaching and schemes, then that’s where I’m more open for criticism.

For now, I’ll give Green the benefit of the doubt and believe he’ll continue to grow into his frame and with the athleticism that he possesses, there’s a good chance that he can, at the very least, develop into a capable defender.