NBA Draft Big Board 2.0: Preston Enters Top 10, Green And Christopher Rise
By Evan Wheeler
NBA Draft Big Board 2.0: Biggest risers
#5. Jalen Green, G League Ignite, G (+6)
Jalen Green moves into my top five and I just got to embarrassingly eat some humble pie on this one, doing some self-evaluation of myself. I initially had Green ranked 11th and was a bit worried about some of the lack of effort he showed as a defender and his decision-making on the offensive end.
However, as I did more homework and watched more Ignite games, the flashes of special offensive talent to me are too much to deny Green’s placement in the top five.
He’s an elite athlete, the best slasher in this class who has an electric handle and so much in his scoring arsenal already that it’s frightening. Green’s shooting consistency and defense still need work, but I believe he will progress in those areas.
His passing and vision excite me the most though, giving Green the potential to be a scary triple threat off of the dribble. His hype as a top-three pick is justified and Green could be a foundational piece for whatever NBA franchise picks him.
#11. Ziaire Williams, Stanford, F (+6)
The main doubts analysts seem to have with Ziaire Williams are his consistency with decision-making and his lack of strength. I just think his offensive upside is too much to deny him being a lottery talent, his shot creation and shot-making are some of the best in this class.
Plus I believe in his upside as a playmaker and am hopeful as he improves his handle that his shot-making will only be taken to another level. He’s too talented of a prospect for me to leave out of the top fifteen of this draft.
#21. Josh Christopher, Arizona State, G (+7)
Josh Christopher seems to have been typecast by some NBA scouts and draft analysts as a one-note scorer who takes too many bad shots too often. I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum with Christopher though and like many other prospects, he only confirmed my belief in him more with his showcase at the NBA Draft Combine. He made plays defensively and as a playmaker during the scrimmages, while also displaying his slashing ability and touch around the rim as a finisher.
He’s a kid I would fully bet on and diminishing his skills as just a scorer seems sort of foolish in my opinion. There’s no question he’s one of the best shot creators in this class with elite scoring ability, flashy handles, and he might be the best tough shot maker off of the dribble in the entire draft. I just view Christopher as much more than that and similarly to many prospects I’ve got ranked in this tier, see him as a potential All-Star in the making and an absolute steal in the latter portion of the first round.
#22. David Johnson, Louisville, G (+9)
I’ve been a David Johnson fan since the second I watched his tape from this past season at Louisville. He’s another prospect for me that showcases the ability to do virtually everything well on the hardwood and has elite potential as a passer and defender. I also think Johnson is just scratching the surface as a slasher and shooter, with big progressions still to come from him in both skillsets. Johnson’s a first-round lock on my board and his two-way impact could make him a future All-Star.
The 2021 NBA Draft is officially just a few weeks away and the draft board is beginning to take shape. It’ll be interesting to see how the 2021 NBA Draft continues to evolve over the next few weeks.
Keep it here for continued draft coverage all the way through the draft night.