Draft Preview: NBA Draft Ranks: PF
Like last year, the power forwards this year are a very deep group, with a chance that everyone on this list ends up in the first round. As the game changes, this has led to a very diverse group, with a nice combination of big men who can stretch the floor and your “classic” power forward-type.
As a group, it is more about upside than the ability to step in right away, but a couple of players, including the potential number one pick, Ben Simmons, will get the chance to show what they can do quickly at the NBA level.
The players are listed in order of where they are in my mock draft, though it doesn’t necessarily reflect how I see these players ranked in ability and long-term NBA potential. Here is a link to the point guard rankings. Here is a link to the shooting guards. Here is a link to the small forwards.
1. Ben Simmons, Freshman, LSU, 6’10”, 239
Simmons, a favorite to be the top pick in this year’s draft, is one of the most unique players in years, showing an extremely versatile skill set for someone 6’10” tall. You will be immediately drawn to how well Simmons handles the ball for his size, with the playmaking abilities of a point guard. He understands how to draw defenders off the dribble, and his vision may be as good as any point guard in this draft. Simmons’s ability off the dribble makes him a mismatch in most cases, though his finishing ability isn’t always there, and at times can be a bit awkward. He is extremely efficient around the basket when setting up in the post, and he is very good on the offensive boards, even if he does try to always tip the ball in instead of going to get it and go up strong. Simmons’ perimeter shooting was almost nonexistent last season, taking very few jumpers, and seeing him shoot, you know why. This is not to say he won’t become a consistent shooter one day; he just hasn’t shown it yet. Simmons’ defense is very hit-and-miss, though he looks good when he is engaged. Simmons’ demeanor on the floor towards the end of last season is a cause of concern, and he seemed to give up on his team and the season, but he is young and there is time for him to mature.
2. Dragan Bender, International, Bosnia, 6’11 ½”, 216
Bender, just 18 years old, may have the highest upside of anyone on this list, or in the draft, though he still is a far way from being a legitimate NBA player. Bender is very skilled for his size, and he shows some fluid movement, even if he doesn’t seem to be a great athlete. He is a versatile offensive player with the ability to make an impact from different spots on the floor, especially his skill at handling the ball for his size. Bender has shown some good mid- and long-range shooting ability, even if he is inconsistent, and his role at the NBA level will likely be to stretch the floor. He can get out in transition and finish, and he has good vision and passing ability already for his size and age. Defensively, he moves well for his size, and can defend the pick-and-roll fairly well, but he gets outmuscled often, both in the post and on the perimeter. Also, his lack of strength hurts him on the boards, even with his long arms and each, he gets easily pushed out of position. Once he adds some muscle, he should be a bit more effective on both ends of the floor. Bender is your classic “high upside” lottery pick, though it is tough to pinpoint one area where he can excel. He could turn out to be a good all-around player, but not the star many project him to be.
3. Henry Ellenson, Freshman, Marquette, 6’11 ½”, 242
In terms of the freshmen in this class, Ellenson may be as polished as anyone other than Simmons, showing the ability to eventually be a legitimate inside-outside threat, though there isn’t one area where he really excels yet. He has an array of low post moves for his age, and he knows how to use his strong body well to clear space, but he isn’t always a great finisher. Ellenson has also shown the ability to knock down mid- and long-range shots, but he just hasn’t found the consistency he needs to truly be a threat. He is a decent ballhandler for his size, and he can get to the basket with the right match-ups. Defensively, Ellenson is fundamentally sound, but his lack of speed and athleticism can hurt him, especially when drawn out to the perimeter. He’s a bit better when defending in the post, where his strength can be used to force players away from the basket. Ellenson is a good rebounder on both ends of the floor, and he has already shown that he has a good knack for throwing the long outlet pass off the rebound. He has a great understanding of his role and the game, and if he can take the next step in many facets of this game, he should do very well at the NBA level.
4. Marquese Chriss, Freshman, Washington, 6’10”, 233
Chriss was a pleasant surprise this year, showing off high-level athletic ability to go with his rapidly improving skill set. Though the numbers don’t really reflect it, Chriss can be a very good spot-up shooter from the perimeter, and he has already taken a liking to setting up for the corner three. He has a quick motion and release for his size, and he has a good idea of court spacing as to where he will find open shots. Chriss runs the floor extremely well, and he can provide some highlight dunks in transition. He has also shown a somewhat effective low-post scoring game, especially when he can use his athletic ability to his advantage. While not a great defender, he is a very good shot blocker, and even if he seems to be out of a play, he doesn’t give up, and can come from almost anywhere to make a play on the ball. Chriss is still a bit raw as a player, but his size and athletic ability will be enough for a team to take a chance on him in the lottery, with the hopes that his rapid improvement continues.
5. Skal Labissiere, Freshman, Kentucky, 7’0”, 216
There may not have been a more disappointing season in college basketball than Labissiere’s, though the hype around him was probably a bit unjustified. Poor play caused Labissiere to play just 16 minutes a game last season, though he did play some good minutes down the stretch. One major issue is that Labissiere was being used primarily as a low post player on offense, which is not his strength. He is at his best when he can be used on the perimeter, especially in pick-and-pop situations, where his strong shooting ability can be put to use. Other than that, there wasn’t much to say about his offense. Defensively, he was below-average, but there is potential there, especially as a rim protector, but the biggest takeaway from Labissiere as a whole was that he lacked toughness and was bullied around anytime he stepped on the floor. His ability to rebound suffered most from this, as opposing players would just body him out of the way for position. There is some raw talent and athleticism here, but whatever team that picks him will need to be very patient; he has a lot of development left to do before he can make an impact.