The 2024 Undrafted Free Agent Roll Call

The NBA Draft has come and gone, but that's not the end of the road! Maxwell breaks down the undrafted free agent class, where they are headed, and their future prospects!

The 2024 NBA Draft has come and gone. 58 players fulfilled a lifelong dream of hearing their name called on draft night (or draft afternoon for the second rounders, I guess). But when the draft comes to an end, the dream is still far from over for the prospects who didn’t hear their names echo throughout Barclays Center. Many of them will still go on to sign contracts with NBA teams. Here at No Ceilings, we celebrate the whole hog of the NBA Draft process. Today, we’ll be giving the spotlight to those guys— the undrafted free agent draft class of 2024. I’ll be breaking down where they are headed, what they bring to the table, and what they will need to improve to make their games work at the NBA level.

This piece has become one of my favorite things to write every draft cycle. I love underdog stories, and I love the margins. When I first began to follow the NBA Draft with greater intensity, it was easy to find stuff on the big-name prospects. But the further down a draft board I would go, the less information about the players there would be. I’ve always made it my goal to write the type of things I would have wanted to read, and this is one of those columns. If you don’t think the undrafted class matters, think again. Want proof? Look at the conference finals this year—Sam Hauser, Naz Reid, Derrick Jones Jr., and TJ McConnell are all undrafted success stories. Every team that made it into that group had at least one massive win on the margins.

I also want to give a MASSIVE thank you to the people who make this column a reasonable undertaking—namely, Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress and Rookie Scale. Without his Undrafted Free Agent Tracker, this information would be extremely difficult and/or impossible to compile. All contract information and player heights come from his site. I’d also like to give a big tip of the hat to our good friends at Synergy Sports and Sports-Reference. All statistical information comes from those two sites.

This was submitted for publication at around 6:00 PM CT on 6/30/2024, and I did a last minute scan through at 6:00 AM CT on 7/1/2024. So apologies to anyone that I missed in the time between now and whenever you read this!

Before digging in, make sure you’re subscribed to our Substack. At No Ceilings, Draft SZN never ends, and we’re still going to pump out loads of awesome content this summer. Also, you can follow me on Twitter/X here.

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Atlanta Hawks

Summer League Deal:
-Moses Wood, 6’7.75”, Washington

Moses Wood is a big shooter. He knocked down 40.4% of his threes throughout his college tenure. He can hit tough ones over length, which bodes well for his NBA translation. While he’s not a real-deal playmaker, he does move the ball quickly when his look isn’t there. He’s not one of those shooters who’s inept defensively, either. He uses his length well and posted solid defensive playmaking numbers for his archetype throughout college (career 1.2 STL%, 2.6 BLK%). Wood is already 25 years old, though. If he’s going to make it happen, he’ll have to do so in short order.

Boston Celtics

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Tristan Enaruna, 6’8.25”, Cleveland State

Cleveland State’s Tristan Enaruna ranked 65th on my final board. He spent his first three seasons at Kansas and Iowa State but didn’t see the floor much. After transferring to Cleveland State, he flourished. Enaruna stuffed the stat sheet to a comical degree during his graduate campaign, scoring 19.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 0.9 BPG. He further launched himself into draftable consideration after a strong outing at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. Enaruna constantly leaves his fingerprints all over the game. His fluidity, all-around impact, and exceptional measurements make him well worth a swing on a Two-Way Contract, so an E-10 is a bargain. The biggest question here is his shot. He’s a career 26.6% three-point shooter on low volume. Still, his 32.2% on 2.5 attempts per game this past season were both career highs, so he’s on a good trajectory. If the shot doesn’t come, he’ll need to be a more assertive rebounder and screener.

Brooklyn Nets

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-K.J. Jones II, 6’6”, Emmanuel
-Mark Armstrong, 6’2.5”, Villanova

K.J. Jones is one of my favorite deep cuts in this class and ranked 71st on my final board. He’s a late bloomer who won the NABC Division-II Player of the Year Award. He’s a dribble-pass-shoot wing who scored 26.2 PPG on 46.9/36.6/87.7 splits while also adding 4.9 RPG and 4.0 APG. He’s a methodical attacker who gets to the line a ton, taking over 10 free throw attempts per game last season. In the final Portsmouth Invitational scrimmage, he used his 6’11” wingspan and high level of feel to nab five steals. He’s one of my favorite bets to earn a more substantive contract at some point in the next year.

Mark Armstrong was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school. During his two seasons at Villanova, he was solid but unspectacular. He’s a powerful, downhill, rim-pressure guard. A 28.2% three-point shooter, he’ll likely hang around the margins until his three-ball comes into form. But at only 20 years old, he could get there eventually. A team may want to invest in him given his physical profile, grit, and pedigree.

Charlotte Hornets

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Joel Soriano, 6’10”, St. John’s

Summer League Deal:
-Drew Pember, 6’10.75”, UNC Asheville
-Kevin Cross, 6’6.25”, Tulane
-Raequan Battle, 6’4.5”, West Virginia
-Malik Hall, 6’8”, Michigan State

Joel Soriano (92nd on my final board) has been a double-double machine for St. John’s for the past few seasons. He’s powerfully built at 269 pounds and has a 7’3.5” wingspan. Given that size and his tenacity, it’s a chore to keep him off the offensive glass, where he’s constantly feasting on put-backs. While he only took 16 threes this season, he made seven of them, and he’s long been an effective mid-range shooter. If he expands his range, there might be something here. Defensively, he’s an okay rim protector, and his feet are alright in space, but he’s not a true defensive anchor. His overall production makes him difficult to write off and should help him keep a foot in the NBA door. But he’ll need to grow as an athlete and defender to carve out a permanent roster spot.

Drew Pember (94th on my final board) had a rough outing at the Portsmouth Invitational that hurt his stock. That said, he’s still intriguing. He’s a jumbo four who can guard down the lineup, drain threes (36.9% from deep on 8.4 per 100 possessions over the last three seasons), and protect the rim (8.1 BLK% the past three seasons). He gets to the free-throw line a lot, too. Pember’s issue is that he’s on the skinny side and struggles against bigger, more physical players. Kevin Cross is a stat sheet stuffer. He averaged 17.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, and 0.9 BPG at Tulane this past season. He has a great handle and he’s a phenomenal passer, particularly when operating from the top of the key. His jumper remains a question, as he hit 42.3% of his threes this past season, but he took less than two per game, and his priors are shaky. Defensively, he was inconsistent, but his offensive role was so big that it’s tough to parse that out. He ranked 99th on my board. Raequan Battle is a wiry bucket-getter who scores at all three levels. His stock percentages have always been solid, too. Like Pember, his thin frame will present challenges at the next level, as will his tunnel vision. He averaged only 0.7 APG to 2.0 TOV last season. Still, Battle is a late bloomer who is so much better than he was three years ago that it’s difficult to write him off. Malik Hall is an interior scorer with a good frame. He’s never been the most willing or consistent three-point shooter, though.

Chicago Bulls

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Marcus Domask, 6’6.25”, Illinois

Marcus Domask gives you a little bit of everything. After four great years at Southern Illinois, he transferred to Illinois for his final season and scaled up admirably. He posted 15.9 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 3.9 APG. He’s a crafty playmaker and a trustworthy on-ball decision-maker. Athletically, he’s behind the curve from a burst and explosiveness standpoint. That hurts him mostly on defense, where he can struggle to contain the ball and posts muted playmaking metrics. As a career 34.5% three-point shooter, he doesn’t quite have the offensive punch to overcome that yet. If he becomes a knockdown shooter, he could make something happen.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Undisclosed Deal:
-Nae’Qwan Tomlin, 6’9.5”, Memphis

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Darius Brown II, 6’2”, Utah State

Summer League Deal:
-D.J. Burns Jr., 6’9”, North Carolina State
-Hunter Cattoor, 6’2.5”, Virginia Tech

Nae’Qwan Tomlin is one of the more interesting prospects in this class. He’s got awesome measurements for an NBA four. He’s also a late bloomer who didn’t play high school basketball. This past year, he scored 14.0 PPG on 60.1/39.6/77.4 splits. He’s a good leaper and light on his feet laterally, allowing him to cover multiple positions effectively. He played at Memphis this year after being dismissed from the team at Kansas State, which may be giving front offices pause. But Tomlin is big, talented, and improving at a rapid clip.

Darius Brown II was one of the best point guards in college basketball last season. He’s a patient pick-and-roll operator who likes to use speed changes to manipulate the defense. His slick pull-up game (49.4% on pull-up twos, 41% on pull-up threes) makes defenses respect him, and when he gets downhill, his heads-up vision allows him to punish help time and time again. His 6.5 APG to only 1.9 TOV is a testament to the fact that he not only makes things happen but that he also rarely makes mistakes. Brown is a limited athlete, and at nearly 25 years old, he’s not going to get the same patience from NBA teams as his younger peers.

D.J. Burns Jr. won over the hearts and minds of the basketball world after leading NC State to a Final Four appearance. His incredible blend of force and grace is mesmerizing to behold. He can bully smaller opponents for easy buckets, but he also has heaps of craft. Whether it’s a clever post move to get himself an easy bucket or a slick dish to an open teammate, Burns finds ways to create efficient looks. He’s lost a great deal of weight recently, and it will be interesting to see what he looks like after that. Previously, he’d been a little too slow-footed and ground bound to hang defensively at the NBA level. Plus, his 53.2 eFG% is a low mark for an older big man prospect. Regardless of whether or not he makes it over the hump, the D.J. Burns Summer League Experience will be must-watch television. Hunter Cattoor is an electric shooter who hit over 40% of his threes across all five of his college seasons. He’s more of an undersized wing than a true lead guard, and he’s not much of defender, which presents problems.

Dallas Mavericks

Summer League Deal:
-Xavier Johnson, 6’0.75”, Southern Illinois
-Jarod Lucas, 6’2.5”, Nevada
-Jamarion Sharp, 7’3.75”, Ole Miss

Xavier Johnson had four quiet seasons at George Mason and Southern Illinois before exploding as a graduate. He’s physically strong and has a well-rounded game. His NBA range, passing flashes, and impressive defensive output make him worth a shot here. His shaky decision-making and lack of size may hinder his chances. Jarod Lucas is an electric sharpshooter who made 38.3% of his college threes on 11.3 attempts per 100 possessions. A guard-sized player with limited playmaking chops and subpar NBA athleticism, he’ll need to show that he’s more than just a specialist. Jamarion Sharp is an enormous human being. Still, he runs the floor well and moves better than you’d expect in space. He blocked a comical 8.9 shots per 100 possessions this past season. He’s not as physically strong as a Zach Edey type, though—his 59.4 eFG% and 14.9 TRB% are disappointing marks for a center. If Sharp can add some strength to his game, he could be a savvy longer-term investment.

Denver Nuggets

Two-Way Contract:
-PJ Hall, 6’9.5”, Clemson
-Trey Alexander, 6’4.5”, Creighton

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Jaylin Williams, 6’8.25”, Auburn
-Jahmir Young, 6’0.75”, Maryland
-Gabe McGlothan, 6’7”, Grand Canyon

PJ Hall is a 4/5 hybrid with a relentless motor and shooting upside. He finished 50th on my final board. Hall’s 3FG% of 31.5% may leave something to be desired, but his volume (9.4 attempts per 100 possessions) was exceptional for a big man prospect, giving reason to believe he’ll get there in time. He’s a dynamic, physical screener who can pop for a triple or roll hard for a big dunk. He’s a smart passer both out of the post and on the perimeter. Defensively, he’s a bit between positions, with measurements on the smaller side for a center. Still, his drop coverage technique improved tremendously this past season, and his 5.6 BLK% isn’t disastrous. If Hall can continue to grow defensively and get his three-ball to fall, he could stick around as a change-of-pace, five-out big for years to come.

It was an up-and-down year for Trey Alexander, who ended up 68th on my board. The issue for Alexander is that he’s just okay athletically and he doesn’t have a signature skill to hang his hat on. That said, there is a lot to like and a real path for him to carve out a long-term NBA career. He’s a calculated ball screen operator with awesome size for a guard (6’3.25” barefoot, 6’10.5” wingspan). His 23.9 AST% demonstrates his passing prowess. Alexander shot only 33.9% from deep this past year, but he made 41% of his threes a year ago. If he gets his jumper back going again, he’s the type of savvy, big guard that every team could use in their rotation.

Auburn’s Jaylin Williams is a steal on an E-10; he finished 60th on my board. He’s 6’8”, he’s got long arms, he’s strong, and he plays the right way. He improved as a shooter (39.5% from three on 5.9 per 100 possessions), he’s a good cutter, and he has some funk as a downhill passer. Defensively, his power, technique, and motor allow him to make stops and rack up stocks. Basically, he’s a “dunks and 3s with size and defense” bet who plays a selfless brand of basketball, which is exactly the type of player a team like Denver could use. I’d be really surprised if he doesn’t earn a two-way or more formal contract at some point within the year.

Jahmir Young is a speedy lefty who loves to get deep into the paint. He’s a threat to score (20.4 PPG), but he’s also a reliable passer who routinely punishes defensive errors. Despite a hefty offensive workload this season, he still didn’t take plays off on defense, posting a 2.3 STL% and 0.9 BLK%. While he’s never been a great three-point shooter (33.7% career from deep), he hit 90% of his free throws last season. Size will always be working against Young, but his work rate and well-rounded statistical output (23rd in the country in BPM) give him a chance.

Gabe McGlothan checks a lot of boxes. He hit 39.8% of his threes. His 2.3 STL% and 2.9 BLK% are both solid marks. Add in a 6’7”, 220-pound frame, and he looks the part of a 3-and-D role player. Where it gets complicated is that McGlothan is already over 25 years old and he posted a negative assist-to-turnover ratio during every season of his college career. If he can get that aspect of his game in check, he could get some looks.

Detroit Pistons

Two-Way Contract:
-Daniss Jenkins, 6’3.25”, St. John’s

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Aaron Estrada, 6’4”, Alabama

Summer League Deal:
-Tolu Smith III, 6’10.75”, Mississippi State

Daniss Jenkins is as well-rounded as they come. He’s a talented pull-up scorer (35.4 on pick-and-roll threes, 49.4% of his pull-up twos), reliable playmaker (5.4 APG to 2.4 TOV), and impressive defensive playmaker (2.9 STL%, 1.9 BLK%). He’s an aggressive defender who can guard tight, then create havoc with his blend of timing and quickness. The big hangup for Jenkins is his finishing. He doesn’t play well through contact and he’s not the best leaper, forcing him to settle for poor angles at the basket. He only made 44% of his halfcourt rim attempts this past season. If he can get himself in a position athletically to turn that around, there’s little to quibble with.

Aaron Estrada is a tough guard who uses a variety of methods to get into the paint. He’s got power, slither, a handle, and polished footwork. He’s a smart decision-maker (4.6 APG to 2.3 TOV) and a great finisher who converted 59.3% of his halfcourt rim attempts this past season. He makes a lot of plays on defense, too. Where it gets dicey for Estrada is that the long ball has long evaded him—he shot 33.6% from deep over five college seasons, and 31.3% during his graduate campaign.

Tolu Smith is a throwback big who cleans up on the block and rebounds the heck out of the ball. He’ll need to carve out a defensive identity to stick, as he can struggle in ball screen coverages and only blocked 0.4 shots per game. A two-time All-SEC selection, Smith has the talent, but he will have to reshape his game to the NBA’s constraints in order to stick.

Golden State Warriors

Two-Way Contract:
-Reece Beekman, 6’2.5”, Virginia

Summer League Deal:
-Mantas Rubstavicius, 6’8.5”, New Zealand
-Santiao Vescovi, 6’3.25”, Tennesee

Reece Beekman is one of the best defensive guard prospects of the past few years, and he slotted 67th on my final board. He can stick to his man like glue on the ball. Off-ball, his understanding of positioning and how opposing offenses are meant to flow enable him to create events on a consistent basis. His 4.0 STL% and 1.9 BLK% are fantastic marks for a guard prospect. He’s also a talented offensive orchestrator. Beekman uses pace to bend defenses. His vision is great, as is his pass placement. He delivers balls on the money and can throw guys open. His 6.2 APG to 2.1 TOV is about as good as you can find in this class. The questions about Beekman surround his athleticism and scoring ability. He’s a subpar shooter (31% from deep on 5.9 attempts per 100 possessions) and an average interior finisher. Without a high level of quickness or bounce, his finishing isn’t the safest NBA projection. Beekman unquestionably has an NBA mind, passing game, and defensive skill set. The question is just if those things can compensate for his scoring struggles and lack of physical gifts.

Mantas Rubstavicius is a jumbo shooter who slotted 72nd on my board. He’s comfortable launching off movement and gets the ball off in a hurry. He’s accurate, too, hitting 42.5% of his threes in the NBL this past year. His first step is solid, he’s a good connective passer, and he uses his big frame well at times defensively. The trouble with projecting Rubstavicius is that he’s long been able to operate in a complementary capacity. He’s never been a top option, and he’s not a great athlete. It’s somewhat rare to see role players at lower levels success as NBA role players. Still, Rubstavicius’s size and valuable skill set make it well worth kicking the tires on his game. Vescovi is a quick guard who can hit threes off movement or whip sharp passes when chased off the line. He had a down year in his final college season and will need to bounce back from an efficiency standpoint. Allen Flanigan is an athletic forward who makes plays on defense (2.8 STL%, 2.5 BLK%) and has some juice as a creator. He has NBA physical traits. However, he’s long been a poor outside shooter (career 29.4% from deep) with funky mechanics.

Houston Rockets

Two-Way Contract:
-N’Faly Dante, 6’11.75”, Oregon

N’Faly Dante to the Rockets was one of my favorite UDFA pick-ups. Let’s get the negatives out of the way—he’s older at 22.7, he doesn’t space the floor, and he’s battled some injuries. Now, let’s talk about what he does do, because it’s all the important stuff required of NBA bigs. First off, he’s got the body. At 260 pounds with a 7’6” wingspan, nobody is going to boss Dante around. He’s pretty light on his feet in space, too. Dante protects the rim (1.9 BPG, 6.6 BLK%). He also nabs an uncanny number of steals (1.7 SPG, 3.2 STL%) for a big man thanks to his fast hands. Offensively, he’s going to set awesome screens and dunk the ball a lot (84.5% at the rim in the halfcourt). He rebounds the ball well, too, grabbing 9.2 RPG. I had Dante 48th on my board. He isn’t brimming with upside, but at worst, he’s going to be able to hang on an NBA floor. He’s there physically, he competes, and he does the simple things well. I like Dante as a safe bet to hang around the NBA for a long time.

Indiana Pacers

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Josiah-Jordan James, 6’7.5”, Tennessee

Summer League Deal:
-Lance Jones, 6’1”, Purdue

Josiah-Jordan James looks and moves like an NBA forward. He’s physically strong and a good athlete. This shows up best on defense, where he has long been a critical part of Tennessee’s stifling system. His career 2.6 STL% and 3.1 BLK% point to the fact that he can make plays, but on a basic fundamental level, there’s a lot to like, too. Offensively, he’s a really solid ball mover with some flashes of creativity. The only thing holding James back is his scoring and inefficiency. He only shot over 40% from the field once in five college seasons. Injuries certainly played a part in that, but it’s hard to stick in the NBA if someone isn’t a threat to score. The fact that he’s long been a willing three-point shooter should help, though.

After four good seasons at Southern Illinois, Lance Jones up-transferred to Purdue, where he was a critical part of their run to the NCAA Tournament Finals. He’s got a strong build, he defends well, and he’s a better shooter than his career 33.5% from deep suggests due to his hefty volume output (11.3 attempts per 100 possessions). The issue for Jones is his lack of size, and the fact that he’s more of a secondary playmaker than true point guard (career 2.3 APG to 2.4 TOV). If he can become a lead guard, he could get a cup of coffee at some point.

Los Angeles Clippers

Undisclosed Deal:
-Trentyn Flowers, 6’7.75”, Adelaide

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-RayJ Dennis, 6’2.75”, Baylor

Summer League Deal:
-Josh Bannan, 6’9”, Brisbane

Trentyn Flowers was a tricky evaluation for me, coming in at 77th on my final board. The bones of an NBA player are here. He’s got good size, he’s athletic, and he plays hard. He hit 36.8% of his threes and reliably punished defenders with back-cuts when they took their eyes off him. The issue with Flowers is that he plays at one speed, and that speed is frenetic. It allows him to make energy plays, but it also leads to a lot of mistakes. He posted a gnarly 0.4-to-1.0 assist-to-turnover mark. Defensively, he’s often too jittery with his footwork and gets beat as a result. He doesn’t make as many plays as you’d like given his size and movement profile, either. It’s likely going to take Flowers some time to hit, but with the right patience and structure, he could come through in a big way at some point.

RayJ Dennis is on the wrong side of the athletic curve. He’s not quick or vertically explosive. He’s also a career 32.8% three-point shooter. But he is exceptionally smart. Defensively, he overcame his physical limitations by reading opposing teams well and using his hands to generate strips. He’s an outstanding playmaker (37.4 AST%) who always finds ways to get deep into the paint. Despite his flaws, I’m not comfortable writing Dennis off given his outstanding feel and consistent production.

Josh Bannan spent three seasons at Montana before returning to Australia for a year in the NBL. He’s tall and skilled, with the ability to shoot it a little bit and sling dimes. He’s a little undersized for the five spot, though, and he doesn’t have the athleticism to overcome that within an NBA context at this juncture.

Los Angeles Lakers

Two-Way Contract:
-Blake Hinson, 6’7”, Pittsburgh
-Armel Traore, 6’9”, Blois

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Sean East II, 6’2.5”, Missouri
-Quincy Olivari, 6’2.5”, Xavier

Summer League Deal:
-Mohamed Diarra, 6’10”, NC State

Blake Hinson ranked 74th on my final board. The sell is simple—he’s big (6’10.25” wingspan, 240.1 pounds), he shoots a lot of threes (14.1 per 100 possessions), and he makes a lot of threes (42.1%). His range goes from the three-point line to the back row of the stadium. The rest of his game is lacking—he’s not much of a rebounder, passer, or defender. But in a context where he plays more of a reduced role, we could see those things come around. Strong shooters with size are always worth a role of the dice, and that’s what Hinson is.

Armel Traore (76th on my board) is sort of the inverse of Hinson. He’s an athletic, hard-charging dynamo who is always making stuff happen. He’s got exceptional measurements, he cleans up on the glass, and there are few players he can’t guard. Offensively, he’s a talented finisher who loves contact and a solid decision-maker as a passer. The issue is mostly just his shot. He made only 28.1% of his threes and 64.6% of his free throws. If he can reach respectability from distance, he could carve out a long-term spot in the association.

Sean East II is an awesome bucket-getter. He scored 17.6 PPG on 54.1/45.0/85.6 splits this past year. He’s a slippery driver and polished mid-range pull-up scorer. At only 174 pounds, he’s slender for the NBA. Given his struggles as a playmaker for others and defender, it could take him some time to put it all together. Still, his late-blooming trajectory and awesome scoring output in the SEC make him worth a look.

Quincy Olivari is a similar prospect. He also filled it up this year, scoring 19.1 PPG on 42.5/40.9/81.4 splits. Like East, he needs to develop as a passer. Olivari has two distinct advantages, though. The first is that he’s a powerfully-built 198 pounds, which goes a long way on defense. The second is that Olivari takes a lot more threes (13.2 per 100 possessions), allowing for an easier transition into an off-ball role. If the playmaking gets up to speed, keep an eye out for Olivari.

Mohamed Diarra is a genuinely versatile defender. He can guard down the lineup well, but he still has good rim protection instincts and the size to play inside. His 2.0 STL% and 5.4 BLK% during two D-1 seasons grade out well for a forward, especially when you add in his 6’10” frame. He’s a fantastic rebounder, which helped NC State in near immeasurable ways given their roster construction. Offensively, there are some holdups. He only scored 6.3 PPG on 55.6 TS% as a 24-year-old this past season.

Memphis Grizzlies

Summer League Deal:
-D.J. Jeffries, 6’7”, Mississippi State

D.J. Jeffries has good size and a strong frame for a wing. He can cover multiple positions effectively and he competes on the glass. That said, he’s never been exceptional in any one area, and as a career 30.1% three-point shooter, his jumper needs to come along.

Miami Heat

Two-Way Contract:
-Keshad Johnson, 6’7.5”, Arizona
-Zyon Pullin, 6’4.75”, Florida

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Bryson Warren, 6’2.75”, Sioux Falls Skyforce

Summer League Deal:
-Isaiah Stevens, 6’0.25”, Colorado State
-Warren Washington, 7’0”, Texas Tech

Keshad Johnson was the second highest rated undrafted free agent on my board, slotting 34th overall. With a 6’10.25” wingspan, a 224-pound frame, and great run-jump athleticism, Johnson is perhaps the most physically ready prospect in this entire UDFA class. Defensively, he guards up the lineup well, and he’s a force on the offensive glass. He was also one of the most prolific dunkers in college hoops. Still, he’s got the feet of a ballerina, enabling him to slide with smaller players, too. His jumper is a work in progress. He hit 38.7% from deep on lower volume after making serious mechanical tweaks this past off-season. Still, his shot will be more important at the NBA level, and his lack of ball skills could be an issue. But at the end of the day, I love a swing on a high-motor, physical forward who brings defensive versatility, hits open jumpers, and can do the dirty work on both ends.

Zyon Pullin is an exceptional “caretaker point guard” with real positional size. He sees the floor really well, having averaged 4.9 APG to 1.3 TOV in one of college basketball’s best conferences. Defensively, while his stock numbers weren’t great (0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG), he’s fundamentally sound and does the right things. His shot diet remains a big question. He hit 42.4% of his threes over the past two years, but it’s tough to buy him as a shooter because he rarely takes them (2.3 attempts per game). Instead, he lives in the mid-range. Pullin struggled at the rim, too. Ultimately, Pullin is a smart player with good size who executes. He’ll just have to tweak how he executes at the next level. He ranked 87th on my final board.

Bryson Warren is an Overtime Elite prospect who spent his pre-draft season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Heat’s G League affiliate. He took some lumps there, shooting only 37.8% from the field. Still, he improved as a playmaker, increasing his assist-to-turnover mark as the year progressed. He’s a great transition player, and he competes on defense. The scoring efficiency needs to come along. Still, it’s tremendously encouraging that a program as cut-throat as the Heat wanted to keep him “in their building,” so to speak, after having him in their G League program.

Isaiah Stevens ranked 98th on my final board. He is a classic point guard who blends mistake-free play with modern flash. He averaged 6.8 APG to only 2.4 TOV while leading one of college basketball’s most exciting offenses. Defenses have to stay honest with him, because he’s a lethal pull-up shooter (49.6% on pull-up twos, 40% on pull-up threes). His 6’4” wingspan helps a little bit to compensate for his lack of size, but he’s still positionally small and a subpar athlete by NBA standards. His overall feel, pull-up game, and exemplary character reviews should keep him on radars, even if smaller guards aren’t trendy at the moment.

Warren Washington has always been a favorite deep cut of mine. The seven-footer rebounds, finishes, and protects the rim. It’s simple but effective. He can pass a little bit, too. But at 24 years old, he is sort of a “jack of all trades, master of none.”

Milwaukee Bucks

Summer League Deal:
-Philip Alston, 6’6”, Loyola Chicago
-Jalen Lewis, 6’9.25”, YNG Dreamerz

Undisclosed Deal:
-Justin Moore, 6’3.75”, Villanova

Philip Alston is NBA-ready from a frame perspective. He’s built like a 10-year vet, and he moves like one, too. He’s an impactful defender and offensive rebounder. A 32.6% three-point shooter through his two D-I seasons, he’ll need to find greater consistency there to generate more traction. He can also fall victim to tunnel vision at times. Still, he’s one of my favorite Summer League bets. He’s under 23, he’s a late bloomer, he’s there athletically, and he competes at a high level. He’s the type of guy I’d love to get in my G League program, if nothing else.

Jalen Lewis is an OTE product. He’s a pretty nimble mover for his size. He’s also comfortable dribbling and shooting. The framework is there, but much of his game is still fairly theoretical at this stage, as he’s only 19. If he holds his own at Summer League, it would make sense for a team to scoop him on a two-way to foster his development.

Justin Moore is a bruising, physical guard. He’s a reliable table setter. The issue for Moore is that he’s an older prospect who has struggled to score efficiently, particularly from long range.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Two-Way Contract:
-Jesse Edwards, 7’0.75”, West Virginia

Summer League Deal:
-Tyler Wahl, 6’8.25”, Wisconsin
-Jaedon LeDee, 6’9”, San Diego State

Jesse Edwards ranked 73rd on my final board and was well deserving of a two-way contract. His game is simple—he’s big, he protects the rim, and he dunks the ball. His 7’4.5” wingspan helps him to swat shots (career 9.8 BLK%) and finish lobs (61.3 eFG%). He’s a great offensive rebounder and solid passer. What holds Edwards back is his overall athletic profile. He’s on the skinnier side and can struggle to hold position. When moving laterally or backpedaling, he’s a bit clunkier than you’d like to see. If he can improve upon those issues, there’s no reason he couldn’t hang around as a rim-runner.

Jaedon LeDee was one of the best players in college basketball this year. Despite being nearly 25 years old, I still ranked him 90th on my final board. He’s big, strong, and he does what he wants on the court. He’s a good rebounder, consistent finisher, and solid defender. He also shot 44.4% from three this year, though the volume was very low. His passing leaves a lot to be desired. He’s sort of a throwback four at this point. If he can stretch the floor or prove that he can hang at the five, a team could bite with a bigger contract. Tyler Wahl is a long, impactful defender. His career 2.3 STL% and 2.2 BLK% speak to that. But even on tape, his agility and timing stand out. He’s a smart passer, too. The issue for Wahl is that he’s more interior-oriented, which is tricky to make work at the NBA level. Since he’s a career 23.2% three-point shooter, it’s tough to envision him in the association unless he develops a reliable jumper.

New Orleans Pelicans

Summer League Deal:
-Josh Oduro, 6’9”, Providence
-Jermaine Couisnard, 6’4.5”, Oregon

Undisclosed Deal:
-Keion Brooks Jr., 6’8”, Washington

Josh Oduro is a super strong big who started at George Mason before following Coach Kim English to Providence. He’s a physical presence on the interior and great screen setter. There’s some craft in there, too. He made 81.9% of his free throws and 63% of his non-dunk rim attempts, and he has a career assist rate of 14.6%. Positionally, it’s a bit murky. He’s undersized for a five and doesn’t have the bounce to protect an NBA rim, and he’s also not a floor spacer (26.3% from deep). If he can develop better lateral agility and get his three-point percentages up, he could earn something more substantial. Oduro is the type of big who can do serious damage in the G League, which should help keep him on the radar.

Jermaine Couisnard’s game is defined by power and aggression. He loves to get downhill and collapse defenses. He sees the floor well, slinging 3.3 APG to 1.7 TOV. The issue for Couisnard is that he’s positionally short for a wing, but not quite polished enough as a creator or scorer for the guard spot. He’s made improvements in recent years, so if he can transform into more of a genuine combo guard, he could pick up a two-way.

Keion Brooks has been on radars for a few years. After transferring from Kentucky to Washington, he quietly rounded out his game. A big athletic forward who can defend multiple positions, Brooks got his three-point percentage up to 38% last year. The reason for pause is that his assist-to-turnover ratio has been under water during each of his five college seasons. The 3-and-D framework is here; the connective tissue is just what’s missing.

New York Knicks

Nothing yet :(

Oklahoma City Thunder

Two-Way Contract:
-Alex Ducas, 6’7.25”, St. Mary’s

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Malevy Leons, 6’9.75”, Bradley
-Cormac Ryan, 6’5”, North Carolina

Summer League Deal:
-Tre Mitchell, 6’8”, Kentucky
-Clarence Daniels II, 6’5.5”, New Hampshire
-Jack Gohlke, 6’3”, Oakland

Alex Ducas finished 78th on my board. The selling point here is the shooting. Ducas played five college seasons, across which he shot 40.6% from deep on 7.1 attempts per game. He hits “NBA style” threes too, connecting from deep behind the arc over closeouts. When chased off the line, he’s shown real juice as a downhill playmaker. Add in a 6’10” wingspan and 220-pound frame, and he’s far from a slouch physically. Ducas can be heavy footed, causing him issues defensively and inhibiting his ability to get to the rim. Still, big shooters with feel are always in demand, and Ducas is one of them.

Malevy Leons was 80th on my final board, making him a legitimate contender to earn a two-way contract. Originally from The Netherlands, Leons played two JuCo seasons before coming to Bradley. There, his 7’0.5” wingspan and super sharp defensive instincts enabled him to win back-to-back Missouri Valley Defensive Player of the Year Awards. His 2.7 STL% and 5.0 BLK% are marks that only tend to pop up together with elite defensive prospects. The question is if Leons has enough juice offensively. His ball handling is inconsistent, and as a 35.7% three-point shooter at the Division-I level, he’s not quite a 3-and-D guy. At nearly 25 years old, Leons doesn’t have a lot of time, either. Still, reports out of his pre-draft workouts were that he refined his mechanics and hit shots at a high clip. If the jumper improvements stick, Leons might stick, too.

Cormac Ryan is a well-rounded wing. He’s well put together, demonstrating a nice mix of speed and toughness when guarding the ball. Offensively, he has pure catch-and-shoot mechanics and keeps things moving. At nearly 26 years old, he’ll need to provide a hook to sell teams on, as he doesn’t have a true standout skill.

Tre Mitchell is sort of a “jack of all trades, master of none.” But at 6’9”, there are far worse things you could be. He’s a competent defender, smart passer, and okay shooter. If he turns the dial across the board, that’s the type of player that teams would like to have around. Clarence Daniels is a big, physical wing. He can knock down threes from the NBA line, and he attacks closeouts well. He’s a great rebounder, too (10.1 RPG in two D-I seasons). Defensively, his size and strength should help him guard wings and forwards. He doesn’t have much playmaking feel, as he posted a scary 2.9 AST% despite being his team’s leading option. Jack Gohlke is a high-volume sniper who put himself on the radar after scoring 54 points in two NCAA tournament games. He’s also strongly built at 215 pounds and a good rebounder. At 6’3”, he’ll need to show more defensive savvy and on-ball creation to lock in a more substantial contract.

Orlando Magic

Summer League Deal:
-Ta’Lon Cooper, 6’3.75”, South Carolina

Ta’Lon Cooper is one of my favorite margins bets. His counting numbers don’t stand out (9.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.2 APG). But man, he looks, plays, and is built like an NBA guard. He’s a good decision-maker who can create for others. He’s comfortable off the ball with deep shooting range (45.9% from three last season). Defensively, he has the size and power to contain wings. When South Carolina played Tennessee, he did a great job on Dalton Knecht, for example. He’s a great shot blocker for a guard. Cooper wasn’t a buzzy name, but I ranked him in my Top 100 (96th). He has the size, smarts, and selflessness to play the on/off-ball guard role if his shooting scales up.

Philadelphia 76ers

Two-Way Contract:
-Justin Edwards, 6’7.25”, Kentucky
-David Jones, 6’4.75”, Memphis

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Max Fiedler, 6’11.25”, Rice

At one point during the pre-season, Justin Edwards was the top prospect on my board. He ended the year ranked 54th overall. He didn’t meet expectations at Kentucky. He didn’t show much in the way of passing feel, he didn’t rebound as well as one might expect given his physical tools, and he often seemed a step behind the play defensively. While Edwards started slow, he did finish strong. He cleaned up his shot diet and showed more assertiveness from behind the arc. Over his final 16 games, he shot 45.5% from three on 2.8 attempts per game. Though perhaps overly reliant on leaping off two feet, he did convert 65.7% of his halfcourt rim attempts. All the defensive tools you could ask for are there. It’s going to take some time and developmental focus, but Edwards may have the highest ceiling of any undrafted prospect. He can shoot, he can finish, and he’s had great moments as a defender. The connective tissue just needs to come along.

David Jones had a spectacular scoring season at Memphis, posting 21.8 PPG on 45.9/38.0/79.7 splits. Even with that giant offensive workload, Jones never took plays off. He’s one of the highest motor players in this draft, and he’s received positive character reviews behind the scenes. It’s rare to see high-usage players with a 3.8 STL% and 1.5 BLK%, but that’s what Jones did. The issue for Jones is that he’s on the smaller side (height and length wise) for an NBA wing while being an erratic decision-maker with the ball in his hands. He can force his way into traffic or throw questionable passes, leading to a 1.8-to-3.0 assist-to-turnover mark this year. If Jones can scale back in his role and improve his decision-making, he could find a role as an off-the-bench spark plug.

Max Fiedler is a super-skilled tall guy. Rice ran their offense through him, and he handled that exceptionally well, posting 5.3 APG to 2.3 TOV. His 35.1 AST% is about as good as you’ll find for a center. His handle and passing game should lend itself well to a modern offense. Still, Fiedler isn’t a floor spacer, and his limited athleticism hurts him on defense. Adding a three-ball so that his defense can outweigh his offense or adding the pop to protect the rim are the paths for him.

Phoenix Suns

Two-Way Contract:
-Jalen Bridges, 6’8”, Baylor

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Tyrese Samuel, 6’9.25”, Florida
-Boo Buie, 6’2”, Northwestern
-Tyson Walker, 6’0.5”, Michigan State

Congratulations to the Phoenix Suns—you are this year’s winner of the best undrafted free agent sweepstakes! Jalen Bridges ranked 33rd on my board, and honestly, I wouldn’t have hated a team reaching for him in the first. As a five-year college guy, he is older, and he never had a super high usage role. But Bridges is good at the NBA role player stuff. He made 41.2% of his threes on high volume this year. He’s capable of flying off actions to hit them, too. Bridges is also a solid finisher with a bit more handle and passing pizzazz than he gets credit for. At 213.4 pounds with a 6’10” wingspan, he has NBA wing size. Defensively, he has a good fundamental baseline and posted a 2.0 STL% and BLK% this past season. The “3-and-D plus” tools required of an NBA wing are all present in Jalen Bridges. The question is whether or not he can play that role as well in the NBA, but I think he’s got a great shot at it.

Tyrese Samuel is an interesting big man prospect. He’s never quite been a rim protector (career 3.7 BLK%) nor a floor spacer (career 27% three-point shooter). Still, he has moments where he showcases real bounce or a polished face-up game. Despite his strength at 239 pounds, he can move quickly to nab steals on defense. I’m not quite sure where he lands positionally, but Samuel has good physical tools and a solid level of feel, which is worth something.

Boo Buie was a First-Team All-Big Ten selection this past year. He’s also been a key part of Northwestern’s recent basketball success. He’s a classic table-setting guard, but he does bring a real scoring punch, too. Buie scorched the nets from deep this year, hitting 43.4% of his triples. Athletically, he’ll be a step behind the curve. He struggled at the rim and will face new challenges defensively at the next level. Tyson Walker is a takeover scorer who scored 18.4 PPG last season. Despite his lack of size, he can really bring it defensively on the right day. Prior to his Michigan State transfer, he’d won a CAA DPOY Award. If Tyson can bring that type of intensity as he scales back in his offensive role, he could get serious looks.

Portland Trail Blazers

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Jacky Cui, 6’7.75”, Guangzhou

Summer League Deal:
-Quinn Ellis, 6’4.25”, Trento

21-year-old wing Jacky Cui put himself on the map with a solid outing at G League Elite Camp. He’s a dribble-pass-shoot prospect who moves well without the ball and can shoot off of movement. Defensively, he made a good amount of plays in the CBA. With a 6’9” wingspan and a 202-pound frame, he’s not going to be too far behind the physicality curve. Right now, he’s lacking an in-between game, with his pull-up shot being far less efficient than his off-the-catch work. Mechanically, his body looks a little out of sync on those attempts. Adding that level of dynamism should help differentiate him from other shooters.

Quinn Ellis ranked 85th on my final board. The lefty guard is a stellar defender, using his length to make life difficult for opposing guards. He’s a trustworthy decision-maker. While his shot looks good, and he’s not short on confidence, Ellis only hit 29.6% of his threes last year. The feel and size are there. For Ellis, it’s just a matter of becoming a consistent threat from distance.

Sacramento Kings

Two Way Contract:
-Isaiah Crawford, 6’6.5”, Louisiana Tech
-Isaac Jones, 6’9”, Washington State

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Boogie Ellis, 6’2”, USC
-Lucas Dufeal, 6’8”, Vichy

Summer League Deal:

-Hason Ward, 6’9”, Iowa State
-Kenan Blackshear, 6’6.25”, Nevada
-Fardaws Aimaq, 6’10.5”, California

Isaiah Crawford ranked 46th on my final board, but he is a Draft Twitter favorite. It’s easy to see why—he’s a hair under 220 pounds with a 7’0.5” wingspan, and he’s a phenomenal defensive playmaker. His 3.8 STL% and 5.8 BLK% are otherworldly. Even better, he does it in the most fundamentally sound way possible. It’s exceptionally rare to see those types of numbers from a guy who feels like he’s playing within himself on defense so often. His help instincts are sublime. On ball, his power and length help him to contain a variety of opponents. I do have questions on offense. While he hit 41.7% of his threes over the past two seasons, the volume was low. He often operates in less efficient areas of the court. While he has great moments as a passer, he did have a negative assist-to-turnover ratio this past year, which is always concerning for older wing prospects. He’s also dealt with knee issues in the past. Even with those flaws, it’s hard to be too low on Crawford. He’s got an elite skill, he’s up to the task physically, and at least not incapable of shooting or passing. It may take some re-wiring, but the tools are here.

Isaac Jones is a late bloomer who finished 82nd on my board. At 6’9” with a 7’3” wingspan and a strong 237-pound frame, he looks the part of an NBA 4/5. He’s a “makes stuff happen” guy who earned rave reviews on the character front throughout the pre-draft process. He performed well at G League Elite Camp and earned an All-Tournament Team nod at the Portsmouth Invitational. My concern with Jones is still that I’m not quite sure what his NBA role is. He’s not a floor spacer (21.2% from three in two college seasons) or playmaker (9.9 AST% last year), and he’s not a true defensive anchor (3.4% BLK% this season). The good news for him is that smaller bigs tend to clean up in the G League, and front office people buy him as a human being. That should give him time to work out the kinks in his game and define an identity for himself as a professional player, if nothing else.

Boogie Ellis (84th on my board) can really shoot the ball. He has logo range and drained 41.2% of his threes on high volume this past season. Ellis also made strides defensively the past two years, too. The issue for Ellis is that he’s an undersized guard who doesn’t make plays or finish at a high level. Typically, players in that mold need to be plus defenders to carve out an NBA role. Given his stature, that could be an uphill battle. For Ellis, developing as a passer and finisher could help get him a more substantial contract. Lucas Dufeal is an awesome athlete who played in France’s top pro league last year. He’s a bouncy mover who swatted 1.8 shots per game in only 19.7 MPG. At 6’8” and 198 pounds, he’s in a tricky spot positionally. He’s too small to play the NBA five. The four spot is dicey because he only hit 12.5% of his threes and 45.7% of his free throws. If he can get something going on the shooting front at some point, there might be something to work with.

Hason Ward might not have the greatest counting stats—6.0 PPG and 3.8 RPG in 15.9 MPG. But there’s a reason he received multiple NBA team workouts. Ward is an ultra-physical, high-motor grinder who can defend anybody. He had a 4.1 STL% and 10.5 BLK% this past season, which is Ryan Dunn level stuff. He’s a good finisher and solid decision-maker, too. Still, Ward isn’t a true center or a floor spacer, which always makes things difficult. As a subpar free throw shooter (career 64.3 FT%), the shot is unlikely to come, too. But Ward’s outrageous defensive production, size, and athleticism give him more of a chance to get a two-way at some point than his counting stats might suggest. Keenan Blackshear is a jumbo playmaker who (5.0 APG) and multipositional defender (2.7 STL%, 1.9 BLK%). He’ll need to become a more respectable shooter, though, as he shot 28.4% from deep across five college seasons. Fardaws Aimaq is a strong interior big. He controls the glass on both ends of the floor. He’s skilled, too. He’s got a deep post bag, can step out and hit a jumper, and he’s a savvy passer. At 25.5 years old, Aimaq is fairly ground bound, which hinders his ability to anchor a defense.

San Antonio Spurs

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Riley Minix, 6’8”, Morehead State

Summer League Deal:
-DJ Horne, 6’1.25”, North Carolina State
-Darin Green Jr., 6’5”, Florida State

Riley Minix was one of my favorite two-way targets. I’m much higher on consensus than him, and ranked him 45th on my final board. Minix is big and strong at 235 pounds. He’s a powerful screener, physical on-ball defender, and good screener. He has the bounce to finish above the rim. Minix defends well within a team concept and consistently makes plays as a helper (2.3 STL%, 3.1 BLK%). While he only shot 34.9% from deep this year, he hit over 40% of his triples during his four prior years at the NAIA level. Simply put, Minix is a strong dude who does a lot of stuff well. He’s older (nearly 24), he’s slower-footed, and he’ll have to cut out the mid-post element of his game to better fit the NBA style. But it’s tough to find a more productive all-around player who does the little things as well as Minix, especially with a pro frame.

DJ Horne is a scoring guard who played an integral role in NC State’s run to the Final Four. A 40.4% three-point shooter, Horne is lethal both pulling up and off the catch. Like many other guards on this list, his defense and playmaking will need to come along. Darin Green Jr. is also a fantastic shooter. He knocked down 38% of his threes on 11.8% per 100 possessions this past season. Green also produced steals at a high clip last season (2.6 STL%), so there’s a shade of 3-and-D to him. The other elements of his game could use work, though, as he’s not the most well-rounded prospect.

Toronto Raptors

Two-Way Contract:
-Branden Carlson, 7’1”, Utah

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Quincy Guerrier, 6’7.5”, Illinois

Summer League Deal:
-Dylan Disu, 6’9”, Texas
-Jamison Battle, 6’7.25”, Ohio State
-Tylor Perry, 5’11”, Kansas State
-Joe Girard III, 6’1.75”, Syracuse

Branden Carlson is one of my favorite two-way specialist bets in this class. He’s a real-deal movement shooter, which is exceedingly rare at his height. He knocked down 34.5% of his transition threes and 52.6% of his pick-and-pop threes thanks to his gorgeous shot prep mechanics. His coordination helps defensively, too. He moves well in space and can soar for blocks (career 6.6 BLK%). Sadly, there’s a reason he was 78th on my board and not 38th. He’s already 25 years old, he’s 219 pounds, and he’s not a great rebounder. As a result, if Carlson hits, he’s going to hit fast, and if he doesn’t, it could be curtains for him as an NBA guy. It’s also tough to imagine a physical transformation given his age. Still, Carlson presents a rare skill for his size that can give an NBA squad a unique stylistic advantage on a given night. To me, that’s worth a swing.

Dylan Disu ended the year 88th for me. He’s a tall stat-sheet stuffer. He’s best on defense, where he can guard a variety of positions and makes plays on a consistent basis (2.4 stocks per game). There are major questions about his shot. He made 45.1% of his threes this year, but past inconsistencies and a release that occasionally sees his guide hand come entirely off the ball at times leaves room for doubt. Jamison Battle (83rd on my board) is the near opposite of Disu. He’s also physically big, but he’s primarily a shooter. Battle converted 43.3% of his threes on high volume this past year. That said, he didn’t offer much as a rebounder, defender, or passer. Tylor Perry fits a recent Raptors type (small guard from Kansas State). He can get microwave hot as a scorer and he has some passing juice to him. Size will work against him, and he shot only 35.8% from the field in his only high-major season. Joe Girard is a lights-out shooter (41.3% from three on 7.1 attempts per game last season) and a solid decision-maker. His lack of size and athleticism could further limit his defense and playmaking at the next level, so he’ll need to make strides there.

Utah Jazz

Exhibit-10 Contract:
-Babacar Sane, 6’8”, G League Ignite
-Armando Bacot, 6’10.5”, North Carolina

Summer League Deal:
-Max Abmas, 6’0”, Texas
-Josh Pierre-Louis, 6’4”, UC-Santa Barbara

Babacar Sane has NBA physical traits. He’s bulky, strong, fast, and explosive. At his best, he’s an aggressive defensive playmaker and nasty above-the-rim finisher. There’s some connective tissue missing, though. At 20 years old, he’s still an inconsistent passer (0.7 APG to 1.6 TOV), and he only hit 26.3% of his threes this past season. Sane’s game needs significant refinement, but his motor and tools make him worthy of consideration.

Armando Bacot is a traditional powerhouse five. He’s always feasted on the glass and operated efficiently. Still, he should be commended for his defensive improvements this past year. He moved better in space and displayed greater discipline in ball screen defense. He’s still a little too ground bound for my liking, but he could get some real looks if the defense keeps improving.

Max Abmas rose to prominence after propelling Oral Roberts to a Cinderella run in the NCAA tournament. A career 38.3% three-point shooter on 13.7 threes per 100 possessions, he can shoot the lights out. At Texas, he refined his point guard skills and became a more traditional floor general, to an extent. Defensively and size-wise, he’ll still have his work cut out for him. Josh Pierre-Louis is sort of the opposite of Abmas. He’s a big, physical guard who uses his frame to fight downhill and lock down opponents. He’s been a reluctant shooter, though, and he’ll need to cut down on his turnovers (3.2 APG to 2.9 TOV) given his likely position at the next level.

Washington Wizards

-Tyler Robertson, 6’5.25”, Portland

It’s a hack move to compare Tyler Robertson to another Australia native, but there’s a lot of Joe Ingles to his game. He’s a physically strong, highly skilled wing who averaged 16.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 3.8 APG this past season. He’s a talented mid-range scorer and reliable three-point shooter (37.2% from deep) who can sling mesmerizing passes. He lacks lateral agility, which raises real questions as to who he guards in the NBA given his lack of length. Currently under a deal to play with the Sydney Kings in the NBL next season, he’s one to monitor for down the road if that comes around.

The John Butler Award

The first time I wrote this column, the highest-ranked player on my board who had yet to sign a contract was John Butler. Thus, The John Butler Award was born. As of press time, my highest-ranked player without a deal is Stanford’s Spencer Jones. I ranked Jones 44th on my board and had him in my two-way contract tier. The pitch is simple—Jones is a 6’7” forward with an NBA frame who shoots threes and defends at a high level. He made 39.7% of his threes during his college career on high volume. Defensively, his 2.8 STL% and 2.8 BLK% stand out. But he’s not just a playmaker. He gave first round pick Jaylon Tyson fits during their matchup. Jones also improved considerably as a ball mover this past season. A wrist injury late in the year limited his pre-draft process. But NBA teams are always looking for big wings who shoot, make good decisions, and defend. For Spencer Jones to be sitting on the sidelines at this point is mindboggling to me.