[Willfb3Participant]

The class of 2018 looks promising and I could see multiple guys emerging as impact players over the next couple of years. In my opinion there are three tiers among the guys with lottery potential.

Tier 1: Ayton, Bagley, Porter, and Doncic stand out to me as the top guys. Every one of these guys has a scary combination of size, skill, athleticism, and potential and I wouldn’t let any of them silde passed the 4 spot.

Tier 2: Bamba, Sexton, Jackson Jr., Young, and Carter Jr. all have the chance to become good players but IMO don’t quite have the star potential as tier one guys. That doesn’t mean none of them will become stars, and I don’t see any of these players falling passed 9.

Tier 3: Bridges, Bridges, Knox, Shai GA, and Zhaire Smith are the next five guys I would look to draft. Many mocks have Robert Williams going in the lottery and he very well may, but I don’t see why. He’s very efficient around the rim and is crazy athletic, but at 6’9 he’s undersized and has no shooting ability whatsoever. I don’t project him being an impact player and for these reasons he remains off my list. The rest of the tier 3 guys all have potential to be very solid role players next season and seccur long NBA careers.

 

[Arc12345Participant]

 I think your tiers are pretty spot on. I do believe MPJ could fall massively depending on what teams think of his back but seriously talk about high risk high reward. Dude could easily be the best player in this draft.

The only thing I disagree with you about is Robert Williams. Dude might be 6’8 or 6’9 but this is perfect size for a small ball 5 and modern 4. His massive wingspan allows him to play much bigger than he really is. He’s also just tough.

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I like that Tier 2 group.

Tier 1: Porter has back issues and he is a mystery as far as post-HS production goes.  Was skinny in HS, so will he fill out?  The rest of those guys have major issues regarding defensive projection.  Doncic lacks speed/athleticism and isn’t a pure shooter.  LD also looks a bit chubby.

If I had to redo tiers it I might have Tier 1, Tier 1a, Tier 2, Tier 2a, and then a Tier 3 which might take you into the early 2nd round.

Tier 1 might only be Ayton and Bamba with 7 or 8 guys competing for Tier 1a or Tier 2.

Or, I just have Bamba as a Tier 1 guy with 4 or 5 (at least) being potential Tier 1a players.

Bamba projects as the best shot blocker, rim protector, and rebounder in the draft.  Also projects as a guy who should be a dunk artist, a big man who can hit a decent clip from the line, and a guy with a developing 3 point shot.  IF he can defend guys 20 to 25 feet from the basket then he would end up being the top pick in 90% of all drafts in NBA history.

 

 

 

 

 

[kobyzParticipant]

 I would add Mitchell Robinson to tyer 3 instead of z smith, he reminds me the raw prospect Clint Capela was at that time, seems like talanted competitive kid at that size…

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