As a whole, the NBA Draft is always one for the talks. Seeing the next one-and-done’s declare for the draft is a clue that the NBA season is starting to come in full circle. Coming around the corner is the draft lottery and then the NBA championships roll into place. After a champion is crowned, the next step for the NBA is too look at the draft.
Now April, the draft is usually held in June. The night can be special for some young players who never thought they would hear their name called by the NBA commissioner. The moment they realize that they are going to be a pro athlete must be surreal.
For the viewers it can be interesting to see who the next great athlete is going to be. To give you a preview, I’ve made a list of three prospects who I think will have their named called on the first three spots of the NBA Draft this year.
1. DeAndre Ayton- Center, Arizona Freshman
The seven-footer 19 year old made his presence felt in the inside this season for the Wildcats. According to Sports Illustrated, Ayton averaged 20 points, 11 boards and 2 blocks per game. The big man showed soft touch and had physical abilities like athleticism, build and a nice touch for his jumper, rare for a
center. You could say that his one liability this past season was his defense, but he did improve throughout the year.
2. Luka Doncic- Point Guard, Real Madrid-Euro League
Luka Doncic stands at 6’8’ and 230 pounds, a taller than normal statue for a point guard. Doncic showed natural vision for only a 19-year-old in the Euro League. The Slovenian guard played for Real Madrid before declaring for the draft and shows as one if not the best promising upside and talent in the draft. He has a sweet looking stroke from behind the arc and has impressive accomplishments in the Euro League. His ball-handling skills make him a good court leader.
3. Mohamed Bamba- Center, Texas Freshman
Another seven-footer at 19 years of age that cannot be missed on a basketball court. The Texas Alumni spreads a 7’9” wingspan across his frame. At his one season at Texas, Sports Illustrated posts that Bamba blocked nearly four shots a game and also grabbed 10 and a half rebounds per game. His lengthy wingspan makes him able to defend nearly any shot around the rim. He posts as a big defensive threat that is able to block shots and get defensive rebounds. He has mobility and an offensive game that needs improvement but has great possibility. His lengthiness and verticality can be used to catch oops down low. The biggest liability for Bamba is toughness inside. Two big attributes of his game he could work on is being more physical and putting on more muscle.