Likely my Final Big Board update, but here's where I'm at 15 days before the NBA Draft. Here's an explanation of my overall process:
Philosophy-wise, the four pillars to my scouting framework this cycle have been:
1. Playoff Versatility: Can this player hold their own when intensity and physicality ramp up?
2. Scheme Versatility: Can the player fit into a multitude of offensive/defensive schemes not built around them? Can they adapt?
3. Standout Skill(s): Does the player have a core skill(s) that they perform at an NBA level, which can earn them real minutes?
4. Developmental runway: What is the ROI on the prospect? How much growth is left, and what's their timeline?
How do I know if a player satisfies the pillar? Truth be told, each pillar is a spectrum rather than a checkbox. Basically, I examine how deep on each pillar's spectrum a player sits. The film tells me how a player acts in game-time situations. Their poise, athletic/physical functionality, and how they react in pressured moments. Analytics serve more as a litmus test and tell me if what they do is repeatable.
Tier-wise, my ranking follows:
1. Franchise Cornerstones: Players a team can build around long-term
2. Core Building Blocks: Maybe not who you want to build your franchise around, but a piece that can be a significant, upper option moving forward.
3. High End Contributor: Can have a defined role on a contending team and hold their own when the game tightens, but pose questions regarding one or more pillars.
4. Rotation Value/High ROI w Q's: Self explanatory, but split between older players possibly ready to play now and players with high reward if invested and developed properly.
5. Specialists: Know exactly what kind of player they are and how they function best. Usually, one skill that may get them on an NBA floor. Lower ceiling
6. Developmental projects: Fringe prospects with high variance in potential
Let me know any questions, comments, or concerns you have below! Open to any conversations.
#NBADraft