2014 NBA Draft Final Talent Grades and More: The Draft the SG Position Strikes Back?
Here is my rankings for the 2014 NBA Draft!
In 2012 and 2013 my draft big board was just my rating of the players talent level, using my system. I have never felt players are guaranteed to reach their talent, certainly factors like player intangibles and opportunity are important for a player’s success. My belief is more that the most odds-friendly strategy to draft is to take the most talented player anyways and then hope for the best, especially if a team can put a good context around him to develop him.
After some of the players I’ve bullish about in the last 2 drafts started slowly and are at risk of never reaching the minutes to develop (I tend to think 7,000-8,000 minutes+ is a good benchmark for when players need to start proving themselves – for example some prospects I rated highly in 2012 haven’t even gotten to 2000 yet), I’ve added some extra models this year after my traditional one. Here are my models:
Model 1 – My traditional talent grades
Model 2 – My grades weighted against ESPN.com/conventional wisdom
Model 3 – My grades weighted against college PER (adjusted for age)
Model 4 – My grades weighted against analytics (with the help of Layne Vasharo’s statistical model who can be found on twitter here and whose models can be found here )
It’s possible a more successful way to draft is to mix it with other factors like conventional draft rankings and statistics. Another benefit is these extra models could better predict who produces early, which is important, since lots of talented picks still don’t pan out in time for the team who drafts them. At the least, it’s worth posting these models to test their results.
Model 1 – Traditional talent rankings
This year I added the final pieces to my talent grading methodology. From the 2012 to 2013 drafts I developed the methodology for my feel for the game and skill impact categories to a similar place they are today, but from last year’s draft to now, in my physical impact category I have made major changes – including what I see as a reliably technique to judging NBA slashing ability and weight it against length, strength and lateral mobility. In March I posted a review of how I grade my 3 categories, but I have actually found a few more tricks and improved how I grade the physical impact category in the few months since that post.
I understand some are turned off by the subjectivity of a grading method like this. What I try to remember is to grade every player the exact same consistent way. I repeat my method for every player as identically as I can and then post my results whatever they are and without confirmation bias, no matter how close or far they are from the conventional rankings. Some people may be shocked at players ranked high or low in this draft, but it’s what my consistent system told me to grade. I trust the process and if it leads to incorrect rankings, I’ll improve the process and the system at a later date.
In addition to my grades I post a “contextual chance of success” grade. These factors include how high a player is picked in the draft, injury, international buyout, attitude, how competitive a position is (PG is more competitive than C for example). This doesn’t affect the rankings at all, it’s just worth mentioning as a placeholder.
When players have the same grade I break the tie according to who’s combined physical impact and feel for the game grades are higher, taking into account more variability in the skill impact category. If the combined grade in those 2 categories is a tie, I then choose the higher feel for the game since I feel most confident about rating that category. Finally if all three categories are identically graded, I rate the “bigger” position 1st.
The dominant position in these rankings are SG with 10 of the top 30 rated players including 1st, 3rd, 5th, 10th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th, 30th. In the secondary models there are some concerns about whether the production matches this talent, but if everyone pans out, this could be the long awaited revenge of the 2 guard spot with multiple stars and other blue chip starters behind them.
If a player doesn’t make the list, it’s because I didn’t rate their talent level, not that they weren’t good enough to make it. I have 80 prospects ranked and tried to include everyone relevant.
My talent grades:
1. SG Bogdan Bogdanovic
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 9 / Elite
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade – 9 / Elite
Total talent grade: 25 (Perennial all-star talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 18
Contextual chance of success grade: B- ( International buyout Bubble 1st round draft pick )
NBA Comparisons: Brandon Roy, Joe Johnson, James Harden
2. C Joel Embiid
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 8 / Great
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 8 / Great
Feel for the Game talent grade – 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 24 (Fringe perennial all-star talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 16
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( Injury High draft pick Rare position )
NBA Comparisons: Pau Gasol, Brook Lopez, Tim Duncan
3. SG Nik Stauskas
Physical/motion impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade: 7 / Very good
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade: 10 / Incredible
Feel for the Game talent grade: 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 24 (Fringe Perennial all-star talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 14
Contextual chance of success grade: A ( High draft pick )
NBA Comparisons: Manu Ginobili, Ray Allen, Jamal Crawford
4. PF Adreian Payne
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 8 / Great
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 22 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 14
Contextual chance of success grade: B ( Mid 1st round draft pick Lung condition )
NBA Comparisons: David Lee, Amir Johnson, Taj Gibson
5. SG Spencer Dinwiddie
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 9 / Elite
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 22 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 13
Contextual chance of success grade: C+ ( Injury Bubble 1st round draft pick )
NBA Comparisons: Gordon Hayward, Danny Green, SG Chandler Parsons
6. PG Shabazz Napier
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 9 / Elite
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 22 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 13
Contextual chance of success grade: B+ ( Mid 1st round draft pick Competitive position )
NBA Comparisons: Isaiah Thomas, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul
7. PF Julius Randle
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade: 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade: 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 21 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 15
Contextual chance of success grade: A ( High draft pick )
NBA Comparisons: Zach Randolph, Paul Millsap, Blake Griffin
8. SF Deandre Daniels
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade – 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 21 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 15
Contextual chance of success grade: B ( Bubble 1st rounder )
NBA Comparisons: Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Trevor Ariza
9. PF Dario Saric
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade – 10 / Incredible
Total talent grade: 21 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 14
Contextual chance of success grade: A- ( International buyout High lottery pick )
NBA Comparisons: Boris Diaw, Jeff Green, Hedo Turkoglu
10. SG Jordan Adams
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 21 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 14
Contextual chance of success grade: B- ( Bubble 1st round pick Conditioning)
NBA Comparisons: Joe Johnson, James Harden, Arron Afflalo
11. PF Noah Vonleh
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 8 / Great
Feel for the Game talent grade – 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 21 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score(Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 13
Contextual chance of success grade: A ( High draft pick )
NBA Comparisons: David West, Zach Randolph, Al Jefferson
12. SF Doug McDermott
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade: 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade: 10 / Incredible
Feel for the Game talent grade: 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 21 (Blue chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 11
Contextual chance of success grade: A ( High draft pick)
NBA Comparisons: Antawn Jamison, Peja Stojakovic, SF J.J. Redick
13. PF Aaron Gordon
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 8 / Great
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Feel for the Game talent grade – 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 20 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 16
Contextual chance of success grade: A ( High draft pick )
NBA Comparisons: Kenneth Faried, Blake Griffin, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Dennis Rodman
14. SG Dante Exum
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 8 / Great
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 20 ( Blue Chip starter talent grade )
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 15
Contextual chance of success grade: A ( High draft pick )
NBA Comparisons: Goran Dragic, Lance Stephenson, Dwyane Wade
15. PF Cameron Bairstow
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade – 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 20 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 14
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round/undrafted )
NBA Comparisons: Taj Gibson, Paul Millsap, Al Horford
16. SG Zach LaVine
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 20 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 14
Contextual chance of success grade: A- ( Mid 1st round pick )
NBA Comparisons: Louis Williams, Monta Ellis, Dion Waiters
17. PF Damien Inglis
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade – 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 20 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades: 13
Contextual chance of success grade: B- ( International buyout Bubble 1st round pick )
NBA Comparisons: Jeff Green, Lamar Odom, Kawhi Leonard
18. SG P.J. Hairston
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 20 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion grade (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 13
Contextual chance of success grade: B- ( Bubble 1st rounder Attitude )
NBA Comparisons: Wesley Matthews, Arron Afflalo, Danny Green
19. SF Rodney Hood
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 8 / Great
Feel for the Game talent grade – 9 / Elite
Total talent grade: 20 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 12
Contextual chance of success grade: B+ ( Mid 1st round draft pick Pukes before games )
NBA Comparisons: Marco Belinelli, Mike Dunleavy, Jr., Mike Miller
20. PF Jabari Parker
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 9 / Elite
Feel for the Game talent grade – 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 20 ( Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 11
Contextual chance of success grade: A- ( High draft pick Conditioning )
NBA Comparisons: Markieff Morris/Marcus Morris, Antawn Jamison, Al Harrington
21. C Alec Brown
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 9 / Great
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 20 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 11
Contextual chance of success grade: C ( 2nd round pick/undrafted Rare position)
NBA Comparisons: Ryan Anderson, Mehmet Okur, Channing Frye
22. SF T.J. Warren
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 19 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 14
Contextual chance of success grade: B ( Bubble 1st rounder )
NBA Comparisons: Thaddeus Young, Draymond Green, Marcus Morris/Markieff Morris
23. SG Marcus Smart
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 9 / Elite
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 5 / Average
Total talent grade: 19 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score: 14
Contextual chance of success grade: B+ ( High draft pick Competitive position Attitude )
NBA Comparisons: Lance Stephenson, Tyreke Evans, Rodney Stuckey
24. PG Russ Smith
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 19 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 13
Contextual chance of success grade: F ( 2nd round pick/undrafted Competitive position )
NBA Comparisons: Mike Conley, Jr., Ty Lawson, Darren Collison
25. SG Jordan McRae
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 19 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 13
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
NBA Comparisons: Gerald Green, Corey Brewer, Terrence Ross
26. C Jusuf Nurkic
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 8 / Great
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade – 5 / Average
Total talent grade: 19 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 13
Contextual chance of success grade: A- ( International buyout Mid 1st round pick Rare position )
NBA Comparisons: Kris Humphries, Nikola Pekovic, Mareese Speights
27. SF Andrew Wiggins
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 8 / Great
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade – 5 / Average
Total talent grade: 19 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 13
Contextual chance of success grade: A ( High draft pick )
NBA Comparisons: Gerald Green, Rudy Gay, Corey Brewer
28. SF Cleanthony Early
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade: 6 / Decent
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade: 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade: 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 19 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 12
Contextual chance of success grade: B ( Bubble 1st round pick )
NBA Comparisons: P.J. Tucker, Trevor Ariza, Omri Casspi
29. PF Kyle Anderson
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 2 / Very poor
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 8 / Great
Feel for the Game talent grade – 9 / Elite
Total talent grade: 19 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 11
Contextual chance of success grade: A- ( Mid 1st round draft pick )
NBA Comparisons: Boris Diaw, Hedo Turkoglu, Lamar Odom
30. SG C.J. Wilcox
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade: 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade: 8 / Great
Feel for the Game talent grade: 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 19 (Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score: 11
Contextual chance of success grade: B ( Bubble 1st round pick )
NBA Comparisons: Nick Young, Jamal Crawford, Marco Belinelli
31. C Mitch McGary
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 18 (Fringe Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 13
Contextual chance of success grade: C- ( Bubble 1st rounder Injury Weed violation)
NBA Comparisons: Anderson Varejao, Nick Collison, Marcin Gortat
32. PF Jerami Grant
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 18 (Fringe Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 13
Contextual chance of success grade: B ( Bubble 1st rounder )
NBA Comparisons: Kenneth Faried, Amir Johnson, Ed Davis
33. PG Jahii Carson
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 18 (Fringe Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 13
Contextual chance of success grade: F ( 2nd round pick/undrafted Competitive position )
NBA Comparisons: Kemba Walker, Ty Lawson, Darren Collison
34. C Clint Capela
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 8 / Great
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 5 / Average
Total talent grade: 18 (Fringe Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 13
Contextual chance of success grade: B ( Bubble 1st rounder Rare position )
NBA Comparisons: Marcus Camby, Chris Anderson, Serge Ibaka
35. C Nikola Jokic
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade – 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 18 (Fringe Blue Chip starter player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 11
Contextual chance of success grade: B ( International buyout Bubble 1st rounder Rare position )
NBA Comparisons: Spencer Hawes, Robin Lopez, Kosta Koufos
36. SF Lamar Patterson
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 18 (Fringe Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 11
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
NBA Comparisons: Tobias Harris, Draymond Green, Caron Butler
37. SG Markel Brown
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 18 (Fringe Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grade): 11
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
NBA Comparisons: Gary Neal, Courtney Lee, Randy Foye
38. SG Jabari Brown
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 18 (Fringe Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 11
Contextual chance of success grade: B- ( Bubble 1st rounder )
NBA Comparisons: Nick Young, Gerald Green, C.J. Miles
39. SG Gary Harris
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 8 / Great
Feel for the Game talent grade – 5 / Average
Total talent grade: 18 (Fringe Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 10
Contextual chance of success grade: A ( High draft pick )
NBA Comparisons: Jordan Crawford, Courtney Lee, Gary Neal
40. SG Travis Bader
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) – 1 / Terrible
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 9 / Elite
Feel for the Game talent grade – 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 18 (Fringe Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score: (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 9
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
NBA Comparisons: Jason Kapono, SG Steve Novak, Steve Kerr
41. PF Javon McCrea
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 17 (Fringe Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 13
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round/undrafted )
42. SF K.J. McDaniels
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 17 (Fringe Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 12
Contextual chance of success grade: B ( Bubble 1st rounder )
43. PG Keith Appling
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 17 (Fringe Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 12
Contextual chance of success grade: F ( 2nd round pick/undrafted Competitive position )
44. PF Patric Young
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 17 (Fringe Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game talent grade): 12
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
45. C Walter Tavares
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 5 / Average
Total talent grade: 17 (Fringe Blue Chip starter talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the game grades): 12
Contextual chance of success grade: B+ ( Bubble 1st rounder Rare position )
46. PF LaQuinton Ross
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 8 / Great
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 17 (Fringe Blue Chip starter player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the game grades): 9
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
47. PG Vasilije Micic
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Feel for the Game talent grade – 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 12
Contextual chance of success grade: F ( International buyout 2nd round pick/undrafted Competitive position )
48. SF Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion grade (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 12
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
49. PG DeAndre Kane
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 12
Contextual chance of success grade: F ( 2nd round pick/undrafted Competitive position )
50. PG Jordan Clarkson
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 11
Contextual chance of success grade: C ( Bubble 1st rounder Competitive position )
51. C Khem Birch
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 11
Contextual chance of success grade: C ( 2nd round pick/undrafted Rare position )
52. C Sim Bhullar
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades: 11
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round/undrafted Rare position Conditioning )
53. PG Deonte Burton
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades: 11
Contextual chance of success grade: F ( 2nd rounder/undrafted Competitive position )
54. PF Jarnell Stokes
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 2 / Very poor
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade – 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 10
Contextual chance of success grade: B ( Bubble 1st rounder )
55. SF James Young
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 10
Contextual chance of success grade: A- ( Mid 1st round pick )
56. PG Markel Starks
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 10
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round/undrafted )
57. PF Cory Jefferson
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 10
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
58. PF Shayne Whittington
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 2 / Very poor
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 9
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
59. SG Xavier Thames
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 2 / Very poor
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 9
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
60. SG Andre Dawkins
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 9
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round/undrafted )
61. PG Bryce Cotton
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 1 / Terrible
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 9 / Elite
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 16 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 7
Contextual chance of success grade: F ( 2nd round pick/undrafted Competitive position )
62. PG Elfrid Payton
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 15 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 12
Contextual chance of success grade: A- ( High draft pick Competitive position )
63. SF Glenn Robinson III
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 15 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 11
Contextual chance of success grade: B- ( Bubble 1st rounder )
64. SG Semaj Christon
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 15 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 11
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd rounder/undrafted )
65. PF James Michael McAdoo
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 5 / Average
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 15 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 11
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
66. PG Tyler Ennis
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 2 / Very poor
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 8 / Great
Total talent grade: 15 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 10
Contextual chance of success grade: B+ ( Mid 1st round pick Competitive position )
67. PF Johnny O’Bryant
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 15 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 10
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
68. PF Dwight Powell
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 15 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 10
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
69. PF Josh Huestis
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 15 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 10
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
70. SG Fuquan Edwin
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 15 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 10
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
71. SG Joe Harris
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 2 / Very poor
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade – 7 / Very good
Total talent grade: 15 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact +Feel for the Game grades): 9
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
72. SG Roy Devyn Marble
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 15 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 9
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
73. SG Nick Johnson
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 6 / Decent
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 15 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 9
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
74. PG Scottie Wilbekin
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 2 / Very poor
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 15 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 8
Contextual chance of success grade: F ( 2nd round pick/undrafted Competitive position )
75. SF Melvin Ejim
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 14 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 9
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
76. C Alex Kirk
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 2 / Very poor
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 7 / Very good
Feel for the Game talent grade – 5 / Average
Total talent grade: 14 (Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 7
Contextual chance of success grade: C ( 2nd round pick/undrafted Rare position)
77. SF C.J. Fair
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 13 (Fringe Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 9
Contextual chance of success grade: D ( 2nd round pick/undrafted )
78. PG Aaron Craft
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 4 / Lacking
Feel for the Game talent grade – 6 / Decent
Total talent grade: 13 (Fringe Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 9
Contextual chance of success grade: F ( 2nd round pick/undrafted Competitive position )
79. C Jordan Bachynski
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 5 / Average
Total talent grade: 13 (Fringe Rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 8
Contextual chance of success grade: C ( 2nd round pick/undrafted Rare position )
80. C Artem Klimenko
Physical motion/impact (Explosiveness, ballhandling, size, lateral quickness) talent grade – 3 / Weak
Skill impact (Shoot, post, pass) talent grade – 5 / Average
Feel for the Game talent grade – 5 / Average
Total talent grade: 13 (Fringe rotation player talent grade)
Total motion score (Physical motion/impact + Feel for the Game grades): 8
Contextual chance of success grade: D+ (International buyout 2nd round/undrafted Rare position)
Model 2 – ESPN.com weighted rankings
To calculate this I simply take my talent grade in Model 1, add it the prospect’s rating ESPN/Chad Ford’s top 100 (As of June 23rd), then divide the numbers by two. This creates a more balanced rating between my ratings and conventional wisdom. One benefit of this is that if it’s more likely a player succeeds the higher he’s picked in the draft, this helps account for this. Some of the players who rated high on my list, but in the 2nd round/undrafted on Ford’s list, fall heavily down the board in this model.
Players out of Ford’s top 100 receive a ranking of 101.
(E) refers to ESPN rank, (J) refers to my talent grade rank.
1. C Joel Embiid 4 (E) + 2 (J) = 3.0
2. SG Nik Stauskas 11 (E) + 3 (J) = 7.0
3. PF Julius Randle 8 (E) + 7 (J) = 7.5
4. PF Noah Vonleh 5 (E) + 11 (J) = 8.0
5. PF Dario Saric 9 (E) + 9 (J) = 9.0
6. PF Aaron Gordon 7 (E) + 13 (J) = 10
7. PF Jabari Parker 2 (E) + 20 (J) = 11.0
8. PF Adreian Payne 19 (E) + 4 (J) = 11.5
9. SF Doug McDermott 12 (E) + 12 (J) = 12.0
10. PG Shabazz Napier 22 (E) + 6 (J) = 14.0
11. SF Andrew Wiggins 1(E) + 27 (J) = 14.0
12. PG/SG Marcus Smart 6 (E) + 23 (J) = 14.5
13. SG Zach LaVine 14 (E) + 16 (J) = 15.0
14. PG/SG Dante Exum 3 (E) + 14 (J) = 17
15. SG P.J. Hairston 18 (E) + 18 (J) = 18.0
16. SG Jordan Adams 27 (E) + 10 (J) = 18.5
17. SF T.J. Warren 20 (E) + 22 (J) = 21.0
18. C Jusuf Nurkic 17 (E) + 26 (J) = 21.5
19. SF Rodney Hood 25 (E) + 19 (J) = 22.0
20. SG Spencer Dinwiddie 40 (E) + 5 (J) = 22.5
21. SG Bogdan Bogdanovic 45 (E) + 1 (J) = 23.0
22. SF/PF Damien Inglis 30 (E) + 17 (J) = 23.5
23. SG Gary Harris 10 (E) + 39 (J) = 24.5
24. PF Kyle Anderson 23 (E) + 29 (J) = 26
25. PF Clint Capela 24 (E) + 34 (J) = 29.0
26. SF Cleanthony Early 32 (E) + 28 (J) = 30.0
27. C Mitch McGary 29 (E) + 31 (J) = 30.0
28. SG C.J. Wilcox 34 (E) + 30 (J) = 32.0
29. PF Jerami Grant 33 (E) + 32 (J) = 32.5
30. C Nikola Jokic 31 (E) + 35 (J) = 33.0
31. SF Deandre Daniels 59 (E) + 8 (J) = 33.5
32. SF K.J. McDaniels 26 (E) + 42 (J) = 34.0
33. SF James Young 15 (E) + 55 (J) = 35.0
34. SG Jordan McRae 47 (E) + 25 (J) = 36.0
35. PF Jarnell Stokes 21 (E) + 54 (J) = 37.5
36. PG Elfrid Payton 13 (E) + 62 (J) = 37.5
37. PG Jordan Clarkson 28 (E) + 50 (J) = 39.0
38. PF Patric Young 36 (E) + 44 (J) = 40.0
39. PG Russ Smith 58 (E) + 24 (J) = 41.0
40. C Walter Tavares 37 (E) + 45 (J) = 41.0
41. PG Tyler Ennis 16 (E) + 66 (J) = 41.0
42. PF Javon McCrea 43 (E) + 41 (J) = 42.0
43. SG Lamar Patterson 50 (E) + 36 (J) = 43.0
44. PG Jahii Carson 54 (E) + 33 (J) = 43.5
45. PG Vasilije Micic 41 (E) + 47 (J) = 44.0
46. PF Khem Birch 42 (E) + 51 (J) = 46.5
47. SF Thanasis Antetokounmpo 48 (E) + 48 (J) = 48.0
48. SF Glenn Robinson III 35 (E) + 63 (J) = 49.0
49. SG Markel Brown 64 (E) + 37 (J) = 50.5
50. SG Jabari Brown 67 (E) + 38 (J) = 52.5
51. C Alec Brown 86 (E) + 21 (J) = 53.5
52. SG Semaj Christon 44 (E) + 64 (J) = 54.0
53. SG Joe Harris 38 (E) + 71 (J) = 54.5
54. PG Bryce Cotton 49 (E) + 61 (J) = 55.0
55. PG DeAndre Kane 65 (E) + 49 (J) = 57.0
56. PG Deonte Burton 61 (E) + 53 (J) = 57.0
57. PF Cameron Bairstow unranked 101 (E) + 15 (J) = 58.0
58. PF LaQuinton Ross 70 (E) + 46 (J) = 58.0
59. PF Johnny O’Bryant 52 (E) + 67 (J) = 59.5
60. C Artem Klimenko 39 (E) + 80 (J) = 59.5
61. SG Travis Bader 81 (E) + 40 (J) = 60.5
62. PG Keith Appling 80 (E) + 43 (J) = 61.5
63. PF Cory Jefferson 66 (E) + 57 (J) = 61.5
64. SG Roy Devyn Marble 53 (E) + 72 (J) = 62.5
65. PF James Michael McAdoo 62 (E) + 65 (J) = 63.5
66. PF Dwight Powell 63 (E) + 68 (J) = 65.5
67. PG Nick Johnson 60 (E) + 73 (J) = 66.5
68. PF C.J. Fair 56 (E) + 77 (J) = 66.5
69. SG Xavier Thames 76 (E) + 59 (J) = 67.5
72. PG Aaron Craft 68 (E) + 78 (J) = 73
71. SF Melvin Ejim 72 (E) + 75 (J) = 73.5
72. PG Scottie Wilbekin 74 (E) + 74 (J) = 74.0
73. C Jordan Bachynski 73 (E) + 79 (J) = 76
74. C Sim Bhullar unranked 101 + 52 (J) = 76.5
75. PG Markel Starks unranked 101 + 56 (J) = 78.5
76. PF Josh Huestis 89 (E) + 69 (J) = 79.0
77. SG Fuquan Edwin 88 (E) + 70 (J) = 79.0
78. PF Shayne Whittington unranked 101 (E) + 58 (J) = 79.5
79. SG Andre Dawkins unranked 101 + 60 (J) = 80.5
80. C Alex Kirk 85 (E) + 76 (J) = 80.5
Parker and Wiggins benefit here for obvious reasons. While players like Bogdanovic, Dinwiddie, Bairstow, Brown fall heavily. The top 19 players are ranked in the top 30 on both lists and may be very good bets to reach whatever talent they may have.
Model 3 – PER/Age weighting
In this model I use college PER and a player’s age as a model. To adjust for age I used these benchmarks, Freshman: 22 PER, Sophomore: 24 PER, Junior: 26 PER, Senior: 28 PER. I take the prospects difference between their PER and this benchmark, then add this difference to my model 1 talent grade. For example Joel Embiid is a freshman C with a 28.6 PER, so that’s (+6.6) compared to the freshman benchmark of 22. I then add this to my talent grade of (24) to get a total sum of 30.6, which tops the list. Those numbers are written like this ” Freshman C Joel Embiid 28.6 PER (+6.6) (24) = 30.6 ”
For international prospects I just left their grade as what it was after the talent grading model. For P.J. Hairston I used his 2012-2013 UNC season.
1. Freshman C Joel Embiid 28.6 PER (+6.6) (24) = 30.6
2. Senior SF Doug McDermott 33.1 PER (21) (+5.8) = 26.8
3. Freshman PF Jabari Parker 28.7 PER (+6.7) (20) = 26.7
4. Sophomore SF T.J. Warren 31.6 PER (+7.6) (19) = 26.6
5. Sophomore SG Jordan Adams 28.7 PER (+4.7) (21) = 25.7
6. International SG Bogdan Bogdanovic (25) = 25
7. Freshman PF Julius Randle 24.9 PER (+2.9) (21) = 23.9
8. Sophomore SG P.J. Hairston 27.1 PER (+3.1) (20) = 23.1
9. Sophomore SG Nik Stauskas 22.9 PER (-1.1) (24) = 22.9
10. Sophomore SG Marcus Smart 27.2 PER (+3.2) (19) = 22.2
11. Freshman PF Noah Vonleh 22.8 PER (+0.8) (21) = 21.8
12. Senior PF Cameron Bairstow 29.3 PER (+1.3) (20) = 21.3
13. Junior SG Spencer Dinwiddie 25.1 PER (-0.9) (22) = 21.1
14. Sophomore C Mitch McGary 27.0 PER (+3.0) (18) = 21.0
15. International PF Dario Saric (21) = 21.0
16. Sophomore PF Kyle Anderson 25.2 PER (+1.2) (19) = 20.2
17. Senior PG Shabazz Napier 26.0 PER (-2.0) (22) = 20.0
18. International SG Dante Exum (20) = 20.0
19. International PF Damien Inglis = 20.0
20. Senior PF Javon McCrea 30.8 PER (+2.8) (17) = 19.8
21. Junior SF K.J. McDaniels 28.7 PER (+2.7) (17) = 19.7
22. Senior SG Jordan McRae 23.7 PER (-4.3) (19) = 19.4
23. Senior PF Adreian Payne 25.2 PER (-2.8) (22) = 19.2
24. International C Jusuf Nurkic (19) = 19.0
25. Freshman PF Aaron Gordon 20.9 PER (20) (-1.1) = 18.9
26. Freshman SF Andrew Wiggins 21.8 PER (-0.2) (19) = 18.8
27. International C Clint Capela (18)
28. International C Nikola Jokic (18)
29. Senior SF Cleanthony Early 26.7 PER (-1.3) (19) = 17.7
30. Junior PF Jarnell Stokes 27.5 PER (+1.5) (16) = 17.5
31. Senior PG Russ Smith 26.4 PER (-1.6) (19) = 17.4
32. International C Walter Tavares (17)
33. Sophomore SG Gary Harris 22.8 PER (-1.2) (18) = 16.8
34. Senior C Khem Birch 26.7 PER (+0.7) (16) = 16.7
35. Sophomore C Sim Bhullar 24.6 PER (+0.6) (16) = 16.6
36. Sophomore SG Rodney Hood 20.3 PER (-3.7) (20) = 16.3
37. Sophomore PF Jerami Grant 22.0 PER (-2.0) (18) = 16.0
38. International PG Vasilijie Micic (16)
39. D League SF Thanasis Antetokounmpo (16)
40. Junior SF Deandre Daniels 20.5 PER (-5.5) (21) = 15.5
41. Senior SG Xavier Thames 27.0 PER (-1.0) (16) = 15.0
42. Senior C Alec Brown 22.7 PER (-5.3) (20) = 14.7
43. Freshman PG Tyler Ennis 21.7 PER (-0.3) (15) = 14.7
44. Junior SG Jabari Brown 22.4 PER (-3.6) (18) = 14.4
45. Senior SF Lamar Patterson 24.5 PER (-3.5) (18) = 14.5
46. Senior PF Shayne Whittington 25.5 PER (-2.5) (16) = 13.5
47. Junior PG Elfrid Payton 24.4 PER (-1.6) (15) = 13.4
48. Senior SG C.J. Wilcox 22.3 PER (-5.7) (19) = 13.3
49. Junior PF LaQuinton Ross 22.1 PER (-3.9) (17) = 13.1
50. Senior PG Deonte Burton 25.1 PER (-2.9) (16) = 13.1
51. International C Artem Klimenko (13)
52. Freshman SG Zach Lavine 14.9 PER (-7.1) (20) = 12.9
53. Senior SG Markel Brown 22.3 PER (-5.7) (18) = 12.3
54. Senior PG Bryce Cotton 24.1 PER (-3.9) (16) = 12.1
55. Senior PF Cory Jefferson 23.8 PER (-4.2) (16) = 11.8
56. Senior PF Patric Young 22.4 (-5.6) (17) = 11.4
57. Sophomore PG Jahii Carson 17.3 PER (-6.7) (18) = 11.3
58. Senior PG Deandre Kane 22.9 PER (-5.1) (16) = 10.9
59. Junior SG Nick Johnson 21.9 (-4.1) (15) = 10.9
60. Freshman SG James Young 16.8 PER (-5.2) (16) = 10.8
61. Senior SG Andre Dawkins 22.7 PER (-5.3) (16) = 10.7
62. Junior PG Jordan Clarkson 20.5 PER (-5.5) (16) = 10.5
63. Sophomore SG Semaj Christon 19.3 PER (-4.7) (15) = 10.3
64. Sophomore SF Glenn Robinson III 19.2 PER (-4.8) (15) = 10.2
65. Senior SG Roy Devyn Marble 22.9 (-5.1) (15) = 9.9
66. Junior PF James Michael McAdoo 20.7 PER (-5.3) (15) = 9.7
67. Senior SF Melvin Ejim 23.5 (-4.5) (14) = 9.5
68. Junior C Alex Kirk 21.1 (-4.9) (14) = 9.1
69. Junior PF Johnny O’Bryant 19.0 PER (-7.0) (15) = 8.0
70. Senior SG Travis Bader 17.8 PER (-10.2) (18) = 7.8
71. Senior SG Fuquan Edwin 20.5 PER (-7.5) (15) = 7.5
72. Senior C Jordan Bachynski 22.1 PER (-5.9) (13) = 7.1
73. Senior PF Dwight Powell 20.0 PER (-8.0) (15) = 7.0
74. Senior PG Markel Starks 17.9 PER (-10.1) (16) = 5.9
75. Senior PG Keith Appling 16.2 PER (-11.8) (17) = 5.2
76. Senior PG Scottie Wilbekin 18.0 (-10.0) (15) = 5.0
77. Senior PF Josh Huestis 17.6 PER (-10.2) (15) = 4.8
78. Senior SG Joe Harris 19.0 PER (-9.0) (15) = 4.0
79. Senior PF C.J. Fair 18.0 PER (-10.0) (13) = 3.0
80. Senior PG Aaron Craft 16.9 PER (-11.1) (13) = 2.9
Embiid’s production for his age for his talent, really makes it clear without health problems, he was an across the board home run pick. McDermott, Parker and Warren are big winners here for their fantastic seasons for their age.
Model 3 – Part II
Here’s another way to look at the PER adjusted model. I took only the players “above average” in PER from their freshman (22)/sophomore (24)/junior (26)/senior (28) benchmarks at the beginning of Model 3 and separated them as a list from the players below those benchmarks. Then within these groups, I ordered players by their rank on my Model 1/talent grades. Therefore the talent grade is the determining factor but only after the players production is deemed above expectations according to my PER benchmarks.
Above PER benchmark:
Freshman C Joel Embiid 28.6 PER (+6.6) (24) = 30.6
Freshman PF Julius Randle 24.9 PER (+2.9) (21) = 23.9
Sophomore SG Jordan Adams 28.7 PER (+4.7) (21) = 25.7
Freshman PF Noah Vonleh 22.8 PER (+0.8) (21) = 21.8
Senior SF Doug McDermott 33.1 PER (21) (+5.8) = 26.8
Senior PF Cameron Bairstow 29.3 PER (+1.3) (20) = 21.3
Sophomore SG P.J. Hairston 27.1 PER (+3.1) (20) = 23.1
Freshman PF Jabari Parker 28.7 PER (+6.7) (20) = 26.7
Sophomore SF T.J. Warren 31.6 PER (+7.6) (19) = 26.6
Sophomore SG Marcus Smart 27.2 PER (+3.2) (19) = 22.2
Sophomore PF Kyle Anderson 25.2 PER (+1.2) (19) = 20.2
Sophomore C Mitch McGary 27.0 PER (+3.0) (18) = 21.0
Senior PF Javon McCrea 30.8 PER (+2.8) (17) = 19.8
Junior SF K.J. McDaniels 28.7 PER (+2.7) (17) = 19.7
Junior PF Jarnell Stokes 27.5 PER (+1.5) (16) = 17.5
Sophomore C Sim Bhullar 24.6 PER (+0.6) (16) = 16.6
Senior C Khem Birch 26.7 PER (+0.7) (16) = 16.7
International:
International SG Bogdan Bogdanovic (25) = 25
International PF Dario Saric (21) = 21.0
International SG Dante Exum (20) = 20.0
International PF Damien Inglis (20) = 20.0
International C Jusuf Nurkic (19) = 19.0
International C Clint Capela (18)
International C Nikola Jokic (18)
International C Walter Tavares (17)
International PG Vasilijie Micic (16)
D League SF Thanasis Antetokounmpo (16)
Below PER benchmark:
Sophomore SG Nik Stauskas 22.9 PER (-1.1) (24) = 22.9
Senior PF Adreian Payne 25.2 PER (-2.8) (22) = 19.2
Junior SG Spencer Dinwiddie 25.1 PER (-0.9) (22) = 21.1
Senior PG Shabazz Napier 26.0 PER (-2.0) (22) = 20.0
Junior SF Deandre Daniels 20.5 PER (-5.5) (21) = 15.5
Freshman PF Aaron Gordon 20.9 PER (20) (-1.1) = 18.9
Freshman SG Zach Lavine 14.9 PER (-7.1) (20) = 12.9
Sophomore SG Rodney Hood 20.3 PER (-3.7) (20) = 16.3
Senior C Alec Brown 22.7 PER (-5.3) (20) = 14.7
Senior PG Russ Smith 26.4 PER (-1.6) (19) = 17.4
Senior SG Jordan McRae 23.7 PER (-4.3) (19) = 19.4
Freshman SF Andrew Wiggins 21.8 PER (-0.2) (19) = 18.8
Senior SF Cleanthony Early 26.7 PER (-1.3) (19) = 17.7
Senior SG C.J. Wilcox 22.3 PER (-5.7) (19) = 13.3
Sophomore PF Jerami Grant 22.0 PER (-2.0) (18) = 16.0
Sophomore PG Jahii Carson 17.3 PER (-6.7) (18) = 11.3
Senior SF Lamar Patterson 24.5 PER (-3.5) (18) = 14.5
Senior SG Markel Brown 22.3 PER (-5.7) (18) = 12.3
Junior SG Jabari Brown 22.4 PER (-3.6) (18) = 14.4
Sophomore SG Gary Harris 22.8 PER (-1.2) (18) = 16.8
Senior SG Travis Bader 17.8 PER (-10.2) (18) = 7.8
Senior PG Keith Appling 16.2 PER (-11.8) (17) = 5.2
Senior PF Patric Young 22.4 (-5.6) (17) = 11.4
Junior PF LaQuinton Ross 22.1 PER (-3.9) (17) = 13.1
Senior PG Deandre Kane 22.9 PER (-5.1) (16) = 10.9
Junior PG Jordan Clarkson 20.5 PER (-5.5) (16) = 10.5
Senior PG Deonte Burton 25.1 PER (-2.9) (16) = 13.1
Freshman SG James Young 16.8 PER (-5.2) (16) = 10.8
Senior PG Markel Starks 17.9 PER (-10.1) (16) = 5.9
Senior PF Cory Jefferson 23.6 PER (-4.4) (16) = 11.6
Senior PF Shayne Whittington 25.5 PER (-2.5) (16) = 13.5
Senior SG Xavier Thames 27.0 PER (-1.0) (16) = 15.0
Senior SG Andre Dawkins 22.7 PER (-5.3) (16) = 10.7
Senior PG Bryce Cotton 24.1 PER (-3.9) (16) = 12.1
Junior PG Elfrid Payton 24.4 PER (-1.6) (15) = 13.4
Sophomore SF Glenn Robinson III 19.2 PER (-4.8) (15) = 10.2
Sophomore SG Semaj Christon 19.3 PER (-4.7) (15) = 10.3
Junior PF James Michael McAdoo 20.7 PER (-5.3) (15) = 9.7
Freshman PG Tyler Ennis 21.7 PER (-0.3) (15) = 14.7
Junior PF Johnny O’Bryant 19.0 PER (-7.0) (15) = 8.0
Senior PF Dwight Powell 20.0 PER (-8.0) (15) = 7.0
Senior PF Josh Huestis 17.6 PER (-10.2) (15) = 4.8
Senior SG Fuquan Edwin 20.5 PER (-7.5) (15) = 7.5
Senior SG Joe Harris 19.0 PER (-9.0) (15) = 4.0
Senior SG Roy Devyn Marble 22.9 (-5.1) (15) = 9.9
Senior PG Scottie Wilbekin 18.0 (-10.0) (15) = 5.0
Junior SG Nick Johnson 21.9 (-4.1) (15) = 10.9
Senior SF Melvin Ejim 23.5 (-4.5) (14) = 9.5
Junior C Alex Kirk 21.1 (-4.9) (14) = 9.1
Senior PF C.J. Fair 18.0 PER (-10.0) (13) = 3.0
Senior PG Aaron Craft 16.9 PER (-11.1) (13) = 2.9
Senior C Jordan Bachynski 22.1 PER (-5.9) (13) = 7.1
International C Artem Klimenko (13)
This could very well end up the most powerful model of the post. The first 14 names on the above PER benchmark list are Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, Jordan Adams, Noah Vonleh, Doug McDermott, Cameron Bairstow, P.J. Hairston, Jabari Parker, T.J. Warren, Marcus Smart, Kyle Anderson, Mitch McGary, Javon McCrea, K.J. McDaniels. For all I know, this could end up being the “smart man’s” lottery in this draft. Many are tough and high motor players. Bairstow has emerged as the late round steal of the draft to me. In addition to his has legitimate NBA athleticism, strength, length and skills for an NBA power forward that impressed me in talent, his production also passes the sniff test.
That’s not to say the talent level of some other prospects should be disregarded. Certainly the European players deserve heavy consideration, with Dario Saric, Jusuf Nurkic and Clint Capela putting up dominant advanced statistics. Bogdan Bogdanovic advanced stats are not as strong, but won the Rising Star award and is already playing a lead role for his team in the Euroleague which is encouraging. For a player whose talent I rate so high, Nik Stauskas’ production is concerning. An optimistic argument could be that he was carrying a surprisingly high body fat % this year which could’ve slowed his numbers. Andrew Wiggins’ number is only marginally negative, so that may not be much to worry about. But this model arguably gives reason to doubt some other talented players like Spencer Dinwiddie, Shabazz Napier, Adreian Payne, Rodney Hood, Jabari Brown, Jordan McRae, Russ Smith, Cleanthony Early, C.J. Wilcox. and especially Deandre Daniels and Zach LaVine, who are otherwise exciting talents. While Stauskas and Bogdanovic may be rare enough talents to bypass this model in my opinion, it may be worth it to look at players like Warren, McGary or McCrea over some of the above higher ranking talents, if one was committing to this model.
Some of the prospects I was already bear-ish on in my talent grading such as Gary Harris, Elfrid Payton, James Young, Tyler Ennis continue to unimpress here and this further encourages me to consider them major reaches in the top 20.
Model 4 – Analytics weighted model
For my fourth model I wanted to take into account more advanced analytics. Many analytics-driven sites have gained popularity by ranking players with with high steal/block, college production, young age, etc. Arguably leading the way is Layne Vasharo (or “VJL”) whose draft model has an excellent track record against conventional wisdom. These models can be found here and his twitter account @VJL_bball. (Also, to note, his “Humble” ranking also inspired my ESPN weighted Model 2). With an already successful track record, it could make my talent grading method even more powerful.
To calculate this, I simply added VJL’s rating EWP and added it to my talent grade. For international players and NCAA players who were unranked on VJL’s list, I added a score of 4.4 in place of EWP, which I chose because it’s the EWP his 30th ranked player had. For Hairston again I used his EWP in his last college season in 2012-2013 at UNC:
1. C Joel Embiid 15.6 EWP + (24) = 39.6
2. PF Kyle Anderson 14.3 EWP + (19) = 33.3
3. SG Jordan Adams 11.9 EWP + (21) = 32.9
4. PF Noah Vonleh 11.1 EWP + (21) = 32.1
5. PF Aaron Gordon 11.1 EWP + (20) = 31.1
6. PF Jabari Parker 10.8 EWP + (20) = 30.8
7. SG Marcus Smart 11.4 EWP + (19) = 30.4
8. International SG Bogdan Bogdanovic 4.4 est. + (25) = 29.4
9. SF T.J. Warren 7.4 EWP + (22) = 29.4
10. SG Nik Stauskas 4.7 EWP + (24) = 28.7
11. SG Spencer Dinwiddie 6.7 EWP + (22) = 28.7
12. PF Julius Randle 7.7 + (21) = 28.7
13. PG Shabazz Napier 5.5 EWP + (22) = 27.5
14. SF Andrew Wiggins 8.5 EWP + (19) = 27.5
15. PG Tyler Ennis 11.3 EWP + (15) = 26.3
16. C Mitch McGary 7.9 EWP + (18) = 25.9
17. SG Gary Harris 7.5 EWP + (18) = 25.5
18. International PF Dario Saric 4.4 est. + (21) = 25.4
19. PF Javon McCrea 7.7 EWP + (17) = 24.7
20. PG Elfrid Payton 9.7 EWP + (15) = 24.7
21. PF Adreian Payne 2.4 EWP + (22) = 24.4
22. International SG Dante Exum 4.4 est. + (20) = 24.4
23. International PF Damien Inglis 4.4 est. + (20) = 24.4
24. SG Zach LaVine 4.4 EWP + (20) = 24.4
25. SF Doug McDermott 3.1 EWP + (21) = 24.1
26. PF Jarnell Stokes 8 EWP + (16) = 24.0
27. SG P.J. Hairston 3.5 EWP (12-13) + (20) = 23.5
28. International C Jusuf Nurkic 4.4 est. + (19) = 23.4
29. PG Russ Smith 4.3 EWP + (19) = 23.3
30. SF K.J. McDaniels 6.3 EWP + (17) = 23.3
31. SF DeAndre Daniels 1.6 EWP + (21) = 22.6
32. PF Jerami Grant 4.6 EWP + (18) = 22.6
33. C Khem Birch 6.5 EWP + (16) = 22.5
34. International C Clint Capela 4.4 est. + (18) = 22.4
35. International C Nikola Jokic 4.4 est. + (18) = 22.4
36. SG Travis Bader 4.4 + (18) = 22.4
37. PF Cameron Bairstow 2.0 EWP + (20) = 22.0
38. C Alec Brown 2.0 EWP + (20) = 22.0
39. C Sim Bhullar 5.8 EWP + (16) = 21.8
40. International C Walter Tavares 4.4 est. + (17) = 21.4
41. SF Lamar Patterson 3.3 EWP + (18) = 21.3
42. SF Rodney Hood 1.8 EWP + (19) = 20.8
43. SF Cleanthony Early 1.4 EWP + (19) = 20.4
44. International PG Vasilijie Micic est. 4.4 + (16) = 20.4
45. D League SF Thanasis Antetokounmpo 4.4 + (16) = 20.4
46. PF Shayne Whittington 4.4 + (16) = 20.4
47. PG Bryce Cotton 4.4 + (16) = 20.4
48. SG Andre Dawkins 4.4 + (16) = 20.4
49. PG Markel Starks 4.4 + (16) = 20.4
50. SF James Young 4.3 EWP + (16) = 20.3
51. PF Patric Young 3.1 EWP + (17) = 20.1
52. SG Roy Devyn Marble 5.1 EWP + (15) = 20.1
53. SG Jordan McRae 1.0 EWP + (19) = 20.0
54. SG Markel Brown 1.9 EWP + (18) = 19.9
55. SG C.J. Wilcox 0.8 EWP + (19) = 19.8
56. SF Glenn Robinson III 4.8 EWP + (15) = 19.8
57. PG Jahii Carson 1.1 EWP + (18) = 19.1
58. SG Jabari Brown 1.1 EWP + (18) = 19.1
59. PG Scottie Wilbekin 4.0 EWP + (15) = 19.0
60. PG Keith Appling 1.9 EWP + (17) = 18.9
61. PF Dwight Powell 3.4 EWP + (15) = 18.4
62. C Alex Kirk 4.4 + (14) = 18.4
63. PF LaQuinton Ross 1.2 EWP + (17) = 18.2
64. PF James Michael McAdoo 3.2 EWP + (15) = 18.2
65. SG Xavier Thames 2.1 EWP + (16) = 18.1
66. SG Nick Johnson 3.1 EWP + (15) = 18.1
67. PF Cory Jefferson 1.8 EWP + (16) = 17.8
68. SG Fuquan Edwin 2.7 EWP + (15) = 17.7
69. PG Jordan Clarkson 1.6 EWP + (16) = 17.6
70. PG Deonte Burton 1.5 EWP + (16) = 17.5
71. International C Artem Klimenko 4.4 est. + (13) = 17.4
72. C Jordan Bachynski 4.4 est. + (13) = 17.4
73. SG Semaj Christon 2.3 EWP + (15) = 17.3
74. PG DeAndre Kane 1.1 EWP + (16) = 17.1
75. SG Joe Harris 1.4 EWP + (15) + 16.4
76. PF Johnny O’Bryant 1.1 EWP + (15) = 16.1
77. SF Josh Huestis 1.0 EWP + (15) = 16.0
78. SF Melvin Ejim 1.9 EWP + (14) = 15.9
79. PG Aaron Craft 2.4 EWP + (13) = 15.4
80. SF C.J. Fair 1.5 EWP + (13) = 14.5
Healthy Joel Embiid continues to dominate the models. Kyle Anderson moves way up on the strength of his EWP, while Jordan Adams and Noah Vonleh continue to look like two of the safest picks in the draft to be really good. Jabari Parker and Marcus Smart continue to look like top 10 picks in every model except my traditional talent grading one, which is an encouraging sign for them. Aaron Gordon is somewhat of a puzzle by ranking excellently in EWP but below average in the PER list. Doug McDermott’s EWP is as bad as his PER ranking was good. Some players like Nik Stauskas, Adreian Payne, Shabazz Napier continue to look discouraging in this model. Players like Elfrid Payton, Tyler Ennis, Gary Harris look better in this model, but all signs continue to point towards James Young being a poor pick in the top 20.
Overall thoughts:
Joel Embiid if healthy is practically a guaranteed stud. He has too much size, athleticism, skill and instinct while his production rocked the NCAA for a freshman. Although our instinct is to believe he’ll either be a total home run or strikeout, this may not be the case. It’s possible he is injured often but still worth the #1 pick for when he plays. Consider two examples in Yao Ming and Bill Walton. Yao had many half seasons and missed multiple playoff runs, but was valuable enough for when he played to still be worth the #1 pick for Houston. Bill Walton’s prime may have ended brutally early for the Trail Blazers but he played long enough to win them a title, again worth the #1 pick. If Embiid became superstar caliber, a team picking top 3 probably needs him there half the time to be happy with the pick, especially if Wiggins and Parker underwhelm like I anticipate.
Bogdan Bogdanovic and Nik Stauskas are players who do not perform as well in my secondary models, however I have confidence in my talent grading methodology enough to believe they have STAR potential. Because of the difference between stars and everyone else in the NBA, I’d still rate them top 3 value.
Jordan Adams, Julius Randle, Noah Vonleh are guys with the talent and production to be near sure things. I don’t rate their talent as star caliber, but they could be prime candidates to join the “David West and Luol Deng” all-stars list, guys who make it once or twice and have an otherwise great starting career. Doug McDermott performs as well outside of the analytical model and I’m also fairly confident he’ll be productive and a starter.
Jabari Parker, T.J. Warren, P.J. Hairston, Cameron Bairstow, Marcus Smart, Kyle Anderson all mix talent with productivity, making them good bets to be relevant NBA players who are consistently heard from. Any of these players making 7 to 9 million a year in their post rookie contract deal, would not surprise me
Dario Saric, Dante Exum, Damien Inglis, Jusuf Nurkic are talented European prospects and possible starters who deserve lotto or top 20 consideration.
Spencer Dinwiddie, Shabazz Napier, Adreian Payne have production reasons to be concerned about reaching their talent, but have the talent to be among the top 5-7 players in this draft and thus are worth taking not far below that.
DeAndre Daniels and Zach LaVine are too of the most clearcut enigmatic cases of the draft with exciting talent, but their production for their age and talent, is certainly worried enough to be a problem. Players like Rodney Hood, Cleanthony Early, C.J. Wilcox are also worth a look for their talent.
Other players I like for either talent or production reasons include Mitch McGary, Javon McCrea, Jordan McRae, Russ Smith, Alec Brown, Clint Capela, Nikola Jokic,
Andrew Wiggins is a decent prospect with starter talent, I just don’t know if he’s anything more. He feels like a prospect worth a look in the teens. Due to his draft position he could potentially be a bust more in the vein of Marvin Williams and OJ Mayo than Adam Morrison, the former players established themselves as legit NBA material and got paid contracts over 8 million a year, but it wasn’t enough.
Tyler Ennis and Elfrid Payton play well in the analytics model, but I otherwise don’t like their talent level enough to rate them 1st round caliber. Gary Harris may have a solid career but does not look like more than a late 20s caliber prospect to me.
I don’t see any reason to consider James Young worth 1st round consideration. His talent level is subpar, his production is subpar. I don’t know what his draft position stands on other than being a big name in high school and then going to Kentucky.
A Substitute for War 
Hi, I’ve commented a few times before on your posts and want to give my thoughts as while I like the idea of your system in theory, in practice I think you’re way off-base with your final rankings. It’s NOT the “Feel for the Game” concept I have trouble with but instead your “Physical Motion” grades – in some cases, as much as 5 points different from what I think most people would give and what I would give as well. Although there are no doubt inefficiencies in how the NBA evaluates talent, there have been plenty of studies showing the strong correlation between draft pick and success, and that it’s on an exponential curve to boot. Your rankings are so far off the draft consensus that if they were accurate, I would expect the draft results to look far more random than they do. Similarly, although statistical models aren’t perfect, they provide a powerful predictor as well and again, the rankings put out by stat models don’t really bear any correlation at all to your rankings.
It seems like you’ve built in a lot of conditions as well that intentionally or not, make it extremely difficult to test your system empirically. You seem to be implying that due to various external factors such as where the player was picked, their position, and their college stats – they may or may not live up to their talent level. Yet at that point, what value does your talent system really provide over the draft consensus? It seems to me it gives you a built-in excuse if a player’s NBA impact doesn’t match your projection.
Ultimately, your rankings don’t pass the ‘laugh test’. There’s questioning the consensus and then there’s ranking Bogdan Bogdanovic, Shabazz Napier and DeAndre Daniels in the top 10 while Jabari Parker, Marcus Smart, and Andrew Wiggins linger in the late first-round range and Elfrid Payton and Tyler Ennis rate as undraftable. Given how far off your rankings are from the consensus of NBA front offices, statistical projections, and even other amateur scouts who watch video and post online, which is more likely, that your talent system is broken or that everybody else is wrong?
jmethven1
July 18, 2014 at 12:09 pm
Hi jmethven1, thanks for your response. I’ll try to respond to a few of your points
I don’t agree that my rankings are out of line with draft history. It’s actually quite common for the top 10 careers of a draft to have numerous non-lottery picks. For example look at the 2011 draft and imagine a redraft: Something like Irving (1st), Leonard (15th), Klay Thompson (11th), Parsons (38th), Valanciunas (5th), Faried (22nd), Isaiah (60th), Butler (30th), Reggie Jackson (24th). That’s more all over the place than my list. Or 2006: Aldridge (2nd), Rondo (21st), Lowry (24th), Millsap (47th), Roy (6th), Gay (8th), Redick (11th). Not every draft is as wild as 2006 or 2011 but they hardly go chalk either. There are enough players picked high who were high on my list as well like Embiid, Stauskas, Randle, Vonleh, McDermott, Saric to fill the normal quota of lotto players people were right on.
External factors like draft position, statistics, analytics, etc. This is the first year I’ve really incorporated that stuff. My goal is to make the best draft model, I don’t know the best route to get there, but the only way to find out is to test it. By having extra models I have a better chance of having a model that “nails it”.
I made a mistake in 2012 and 2013 by more aggressively taking a “talent is the only thing that matters” approach. Some of the undrafted players I rated highly in those years (Scott Machado, Kenny Kadji, Jackie Carmichael) are probably not going to make it. Half of the problem was my talent grading methodology overrated them for reasons I’ve since fixed (they shouldn’t have rated as more than borderline starter talents), but I feel they also may just be “never-will-happen” cases for reasons that go beyond talent and that where they rated on traditional scouts rankings, production or analytics could’ve weeded them out as frauds at the time. Many statistical analysis have shown there’s a great correlation between production for your age and NBA success, so I should’ve paid attention to this earlier, to be honest. If those players came out now they likely would’ve been a) Out of the top 14 on my talent list b) Rated horribly on the ESPN, production and analytics models, which would’ve put them largely out of mind on my list.
You mentioned DeAndre Daniels as a player who rated dangerously high for such a non-productive older college player. Yes he rated 8th on my traditional model, however in my “Overall thoughts” blurb of this post, he’s the 20th player I mention, noting his talent but also that he has the signs of en enigma. In my “Mixed model” draft board (combining the 4 models) https://asubstituteforwar.wordpress.com/2014/07/16/2014-nba-draft-mixed-model-big-board/ he ranks 24th due to his ESPN rank, production and analytics dragging him down, which may be about right for him. Another example is that Alec Brown ranks 37th on the mixed board, after ranking 21st on the talent model, once again hurt by these other factors. On the positive side Jabari ranks 7th and Smart ranks 14th, despite ranking 20th and 23rd on the original talent model, because their college careers and conventional scout opinion play in these players favor. Payton and Ennis are 42 and 43 which isn’t undraftable.
Returning to the “how far off from traditional models” point, my top 10 players in the mixed model post were picked 3rd (Embiid), 8th (Stauskas), 7th (Randle), 9th (Vonleh), 22nd (Adams), 27th (Bogdanovic), 2nd (Parker), 24th (Napier), 12th (Saric), 11th (McDermott) which I consider a perfectly reasonable distribution compared to the history of drafts. In fact it may be more “chalk” than a lot of drafts. Or you can just look at the “Model 2” in the above post strictly averaging my talent rank and ESPN’s rank, where the top 10 players were picked 3rd (Embiid), 8th (Stauskas), 7th (Randle), 9th (Vonleh), Saric (11th), 4th (Gordon), 2nd (Parker), 15th (Payne), 11th (McDermott), Napier (26th) which is also a very “the best players were ones picked high”-friendly list
In general, the mixed model and my “Overall thoughts” in the post this comment is attached to (which was summarizing the 4 models and thus has similar conclusions as the Mixed Model, which I put together weeks later) are my predictions for this draft. My goal is to put together the most accurate draft predictor and while I understand some rankings like Wiggins are out of line with what others believe, I’m confident in my system and methodology and that the results will bear fruit eventually
Re: The physical motion/impact category. I understand explaining how I grade this category is different. It’s actually quite a bit different than even what I was doing at the 2013 draft, which single handily makes some of the rankings of that draft (and especially 2012) regrettable. The biggest part of my grade is how I judge “slashing” talent, which I do in a specific way by looking at the opponent’s defense while he’s doing it, the impact slashers “get behind” and slice through the defenders in a very identifiable way visually to me. A very good example is :25 and 2:15 of this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBRnDM_a_TU , there is a lot of other plays Stauskas has made similar drives and he’s continued to in summer league. And yes this even works for big guys who don’t play on the perimeter too often, there’s still plays where they drive past opponents if they can do it. After that, I then have a clearcut way of adding value (usually +1 or -1 to the driving grade, unless more extremely gifted or lacking in those areas) for strength, length or lateral mobility which I rate evenly. For strength and length I just use the wingspan/standing reach and weight as objective measures when making this adjustment up or down. I know it’s hard to explain but I have a lot of confidence that this is the right way to do it.
julienrodger
July 18, 2014 at 4:01 pm
Hi, thanks for your response, I do like that you have the multiple models to try to average out some of the more extreme results. I actually have tried following a similar method, but wind up with very different Physical grades, which may be why I found myself baffled by some of your rankings. I do see what you mean with the ‘slicing’ ability at least in those examples. Personally, I look more at how quick/explosive a player looks when they drive in the halfcourt. I would give Stauskas a decent grade in this area because his ball-handling does allow him to be more than just a spot-up shooter, but I still don’t see him having that quick a first step and think he’ll have a lot of plays where he’ll struggle to get all the way there because he can’t really turn on the jets. I feel basically the same way about Bogdanovic as well. That’s probably the main difference between how I would rank players – I think Bogdanovic was a good value at 27 but I still would have taken him late lottery or maybe a bit after. Anyways, I suppose the NBA outcomes will ultimately determine what the best approach is. I’d be curious to see some of your rankings of current NBA players and how they compare.
jmethven1
July 19, 2014 at 2:00 pm