The next generation of NBA stars begins finding homes tonight (7 p.m. ABC).
For the first time in several years, league executives enter draft night believing there is legitimate franchise-changing talent available throughout the lottery, not just at the top. Scouts have spent months debating player rankings, but there appears to be broad agreement on one point: BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa enters the night as the favorite to hear his name called first. The 6-foot-9 wing combines elite athleticism, shot creation and scoring ability that evaluators believe translates immediately to the NBA game. Most projections have him headed to the Washington Wizards with the No. 1 overall selection.
Behind Dybantsa, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson has strengthened his standing as the draft's premier backcourt prospect. Peterson possesses the size, strength and offensive creativity teams covet in a lead guard. Several evaluators consider him the best perimeter creator in the class and a future All-Star candidate. Most mock drafts project Peterson to land with Utah at No. 2, although some league insiders believe a late trade could shake up the order.
Duke freshman Cameron Boozer checks in at No. 3 on my board. The son of former NBA standout Carlos Boozer may be the safest prospect in the draft. Boozer averaged more than 20 points and 10 rebounds while showcasing an advanced all-around game that includes passing, perimeter shooting and high-level basketball IQ. Scouts may debate his ultimate ceiling, but few question whether he will become a productive NBA player. Memphis has been frequently linked to Boozer.
North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson rounds out what many executives consider the draft's top tier. Wilson is arguably the most explosive athlete available and owns the versatility to defend multiple positions while contributing offensively in transition and half-court situations. His combination of length, mobility and upside has made him one of the fastest-rising prospects in the class. Most projections place him somewhere between No. 4 and No. 6.
Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. enters the draft as one of the most intriguing talents available. Injuries limited portions of his freshman season, but his scoring instincts, playmaking ability and confidence with the ball have kept him firmly in the lottery conversation. Brown has recently emerged as a strong possibility for Brooklyn at No. 6.
Houston guard Kingston Flemings has quietly climbed draft boards throughout the spring. Teams love his toughness, defensive intensity and ability to impact games without dominating the basketball. He may not generate the same headlines as some of the higher-ranked prospects, but executives view him as a player capable of helping winning teams early in his career.
Internationally, New Zealand Breakers forward Karim Lopez is attracting significant attention. The Mexican standout has impressed scouts with his maturity, versatility and ability to compete against professional competition at a young age. Several analysts believe Lopez could become one of the biggest steals in the lottery if he lands in the right organization.
Other names expected to hear their names called early include Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Tennessee forward Nate Ament, Arizona forward Koa Peat, Kentucky forward Jayden Quaintance and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler. All possess lottery-level talent and could dramatically outperform their draft position depending on where they land.
HOWIE'S TOP 10 NBA DRAFT PROSPECTS
- AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU — Projected: Washington, No. 1
- Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas — Projected: Utah, No. 2
- Cameron Boozer, F, Duke — Projected: Memphis, No. 3
- Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina — Projected: Top 5
- Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville — Projected: Brooklyn, No. 6
- Kingston Flemings, G, Houston
- Karim Lopez, F, New Zealand Breakers
- Darius Acuff Jr., G, Arkansas
- Jayden Quaintance, F, Kentucky
- Nate Ament, F, Tennessee
The headline tonight is Dybantsa, but history suggests the real story may emerge several years from now. Every draft produces surprises. Somebody projected in the middle of the lottery becomes an All-Star. Somebody selected in the top five never quite gets there. That's what makes draft night one of the NBA's most fascinating annual events.
