Unlike previous years during the NBA Draft, the race for which prospect becomes the No. 1 overall pick is still wide open. Last year it was clear that Victor Wembanyama was number one overall regardless of team, but this year it’s a little different. The number one pick might ultimately come down to team fit rather than the best player available.
Let’s dive into the top prospects at each position.
Playmaker | Topic Nikola
FIBA.com
Nikola Topic is a 6-foot-7 Serbian point guard who has elite positional size, the ability to pressure the rim, and playmaking abilities. The gifted lead guard is a walking splash of paint who is so creative in creating angles to finish at the rim at an efficient pace. A year ago today, the subject wasn’t ranked this high in draft boards or mock drafts, but since then he’s been on the rise due to his productivity in a professional league. If a team needs a true playmaker at No. 1 overall, the giant point guard could be that guy.
Shooting Guard | Ja’Kobe Walter
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Ja’Kobe Walter is a talented goaltender who has the ability to light up all three levels. He can really shoot as he is an efficient shooter and shows some legitimate shooting versatility. He’s a tough shooter all around the perimeter and even has some touches inside the painted area. Efficiency has been a bit of an issue for Walter, which could limit his chances of being a top pick in the draft, but the scoring advantage is clear nonetheless.
Small forward | Matas Buzelis
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Matas Buzelis is a 6-foot-10 small forward who possesses guard skills. The G League Ignite prospect had an up and down season, but showed solid shooting ability, defensive versatility, and some secondary ball-handling skills. Buzelis has been compared to Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic due to their similar playing style, but Buzelis has the tools and upside to be a better player than Wagner if he is able to reach his ceiling. Consistency will be key for the talented striker.
Power forward | Ron Holland
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Ron Holland is a two-way power forward who makes a huge impact on both ends of the floor in the G League. Holland is 6-foot-8 and arguably the best defensive prospect in the entire draft. He has super quick hands, plays with great tenacity and possesses great awareness. Slashing is his best offensive trait, but he also has some underrated creation skills that will allow him to be a third scoring option for a contending NBA team in the future. Holland is in the running to be the number one overall pick.
Center | Alexandre Sarr
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Alexandre Sarr is arguably the favorite to be the first overall pick if the draft were to take place today. The mobile 7-foot-1 big man is arguably the best rim protector in the entire draft. He has great length, mobility, timing and defensive instincts. Sarr also showed flashes of ability to get out and defend effectively in space. Offensively, he is very effective inside the paint, can make jump shots on catches or dribble and is slowly progressing as a passer. The upside is very high for Sarr and he is a player who can have an immediate impact on winning.
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