Four questions to consider before draft night

We’re only a few weeks away from draft night! As we get closer to June 26, rumors and questions are intensifying regarding the prospects and potential plans of NBA teams. As draft night approaches, here are four questions to consider.

There almost always seems to be a candidate selected in the lottery who surprises people. Illinois tight end Terrence Shannon Jr. is an ideal candidate for this.

TSJ is widely considered a first to early second round finisher, but he received a lottery rating from me. He put it all together in Champaign, producing his best collegiate season and earning first-team All Big Ten and Big Ten Tournament MVP honors.

Standing at 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, TSJ is a 3-and-D Plus wing with explosive functional athleticism, floor spacing (36% 3-point shooting, 6.7 attempts per game) , shooting versatility and defensive play ability (1.9 actions per game)

This is someone who is ready to impact an NBA game from day one and can have a long NBA career. With the not guilty verdict regarding his rape allegations, TSJ could be moved to the board.

Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard remains one of the most polarizing draft prospects in the class. Depending on who you ask, Sheppard is a top-five prospect and, at worst, a top-ten prospect (I fall into that camp). He combines elite, translatable NBA skill in his 3-point shooting (52% on 4.4 attempts per game, 144 total) with strong ball skills, disruptive defensive play (3.2 actions per game ) and a knack for making big plays on both. ends of the ground.

For others, it’s more of a late lottery or, at best, a late first round. Those in this camp naturally point to Sheppard’s lack of ideal size (6-foot-2, 6-foot-3 wingspan) and concerns about creating his advantage and defending the ball as severe limitations that hinder both its floor and ceiling.

No matter where he is selected, I believe Sheppard can be a star player who can impact regular season and playoff wins. Whether as a starter or reserve, it will largely depend on the construction of the squad and the development plan that the selection team has for him.

One of the most notable rumors at the moment is that Holland will escape the lottery. If that happens, Holland, my second-ranked prospect in the class, will be one of the top picks and potential steals in the 2024 draft.

Holland is a 6-foot-6 (6-foot-10 wingspan), wing and two-way shooter with evolving ball skills and high motor skills, but significant questions about his jumper. His court could see him flourish as an athletic play finisher with shooting potential that provides defensive play and versatility. A realistic mix of average to high results comparison might look like a mix of Gerald Wallace and RJ Barrett.

Teams just outside the lottery like the Heat (#15), Lakers (#17), and Cavaliers (#20) all make a lot of sense.

Holmes II reportedly has one first-round promise from a team and, frankly, should have several even if he’s not considered a consensus first-round pick by the mainstream media. For me, he received a lottery mark which makes me feel good.

Dayton’s star big man mixes traditional elements of the big man with elements of the modern big. Standing approximately 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Holmes II thrives as a long, athletic play finisher, vertical spacer, rim runner and shot blocker. He offers some scheme versatility with his ability to switch and play drop coverage.

He proves to be a reliable floor spacer, a trustworthy short roll decider, and a capable live dribble passer with functional ball skills. While he isn’t expected to be featured in the post, he can also score face-up or on the block, giving teams a great option when looking to attack switches and advantageous situations.

A big like Holmes II makes sense for literally every team in the league. Some of my favorite matchups and promising first-round candidates include the Thunder, Lakers, Suns, Knicks, Nuggets, and Celtics.

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