14. Jalen Johnson, Forward/Big, Duke
Measurables: 6-9, 220 lbs
Jalen Johnson has a very, very high ceiling. That said, he’s very raw at what he does, but brings a very intruiging skill set. As the first big/forward to appear on this list, he’s a good rebounder for his size. The interior defense is going to need some work, but he’s good enough coming out of college.
After that, his shooting splits are promising (albeit not perfect). Johnson hit over 40-percent of his 3-point attempts, although he only took 1.4 attempts per game and only made 63-percent of his free throws.
Johnson likely will project as a rotational forward that can give spot minutes as the big man – giving decent shooting while also being a nice lob threat – with defense that should develop to the point where Johnson can switch fairly well.
Ceiling: Top-40 player
Floor: Reserve, 3rd-string forward
Median outcome: mid-level rotational forward, 5-8th rotation player
Pro comparison: Homeless man’s Chris Webber
2021 NBA Draft Big Board: Cade Cunningham headlines draft class
13. Ziaire Williams, Wing/Forward, Stanford
Measurements: 6-8, 190 lbs
To say that Ziaire Williams struggled during his time at Stanford would be an understatement. He struggled to score the basketball from pretty much everywhere on the floor – although there were flashes of really-high-upside shot-making.
The defense, though, as a larger combo wing (2-3) is what is going to make Ziaire Williams money as a rookie in the NBA. He’s long and athletic, which allows him to stay with pretty much anyone on the perimeter.
If the offense comes around, Williams is going to be a steal, and it would not be shocking to see Williams go in the top-10 picks.
Ceiling: Top-40 player
Floor: Defensive specialist, low-level rotational wing
Median outcome: Low-level starter, mid-level rotational player (4-7th man)
Pro comparison: Cam Reddish