Projecting NBA Outlooks of Top Prospects at 2016 McDonald's All-American Game
The McDonald's All-American Game, which takes place March 30 in Chicago, hosts top high school talent and future NBA stars. Chances are the 2017 No. 1 overall pick will be playing.
That could be one of a few exciting teenage prospects, including Jayson Tatum, who'll be attending Duke, and Josh Jackson, who's yet to announce his college decision.
The game will also feature two guards expected to replace Jamal Murray and Tyler Ulis in Kentucky. Washington fans should get a good look at the Huskies' new floor general now that their 2015-16 starting backcourt is gone.
Based on high school flashes, physical tools, athleticism, skill level and recruiting buzz, I picked seven prospects expected to generate first-round interest in a year and eventually build careers for themselves in the pros.
Josh Jackson (Undecided, 6'7", SG/SF)
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Early 2017 NBA Draft Projection: Top two
Josh Jackson oozes versatility with tools and energy that should light up the NBA radar. He projects as a wing who can potentially guard 4s and play 2-guard. At 6'7", Jackson has good size for a face-up player, as well as high-flying athleticism that translates to easy buckets at the rim.
This past summer, he averaged 12.1 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals in 23.7 minutes per game at the Under-19 World Championship. Jackson flashed developing ball-handling, shot-creating and shooting to complement his naturally spectacular transition game.
Meanwhile, his defense is just as appealing as his offensive upside. Long and ultra quick, Jackson competes with bigs and sticks with guards.
He's ranked as the No. 1 high school player by Rivals and 247 Sports, and at this stage he'd be my favorite to go first in the 2017 NBA draft.
Jayson Tatum (Duke, 6'9", SF)
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Early 2017 NBA Draft Projection: Top three
Extremely skilled, with textbook size and fluid athleticism, Jayson Tatum will start the year in the 2017 No. 1 overall conversation.
He'll fill the role Brandon Ingram just played for Duke. Listed at 6'9", Tatum scores from all three levels, particularly in the mid-range, where he's flashed advanced shot creativity and shot-making ability with the jumper. He likes to pull up over his man or separate into step-backs or fallaways.
Tatum averaged 13.9 points on 48.8 percent shooting for the USA at the Under-19 World Championship last summer.
There really aren't many flags or questions when it comes to predicting his NBA outlook. He'll likely draw Carmelo Anthony comparisons on his way toward developing into a go-to offensive option.
De'Aaron Fox (Kentucky, 6'3", PG)
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Early 2017 NBA Draft Projection: Top five
De'Aaron Fox's quickness and bounce ace the NBA eye test. He's thin at 185 pounds, but Fox can really shake east or west and explode vertically off the floor.
With willing vision and the ability to break down defenses, Fox excels at setting the table for teammates. He'll be sharing the ball next year with Malik Monk and possibly Isaiah Briscoe, but Fox is no doubt the best bet to lead Kentucky in assists.
Limited strength and shooting range could affect his field-goal percentage during what's likely to be a one-and-done freshman year. However, he's bound to win NBA support for his perimeter defense.
Referred to as an "elite on-ball defender" by Scout.com's Evan Daniels, Fox has drawn rave reviews for his lateral quickness, active hands and IQ. He projects as an exciting two-way guard from day one at Kentucky to year No. 10 in the pros.
Markelle Fultz (Washington, 6'4", PG/SG)
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Early 2017 NBA Draft Projection: Lottery
With Dejounte Murray's declaration for the draft and Andrew Andrews' graduation, Markelle Fultz will immediately take over as lead guard in Washington.
That should make it easier for him to stand out and fully showcase his versatility. He projects as a combo who can handle the ball, set the table or score on his own.
Though not explosive, Fultz is crafty off the dribble, with the ability to change speed and direction using crossovers, spins, behind-the-back maneuvers and pull-backs.
Listed at 6'4", 190 pounds, Fultz also has a good-looking basketball body and fluid athleticism. He seems to do a nice job of blending creativity with control.
Expect to hear D'Angelo Russell comparisons early on.
Malik Monk (Kentucky, 6'3", PG/SG)
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Early 2017 NBA Draft Projection: Mid-first round
The McDonald's All-American Game should be a fitting platform for Malik Monk's high-flying athleticism. At 6'3", he's undersized for an NBA 2-guard, but he compensates with extreme explosiveness and playmaking ability off the dribble.
He's flashed the polish and versatility to stop and pop, score with floaters or spot up off the ball. He can also handle it and create for teammates.
In terms of his skill set, Monk can play both backcourt spots. The question is, will his size will allow him to in the pros?
That may weigh on his draft stock and ultimately hold his ceiling in check. But Monk's leaping, playmaking and scoring ability are too much. He'll eventually find a way to fit in today's positionless NBA.
Edrice "Bam" Adebayo (Kentucky, 6'9", PF)
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Early 2017 NBA Draft Projection: Mid-first round
At 6'9", 240 pounds, Edrice "Bam" Adebayo's physical tools, motor and athleticism remain ahead of his fundamentals. But his skills are slowly catching up.
ESPN moved him to No. 4 in January in its recruiting rankings. His game still revolves around running the floor, cleaning the glass and finishing around the rim. Those will likely be his main responsibilities early in his career, starting next season at Kentucky.
But Adebayo has started flashing the ability to create looks for himself out of the post.
Without a jumper to stretch the floor or much of a face-up scoring repertoire, I'm not ready to call him a surefire lottery pick. But there's Derrick Favors-like potential here as a force within 15 feet.
Lonzo Ball (UCLA, 6'5", PG)
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Early 2017 NBA Draft Projection: Mid-to-late first round
A 6'5" point guard with spectacular vision, Lonzo Ball has passing ability that will eventually pay the bills. He's a natural facilitator who sets the table for finishers and shooters, whether it's off ball screens, penetration, transition or secondary breaks.
He'll likely share the rock next year with Bryce Alford, but it shouldn't take long for Ball to emerge as UCLA's primary decision-maker.
"Right now, they don't really have a set point guard. They don't really have that leader on the floor," Ball told Bleacher Report, referring to UCLA's roster. "They got all the pieces you need, but at the end of the day, you got to have a point guard to win, and I feel like I can fill that spot."
He just led Chino Hills to an undefeated season, having shown the ability to balance scoring with distributing.
Ball's frame is on the skinny side, and he doesn't scream explosiveness—wrinkles that may make some hesitate before calling him a future NBA stud. Still, his feel for the game seems too strong. Though I wouldn't bank on Ball rising into next year's top 10, he has the resume and look of a one-and-done first-round pick.
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