Biggest Takeaways from 2016 Nike Hoops Summit
There is always a huge presence of NBA scouts and executives at the annual Nike Hoop Summit, the showcase between USA Basketball's Men's Junior National Select Team and top international teenagers.
From Enes Kanter and Dennis Schroder to Karl-Anthony Towns and Kentucky's Jamal Murray, we've seen a handful of prospects use the platform to build their image and draft stock.
This year's event looked fairly uneven, with the Americans pulling off a 101-67 win on Saturday in Portland, Oregon, after getting out to a 14-0 start. Though it was never close, the intensity was still high.
The World Team's roster was undermanned and weaker than usual. But the size, speed, length, athleticism and skill of the U.S. group were notably off the charts. An absolutely loaded United States squad waxed the World Team off the floor from start to finish.
Including Josh Jackson (undecided), Jayson Tatum (Duke), Markelle Fultz (Washington), De'Aaron Fox (Kentucky), Jarrett Allen (undecided), Jonathan Isaac (Florida State) and Terrance Ferguson (undecided), the American squad featured a dozen prospects oozing with NBA potential.
Duke-bound Harry Giles (torn ACL recovery), possibly the top prospect in the class, didn't even play.
I'm convinced there are 2017 draft-eligible prospects who would go No. 1 in this year's draft. For what it's worth, if I'm creating a 2017 mock draft today, my top four would consist of Jackson, Giles, Tatum and Fultz (in that order)—each of whom played roles in the Americans' win.
De'Aaron Fox will create buzz with defense
The highlight of Fox's day came at the defensive end, where he'll likely make a name for himself at Kentucky. He pressured and stripped the World Team's ball-handler at half court and then took it the distance for a slam.
At 6'3 ½", he's ridiculously quick and has fast hands. His ability to pick up his man full-court causes panic and turnovers.
Offensively, he's best in the open floor but is also a threat to break down defenses and set the table for teammates. His best shot right now looks to be the floater, while his jumper, which he missed twice, needs work.
Fox lacks polish—he was stripped to open the game. But he's going to make an impact right away with suffocating, on-ball pressure.
Markelle Fultz should enter next year as the nation's top guard prospect
Fultz, who's headed to Washington, has used the past few weeks to build his brand. At 6'5", he has flashed D'Angelo Russell-like scoring confidence and passing ability, as well as a little more bounce.
Rhythm threes, pull-ups in the mid-range, crafty floaters, pretty assists—with advanced ball skills and playmaking versatility, Fultz has shown the ability to create with the ball and make shots playing off it.
He finished with 11 effortless points at the Summit after racking up 10 points and six assists in just 15 minutes at the McDonald's All-American Game.
With the Huskies losing senior Andrew Andrews (20.9 points, 4.9 assists) and freshman Dejounte Murray (16.1 points, 4.4 assists) to the draft, Fultz is going to have unlimited freedom in Washington's offense, which ranked No. 2 nationally in tempo, per KenPom.com.
Fultz should have the production next year to back up the upside tied to his size, skill level and athleticism. He's a potential top-five pick next June.
Isaia Cordinier is a hit-or-miss, 2016 draft-and-stash option
Isaia Cordinier has been a standout in LNB Pro B (France's second division) and has generated some buzz now that he's eligible for the 2016 draft. But based on his play at the Nike Hoop Summit, it seems obvious we're talking about a long-term, hit-or-miss project.
Though known as a combo guard, Cordinier showed limited ball-handling skills during an isolation play early in the game. He couldn't beat his man or separate one-on-one into a jumper.
Cordinier got himself fouled twice by locating an open lane and exploding through it. He's best at attacking the rim in line drives or transition, where he lets his athleticism take over.
But creating offense and playmaking aren't his strengths right now. And at 6'4", he's undersized for a 2-guard.
Shooting will be big for Cordinier. To his credit, he's been excellent in France (33-of-70 from three). But his mechanics aren't too smooth (looks like a push shot), and it's natural to question his 2015-16 percentages.
Of course, he can improve his handle and jumper over time. But at this point, an NBA team drafting Cordinier in the first round would indicate a lack of confidence in the NCAA depth and talent.
Throw Jarrett Allen on the list of potential one-and-done lottery picks
Jarrett Allen's name hasn't necessarily been lumped in with the other projected one-and-done studs, but it should be based on what we saw over the past two weeks.
After putting up nine points, six rebounds and five blocks in 19 minutes at the McDonald's All-American Game, Allen measured well at the Summit: 6'10 ½" size, a 227-pound frame, 7'5 ½" length and a 9'2 ½" standing reach.
He was also effective against the World Team on Saturday. High activity ultimately stands out over special ball skills. He makes plays without needing any run to him. Allen moves well and has good hands around the basket, while his wingspan and timing shine in rim protection.
I suspect he'll make an impact wherever he chooses to play and consequently rise up draft boards in the process.
Jonathan Isaac has top-10 upside, but he'll need time
Isaac's upside is tough to miss. He's a small forward with 6'10" size, athleticism and perimeter ball skills.
DraftExpress' Mike Schmitz highlighted Isaac's noteworthy play during the Hoop Summit practices over the week:
"The evening session featured much more up and down 5-on-5 play, with 2016 Florida State signee Jonathan Isaac stealing the show. At 6-10 with a projectable jumper, impressive fluidity and explosiveness, and the ball skills of a wing, Isaac is one of the most versatile players on this USA squad.
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As high as Isaac's ceiling appears, it may take time before we see consistent results.
Isaac looked raw during Saturday's game. He air-balled an open three-point attempt and got one of his mid-range shots blocked before he could even flick his wrist.
For a wing, Isaac does not play low enough to the ground. But as his fundamentals improve, Isaac's physical tools and versatility should fuel enticing mismatch potential.
Terrance Ferguson offers NBA-friendly three-and-D potential
Ferguson went into flamethrower mode, sinking six three-pointers before the half. He opened the second with a record-setting seventh from the corner.
With each jumper, he squared up his body before rising and firing with balance. Ferguson can be streaky, but he's a dangerous shooter capable of connecting under pressure.
He also projects as a plus defender with 6'8" size, foot speed and length.
Ferguson recently opened up his recruitment, per Evan Daniels of Scout.com, after originally committing to Alabama. Regardless of where he ends up, that three-and-D potential should attract NBA attention right away.
Lots of talent but no clear-cut No. 1 overall favorite
The 2017 draft discussion is led by three names: Jackson, Tatum and Giles. The three of them will start the year in the mix as favorites to go No. 1.
But of the three, there isn't an obvious best.
The blowout at the Summit didn't allow anyone to dominate, while Giles watched from the sidelines.
Each prospect appears to offer the upside worthy of No. 1 overall consideration. A 6'8" wing with superstar bounce, Jackson has a developing handle and shooting stroke. And his defense and motor are both major selling points. At 6'8", Tatum is a smooth, polished scorer, particularly in the mid-range, which should help draw comparisons to Carmelo Anthony or Paul Pierce. Giles is a phenomenal athlete with 6'10" size, high energy, terrific hands and dominant rebounding ability.
But there isn't a consensus No. 1, and chances are, there may not be until later in the 2016-17 season.
For what it's worth, with Giles' injury history (two major knee injuries) and Tatum's preference for tough two-point jumpers, I'm starting the year with Jackson atop my 2017 board.
2017 Mock Draft Board
- Josh Jackson (Undecided, SF)
- Harry Giles (Duke, PF)
- Jayson Tatum (SF, Duke)
- Markelle Fultz (PG/SG, Washington)
- Dennis Smith (North Carolina State)
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