Star Players:
Victor Vembanyama
C, San Antonio Spurs, according to ESPN NBA draft analyst Jay Billas, Venbanyama has "the offensive ability of a 6-foot-2 guard in a 7-foot-5 body." He has strong ball control, soft shooting and excellent passing ability, plus arm span and physicality that allows him to easily score around the box. On the defensive end, he is both a strong blocker and an agile player who can break blocks or switch to defenders and keep up with opponents.
In addition to all his physical talent, Venbanama has been outstanding on the professional stage this season, being voted the most valuable player (youngest winner) in the French league, leading the league in scoring, rebounding and blocks. The Spurs will build an entire squad around Venbanyama with only health and coach Greg Popovich in any possible hindrance to his development, and he is expected to create amazing numbers.
Expected stats: 21.0 points (51.0% shooting, 82.0% free throw percentage), 10.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.0 blocks, 1.0 steals, 2.5 turnovers, 0.8 three-point attempts.
Brandon Miller
SF/SG, Charlotte Hornets, Miller are often compared to Paul George, who recently called him his biggest player in the NBA. Miller, a 6-foot-9 winger who can play in the forward or guard position, joins the Hornets who desperately need a star winger to partner with young point guard LaMelo Ball. Miller may have a chance to become the Hornets' scoring leader this season, and he has the physical qualities and shooting feel to contribute to defensive stats, rebounding and the three-point line.
Expected stats: 17.5 points (44.0% shooting, 85.0% free throw percentage), 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 blocks, 0.8 steals, 2.3 turnovers, 1.8 three-point attempts.
Scott Henderson
PG, Portland Trail Blazers, Henderson is an explosive point guard, and ESPN draft analysts have compared him to players like Russell Westbrook, Jia Morant and Derek Rose. He has played professionally in the G League for two years since becoming the youngest ever draft pick in the G League at the age of 17. He's a performer who can create chances for both himself and his teammates, and his only offensive problem is three-point shooting percentage (27.5 percent from three-point range last season). In the hottest games between Henderson's G League Ignite and Venbanyama's Metropolitans 92, Henderson showed outstanding performance, finishing with 28 points, nine assists and five rebounds (compared to 37 points, seven three-pointers and five blocks). Henderson's performance will have a big impact on whether Demian Lillard remains with the Trail Blazers at the start of the season. For potential, Lillard will be assumed to leave and Henderson to become the centerpiece of the Trail Blazers.
Expected stats: 17.1 points (43.5% shooting, 77.0% free throw percentage), 6.8 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 0.4 blocks, 3.5 turnovers, 0.9 three-point attempts.
Potential starters:
Aman Thompson
SF, Houston Rockets, Thompson is a 6-foot-7 flanker who is expected to be an all-around two-way player and have a chance to secure a starting lineup spot at the start of the season. (Remember this phrase, because you'll see something very familiar in the next draft). What compares Aman to twin brother Osar is that he is good at dribbling, creating chances and has decision-making skills in the Rockets' offense. In fact, while his shortest path in the Rockets' starting lineup seems to be in the small forward position, it's conceivable that Thompson could also get some possession time when forming a young, energetic bigman backcourt with Jalen Green.
Ossar Thompson
SF, Detroit Pistons, Thompson, a 6-foot-7 flanker, is expected to be an all-around two-way player and have a chance to secure a starting lineup spot at the start of the season. In addition to feeling familiar, Ossar plays more of a pure forward role. Ossar excels at moving off the ball and being a top defender. In the past two drafts, the Pistons have acquired current and future backcourt players in Cade Cunningham and Jayden Ivey, and they also have a slew of talented young big men, whether brought in through a draft or trade. But Thompson, as the most promising young winger on the squad, has a definite opportunity to play time.
Anthony Black
SG/SF, Orlando Magic, Black, a 6-foot-7 shooting forward in college, has the potential to win a starting spot in the Magic's backcourt. He's not a great shooter and may be limited in a team that already lacks shooters, but he has enough potential that the Magic may choose to start him in order to build the team for the future. He has a well-rounded game, and he's the only player in the Southeastern Conference in the top 25 in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.
Jareth Walker
PF, Indiana Pacers (via the Washington Wizards), on ESPN's talent show, one analyst compared Walker to Draymond Green but not Green's passing ability, and another compared him to Aaron Gordon. This portrays Walker as an all-round two-end striker with height, strength and excellent defensive potential. On the offensive end, he can step inside and shoot shots, but more as a catch-shooter than a creator. He is also an all-out player, competing for every loose ball, full of passion and bringing great leadership to the team. The Pacers have the potential to start him at the power forward position.
Taylor Hendricks
PF, Utah Jazz, and Hendricks are considered a potential new-age 3D big man. He leads the league in blocks and shoots 39 percent from three-point range per game. He is an outside projection No. 4 with a lot of dynamism and is a player at the top of the list when it comes to converting offensive scoring. Hendricks' style of play seems to be a good fit for Laurie Markkanen (all-around scorer/shooter) and Walker Kessler (center protecting the interior), who will be the Jazz's future frontcourt lineup.