This summer’s player draft wasn’t deep. In fact most experts believe it could be the weakest group of young talent to enter the league in the last twenty years, but that will change in 2017 with a class of deep talent at every position.
If you look at the latest mocks, experts can’t agree on which player is best, but Harry Giles, who will begin his college career at Duke this fall is definitely in the top-5. The 6’10” forward has tremendous ball skills and terrific length, but his best asset is his ability to play strong on both ends of the court and that should have teams like Boston and Phoenix ready to take this young man with their first selection next June.
2017 will be a great year for point guards with the likes of Markelle Fultz of Washington and Dennis Smith of NC State being available. In the past young floor leaders were hard to judge, but both of these young men possess the skill level to play at the next level. Fultz and Smith could help teams like Philadelphia and Denver, both of which have struggled at the point and need more talent at the position.
NBA teams are always looking for great big men and this year’s top center prospect is Marques Bolden, who will play for the Blue Devils this year. The 18-year-old has climbed the player rankings with a great summer and with his size, length and work ethic, look for teams like Washington and Miami to give the youngster his opportunity at the next level.
Yes, it’s early, and most of these players have yet to play at the college level. But with summer camps and youngsters being able to play against elite talent at an early age, experts get a good idea of what they could become as a player and person. These young men have the skills and with a good year at their respective universities over the next few months, they will be the next generation of stars.
