This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Point guards
1. Markelle Fultz, 6-foot-4, Washington
One of the most well-rounded point guards to come into the league in years. Has the ability to carry an offense through scoring, or playmaking. He's equally capable of running the pick-and-roll, scoring in the mid-range, or even in the post.
2. Lonzo Ball, 6-foot-6, UCLA
Maybe the best passer to enter the NBA since Jason Kidd. Has to ease concerns about defense, and ability to finish at the rim.
3. De'Aaron Fox, 6-foot-3, Kentucky
The most athletic of the point guards. NCAA Tournament performance puts him right on Ball's heels.
4. Frank Ntilikina, 6-foot-5, France
Great defender and playmaker already. Needs to be a better shooter.
5. Dennis Smith, 6-foot-3, North Carolina State
Fearless prediction: Will win the NBA's slam dunk contest within three years.
Shooting guard
1. Malik Monk, 6-foot-3, Kentucky
An explosive scorer, capable of going on frightening runs from the 3-point line. Plays the game without a conscience and doesn't believe anybody can guard him. That belief makes him dangerous whenever he has the ball.
2. Donovan Mitchell, 6-foot-3, Louisville
A monstrous 6-foot-10 wingspan, plus a 45-inch vertical leap, allows him to be undersized at the two spot.
3. Luke Kennard, 6-foot-6, Duke
Labeled as a shooter, but his ball-handling skills and offensive creativity are underrated.
4. Terrance Ferguson, 6-foot-7, USA
His game needs a lot of maturation, but is a shooter with size and athleticism.
5. Frank Jackson, 6-foot-3, Duke
Former Lone Peak star can play both backcourt positions.
Small forwards
1. Josh Jackson, 6-foot-8, Kansas
Maybe the second-best player in the draft. Jackson is impactful on both sides of the ball as a great passer and defender. And he's impactful without the ball in his hands. He could be the next great wing in this league.
2. Johnathan Isaac, 6-foot-11, Florida State
If he played as hard as Jackson, he'd be the number one pick. As it is, he's still a top-10 lock.
3. Jayson Tatum, 6-foot-8, Duke
A very talented scorer capable of stepping into a rotation instantly.
4. Justin Jackson, 6-foot-8, North Carolina
Can really shoot the ball, but other parts of his game are lacking.
5. OG Anunoby, 6-foot-8, Indiana
Probably better than Jackson, but is recovering from an ACL injury.
Power forwards
1. Lauri Markkanen, 7-foot-0, Arizona
One can make the argument he's the best pure shooter in the draft. A superb athlete who has to be better defensively, and rebound the ball better. But his upside is significant. He won't last past the lottery. The power forward spot is so loaded, it's hard to pick five.
2. TJ Leaf, 6-foot-10, UCLA
A very good shooter, who will dunk on your head and plays the game with fire. Great combination.
3. Harry Giles, 6-foot-10, Duke
The biggest boom-or-bust prospect in the draft by a wide margin.
4. DJ Wilson, 6-foot-10, Michigan
Came on during the NCAA Tournament. Can score inside, or out.
5. Bam Adebayo, 6-foot-10, Kentucky
Needs to add a bunch of skill, but is one of the most physically impressive prospects in the draft.
Centers
1. Zach Collins, 6-foot-11, Gonzaga
Could eventually move to power forward. A very skilled prospect capable of facing up, or scoring with his back to the basket. With Collins, Gonzaga was a Final Four team for the first time.
2. Jarrett Allen, 6-foot-11, Texas
A great athlete who plays hard, and had a huge freshman year, which made his draft decision easy.
3. John Collins, 6-foot-10, Wake Forest
Not as good a defender as you'd like, but is explosive around the basket.
4. Justin Patton, 6-foot-11, Creighton
Has developed a bunch in two years, and should have a lot of improvement remaining.
5. Tony Bradley, 6-foot-11, North Carolina
Has shown some skills during pre-draft workouts that weren't on display with the Tar Heels.