All content 2000-2023 RealGM, L.L.C. Thompson's shot also hasn't looked totally broken lately, while his 6'7" size, foot/hand speed and leaping give him wild defensive potential as well. Less than a month into the college season and weve already seen proof of that. 10. 16. 58. Hes just everywhere, Edney said of Clark. The only potential red flag to keep an eye on is Whitmore's 0.7 assists per game, which is an awfully low number for a wing. 2. 50. He really doesnt have a weakness in his game when that jump shots falling, said Collison, whose 231 steals as a Bruin trail only Earl Watson (235) on the schools career list since it started tracking the statistic in 1978. 18. Ben Bolch has been a Los Angeles Times staff writer since 1999. Carter was not scheduled to work out at the NFL Scouting Combine, but was scheduled to speak with teams and undergo his physical at the event. Jalen Carter has been seen as a possible No. 1 NFL. Still a limited creator and shooter, his game doesnt scream upside, which is helping him look like a 2023 value pick wholl be available to Draft in the late first or second round. The only clear path to upside calls for significant improvement to his shooting/mechanics, though there will be teams willing to bet on it given his age (19) and what a jumper could do for a 6'10" wing. And then, when its on the opposite side, hes very good at helping and trying to read skip passes and things like that.. As a hybrid shooting guard-small forward, he spends less time guarding the ball than anticipating where it might be headed. But it's also becoming more likely that a team would use a first-round pick this year and reach early on an explosive, 6'6" 18-year-old with believable shooting potential, highlight finishing ability, defensive upside and passing flashes. Nevertheless, NBA scouts are still expressing intrigue about how his versatile two-way tools could potentially translate. 35. Only a handful of major conference schools had offered Clark a scholarship, many others skeptical about his slowly developing offensive game. Note: There are only 58 picks in the 2023 NBA Draft with the Sixers and Bulls forfeiting their second-rounders. An inconsistent jump shot wasnt off-putting in the least. Hes a big time athlete with a rock solid frame, power and agility. . 41. He just scored a season-high 25 points against Tulsa on Sunday, showcasing more creation from the post and short corners. Two other players who are starting to catch my eye: Jaylen Clark and Jordan Hawkins. And I was like, Yeah! RotoWire considers the best player values in Yahoo fantasy leagues for Friday's 10-game slate. Coulibaly could pass on this draft and wait for a bigger role (and weaker 2024 class) after Victor Wembanyama heads to the NBA. Developing a familiarity for where teams liked to go with the ball, Collison would often beat intended recipients of passes to their spot. Questions about his 6'3", 172-pound frame and long-range shooting have kept interest from blowing up, but scouts are monitoring his recent three-point streak (he's 8-of-10 from deep over his last four games). Jones feels highly adaptable for the next level with his ball-screen play and passing IQ (5.6 apg), improving shot-making and physical tools for driving, finishing and defending multiple positions. His 14.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per 40 minutes highlight NBA physical tools and activity. Taking a look at the numbers behind Nikola Jokic's historic season for the Nuggets. Willock was pronounced dead at the scene, while offensive lineman Warren McClendon and recruiting staffer Tory Bowles were injured. Remember Darren Collison? Bolch was once selected by NBA TVs The Starters as the Worst of the Week after questioning their celebrity journalism-style questions at an NBA All-Star game and considers it one of his finer moments. 22. At 6'8" and 225 pounds, Wilson has the physicality and tools to continue attacking, finishing and rebounding in the NBA. UConn guard Jordan Hawkins could be an undervalued prospect in the 2023 Draft class. Hes eclipsing the 50-40-90 barrier with 53% shooting from the floor, 51% from the three-point line, and 90% from the free-throw line while simultaneously handing out 7.5 assist to just 2.8 turnovers and also grabbing 4.2 rebounds per game. His 30 three-pointers in 22 games highlight enough shot-making ability for teams bet on improvement. With 41- and 32-point games in mid-February, Pickett has seemingly become too effective with his shot-making and passing for teams to worry about his age or athleticism in the second round. In short, hes solid across the board and someone scouts are looking at as a two-way connective piece. The longer this streak of consistent shooting lasts, the more convincing hes going to look as a Swiss army knife prospect. Jaylen Clark has really starred in his role so far this season at UCLA. Inconsistent shooting has affected Whitmore's scoring, but between his functional ball-handling moves to break down defenses and his explosiveness and power in the lane, he's still been able to create and finish opportunities in the half court. Using his length to score scoops and floaters inside, creating separation with hesitation moves or subtle changes of speed in the midrange, and even finding the open man effectively in spots, his ability to create off the dribble was a cornerstone of Santa Claras offense. Collison relied heavily on hours of film study with UCLA coach Ben Howland. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Wizards): Leonard Miller (G League Ignite, SF, 2003). Its a Mick Cronin tradition going back to the coachs days in Cincinnati. Los Angeles Clippers (via Bucks): Dereck Lively II (Duke, C, Freshman). Still a limited creator and shooter, his game. 49. He'll be deemed an easy fit and safe pick in the mid-to-late first round once the flashier creators and teenagers are off the board. The game has seemingly slowed down for him enough to make necessary adjustments/counters in traffic. There are still questions about his physical gifts and defense, but his sheer production on one of college basketballs best teams has gotten him on the radar. While Larsson has seen a bit of a recent statistical decline, one player who is clearly ascending inside the Arizona line-up is Kerr Kriisa. The statement also states that both vehicles switched between lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes of travel, overtook other motorists, and drove at high rates of speed, in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other. The toxicology report, per the Athens-Clark County Police Department, determined that LeCroys blood alcohol level was at .197, which is more than two times the legal limit in Georgia. Inconsistency has made Kaluma tougher to buy, but at 6'7" and 225 pounds with agile slashing and streaky shot-making, he's a project whom teams could deem worth taking on in the second round. Just little stuff like that. Clark usually blows those up, leading to another signature on the bone. Miller has not been charged in the case and continues to play for Alabama. Jaylen Clark should be playing himself onto draft boards, more so with versatility and consistent impact plays than his 14.1 points per game. The kid who defended like crazy wasnt a hot college prospect by the time Cronin settled into his courtside seat inside a high school gym to see him play for the first time. The lack of playmaking and defense do put more pressure on his development as a creator, but even a worst-case outcome for Howard should result in a team getting value tied to his translatable shooting versatility from either wing spot. Jaylen Clark has really starred in his role so far this season at UCLA. Stats courtesy of Synergy Sports and Sports Reference. UCLA guard Jaylen Clarks ability to anticipate where a ball is headed with the use of his quick hands and active feet to take it away make him a defensive menace. Offensively, he provides a solid spot-up shooter with a compact release and a typically good passer, who can also get loose from some explosive plays and finishes in transition. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft. While he settled for some tough shots in the midrange, he finished at a strong rate, had no trouble creating separation, showed the ability to punish unders from beyond the arc, and scored in bunches when he ran hot from the field. 3. Jaylen Clark UCLA. What mattered was that this wildly athletic guard chased every loose ball and followed his steals with breakaway dunks. Ive just got to get a case, Clark said. Jordan Hawkins (Connecticut, SG/SF, Sophomore), Overlooked because of:Limited creation or versatility, Undervalued because of:Translatable/valued shot-making. Overlooked because of: self-creation limitations, 3-point shooting, production, Undervalued because of:Fit/versatility, translatable defense/hustle, correctable shooting. Jaylen Clark DraftExpress Profile: scouting reports, videos, stats and logs. He's a big time athlete with a rock solid frame, power and agility. Houston Rockets (via Clippers): Rayan Rupert (New Zealand Breakers, SG/SF, 2004). UCLA Sports Jaylen Clark helps No. Denver Nuggets (via MIA): Jaylen Clark (UCLA) 49. . 4 steals & 12 deflections in 22 minutes. Continuing to produce during conference play should help Hendricks secure a spot on teams first-round boards. Fit won't be an issue with whichever team wins the lottery. While it may be unrealistic to expect him to shoot the ball this well all season long, if the floor-spacing is real (he shot 20% from three as a freshman and 26% as a sophomore), hell project as a three-and-D type versatile guard. Their No. Each front office will do its own due diligence by investigating and interviewing, making it difficult to assess how Miller's involvement will affect his draft stock. Then, they dive deep on Clark's defensive impact, discussing his exceptional ability to generate steals and great on-ball defensive skills at length. UCLA guard Jaylen Clark blocks a shot by Norfolk State guard Joe Bryant Jr. during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. There is no question in my mind that when all of the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.. 1 to the Orlando . 27. The Hungry Dog Award won by UCLAs Jaime Jaquez Jr. in 2020. Some scouts sound convinced that injuries have affected Whitehead's play. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart released a statement regarding Carter being issued an arrest warrant, which you can read below, via The Athletics Seth Emerson. Indiana Pacers: Nick Smith Jr. (Arkansas, PG/SG, Freshman). Defensively, he s competitive and physical. Im going to go to his crossover, so now you can sit on it once and maybe he relaxes and you go at him and poke it away and get a steal. That list has continued to evolve as the college season has gone on, just as it does within an NBA front office. Patrolling Duke's paint with improved awareness and reactions, Lively has begun to re-sell teams on his rim-protection tools. Last Wednesday night, he put together his most convincing on-court pitch of the season, totaling 41 points against South Carolina, which included the game-tying drive in regulation and another to win in overtime. Mintz continues to stand out during Syracuse's down year, earning fans with his creativity, mid-range shot-making, aggressiveness at the rim, playmaking and defensive energy. You see, like, if you do something and he crosses over, now youre like, OK, thats his tendency, said Edney, whose 11 steals against George Mason in December 1994 remain a Pac-12 record. Outstanding defensive instincts pop first when watching Clark, whos averaging 2.7 steals per game by reading plays from off the ball. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages, B/R: New prospects emerging in latest Mock Draft, B/R: Multiple players in contention for late-lottery picks, B/R: Ranking top 50 college basketball prospects, B/R: Updated Mock Draft after 1st impressions, Ex-NBA player Morrow facing assault charges, Durant passes 'Big O' for 13th in career points, NBA Fantasy: Under-the-radar additions for playoffs, Magic's Isaac (torn adductor) out for rest of season, Triple-double win streak shows Jokic dominance, NBA DFS Picks: Yahoo plays and strategy for March 3. The undersized point guard had also faced questions about being a UCLA-caliber player before going on to play in three Final Fours and spend a decade in the NBA. Hes making great decisions with the ball in his hands, getting into the lane enough to keep defenders honest, and becoming an analytics darling in the process. A team will buy his offensive potential based on his flashes of three-point range, face-up skill and post-ups. One of college basketballs best defenders. NBA coaches can think about using him on the ball to facilitate or off the ball as a cutter and dribble-handoff weapon. Numerous media reports also circulated this morning containing inaccurate information concerning the tragic events of Jan. 15, 2023. While his ability to impact the game without the ball in his hands has drawn praise from head coach Mick Cronin, Clark has also made notable strides on the offensive end of the floor. Trevon Braziles season-ending injury opened a door for Jordan Walsh to showcase more scoring versatility and defense that form an archetype forward NBA teams value. Miami Heat: Brandin Podziemski (Santa Clara, PG/SG, Sophomore). Memphis Grizzlies: Julian Strawther (Gonzaga, SF, Junior). This mock draft order was based on NBA standings heading into Monday, February 27. What would he do if Edney swiped at the ball a certain way? His popularity continues to grow in NBA circles despite some quiet games, as scouts rave about his skill versatility and the feedback they've received about his work ethic and coachability. Charlotte Hornets (via Jazz): DaRon Holmes II (Dayton, C, Sophomore). Jaylen Clark 2023 NBA Draft Profile - ESPN Follow full coverage of Jaylen Clark during the 2023 NBA Draft on ESPN.com Jaylen Clark Shooting Guard 6'-5", 210 lbs UCLA ClassJunior. JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP via Getty Images, Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Brooklyn Nets (via Suns): GG Jackson II (South Carolina, PF, Freshman). Teams will bet on Nnaji's 6'11", 250-pound frame for finishing, rebounding and rim protection, especially given his comfort level playing in the Spanish ACB at 18 years old. He's a strong, efficient self-creator and shot-maker who won't offer much playmaking value or defensive upside. A lot of Clarks steals come off trapping and double-teaming, his lively arms and feet making him tough to get around. Collison taught his protege to get up on his man, know when hes going to change hands and take something away so that when he tries to counter, Clark can be ready. Mintz isnt a likely rookie contributor in 2023-24, and there is also a decent chance hell be back at Syracuse for his sophomore season. Averaging 0.79 points per pull-up jump shot [53rd percentile] he often used the threat of his jumper to help himself get downhill. Arkansas guard Nick Smith Jr.'s return from injury and quick production also have scouts buzzing entering March. It may be worth thinking about the 6'7", 232-pound forward more as a small-ball 4. Like most young players, Clark fancied the offensive highlight. Overlooked because of:Limited creation, shooting struggles, average wing size, Undervalued because of:Easy-fit versatility/adaptability, defensive impact, projectable role. Versatile with an ability to get his hands on a ton of balls. Jaylen Clark SG #0 Current Team: UCLA Born: Oct 13, 2001 (21 years old) Birthplace/Hometown: Corona, California Nationality: United States Height: 6-5 (196cm) Weight: 210 (95kg) Current NBA Status: Draft Eligible in 2025 Draft Entry: 2025 NBA Draft Pre-Draft Team: UCLA (Jr) High School: Etiwanda High School [Rancho Cucamonga, California] Despite having already turned 23 years old, Peterson is becoming interesting with his ball-handling and creation flashes, shot-making versatility and passing (4.7 assists) at 6'9". Indiana Pacers (via Celtics): Terquavion Smith (North Carolina State, PG/SG, Sophomore). They start out by breaking down Albert's comparison between Jaylen Clark and NFL Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed. Jonathan Wasserman is the lead scout and NBA Draft analyst for Bleacher Report. Though clearly most comfortable/dangerous releasing off the catch, hes flashed enough promise with his pull-up (36%), separating by rising with abrupt decisiveness and height over the contest. He does remain limited in creation situations, but hes ultraefficient when converting in transition (99th percentile), and hes produced by mostly playing to his strengths, play-finishing fast-breaks, rolls, cuts and catch-and-shoot chances. A 6'6", 40.6 percent three-point shooter, off-ball weapon and pick-and-roll threat, Sheppard is a likely Portsmouth Invitational attendee who'll have the chance to rise up boards competing against other second-round prospects during the predraft process. NBA Pre-Draft Camp NBA Interviews Site announcements . His point production has more than doubled, jumping from 6.7 to 15.7 while shooting 46.7% from three and an incredible 72% on two-point field goals. Sacramento Kings: Bilal Coulibaly (Metropoliitans 92, SF, 2004). Podziemski's name is trending in scouting circles as he continues to put up monster stat lines with enticing creativity and shot-making skill. He was a top ten prospect in the country last year . From a physical perspective, hes strong and athletic with solid positional size at 6-foot-5. While Henderson's explosiveness, power and off-the-dribble burst separate Henderson from the rest of his draft classmates, a recent 20-point (2-of-4 3PT), 14-assist game against a Memphis Hustle team with multiple NBA-caliber players highlighted his skill improvement, playmaking and shot-making potential. But, that was cancelled after some concerning news dropped. Howard remains out with an ankle injury, though he's already shown enough shot-making for a 6'8" freshman to lock in top-20 interest. In fact, he finished with 4 steals and 12 deflections. He fights over screens, doesnt give up on plays, and uses his body effectively to defend multiple positions.