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. 52. 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. What mattered was that this wildly athletic guard chased every loose ball and followed his steals with breakaway dunks. Washington Wizards: Ausar Thompson (Overtime Elite, SG/SF, 2003). 35. Boston Celtics (via Blazers): Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA, SF/PF, Senior). Mintz is crafty in the lane, where he uses pivots, fakes, patience and touch (14-of-28 runners). Kleckner gave those questioning Clarks ability at the next level the same spiel he had delivered about Collison. Jaylen Clark has really starred in his role so far this season at UCLA. A lack of perceived scoring upside could ultimately allow the freshman to be on the board for teams in the 20s. Bolch is also the author of the recently released book 100 Things UCLA Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die. He previously covered UCLA basketball from 2010-11 before going on to cover the NBA and the Clippers for five years. 37. See the best remaining players on the draft board during the 2023 NBA Draft with Draftcast on ESPN. Alongside the trophies, medals, plaques, certificates and awards the UCLA guard has accumulated over a career spanning numerous youth and high. 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. 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. 55. What would he do if Edney swiped at the ball a certain way? He figures to only make more fans during the predraft process with his measurements, workouts in front of executives and interviews. Scouts should see translatable defense tied to his tools, foot speed, IQ, concentration, motor, recoveries and playmaking (3.2 steal percentage). Thats steal territory for a 6-foot-10, three-and-D forward with room to add more shot versatility. The Orlando forward played only 11 games this season after missing two years with a torn ACL. 12. . A change of scenery for the World Cup Qualifiers didn't throw off Wembanyama, who went for 22 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks in France's win over Czech Republic. On the surface, Norchard Omier looks like a guy who shouldnt translate. Clowney may be too far away for teams to confidently use a first-round pick on him, but he does have the potential shooting-shot-blocking-rebounding combo that some may be willing to reach on. 9. The Hungry Dog Award won by UCLAs Jaime Jaquez Jr. in 2020. Hell also look for screens when he knows players intend to curl around for a pass that often finds its way into his hands. Detroit Pistons: Amen Thompson (Overtime Elite, Point wing, 2003). About Jalen Suggs Jalen Suggs is an athletic guard with great competitive instincts who turned the corner in his lone collegiate season while helping Gonzaga to a National Championship appearance. But he has strengthened his case as a potential top-three prospect by showcasing more ball-handling and shiftiness into self-created drives, plus much improved finishing with touch, adjustments and body control. His defensive activity and energy have been selling points as well, as Mintz is averaging 2.3 spg off ball pressure, happy feet and good intensity. Clark also scored a team-high 19 points in those 22 minutes.3pt shooting may ultimately be the key to a translatable role for the next level, but he drew a lot of contact, showed some mid-range craft, & flashed the passing that Mick Cronin has praised. The play of Brandon Miller, Nick Smith Jr.'s return and the Thompsons' upside may at least make the Spurs think before taking Henderson. He picks his spots well to attack, and he uses his strength and off hand to convert around the basket. You play defense, his father told him, youre going to force your way onto the floor.. Jaylen Clark NBA DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT Draft Notes Clark is an intriguing long-term prospect who has a chance to be special. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Brothers Discovery. Fourth among freshman in scoring despite making five threes all season, Mintz gets to his spots off ball-handling moves, change of speed and long strides, and he finishes plays off the dribble with a knack for elevating into mid-range shots or hanging in the air on layups. 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. 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. He may never be an offensive catalyst, and he doesnt have to be. Hes also a very good perimeter rebounder. Jaylen (@jayl7en) April 20, 2022 Clark plays strong defense and can be a force on the glass for the Bruins. 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. The toxicology report, per the Athens-Clark County Police Department, determined that LeCroy's blood alcohol level was at .197, which is more than two times the legal limit in Georgia. After a strong start to the season, Pelle Larsson hasnt put up especially big numbers in his last three games. He's a strong, efficient self-creator and shot-maker who won't offer much playmaking value or defensive upside. Tyus Edney piled up steals by studying the guy he was guarding, the onetime UCLA point guard comparing the first few minutes of each game to boxers feeling each other out at the start of a match. Remember Darren Collison? The NBA has reached its midway point and the NBA Draft picture is starting to take shape after a busy trade deadline. 41. After a nearly two-month layoff, it took Smith only four games to put up 26 points and deliver the creation and shot-making flashes that fueled top-five hype in the preseason. He's just crossing off reasons to doubt him. Hes up to eight 3-point makes over Alabamas last five games, appearing more confident in his release, which is quick and concise with minimal dip. He brings a similar mentality to his total floor game as he runs the floor and provides constant effort. Jaylen Clark 2023 Draft Profile | Tankathon NBA Home Mock Draft Big Board Compare Prospects Full Order More Jaylen Clark Team UCLA Year Junior Position Shooting Guard Height 6'5" Weight 205 lbs Age 21.38 yrs Draft Age 21.68 yrs Birthdate Oct 13, 2001 Nation USA Hometown Corona, CA High School Etiwanda High School Big Board 53rd STAT STRENGTHS But at some point, one team is bound to bite on his shot-making. 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. Golden State Warriors: Kris Murray (Iowa, PF, Junior). Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves): Jalen Hood-Schifino (Indiana, PG/SG, Freshman). 42. Miller has not been charged in the case and continues to play for Alabama. Rising prospects such as Pepperdines Maxwell Lewis, Ohio States Brice Sensabaugh and Illinois Coleman Hawkins have ultimately become too well known to be considered sleepers anymore. Jaylen Clark UCLA. Judah Mintzs poor 3-point numbers and Syracuses bad losses have kept his Draft buzz in check. Overlooked because of:Syracuses record, shooting numbers, physical tools, Undervalued because of:creativity, versatility, shot-making, energy. Podziemski's name is trending in scouting circles as he continues to put up monster stat lines with enticing creativity and shot-making skill. Jaylen Clark should be playing himself onto Draft boards, more so with versatility and consistent impact plays than his 14.1 points per game. Some scouts sound convinced that injuries have affected Whitehead's play. Coming off a season-high 34 points against George Mason, Holmes continues to strengthen his NBA case around physical tools and athleticism for finishing, inside scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking. His 30 three-pointers in 22 games highlight enough shot-making ability for teams bet on improvement. Smith hasn't made the jump efficiency-wise that NBA scouts were hoping for, but a team in 20s or 30s will still see value in his confident shot-making for an instant-offense role. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, There may be no defense for the way Jaylen Clark can confound UCLAs opponents, Jaylen Clark could be just what UCLAs sagging defense needs, Twenty-five years ago, Little Hoop and Tyus Edney launched UCLAs run to its last NCAA title, UCLAs senior trio has persevered in restoring Bruins to national prominence, An exclusive look at details of Chip Kellys two-year contract extension from UCLA, Oh, hes on another level right now. How Jaime Jaquez Jr. took over in UCLAs win, A No. Age (18) and a valued archetype will keep NBA teams patient with Rupert, a 6'6" wing who has a projectable shooting stroke and 7'3" wingspan for defense. 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. He now has the type of off-ball offense and defensive tools NBA teams can picture translating. Ive just got to get a case, Clark said. Stuck in a shooting slump the last few weeks, Clark might want to remind himself that earlier this season he became the only NBA, WNBA or Division I mens or womens player in the last 20 years to collect at least 15 points, seven rebounds and seven steals while making all seven shots during a rout of Sacramento State. 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). Making strides as a sophomore, Williams really turned the corner as a junior under Head Coach Herb Sendak averaging 18 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists over 34.8 minutes per game to earn All-WCC first team honors. On the court, there are fewer question marks about him. 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. The reasons for their failure may have been inherent to the whole project. 33. https://t.co/U121NFDPe5 pic.twitter.com/plyPLYugo8. This mock draft order was based on NBA standings heading into Monday, February 27. 45. Walsh's quickness to lock up, guard multiple positions and defend with intensity should sway NBA teams to remain patient with his shooting consistency and off-the-dribble development. Note: There are only 58 picks in the 2023 NBA Draft with the Sixers and Bulls forfeiting their second-rounders. Jalen Williams is a long, smooth small forward who turned a corner in his development as a junior at Santa Clara. Showing a sense of urgency and using his length while contesting shots, Williams was solid on the defensive end at the collegiate level but was more active on the glass and in the passing lanes some nights than others. Averaging 19.9 points over Connecticut's last 11 games, Hawkins continues to look like one of the draft's most convincing shot-makers. After returning to the scene, he gave shifting accounts of the wreck as an Athens police officer questioned him about whether he had been racing the car that crashed.. Overlooked because of:Scouts unfamiliarity, limited creation, Undervalued because of:NBA tools, valued archetype. An arrest warrant was issued to Georgia defensive lineman and NFL Draft prospect Jalen Carter. Sometimes bringing the ball up the floor and sometimes getting it on the second side, Williams played a significant role for Santa Clara leading the team in points and assists. The smart passing and hustle plays only strengthen Walshs role-player profile and potential to impact games without needing to make shots. Hometown Corona, Calif. School Etiwanda High School. Scouts are now talking about Podziemski as a legitimate first-round pick who can seemingly keep climbing with his consistent shooting, touch shots, craftiness off the dribble, playmaking and unique positional rebounding (8.8 per game). 20. 28. Coulibaly could pass on this draft and wait for a bigger role (and weaker 2024 class) after Victor Wembanyama heads to the NBA. Utah Jazz (via 76ers): Ricky Council IV (Arkansas, SG/SF, Junior). Brooklyn Nets: Drew Peterson (USC, SG/SF, Senior). 34. 6-5, 200 | Class of 2020. Toronto Raptors: Keyonte George (Baylor, SG, Freshman). Jarace Walker, who was previously compared to Paul Millsap by an NBA executive in our previous aggregate mock draft, has caught the attention of talent evaluators due to his physique and. Position Small Forward. I'd be happy to draft him anywhere outside the lottery and feel good about it. 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. San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors): Jalen Wilson (Kansas, SF/PF, Junior). Jonathan Wasserman provides his latest projections through 2 rounds after an early look at the potential 2023 class. The game has seemingly slowed down for him enough to make necessary adjustments/counters in traffic. Continuing to produce during conference play should help Hendricks secure a spot on teams first-round boards. Then, they dive deep on Clark's defensive impact, discussing his exceptional ability to generate steals and great on-ball defensive skills at length. Tools and Resources Used by Real General Managers. You can follow him onTwitter. Boston Celtics (via Blazers): Jaylen Clark (UCLA, SF, Junior) While the improved scoring production has helped UCLA, it's the passing, defense and serviceable open shooting that will interest NBA . We began this years NBA Draft coverage by ascertaining exactly how things work behind the scenes. His attitude changed when he joined a stacked club team featuring eventual NBA first-round draft picks Evan Mobley and Onyeka Okongwu, among other older and more decorated players. Its also left nearly every offense the Bruins have faced in tatters, like the ripped practice jerseys Clark regularly cycles through. LeCroys vehicle had left the road and crashed into power poles and trees. Whether we're talking 2023 or 2024 remains to be seen, but he's generating NBA buzz with his versatility and efficiency, particularly after scoring a season-high 28 points in a win over Wisconsin on Sunday. . 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. Its becoming easy to picture an NBA fit in a 6-foot-6 interchangeable guard or wing who is a standout passer, versatile defender and suddenly a dangerous catch-and-shoot threat (48.3%). Wembanyama is being used in every possible way for a bigas a post player, pick-and-pop shooter and ball-handler. He's likely land somewhere in the teens or 20s on a team that's willing to have patience and bet on the development of a 6'9" 18-year-old with ball-handling and shot-making skill. Vukevi has looked like a more believable prospect this year, shooting 37.7 percent from three and delivering more frequent flashes of face-up offense and passing. Chicago Bulls (via Nuggets): Forfeited, 59. 50. The Draftables, 247Sports comprehensive list of NBA prospects organized by team, puts players into potential categories or buckets, to mirror the way most NBA front offices organize their early season scouting efforts. Dick has already secured the "safe" label from scouts, given how easy it is to picture a plug-and-play fit in a 6'8" sharpshooter, athletic finisher, smart/tough defender and sound decision-maker. 27. Willock was pronounced dead at the scene, while offensive lineman Warren McClendon and recruiting staffer Tory Bowles were injured. Fit won't be an issue with whichever team wins the lottery. There were a relatively wide range of opinions on Taylor Hendricks coming out of high school last year as some outlets had him as high as 54th in the country and others as low as 119th. 1 NFL. GS: Game Score created by John Hollinger with similarities to PER. It helped that the 6-foot-5 firebrand possessed a 6-7 wingspan the longest among UCLAs guards to go with his speed and go-go drive. Judah Mintz Syracuse. UCLA guard Jaylen Clark blocks a shot by Norfolk State guard Joe Bryant Jr. during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Jaylen Clark DraftExpress Profile: scouting reports, videos, stats and logs. The bald coach, in his first season at UCLA, wanted a stopper he could build his defense around. RotoWire names five under-the-radar players who could add value to your rosters as we approach fantasy playoffs. 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. If he can sustain what weve seen so far for the rest of the season, he could end up being a surprise one-and-done candidate. . Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis and Brandon Ingram will play outsized roles in how their respective teams close the season. He fights over screens, doesnt give up on plays, and uses his body effectively to defend multiple positions. 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. Stats courtesy of Synergy Sports and Sports Reference. 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. Hes shown an unteachable feel for anticipating and reacting as a help defender, jumping passing lanes or blowing up screens to force turnovers and often turn them into fast-break points. 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. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. 14. Less than a month into the college season and weve already seen proof of that. 47. A former four-star recruit in class of 2020, Clark has taken some time to come around, but has really blossomed into solid player with NBA upside. On the ball, weve seen a few sequences of him identifying space, putting the ball down, attacking in a straight line and finishing with body control. Jalen Carter, Georgia Bulldogs. Orlando Magic (via Bulls): Gradey Dick (Kansas, SF, Freshman). Its obviously important for the shooting to continue, though the early consistency remains promising, as hes at 41% from deep on 4.4 attempts per game while converting 79.1% of his free throws. 5. And I was like, Yeah! His perimeter rebounding was again on display, to the tune of 6 boards in just 22 minutes, while there were also a couple of impressive passes, an area of his game that Mick Cronin has recognized in some of his comments this season. Cutting off the ball effectively as well, he proved to be more opportunistic than most high-volume pick and roll threats. Beyond the production though, its the way his tools could potentially translate. With a highlight reel that features enticing shooting flashes, step-backs and explosive finishes, and stats that include a 37.9 field-goal percentage, 64.5 free-throw percentage, 76 turnovers to 24 assists and 41 fouls to 23 blocks, Jackson has become one of the most divisive prospects in this draft class. 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. All rights reserved. Its ultimate destination is already known, at least in Clarks mind. The first and most obvious way in which he impacted the game was with his defensive energy, his ability to get steals and deflections, and ultimately help the Bruins generate their transition offense from their defense. UCLA guard Jaylen Clark is guarded by Arizona State forward Jalen Graham during the first half Monday at Pauley Pavilion. Shooting remains a swing skill for Shannon, a 6'6" slasher and defender who has demonstrated improved shot-making and the ability to catch fire. Nick Agar-Johnson brings Albert Ghim back on the Deep Dives podcast to talk about Albert's recent article on UCLA guard Jaylen Clark. Denver Nuggets (via Thunder): Keyontae Johnson (Kansas State, SF, Senior). New Orleans Pelicans: Sidy Cissoko (G League Ignite, SG/SF, 2004). Defensively, he s competitive and physical. Brooklyn Nets (via Suns): GG Jackson II (South Carolina, PF, Freshman). Clark was a four-star prospect and averaged 18.5 points per game as a senior at Etiwanda High School last. 44. Grabbing scouts' attention with a mix of three-level shot-making, ball-screen playmaking, finishing craft (72.0 percent at rim) and defense, Bufkin has entered the draft discussion. Defense wasnt always his top priority. Nevertheless, scouts came away from the Basketball Hall of Fam Tip-Off Championship wondering if he could be the type of mobile big-body to develop versatility later in his career, almost like Grant Williams. Duality underpins practically everything about the brief existence of the KD, Harden and Kyrie Nets. One of college basketballs best defenders. 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. Jeremy Woo Dec. With some of the top NCAA prospects building steam, Thompson answered in the City Reapers' first game of Overtime's playoff semis, finishing with 20 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists while shooting 2-of-4 from three. Johnson is back on NBA radars, producing and impressing with his shooting, post game, passing and off-ball scoring.