5
Jonathan Kuminga 2002, Forward, Ignite
15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks, 39% fg, 25% 3pt, 33 mpg
Jonathan Kuminga is perhaps the biggest gamble on talent in the entirety of this draft class. Kuminga is nearly a year younger than many freshman-age prospects, as he re-classified to expedite his route to the NBA.
In his time in the G-League, Kuminga flashed a ton of potential, but his jump shot simply has to improve for him to find success in the toughest league on earth. If Kuminga does figure this out, though, his frame and athleticism would make him a truly elite prospect.
Cleveland appears to be at a bit of a stalemate in the team’s development. The Cavaliers have a lot of very good young pieces, but there is no clear-cut star on this team that is going to bring them to the next level. In addition, the jury is still out as to what will be Kevin Love’s future in Cleveland, with him getting up there in age. With Kuminga, the Cavs would get a high-ceiling player at a positional need in a loaded draft class.
6
Moses Moody Freshman, Guard, Arkansas
16.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.7 blocks, 43% fg, 36% 3pt, 34 mpg
Washington does not have a clear need and appears to be too stubborn to commit to a rebuild, so adding a player to improve on one of their biggest weaknesses is probably the best play. The Wizards are one of the poorest shooting teams in the NBA, and with a player like Russell Westbrook on the roster, that simply cannot be an option. With an off-ball shooting option for Westbrook and Beal to rely on, the star duo should have more room to work with inside.
Not only does Moody provide as a high-floor option for Washington, he is one of the youngest players in this class and has a great skillset and frame for today’s NBA.
Moody also won the SEC’s Rookie of the Year Award and was a key contributor on one of the best teams in the country. Moody has great three-and-D potential at both wing positions and is almost certain to carve out a solid NBA career.