A few things about draft rankings: Right now, they are pretty irrelevant. There are probably a few players you can sort out as far as the top-top guys. But otherwise, teams are still gathering information and making their lists. Not to mention preparing their questions when they can finally talk to the players individually.
I am personally still catching up on the top guys. But here is my top five right now:
1. Markelle Fultz, Washington: This kid can do it all. He scores really well and has a great shot. I think he might be a little better defensively than some let on too. But Washington is really bad. And that has to count for something, right?
2. Lonzo Ball, UCLA: I am not going crazy with the comparisons to a certain former Magic point guard quite yet, but there is no doubt Ball has a ton of athleticism and a natural attacking instinct. I love the rhythm he plays with. it seems like he is always in control of the game.
3. Dennis Smith, Jr., NC State: Another really fun scoring point guard. Smith has put up some stellar numbers this year — 19.0 points per game and 6.7 assists per game. But like Fultz, the Wolfpack are not winning.
4. Malik Monk, Kentucky: Few players have produced quite the way Malik Monk has. And he has that skill that is so important in the NBA — shooting. Monk can shoot the lights out. My concern is that is about all he can do. He feels like a glorified spot-up shooter. Would like to see if he can expand his game.
5. Josh Jackson, Kansas: Josh Jackson has a lot of the physical tools to be a really successful 3 in this league. He has good size and length and is committed defensively. He is good off the dribble attacking the basket. His shot is really suspect.