Looks like a monster class so far. I haven't really done a deep dive on any of these freshmen yet, but Peterson/Dybantsa/Boozer/Ament/Wilson all look like easy top of the lottery guys that the Spurs won't be in range for unless the Hawks really shit the bed. On this front, I am actually hoping Trae Young returns quickly, as it seems like Quinn Snyder is trying to build an equal-opportunity offense which minimizes Trae's strengths by putting him more off-ball while still allowing his bottom-tier defense to hurt the team.
Looks like the primary need is wings/forwards who can dribble/pass/shoot/defend/operate in a low-usage context. Of the guys who will realistically be available 10-20, these are some names to keep in mind who played NCAA last year:
Yaxel Lendeborg - known quantity; fits the mold with regards to size, feel, well-roundedness. I really want to see his 3P volume go up this year on similar percentage - he averaged 3 att/100 possessions last year and I really want to see him get that up to 6-7 on decent percentage. Also need to see how well he's able to slide his feet and guard the perimeter against better competition now that he's in a better program. Michigan's got Mara in the middle so it'll force Yaxel into a more perimeter-oriented role, although his playmaking numbers may take a hit. He's also super old but you might be getting him in his prime physical years on a rookie contract, which would be helpful from a cap standpoint
Thomas Haugh - lots of Dean Wade energy with this guy. Nice size, slides his feet ok, really good motor, need to see his outside shot continue to progress. I think Dean Wade shot the 3 better in college, but Haugh was an 80% FT shooter which is pretty good for a 6'9" guy so there's probably a workable shot in there somewhere
Cameron Carr - his highlights from the first Baylor game really really popped. 6'5" with a 7'2" wingspan, 3 looks smooth, and he can effortlessly get above the rim. He'll be 21 on draft night but that might make him undervalued. Might be next in line of short lengthy wings who are late bloomers - Jalen Williams, Cedric Coward, now Carr. Between him and Yessoufou, Baylor looks pretty interesting this year
Jayden Quaintence - bad fit, but if he starts slow coming off ACL reconstruction this could be an interesting value proposition in the teens. Basically some cross between Jalen Duren and TimeLord who seemed even more mobile on the perimeter prior to his ACL injury - one of the most physically imposing defenders in the NCAA last year at age 17. Of course he shoots <50% from FT so it will remain seen if he develops any kind of touch moving forward
Donnie Freeman - didn't get a whole lot of attention last year but played decently well for Syracuse as a true freshman. He's got some bounce and moves well, as requisite NBA athleticism, and has an ok-looking shot. Syracuse might be another team to watch between Freeman, Kiyan Anthony, and Sadiq White
