With each new NBA draft class, there’s always hope—argumentatively speaking—that one select rookie will one day become the next Shaq or the “Air Apparent.” And that’s still a problematic prognostication, especially this early in a rookie’s career. (It’s almost impossible if we’re honest.)
But Michael Jordan, who dropped 45 against San Antonio in only his ninth game, and Shaquille O’Neal, who was averaging double-doubles with ease at the same point, do highlight a key benchmark: Grading rookies this early in the season, looking for signs of possible elite talent, can be done.
So, while keeping that Jordan-Shaq Factor in mind, let’s take a look at the early grades for the top 15 picks from the 2019 draft.
15th pick: Sekou Doumbouya
Taken out of the French League by the Pistons, Sekou Doumbouya is only 18 years old—that’s young. But if he’s developed in the G League and becomes something close to one of the NBA stars he looks up to—Pascal Siakam—then look out!
Early Grade: TBD
Sekou Doumbouya :: Romeo Langford :: Tyler Herro :: P.J. Washington :: Cam Johnson :: Cam Reddish :: Rui Hachimura :: Jaxson Hayes :: Coby White :: Jarrett Culver :: Darius Garland :: De’Andre Hunter :: R.J. Barrett :: Ja Morant :: Zion Williamson