7. Buddy Hield
Age: 22
Position: SG
School/Country: Oklahoma
Height: 6-5
Weight: 212 pounds
Unless you neglected to watch any college basketball this past season, you know who Buddy Hield is. He was absolute magic in his senior season with the Oklahoma Sooners after he elected to return to school for one more year to become a more complete and dynamic offensive player. Not to jump the gun, but I think it’s safe to say he accomplished that goal.
The bulk of Hield’s value comes from his offensive prowess. His ability to score in a variety of manners—especially his outside shooting as he hit 45.7 percent of his trees as a senior—make him a highly coveted commodity in the NBA. Whichever roster he comes on to, he’s going to give them an offensive spark that also has even more potential to develop as a playmaker with more help around him.
Hield also has potential as a defender, though that’s far less valuable or likely to be his bread and butter than his offense. Even still, he’s going to be one of the top picks in the 2016 NBA Draft and rightfully so. Sure, there are a couple concerns, but there’s so much to love that outweighs that wholly.
Next: No. 6 Brown