28 and under fantasy draft, picks 10-12:
10) Bam Adebayo | Miami Heat | Age 23
“Bam outta the bayou” simply couldn’t be left on the board any longer. It’s astounding that this man is 23 given his maturity, build, look, and a massive improvement in all facets already through four NBA seasons. Carrying a unique skill set at 6’9 255 lbs, recently beginning to have some ball-handling responsibilities and developing a very reliable mid-range jumper.
Coupled with his headlining attributes of being a lockdown, versatile defender and strong finisher around the rim. And of course, having already been an asset to an eastern conference championship team before age 24. The all-encompassing impact of Bam on the floor really came to fruition when he went down with injury in last year’s finals loss.
11) Jaylen Brown | Boston Celtics | Age 24
Brown could very well be in the top 10 of this draft. His improvement each year, particularly on the offensive end, has been remarkable. He’s an explosive athlete averaging 24.7 points per game and an elite wing defender on the other end.
With an especially huge chip on his shoulder receiving mostly negative reactions from an antsy Celtics fan base following being drafted at third overall and his hefty extension years back after a difficult campaign in the Kyrie circus year, which he’s more than lived up to since.
12) Ja Morant | Memphis Grizzlies | Age 21
Yes, it does feel somewhat criminal drafting the reigning rookie of the year and such a raw, young talent this late. It’s just a reminder of how absurdly special the crop of young talent is in the league. Safe to say the NBA’s in a great place moving forward.
The only reason Morant isn’t higher in the draft is that I’d be projecting his improvement in his still shaky areas like his field goal, three-point, and free throw efficiency as opposed to the more proven guys ahead.
But, he’s an established high end finisher around the rim and distributor, who will only improve in other areas as he grows into his body and has more experience behind him. I’d be shocked if he’s not in the top five-seven in this draft couple of years from now.