They are young and gifted, all viewed as having the talent to be NBA players and All-Stars at some point in their careers.
The players that are figured to be chosen in the top five of the NBA draft played only one season after high school, but Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs and Scottie Barnes, in the eyes of talent evaluators, are the real deal.
It appears that Green could be joined by as many as three of his G League teammates during the two-round draft — Jonathan Kuminga, who might be a top-10 selection, Isaiah Todd and Daishen Nix.
Mobley might be one of a handful of former high school stars from Southern California selected in the draft. Former Chatsworth Sierra Canyon stars Ziaire Williams and BJ Boston are potential first- and second-round selections, respectively, while Josh Christopher, who played at Lakewood Mayfair, figures to be selected toward the end of the first round.
The Lakers select 22nd and the Clippers 25th. Those are their only picks.
This is a look at how things might shake out Thursday night at Barclays Center in New York:
1. Detroit: Cade Cunningham, SG, 6-8, 220, Oklahoma State
The Pistons badly need talent, and Cunningham is considered the most NBA-ready player. As a combo guard, Cunningham can play on the wing or at the point.
2. Houston: Jalen Green, SG, 6-6, 180, G League Ignite
Though he’s not ready to have an impact, Green is seen as the most talented player in the draft. He has the biggest upside because of his ability to score and incredible athleticism.
3. Cleveland: Evan Mobley, F-C, 7-0, 215, USC
With his size and mobility, Mobley could become a special player. He has a nice inside/outside game and shooting touch. He has a great motor and work ethic.
4. Toronto: Jalen Suggs, PG, 6-4, 205, Gonzaga
Suggs is very solid on defense and offense. He has the speed and quickness to attack the hoop. He’s known for his leadership and toughness.
5. Orlando: Scottie Barnes, F, 6-9, 225, Florida State
Barnes has shown the ability to defend multiple positions. He’ll need to work on his shot, but he does attack the rim and is powerful when doing so.
6. Oklahoma City: James Bouknight, G, 6-5, 190, Connecticut
He’s a really athletic shooting guard. He can get buckets and make tough shots.
7. Golden State: Jonathan Kuminga, F, 6-7, 222, G League Ignite
His talent is off the charts. He’s an offensive-minded player who has a big-time handle and can create. He could be a steal.
8. Orlando: Franz Wagner, F, 6-9, 220, Michigan
Wagner, the brother of former Lakers pick Mo Wagner, has the versatility to play both forward positions. He’s a good rebounder and has solid fundamentals.
Guards Josh Christopher of Arizona State and Joshua Primo of Alabama go through the paces in El Segundo on Friday.
9. Sacramento: Moses Moody, G, 6-6, 210, Arkansas
He’s good in catch-and-shoot situations and has a nice feel for the game.
10. New Orleans: Josh Giddey, PG, 6-8, 205, Australia
Great size for a point guard. He has a great feel for the game and is a do-everything player.
11. Charlotte: Jalen Johnson, F, 6-9, 210, Duke
Rebounding is one of his main strengths. Defends well and can block shots.
12. San Antonio: Kai Jones, C, 6-11, 220, Texas
Jones needs development but is a freak athlete.
13. Indiana: Davion Mitchell, PG, 6-2, 200, Baylor
He could go higher but would be a steal here. He’s a very good defender and floor leader.
14. Golden State: Chris Duarte, G, 6-6, 190, Oregon
He’s an older player (24) out of the Dominican Republic who could help right way after four years in college.
15. Washington: Trey Murphy, F, 6-9, 205, Virginia
The versatile Murphy is a big-time athlete. He’s a spot-up shooter who could become a 3-and-D player.
16. Oklahoma City: Corey Kispert, G/F, 6-7, 225, Gonzaga
As an older player (22), he could be ready to help right away. Is an elite scorer with tremendous shooting ability.
17. Memphis: Keon Johnson, G/F, 6-5, 185, Tennessee
An athletic freak with toughness. With a 6-foot-8 wingspan, he’s a really good defender.
18. Oklahoma City: Ziaire Williams, G/F, 6-8, 190, Stanford
The Sierra Canyon product is a great athlete who has tremendous hops. Has a smooth jump shot and is creative.
19. New York: Miles McBride, PG, 6-2, 195, West Virginia
Very good on-ball defender with a 6-9 wingspan who is a tough competitor.
20. Atlanta: Alperen Sengun, F/C, 6-9, 240, Turkey
He is a physical player with a high basketball IQ and an NBA-ready body.
21. New York: Isaiah Jackson, F/C, 6-10, 205, Kentucky
Though slight for the position, Jackson is a good defender and tough.
22. Lakers: Ayo Dosunmu, G, 6-5, 190, Illinois
He is more of a shooting guard but can handle the ball. He has a good step-back three-point shot.
Lakers work out another pair of draft prospects
23. Houston: Jared Butler, G, 6-3, 195, Baylor
A very tough-minded combo guard. He has the ability to score by creating his own shot.
24. Houston: Nah’Shon Hyland, SG, 6-3, 170, Virginia Commonwealth
He averaged 19.5 points last season while shooting 44.7% from the field.
25. Clippers: Joshua Primo, G, 6-5, 190, Alabama
Primo did well enough at the NBA combine that he decided to enter the draft after one college season. He’s an athletic wing.
26. Denver: Josh Christopher, SG, 6-4, 215, Arizona State
The local product from Mayfair is an explosive athlete with a 6-8 wingspan.
27. Brooklyn: Tre Mann, PG, 6-5, 180, Florida
Has a nice change of pace to his game that makes him a good scorer.
28. Philadelphia: Quentin Grimes, SG, 6-5, 210, Houston
A really good three-point shooter, making 40.3% of them, that makes him a 3-and-D prospect.
29. Phoenix: Joel Ayayi, G, 6-5, 180, Gonzaga
He is a solid playmaker with tremendous quickness who can run point or play off the ball.
30. Utah: Jaden Springer, G, 6-4, 215, Tennessee
His defense is very good. He’s a tough combo guard who shot 43.5% from three-point range.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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