Devin Booker
Position: Shooting guard
Height/Weight: 6-6/205
School: Kentucky
I'm very high on Booker and believe he will end up being one of the best players in this year's draft. He's an elite shooter, a skill that is always in high demand in the NBA. But Booker is more than just a spot-up marksman. He has good size and is able to drive to the basket consistently. Booker came off the bench for last season's 38-1 Kentucky team and averaged 10 points in just 21.5 minutes per game. His shooting percentages were terrific, connecting on 41 percent of this three-point attempts and 82 percent of his free throws.
Booker's intangibles also play well with NBA executives. He could've went to 99 percent of the other colleges in the country and put up superstar numbers. But Booker went to Kentucky and accepted his role coming off the bench, helping the Wildcats become one of the best college basketball teams in recent history. He was rewarded for his team-first attitude with the SEC Sixth Man of the Year award.
It seems that my high opinion of Booker is becoming the norm in NBA circles. He was initially projected as a mid-to-late first round pick at the end of the college season. Now all indications are that Booker could be a top 10 pick.
Strengths
Shooting. And as mentioned above, good shooters never go out of style in the NBA. Booker has a quick release and textbook form on his jump shot. When he catches the ball in rhythm and has a good look at the basket, he's close to automatic from anywhere out to 23 to 24 feet.
Booker has a reputation as a shooter, and deservedly so. But he's far from a one-dimensional player. Booker is efficient at putting the ball on the floor, getting to the basket and finishing when he gets there. His athleticism is underrated — he had the fastest lane agility and shuttle run times of the 45 participants at the NBA Draft Scouting Combine last month.
He also has poise and confidence beyond his years. Booker is also no stranger to big games and media scrutiny following his one season at Kentucky. The NBA atmosphere shouldn't be much of an adjustment.
NBA
Weaknesses
Most of the question marks surrounding Booker focus on his defensive ability. He wasn't always the most engaged defender at Kentucky. But between his size and work ethic, it isn't a stretch to think Booker will improve that aspect of his game once he gets to the NBA.
Booker will also need to add a little weight to his 6-foot-6 frame, but not much. Expect Booker's NBA playing weight to peak in the 215-to-220-pound range. He doesn't turn 19 until the end of October, making him the youngest player in the draft. So there is plenty of time to bulk up.
How he'd fit with Sixers
Booker would fit in perfectly with the Sixers. They need someone who can shoot the ball consistently, and that's Booker. Sam Hinkie focused on defense in the last two drafts, now he needs to start adding guys who can score.
Booker won't be an option for the Sixers with the third pick. But if Hinkie wants to use any of the future first-or-second-round picks he has been stockpiling to acquire another lottery pick this year, Booker would be a potential target. I don't see this happening for the record. Booker will be a very good NBA player, but it won't be for the Sixers.
NBA comparison
Booker is a Klay Thompson clone in size and skill set. It isn't far-fetched to think he will have the same success in the NBA as Thompson, who made his first All-Star game this past season and is the second best player on the Western Conference-champion Warriors. Booker will bring his unique scoring abilities as well as an honest defensive effort to whichever team selects him.
Draft projection
Booker will be a low-end lottery pick, likely somewhere in the 8-13 range.