European NBA Prospect Rankings: Winter 2016

6. Alpha Kaba, C, Mega Leks

2017 Draft Prospect

2016-2017 Stats: 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 0.8 blocks per game

Kaba withdrew from the 2016 NBA Draft after suffering a knee injury last season. So far, that decision has been a good one, as he’s been the international prospect to most boost his draft stock this season. After coming in as a fringe prospect, he seems secure as a second-round option, thanks to the development progress he’s made this year.

The most positive development with Kaba has been physically, where he’s added weight without sacrificing the bounce and lateral quickness that put him on the map. While he’s not blocking shots at a high rate (3.2 percent block rate), he does a solid job affecting shots inside, and covering a lot of ground within one defensive possession.

Kaba’s also developed well as an offensive player, and should be able to help on both ends in the NBA. He’s added shooting range this season, hitting 12-of-43 from 3-point range, and he’s a brilliant hustle player on this end, with an offensive rebound rate of 15.99 and excellent mobility in the pick-and-roll.

Kaba’s skill set has taken a major leap this year, and he’s finally maturing into a long frame that will be enticing to teams looking for center help. He may top out as a role player at the NBA level, but if he keeps adding strength and touch from outside, he should be a very good one.