NBA Mock Draft: DeAndre Ayton joins the Hawks

There is no one in this draft class, or in the NCAA more broadly this year, who has the skill set Happ possesses. He is one of a kind with the way he affects the game on offense and defense.

As The Stepien’s JZ Mazlish pointed out here, Happ’s career steal percentage would have ranked highest among all players drafted last year in a class that included De’Aaron Fox and Josh Jackson. Happ is doing that as a traditional big man, standing 6-foot-8 without standout athleticism. Though that steal rate is down this season, it is his best path toward consistent defensive impact as a ground-bound four or five.

On offense, Happ has been remarkable as a passer this season. I watched him on Tuesday night against Indiana, a team still trying to figure things out under new coach Archie Miller, and he dominated. The junior had four assists and four steals, to go along with 29 points. He is involved in every single play on both sides of the court.

Happ won’t get fed in the post in the NBA, regardless of where he goes, but his ability to take advantage of mismatches and crevices in the defense make you feel good about his potential as a center in the NBA. He has enough moves as a scorer that his passing could become a real weapon, especially against smaller players. If he could shoot 3s, he would be a lottery prospect. But now, we’re seeing his ability to play one step ahead of opposing college talent and become one of the more productive players in the country.