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NBA Rookie Ladder: Ranking draft and stash heroes

By Brandon Jefferson

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 23: The Philadelphia 76ers host a post draft press conference announcing new players Anzejs Pasecniks, Markelle Fultz, Jonah Bolden and Mathias Lessort at the Sixers Training Complex on June 23, 2017 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 23: The Philadelphia 76ers host a post draft press conference announcing new players Anzejs Pasecniks, Markelle Fultz, Jonah Bolden and Mathias Lessort at the Sixers Training Complex on June 23, 2017 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images) /
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2. Mathias Lessort

Mathias Lessort is another springy athlete currently playing in Europe. However, unlike Bolden, Lessort has spent all of his time developing in Europe. The Frenchmen projects better as a small ball center in the NBA. Lessort stands 6-foot-9 and has already gotten comfortable in an off-the-bench role as he took home Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2016 in the French League. Currently, Lessort is the backup to former Atlanta Hawks overseas sensation, Pero Antic.

In less than 20 minutes per game, Lessort is averaging 9.4 points per game (which is the fourth highest total for Crvena Zvezda). Lessort’s biggest advantage is his will and effort. Lessort just finds ways to make plays and be around the ball whenever he is on the floor. He is a terror in the open court as he is usually at the head of any fastbreak and has the physical abilities to finish plays above the rim offensively and defensively — a 7-foot-1 wingspan certainly helps in that regard.

Physically, Lessort shines as well. Not just because of his athleticism, but Lessort is well built and carries his 250 pounds nicely. Lessort should not face any questions about being strong enough to play in the NBA his fundamental strength and willingness to throw his body around allows him to impact the game on the glass. Lessort has also showcased the ability to hold his own as a defender on the perimeter. He is a strong hedge and recover player, but can stick with smaller players when switched onto the ball handler in pick-and-roll scenarios.

Watching former teammate Clint Capela’s rise to highly-valued role player shines light on a potential path to a sustained stay in the NBA in Lessort’s future. Lessort is the second member of this list who’s rights are owned by the Philadelphia 76ers.

With Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, Richaun Holmes, and potentially Jonah Bolden (along with one more name on this list) needing playing time Lessort might not be in the Sixers plans for the near future. That might be a blessing in disguise though, as Lessort will get plenty of opportunity to develop overseas and if pieces of Philly’s frontcourt price themselves out of town then there’s Lessort waiting in the wings to take their place.

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