NBA Draft 2018: 5 most overrated prospects

2. Trae Young

Young is arguably the most divisive player in the game. Fans and scouts either love him or hate him. As usual, the truth falls somewhere in between.

On the offensive end of the floor he showcases serious talent. He has an innate ability to create space on the dribble that reminds some people of Steph Curry. He’s not that good at it, but it’s still a plus skill at the next level.

Young is also a better passer than he’s given credit for. He wasn’t surrounded by great talent at Oklahoma, but he frequently set teammates up with great chances to score. He showed particular aptitude for passing out of the pick and roll. That skill should largely translate to the NBA as well.

Unfortunately for Young, there’s no one for him to guard at the next level. He’s only an average athlete and he is small by any measurement for an NBA guard. The team that drafts him is going to have to pair him with an excellent defender in the backcourt. Some nights there just won’t be anywhere for the diminutive guard to hide.

Young is almost universally pegged to be a top-10 pick in the draft. Some outlets, such as ESPN, have him rated even higher. They believe he’s the sixth best prospect in his class.

That’s just too high for a player who will be roasted on the defensive end of the floor. Young should be in the 10-20 range. There’s a chance he never figures out a way to become even a passable NBA defender.