There already has been movement at the top of the NBA draft as the Celtics sent the No. 1 pick to the 76ers for the No. 3 choice and two future first-round selections. There could be more deals before Thursday night.
Many view this draft as top-heavy with not much separating the first five picks from the second five, but it changes after that.
"I think when you get past 10," one longtime college scout said, "the draft is very average."
Several point guards will be taken early, possibly as many as five in the top 10. Washington's Markelle Fultz and UCLA's Lonzo Ball are considered the can't-miss guys who can step in and help a team right away. But there are some forwards who can make an impact, including Duke's Jason Tatum and Kansas' Josh Jackson.
The Knicks have the No. 8 pick and should be able to get a guard who they hope to convert into someone who can play well in the triangle offense. Some players who have been linked to them are Kentucky's Malik Monk, North Carolina State's Dennis Smith Jr. and Frank Ntikilina, who played in France.
As in every draft, teams will have to wait on some of their players since so many of them are teenagers or someone who spent just one year in college. They just hope they don't miss out on a future All-Star or overvalue a player who never reaches his potential.
"The top 10 is excellent and there are a lot of talented players," another scout offered. "After that I think there are some guys with upside, but upside may get you fired."
Here are the top 10 prospects in Thursday's NBA draft. This is not a mock draft or necessarily the order they will be selected Thursday, but the top 10 players with the most talent and upside.
