#2 Josh Christopher – Guard – Arizona State

Standing just under 6’5” with a 6’9” wingspan, Josh Christopher out of Arizona State is a prospect drawing a lot of question marks skill-wise, but is projected to be a late first-round, ear;y second-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. 

The freshman out of Arizona State only played in 15 games this past season due to a leg injury, but he showed his athleticism and ability to score, averaging 14.3 points, 4,7 rebounds and shot 43.2% from the floor. Christopher has room to grow as a three-level scorer, but he showed out at the NBA Combine and drew the attention of a lot of scouts in attendance. 

In two scrimmages at the NBA Combine, Josh Christopher scored a total of 28 points on 10-24 shooting and added a total of 14 rebounds and 8 assists to his name as well. While he only made one three-point shot, time and time again, Christopher drove down the lane and scored at the rim, including a vicious one-handed dunk he threw down during the final day of the combine. 

Creating his own shot off-the-dribble and attacking the rim are Josh Christopher’s two biggest strengths entering the NBA, which is why he could thrive in Los Angeles. They need guys who can score and like Kyle Kuzma, Christopher is not afraid of making plays for himself. 

Athleticism is the biggest thing that jumps out about Josh Christopher’s game, especially given his ability to play way above the rim. Running in transition is where he could make a name for himself at the next level, which is why being on the Lakers could be advantageous to the young guard. 

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While he is not the most efficient player, nor a guy who makes the best decisions from time to time in terms of attacking the basket, Josh Christopher has the potential to grow into a very solid, athletic guard in the NBA. With time, he could become something special, but he still remains as a very “iffy” boom-or-bust type of player.