Washington Wizards NBA Draft Primer 2015: The Big Men

Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Trey Lyles: Fr., Kentucky

Can we all just stop for a moment and acknowledge how insane it is that Kentucky is going to have three big men go in the first round? What a ludicrous team John Calipari assembled. (The even crazier thing is, this isn’t the first time he’s done this: in 2010, Kentucky had DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson and Daniel Orton go in the first round.)

Trey Lyles is a bit lower on the draft totem pole than Karl Towns and Willie Cauley-Stein, he’s become a highly regarded prospect for a reason.

One of the latest stud talents to come out of Canada, the Saskatoon-native Lyles averaged 8.7 points and 5.2 rebounds in 23 minutes per game as a member of Kentucky’s ridiculous Voltron frontcourt. 6-foot-10 with great length, Lyles is mostly an all-offensive player, as he was really one of the weak links in Kentucky’s otherwise overwhelming defense. On offense, however, he flashes his potential.

Lyles has some real skill as a face-up big man, attacking the rim, dishing out passes, and scoring over defenders in the post with his long arms. He’s got great sweeping moves across the lane where he just dumps it in over the defenders head.

Lyles is a developmental pick – he doesn’t really have the strength or bulk to battle down low right now, and he doesn’t yet have a consistent jumpshot, especially from deep, which is something he’ll have to develop. He’s got the natural talent and the flash, and while he won’t be a physical beast, in a couple years Lyles could really be a matchup problem.

I don’t think Trey Lyles will end up a starter in the NBA, but he could add value to a team as a versatile offensive threat off the bench – but only if he can add consistency and range to that jumpshot.

Lyles may be gone before the Washington Wizards pick at 19, but if he falls expect Ernie Grunfeld to take a look at him.

Next: 3) Montrezl Harrell