Top 10 Draft Prospect Rankings

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Darth Vegito
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Top 10 Draft Prospect Rankings

Post by Darth Vegito »

**This Draft Ranking was ranked using raw data from all current ratings, future ratings, athleticism, and the state of the league. AI did assist in the technical ranking aspect.**


🥇 1. Michael Jordan – SG – 6'6", 195 lbs, Age 21
[Cur: 6 | Fut: 6]
Athleticism: Quickness 96 | Jump 100 | Strength 71 | Stamina 88 (Avg: 88.75)
Key Skills: Inside 100 | Steal 100 | FT 82 | Handle 48 | Perimeter D 59

If you had the first pick in this draft and didn’t take Michael Jordan, you probably need to be drug-tested. Let’s be real: he’s already the most dangerous player in this class, and his ceiling is somehow even higher than his floor.

Offensively, he’s built in a lab. Jordan enters the NPBSL with 100 Inside Scoring, 96 Quickness, and 100 Jump — a combination that basically guarantees he’ll live above the rim. He doesn’t need a pick. He doesn’t need space. He just needs the ball and a breath of daylight. Throw in 71 Strength and 82 Free Throws, and you’re looking at a guy who will finish through contact and then make you pay for it at the line.

But what really separates him? Defense. Jordan’s 100 Steal rating paired with 59 Perimeter Defense makes him an immediate game-changer on that end. He’s going to turn defense into offense constantly, and that’s going to swing games even when his shot isn’t falling.

Now, he’s not perfect — his Handle (48) is merely average, which means he’s not quite a one-man offense in the half court. But that’s nitpicking when you’re this dominant athletically and have a Cur/Fut rating of 6/6, the highest possible tier. If he improves his ball-handling and jump shot (42 3PT, 56 mid-range), we’re talking about an all-time player.

Summary:
Jordan is an apex predator on both ends of the floor. He doesn't just have star potential — he has dynasty potential. If you’re the GM who landed him, congrats. Your rebuild is already over.


🥈 2. Charles Barkley – PF – 6'6", 252 lbs, Age 21
[Cur: 4 | Fut: 5]
Athleticism: Quickness 61 | Jump 100 | Strength 90 | Stamina 85 (Avg: 84.0)
Key Skills: Orb 93 | Drb 85 | Steal 77 | FT 67 | Blk 54

He might be built like a bowling ball, but Charles Barkley moves like a missile. At just 6'6", you might think he’s undersized for a power forward — until he puts your 7-footer in a headlock under the rim and grabs his 15th board of the night.

Barkley is one of the most explosive athletes in the draft. 100 Jump. 90 Strength. 85 Stamina. Those aren’t power forward numbers — those are freight train numbers. His 93 Offensive Rebounding and 85 Defensive Rebounding will translate to extra possessions all season long. And with a Steal rating of 77, he's no slouch defending the perimeter or disrupting passing lanes either.

Offensively, he’s more raw than refined. His 51 Inside is usable, but the 17 Jump Shot and 40 from three mean he’s not spacing the floor. He’s not creating offense either — 20 Handle, 35 Pass — but that’s not what you’re drafting him for. You’re drafting him because he plays like a rabid bear on energy drinks and can flip the tone of a game just by diving on the floor.

And look — he's not a 6/6 potential freak, but a Cur/Fut of 4/5 with A-tier rebounding potential, elite motor, and ridiculous athleticism makes him ready to impact games now with room to grow. You build teams around mentality guys like this — Barkley is pure violence in the paint and will be a fan favorite from day one.

Summary:
Barkley is a one-man wrecking crew with elite second-jump ability, brute strength, and motor that never quits. He might not be polished, but he’s pure chaos in a bottle — and every team needs that guy.


🥉 3. Hakeem Olajuwon – C – 7'0", 250 lbs, Age 21
[Cur: 5 | Fut: 6]
Athleticism: Quickness 28 | Jump 87 | Strength 76 | Stamina 88 (Avg: 69.75)
Key Skills: Inside 92 | Orb 100 | Blk 81 | Psd 71 | FT 63

If your game plan involves anyone getting near the rim, you better hope it doesn’t involve Hakeem Olajuwon standing between them and the basket. The Dream is the most complete defensive anchor in this class, and he’s only scratching the surface.

With 100 Offensive Rebounding, 81 Blocks, and 71 Post Defense, Hakeem immediately brings elite rim protection and second-chance dominance. He’s going to own the glass on both ends, and he doesn’t need help to do it. His Inside Scoring (92) also makes him a consistent finisher around the hoop, especially in pick-and-roll and post touches.

Where he separates from your typical big is his 6 Future Potential rating. While his Current 5 rating already makes him a force, there’s a strong case that he’ll become the league’s most dominant interior force within just a few seasons. That A-potential in nearly every key defensive metric (Post D, Rebounding, Blocking, Steals) suggests you’re looking at a perennial All-League defender.

The only knocks? His Quickness (28) limits his ability to switch onto wings, and he’s never going to space the floor with a Jumpshot of 18 and 3-point rating of 10. But let’s not overthink this. He’s a 7-footer with top-tier instincts and terrifying upside.

Summary:
Olajuwon is a cornerstone big who combines defensive IQ, rebounding tenacity, and interior scoring with an elite ceiling. Drafting him means you’re not just building a defense — you’re building a fortress.


🏅 4. Jay Humphries – PG – 6'3", 185 lbs, Age 21
[Cur: 4 | Fut: 5]
Athleticism: Quickness 97 | Jump 60 | Strength 59 | Stamina 82 (Avg: 74.5)
Key Skills: Handle 93 | Pass 57 | Perimeter D 71 | Steal 71 | FT 74

There are point guards, and then there are nuclear accelerants in sneakers. Jay Humphries is a downhill weapon who turns defensive pressure into easy buckets and broken ankles. He’s not just fast — he’s Quickness 97 fast, and he handles the ball like it’s glued to his hand: 93 Handle out of the gate.

Defensively, he brings real value right away. 71 Steal and 71 Perimeter D show he's not just a blur on offense — he’s going to harass opposing ball handlers and make them regret crossing half court without a plan. And with 82 Stamina, you don’t need to worry about pacing him. He’s wired to play all four quarters at full tilt.

Offensively, he’s not a floor general in the Stockton sense, but 57 Passing is functional, and he makes up for it with scoring upside. His Jump Shot (46), 3PT (42), and FT (74) make him a legitimate scoring threat — especially once that A potential in jump shooting and handling begins to bloom.

He’s not perfect — Interior scoring is weak (29 Inside), and he won’t be crashing the glass or protecting the rim. But you’re drafting him to run the show on offense and make life miserable for opposing guards. For a team looking to add pace, playmaking, and pest-like defense, Humphries is a perfect fit.

Summary:
Jay Humphries is a hyper-athletic, high-energy guard who brings instant tempo, ball control, and defensive juice. He may not be your franchise savior, but he’s the piece that gets your engine humming.


🔒 5. Alvin Robertson – PG – 6'4", 190 lbs, Age 21
[Cur: 4 | Fut: 5]
Athleticism: Quickness 90 | Jump 55 | Strength 58 | Stamina 81 (Avg: 71.0)
Key Skills: Steal 88 | Perimeter D 72 | Jump Shot 62 | 3PT 45 | FT 68

If your draft strategy is "find a guard who plays like a pissed-off Rottweiler," then Alvin Robertson is your guy. One of the best on-ball defenders in the class, Robertson is a 6’4” defensive menace who will make opposing guards think twice about dribbling.

Let’s start with the calling card: 88 Steal and 72 Perimeter Defense at age 21 is terrifying. He’s not just poking at the ball — he’s taking your lunch money and handing you the wrapper. And with 90 Quickness and 81 Stamina, he’s going to stay glued to you for all 94 feet, all game long.

But don’t assume he’s just a defender. Offensively, he’s more capable than advertised. His Jump Shot (62), 3PT (45), and Free Throw (68) give him legit scoring touch, and his B-grade potential in Jump Shot, Handle, and Passing hints that there's a well-rounded offensive weapon waiting to be unlocked. Right now, he’s more of a slasher and spot-up threat than a creator, but he's a long-term problem if he develops.

The knocks? Handle (34) and Pass (43) mean he’s not your ideal primary ball-handler yet, and Post/Interior D are mediocre, so don’t expect him to survive switching onto bigs. But if you need a glue-guy guard with upside and clamps, Robertson is one of the safest picks on the board.

Summary:
Alvin Robertson is the kind of guard that coaches dream about — tenacious, disruptive, and secretly developing into an offensive threat. You won’t need to teach him how to play hard — you’ll just need to get out of his way.


📉 6. John Stockton – PG – 6'1", 175 lbs, Age 22
[Cur: 5 | Fut: 6]
Athleticism: Quickness 94 | Jump 82 | Strength 68 | Stamina 74 (Avg: 79.5)
Key Skills: Steal 100 | Pass 77 | Handle 83 | FT 81 | 3PT 74

John Stockton’s numbers jump off the page. He’s the most efficient playmaker in the draft, boasting elite marks in Passing (77), Handle (83), Free Throws (81), and 3PT Shooting (74). And defensively? Let’s not bury the lede — 100 Steal and 71 Perimeter Defense make him a pickpocket artist with impeccable timing.

So why is he ranked sixth?

It comes down to impact style and scalability. Stockton is a surgical, precision-based point guard — but in a league full of chaos creators like Jordan, Barkley, and even his fellow guards Humphries and Robertson, his conservative approach may take longer to shine. While Robertson and Humphries bring physicality and tempo, Stockton’s game relies on control and structure — which means he’s only as effective as the system he’s plugged into.

He’s also the oldest of the elite guards at age 22, with less room to grow physically. His Interior D (20), Blocking (14), and Rebounding (15/5) make him a true non-factor off the ball and on the glass — which caps his two-way versatility. Humphries is more athletic. Robertson is more rugged. Stockton is smarter — but he’ll need the right roster to elevate his strengths.

All that said, his ceiling is still sky-high.

Summary:
John Stockton is the purest point guard in the draft — elite vision, control, and spacing. But in a league that favors explosive, defensive-minded athletes, his polish comes at the cost of some raw impact. He’ll be great — but you may need to wait for it.


🔧 7. Vern Fleming – PG – 6'5", 185 lbs, Age 22
[Cur: 3 | Fut: 5]
Athleticism: Quickness 86 | Jump 78 | Strength 53 | Stamina 86 (Avg: 75.75)
Key Skills: Inside 60 | Jump Shot 72 | FT 71 | Steal 59 | Handle 48

There’s a lot to like about Vern Fleming — but it’s less about what he is today and more about what he might become. Tall for a point guard at 6’5”, with well-rounded scoring tools and above-average athleticism, he brings intriguing versatility and long-term upside at a premium position.

Let’s start with the raw tools. 72 Jump Shot, 71 FT, and 60 Inside give him three-level scoring potential. His Quickness (86) and Stamina (86) ensure he can keep pace with modern guards, while his A-potential in Jump Shot and Handle suggest he could blossom into a legitimate offensive weapon. With a Future rating of 5, Fleming isn’t just a “safe” pick — he’s a guy who could outperform his draft slot entirely in the right system.

But the downsides are real. His Current rating is only 3, and that shows in his Handle (48), Passing (39), and Defense (21 Post / 47 Perimeter). He’s not ready to run an offense out of the gate. He’ll need time — and a very patient coach — to iron out the rough edges before he’s trusted as a floor general or even a starter.

That said, he’s one of the few guards in this class with legit size and the outline of a balanced, two-way contributor. If your team’s in a rebuild or has veteran guards to learn behind, he’s a lottery ticket worth scratching.

Summary:
Vern Fleming isn’t polished — but he’s long, athletic, and quietly packing the potential to become a dynamic scoring point guard. This is the kind of pick you make if you’re playing the long game.


🎯 8. Tony Campbell – SF – 6'7", 215 lbs, Age 22
[Cur: 4 | Fut: 5]
Athleticism: Quickness 73 | Jump 72 | Strength 64 | Stamina 68 (Avg: 69.25)
Key Skills: Jump Shot 58 | FT 75 | Steal 76 | Orb 53 | Handle 45

Tony Campbell might not be the flashiest name in this class, but he checks a lot of quiet, winning boxes. A solid 6'7" wing with dependable shooting, underrated defense, and just enough athleticism to hang at the pro level — Campbell is the kind of player who doesn’t pop in highlight reels, but always seems to be in the right spot.

What stands out first is the scoring foundation. 58 Jump Shot, 75 Free Throws, and a workable Inside (41) make him a legitimate scoring threat from the mid-range and in. His 3PT rating (27) is low now, but the rest of the profile shows promise — especially with B-grade potential in FT shooting and B- level steals. He’s got the frame and touch to grow into a second or third scoring option.

Defensively, he brings real value. 76 Steal is high-end for a wing, and he pairs that with solid rebounding (53 ORB, 37 DRB) and average athleticism (69.25). His Strength (64) allows him to hold his own against bigger wings and some small-ball fours, making him versatile defensively.

That said, he’s not going to create much for others. His Passing (16) is rough, and while he’s got average handle (45), he’s best suited as an off-ball finisher, not a playmaker. But for teams that need a reliable 3rd or 4th option who can defend and space the floor from mid-range? He’s a steal in the mid-late lottery.

Summary:
Tony Campbell is a two-way wing with a well-rounded skill set and the potential to become a steady 15 PPG scorer with defense. He’s not a star — but he’s exactly the kind of glue guy every playoff team needs.


📐 9. Danny Young – PG – 6'4", 175 lbs, Age 21
[Cur: 4 | Fut: 5]
Athleticism: Quickness 87 | Jump 44 | Strength 50 | Stamina 76 (Avg: 64.25)
Key Skills: Jump Shot 78 | FT 82 | Steal 89 | Handle 70 | Pass 56

Danny Young might be the quietest 4/5 guard prospect in the class, but he’s not lacking in value — especially if your team is built on spacing and control. With an impressive scoring foundation and one of the highest steal rates in the class, Young brings a reliable, high-IQ game to the table with just enough athleticism to hold his own.

Start with the shot: 78 Jump Shot, 82 Free Throws, and a 43 3PT rating show that this guy knows how to score. He’s not a slasher (just 17 Inside), but he’ll absolutely punish defenders who go under screens or get lazy closing out. And he takes care of the ball too — 70 Handle and 56 Pass give him competent lead guard tools, especially in structured offenses.

Defensively, he’s sneakily disruptive. 89 Steal is near the top of the class, and 69 Perimeter D means he can stay in front of quick guards. He’s not physical — Strength (50) and Post/Block ratings (14/12) are non-factors — but you’re drafting him to defend the perimeter and hit shots, not bang in the paint.

He’s not a high-flyer either — 44 Jump limits his vertical playmaking and transition finishing. But on a team with athletic wings and a strong frontcourt, he’ll quietly glue it all together with solid spacing, smart decisions, and relentless on-ball defense.

Summary:
Danny Young is a poised, perimeter-savvy guard with great shooting mechanics, elite steal instincts, and the skill to run a second unit or start in the right system. He’s not flashy — but he’s exactly the guy you trust with the ball in crunch time.


🔨 10. Otis Thorpe – PF – 6'10", 246 lbs, Age 21
[Cur: 3 | Fut: 4]
Athleticism: Quickness 38 | Jump 93 | Strength 84 | Stamina 76 (Avg: 72.75)
Key Skills: Jump 93 | Strength 84 | DRB 62 | ORB 50 | FT 59

Every draft needs a blue-collar bruiser, and Otis Thorpe is that guy. He’s not going to sell tickets or break highlight reels, but he’ll give you rebounds, muscle, and consistent hustle — and for teams short on frontcourt depth, he’s an ideal fit at the end of the top 10.

Let’s start with the body. 6’10", 246 lbs, 84 Strength, 93 Jump — this man was built to battle. He’ll throw elbows, box out, and contest everything inside 10 feet. His Rebounding (50 ORB, 62 DRB) and Post D (38) are solid already, and with B-potential in both rebounding categories, he’s got room to become a consistent 10+ RPG guy.

Offensively, he’s raw. 37 Inside, 29 Jumpshot, and 0 from three mean he’s basically glued to the paint — but he’s not useless. 59 Free Throws is manageable, and his Handling and Passing (both 30s) are enough to keep him from being a total black hole.

Defensively, he’s a work-in-progress — especially on the perimeter. 17 Perimeter D and 32 Block make him more of a positional defender than a shot-blocker, and 38 Quickness means switches could get ugly. But keep him in the paint and he’ll do what you drafted him for: hit people, grab boards, and play through the whistle.

Summary:
Otis Thorpe is a throwback big with powerful athleticism, raw strength, and clear rebounding upside. He won’t be the centerpiece of your team — but he might be the guy that holds it together when the stars need a break.
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greepleairport
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Re: Top 10 Draft Prospect Rankings

Post by greepleairport »

3100+ words, +6pts
This is pretty awesome. I'd care more if I had a pick lol. How did you use AI for this?
Somehow I manage.
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Darth Vegito
Posts: 2725
Joined: Tue Sep 10, 2013 5:20 pm
PBSL Team: KC Kings

Re: Top 10 Draft Prospect Rankings

Post by Darth Vegito »

So I haven't perfected it yet. Not sure if I ever will. As good as it is, it reads the data wrong pretty often. But that being said I've got it to do some cool stuff with the league info. I've basically fed it every bit of data possible, in every way imaginable. It knows everything about our league and only replies in the context of NPBSL. I've given it screengrabs. I've given it html. I've given it the raw data. I've put the data into tables and given it spreadsheets. In almost every case, it gets simple data and readings wrong. Whether it's stats for a game or scores or ratings, I discovered that no matter what you can't fully trust what it spits out.

That being said, it definitely likes spreadsheets best for this type of thing. So it handled the draft stuff fairly simple being it was one spreadsheet with a couple diff sheets for various data, like current ratings and future pots. I tell it about athleticism, player size, the league norms and so on. It worked pretty well, I was happy with it.

I've tried for months and months to get it to have the league during season updated with standing, rankings, leaders, team and player stats, but it's like it's too much info and along the way it gets things wrong. It gets frustrating, I have messed with it in about a month. But this small level ranking stuff it does pretty well.
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greepleairport
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Re: Top 10 Draft Prospect Rankings

Post by greepleairport »

Gotcha. I remember first playing with ChatGPT and sim league and i had a similar experience, but haven't done anything in a long time. I never paid for ChatGPT, though, and I could be wrong but I bet I'd have gotten better results if I was willing to pay. Getting AI to retain the data for analysis was the hardest part for getting consistent results.

At any rate, go ahead and collect an extra point for the prompt engineering here. Good stuff.
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AngryBanana
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Re: Top 10 Draft Prospect Rankings

Post by AngryBanana »

I’ve tried to recreate the power rankings with AI, and have had trouble every time I’ve tried. It just can’t seem to understand the data correctly.


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