Happy NBA Draft Day! We conclude our series of NBA Draftniks assessing the draft stock of A.J. Hammons with the one and only Jay Bilas. In case you missed it, here’s links to the insight and analysis from Fran Fraschilla and more from Chad Ford who compared him to DeMarcus Cousins. Bilas was on a media call yesterday, and here’s what he had to say about where the former Purdue Boilermakers big man might end up.
Transcript via ESPN Media Zone.
Q. I wanted to ask about Purdue’s A.J. Hammons. How do you assess his career leading up to this point, and where do you think he fits in for the NBA?
BILAS: I think A.J. Hammons, it comes down to how hard do you think he’s going to play and how resolute is he to rev up that motor and really go after people. He was very productive this year, much more so than he has been in the past. He’s long-armed. He’s very talented. I think his only issue was sort of consistent want-to. He’s a very good low-post scorer. He’s a good shooter facing up and a very good offensive rebounder. He can protect the rim. He’s a good shot blocker.
I think I mentioned before, I watched him earlier, he dominated Damian Jones, who’s rated a little bit higher than he is, the kid from Vanderbilt. He had a double-double and almost that triple-double including blocked shots. But it’s just sort of a question, he’s 23 years old, I think, 23 or 24, and so you should do well against younger talent when you’re that old.
But at this point, I think he’s supposed to have figured it out. But I think he’s a good pick early in the second round or late in the first, and especially if he goes to a good team. I think he can really help somebody.
On a side note, Bilas doesn’t see Indiana Hoosiers guard Yogi Ferrell getting drafted, and he has Troy Williams going very late in the second round. Here’s a link to more on that.
We do not have Ferrell or Williams in our two round NBA mock draft for what it’s worth. Here’s where we have A.J. Hammons slotted and why:
48. Chicago (from POR)-A.J. Hammons, C, Purdue, 7-0, Sr.
Consistent effort has been a concern but Hammons has the size and good skill on the block but can also step out on the perimeter and knock down jumpers. Go here for more on Hammons.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication.
He also consistently appears on numerous talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram