Welcome to June, which means it's officially NBA draft time.
Though the league's 30 teams are still working on their draft boards, it's never too early to play everyone's favorite parlor game: comparing incoming prospects to NBA players -- past and present.
Comparisons can be risky, but they're also useful tools for gauging a player's potential when used properly.
ESPN's NBA draft analyst Jeremy Woo breaks down the high- and low-end comps for the top 12 prospects in this class. NBA senior writer Tim Bontemps then gives insight into what league executives are saying about these incoming rookies.
Quick links: Draft assets for every team | Latest mock draft Top 100 rankings | More draft coverage
AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Mock draft projection: No. 1 to Washington Wizards Top 100: No. 1
High end: Supercharged Jaylen Brown Low end: Supercharged RJ Barrett
The easiest throughline for projecting Dybantsa is comparing him to downhill-oriented, power-wing scorers who get to the foul line and soak up offensive volume. Stylistically, it's the simplest way to make sense of his profile: He led D-I in scoring (25.5 ppg) while overpowering defenders into the paint despite missing a fully reliable 3-point shot.
But Dybantsa comparisons are tricky because his physical profile is off the charts: At 6-foot-8 ½ barefoot with a 7-0½ wingspan, he can play on the perimeter with power-forward-caliber tools. He's an exceptionally coordinated driver at that size, and his college production was miles ahead of Brown's at the same stage. If Dybantsa doesn't take a major leap as a shooter or on defense, he should still clear players such as Barrett, who has come into his own gradually and is now in his seventh NBA season. Another player who comes to mind is Kawhi Leonard, but Leonard's outlier shooting development in the NBA makes it a tricky comparison for anyone.
Dybantsa is still learning his craft and needs to improve reading the floor, stretching his range and becoming a more consistent defender. Though it's tricky to draw a straight comparison, there's a realistic pathway for him to become one of the NBA's best and most physical wings in time. -- Jeremy Woo
On the high end, one scout also compared him to Leonard -- a nod to the seven-time All-Star's size and physicality on the wing. -- Tim Bontemps
Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Mock draft projection: No. 2 to Utah Jazz Top 100: No. 2