NBL Next Stars Alex Sarr and Ariel Hukporti have received immense praise from ESPN experts ahead of this month’s NBA draft, with their respective skillsets highlighted as some of the best in the entire class.  

In an analysis pieced penned by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, Sarr was pegged as the “best unicorn potential” in the draft and Hukporti was declared the “best offensive rebounder”. 

The unicorn term is one NBA teams adore in the modern era. Used to mostly describe big man with guard like abilities and athleticism, it represents some of the best players in the league. Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis, who is having a significant impact on the NBA Finals, is recognised as a unicorn, as are recent top draft picks Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren.

Givony believes Sarr, who is ranked 2^nd in ESPN’s mock draft, is the most likely player from this year’s set of prospects to transform into a unicorn type asset.  

“(Sarr) led the Australian NBL in block percentage, hit 22 3-pointers in 35 games and had some enticing moments pushing off the defensive glass, passing on the move and attacking slower-footed opponents off the dribble in small doses,” Givony wrote.

This class' top "unicorn" candidate is Alex Sarr, who led the NBL in block %, hit 22 3s, and had some enticing moments pushing off the glass, passing on the move and attacking slower opponents off the dribble.

ESPN best prospects at different traits: https://t.co/Qotbmd1uE6 pic.twitter.com/LaG3cfIkQb

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 10, 2024

Hukporti is a chance to be selected late in the second round, but has been celebrated for the offensive rebounding prowess the NBL has seen for years in his tenure with Melbourne United.

Woo noted Hukporti averaged 16 rebounds per-40 minutes in 36 NBL games, making him the best rebounder in the draft on a per-minute basis. 

While he is still projected as a late draft pick, Woo wrote “(Hukporti’s) prowess on the glass offers sleeper appeal”.

Read the full story here >> NBA draft 2024: Best players at shooting, defense, more