For convenience sake in comparing between the two big board's, we've posted Marks' big board is posted on the left, while Zachs' is posted on the right.
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Additionally, each player with a corresponding in-depth scouting report page has been linked. Simply click on the players name and you'll be taken to their report. More reports for more players will be completed in the near future, so be sure to check back often.

To visit the in-depth scouting report homepage: click here

The first big board listed is Mark's.
​You can find Zach's big board below.
(Titled: Zach's Top 30 NBA Draft Big Board)

Additional statistically "sweeping" was used along with added insights from watching the NBA playoffs in this version of the big board. Greater emphasis was placed on the following skills & traits after watching the NBA playoffs:

1. Physical Tools & Athleticism
2. Defense (all aspects)
3. Shooting
4. Playmaking (1 on 1 Creation)
5. Passing

The Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder playoff series was a great example of the need to have elite physical tools & athleticism and at least average defense and shooting. Certain players were completely unplayable in this series due to their inadequate size, strength or athleticism (such as Raul Neto and to some extent, Alex Abrines). Dante Exum, who was an elite prospect and has shown a lot of promise lately, struggled to add positive value to the Jazz in this series due to the physicality of the series. Although, it should be noted that Exum has been tremendous in the Jazz's series against the Houston Rockets, where the overall physicality of the series has decreased, and the importance of quickness and speed has increased (his perimeter defense has also been elite, and was a huge factor in the Jazz's game 2).

Additionally, the poor defense of Carmelo Anthony essentially cost the series for the Thunder, showing the importance of having at least average defenders at every position in the playoffs. On the flip-side, Rudy Gobert was the key to the series win for the Jazz with his elite rim protection and defensive impact.

It's also been obvious while watching the playoffs that it's important to have multiple playmakers on the floor at the same time. In today's NBA, switching defense is very popular, and in order to best attack a switching defense, teams need players that can make plays off the dribble when a team forces a mismatch. Again, the Utah Jazz being a great example of this, showing their struggles against Houstons' switching defense with Rubio out for the series (their 2nd best creator off the dribble).

Passing ability has also proven to be very important, with so many of the successful playoff teams utilizing pass heavy systems (Jazz, Celtics, Spurs, Golden State, Houston, etc.) Passing is also directly related to what was discussed previously with the importance of creation off the dribble against mismatches: once a mismatch happens, the 2nd best way to take advantage of it is to move the ball quickly to the open man as the defense shifts to react to the mismatch (or as the defense rotates to help with the dribble penetration). 

Lastly, essentially all playoff teams have struggled immensely when they're unable to make outside shots. Having at least average outside shooters (3 or more on the floor at all times) is hugely important to successful NBA teams.

This is just a small commentary on the lessons learned from watching the NBA playoffs in relation to NBA prospect evaluation, but it reflects the greater emphasis placed on those traits and skills of prospects (and in large part, the changes in player rankings) of this version of the big board.

We've begun working on posting our detailed scouting reports for the class of 2018. You can view them here: ​2018 NBA Draft Class Scouting Reports.

The detailed scouting reports are in the early stages of being compiled, so be sure to check back often for updates. When each report is fully completely, they'll be sent out via The Five By 5's social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc).

Again, please let us know of any feedback you have about our pre-draft coverage. Especially if you feel like we've overlooked any particular player. We're still in the process of scouting players throughout the world and want to make we leave no stone un-turned. We'd also love to hear your thoughts & feedback on our pre-draft rankings of players and other general thoughts about the 2018 NBA draft class, so please be sure to comment here and on our social media account's posts.

​--------------- Tier 1
1. DeAndre Ayton
2. Luka Doncic
--------------- Tier 2
3. Jaren Jackson Jr.
4. Marvin Bagley III
--------------- Tier 3
5. Trae Young
6. Michael Porter Jr.
--------------- Tier 4
7. Miles Bridges
8. Mikal Bridges
9. Mohamed Bamba
--------------- Tier 5
10. Collin Sexton
11. Wendell Carter Jr.
12. Robert Williams III
13. Kevin Knox
--------------- Tier 6
14. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
15. Lonnie Walker IV
16. Zhaire Smith
--------------- Tier 7
17. Jacob Evans III
18. Mitchell Robinson
19. Troy Brown Jr.
20. Anfernee Simons
21. Khyri Thomas
22. Aaron Holiday
23. Keita Bates-Diop
24. Chandler Hutchison
25. De’Anthony Melton
--------------- Tier 8
26. Melvin Frazier Jr.
27. Jontay Porter
28. Jalen Brunson
29. Landry Shamet
30. Shake Milton