Asa Newell - NBA Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Georgia's Asa Newell is a classic rim-running big man who does not make the game too complicated for himself. He leads all freshmen in layups and dunks combined this season, per CBB Analytics, and ranks third-most among all men's college basketball players. He also currently ranks first among all freshmen in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) as well.

This is, admittedly, a little higher for Newell than I'm comfortable with, but he fits an archetype that OKC could value as a southpaw big who can, potentially, stretch the floor with his shooting and as a lob threat and simultaneously bring some defensive versatility.

Even without much creation in Asa Newell's game, he's still scored in double figures every game but one. It's not a coincidence he keeps finding himself in position to catch and dunk. There is a skill and timing to consistently getting those opportunities.

And now he's starting to make threes, a development that matches the tape from Montverde Academy. There should be plenty of interest in a 6'11", versatile defender and elite play-finisher with floor-spacing potential.

Newell has been about as metronomically consistent as you will find for a freshman this year. He's averaging 15.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. He's been in double figures every single game save for one, a nine-point showing against Marquette. He's switchable and impactful on the defensive end because of how flexible and coordinated he is athletically. Georgia can play him in drop coverage against ball screens or can use him in more aggressive coverages. He does a good job of rotating across the play and protecting the rim from the weak side and is quite active with his hands. Offensively, he largely plays as a big, but one who can pick-and-pop and occasionally knock down a 3. He's hit nine of them this season, albeit at a 29 percent clip.

And yet — and I mean this as no shot at Newell — it feels aggressive to have Newell this high given that he's largely just been utilized as a low-usage, defensive big this season. He looks like he's going to be an excellent NBA player, but there's a lot of work to do with both his frame and his ability to consistently attack the glass. Still, he's an enormous athlete who has been productive, and NBA teams are excited to see how he fares in SEC play.

Oklahoma City could add another developmental frontcourt piece in Newell, who has turned in solid production for a 13-2 Georgia team that has played a light schedule thus far. Teams will be watching closely to see which direction he trends when the Bulldogs face stronger SEC competition.

Newell has a solid frame, good mobility for his size, and has been efficient around the basket (65% on 2s). He is good on the offensive glass (3.7 per game) and showing flashes as a defensive playmaker (2.7% steal rate, 4.9% block rate).

Though there are some positive tools for the Thunder to develop should he fall here, there are valid questions about his long-term role. He's not a skilled enough ball handler or shooter yet (31% from 3) to add value on the perimeter, and doesn't have high-end size or length for a big. Still, he has exceeded expectations and offers long-term appeal in the first round. -- Woo

Standing at 6-11, Newell possesses great hands and mobility, consistently showcasing the ability to run the floor and finish with fluidity. The Georgia product is averaging 15.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game while shooting 59% from the floor. Newell posted 13 points and 13 rebounds in a loss to Ole Miss on Saturday, showing the kind of rebounder he can be at the next level.