Why the NBA’s Most Expensive Prospects Are Being Misrepresented by AI Models

The Algorithm Doesn’t See the Fire

I watched the mock draft simulations like a cold case file—each profile a sanitized ghost of what could be. They assign ‘high template’ labels like Jalen Brunson or Victor Oladipo as if these were blueprints, not possibilities. But you can’t code humanity into a spreadsheet. Flagg isn’t a bigger version of Tatum—he’s a chaotic creator who thrives in transition, not in isolation.

Templates Are Dead.

The AI models worship physical dimensions: height, wingspan, vertical leap. But they ignore timing. They ignore decision speed under pressure. Harper? They call him ‘a poor man’s Brunson’—but his rhythm is his weapon, not his 6’6” frame. That’s like judging a jazz solo by meter alone.

The Low Template Is the Real Story

Low templates aren’t failures—they’re warnings. Bailey’s lack of creation? It’s not deficiency—it’s design. He doesn’t need to create; he needs to exploit space—and they don’t model that because it can’t be quantified in Excel.

Maluach and Beringer: The Quiet Revolution

They call them ‘projectable.’ Meaning: we’ll wait five years for him to become useful. But Maluach already protects the rim better than half the league’s starters—and Beringer? He moves like gravity with knees bent—not just tall—he dances in space.

Essengue: The Unpredictable Diamond

18-year-old German forward with no name on ESPN—but ranked #9 in our internal model? He doesn’t need tactics—he has instinctive rebounding, defensive versatility, and rising touch near the arc. If he never shoots threes? Still valuable.

Conclusion: The Model Is Broken—Not the Player

We treat potential as predictability instead of possibility. We confuse motion for mastery and size for significance. You’re betting on muscle when you should be betting on mind. The league spends millions on projections… while ignoring players who think differently than the algorithm. Do you trust an AI that can’t feel rhythm? Or would you rather take your chances on someone who plays before they get drafted?