The NBA's Next Great Draft-Day Heist Could Be Nate Ament

By: Dallas Bowlin

Senior Staff Writer/Editor/Host

All Vol Call In Show

Graphic | Dallas Bowlin

The NBA Draft is just a little over 24 hours away, and for many prospects, lifelong dreams are about to become reality. Some will see their names slide down draft boards, while others will soar up them and hear their names called much earlier than the majority of draft analysts predict.

Since we're on the topic of predictions, let me make one of my own: Tennessee's Nate Ament will be the next Draft-Day Heist.

Ament has been all over the place in mock drafts. Some have him going as high as sixth overall to the Brooklyn Nets, while others have him falling to 18th overall to the Charlotte Hornets.

My message to NBA GMs when it comes to Nate Ament? Stop overthinking it.

Ament measured six-foot-nine and a half barefoot at the NBA Draft Combine, along with a six-foot-eleven wingspan and a nine-foot-one standing reach. That's just six inches shorter than Victor Wembanyama's nine-foot-seven standing reach despite giving up more than five inches in height. 

A six-foot-ten wing/forward who can handle the ball like a guard, take long strides, and be incredibly dangerous in transition is the prototype for what most NBA organizations look for these days. The concerns over his slim build and perceived lack of toughness are unfounded if you watched Ament at Tennessee. On 113 drives that ended possessions, Ament got to the line 25% of the time, compared to only a 12% turnover rate. Those are great numbers, and slightly better numbers than Duke’s Cameron Boozer’s 24% and 13% volume. 

Were there moments when he got knocked around a bit? Sure. But there were just as many moments when he fought through contact. In fact, Ament welcomed contact and sought it out.

Concerns about his shooting numbers are fair, but when you look at the context, a much clearer picture emerges. For the season, Ament shot 33.3% from three. However, from January 17 against Kentucky through February 28, Ament shot 41.3% from beyond the arc.

As a defender, he is as versatile as they come, capable of guarding positions 1 through 4 against most NBA teams and even 1 through 5 in certain situations. He also showed promise as a rim protector, averaging 1.3 blocks per game during Tennessee's March Madness run.

On draft night, one NBA GM will have the opportunity to make himself look like a true visionary by selecting Ament.