Nick Crain

Joined: Apr 24, 2024

Nick is co-founder and lead draft analyst for Draft Digest. A credentialed NBA reporter for over five years, he's covered the league for various outlets including SLAM and Forbes.

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EXCLUSIVE: Shon Abaev Looks Ahead to Senior Season with Overtime Elite

The SMU Mustangs cheerleaders run out on to the floor for their game against the Memphis Tigers at the Moody Coliseum on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020.

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High School Spotlight: Why Jaden Toombs is Among the Most Underrated Players in 2025 Class

Oct 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) signals out of bounds on the Orlando Magic during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Pelicans Rookie Yves Missi's Early Impact Can't Be Overlooked

Meleek Thomas (5) goes for the acrobatic finish during the first half of play of Lincoln Park's quarterfinal victory over Knoch at UPMC Court Wednesday night.

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High School Spotlight: The Dynamic Skillset of Five-Star Guard Meleek Thomas

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adidas Eurocamp Returns to Treviso for 18th Edition

Headliners of future NBA drafts will showcase their talents in Italy next summer.

Sep 30, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guards Stephon Castle (5) and Chris Paul (3) pose for photos during Media day at Victory Capital Performance Center in San Antonio. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Stephon Castle Has Clear Pathway to NBA Stardom

Given the situation he is entering in San Antonio, Stephon Castle has a real chance of reaching his long-term ceiling.

May 5, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns assistant coach Kevin Young against the Denver Nuggets during game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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Incoming BYU Freshman Egor Demin Has Chance to be Top-Five Draft Pick Under Kevin Young

The Russian wing has the skillset to be one of the best prospects in the loaded 2025 NBA Draft.

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High School Spotlight: Evaluating Five-Star Wing Nate Ament

Highlighting the positional versatility of one of the top wings in the 2025 high school class.

Feb 24, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears guard Jaylon Tyson (right) celebrates with fans after defeating the Oregon Ducks at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Rookies

NBA Summer League: Jaylon Tyson Showcases Ability to Impact Winning as Rookie in Cleveland

The Cavaliers rookie is ready to contribute immediately.

Mar 28, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard Tyler Kolek (11) speaks to the media during a practice day at American Airline Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Rookies

Tyler Kolek's Game-Winning Performance Further Proves he can Contribute to Knicks as Rookie

The first-year point guard has the tools to be a difference maker in New York this season.

Jun 26, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Carlton Carrington arrives before the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Rookies

Washington Rookie Bub Carrington Emerges as Bright Spot in Wizards Summer League

The 18-year-old guard has been one of the best rookies in Las Vegas.

Jun 26, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Rob Dillingham arrives before the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Rookies

NBA Summer League: Rob Dillingham’s Facilitation Upside Continues to Shine

Although he hasn’t had a scoring outburst yet, the Minnesota Timberwolves rookie is showcasing his passing upside at a high level.

Jun 26, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cody Williams poses for photos with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected in the first round by the Utah Jazz in the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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Jazz Trio of Rookies Could Be Final Pieces of Primary Young Core

Between Cody Williams, Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski, the Utah Jazz could be on the cusp of rounding out their core.

Kansas graduate senior guard Kevin McCullar Jr. (15) reacts after sinking a three against Kansas State in the first half of the Sunflower Showdown inside Allen Fieldhouse Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

NBA Rookies

Identifying Second-Round Rookies Who Can Contribute in Year One

Which recent second-round picks are best situated to make an impact in their first NBA season?

Jun 26, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Stephon Castle arrives for the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Rookies

NBA Rookies: Stephon Castle's Early Summer League Showing is Promising

While he still has much work to do in order to contribute meaningfully as a first-year player, the Spurs rookie has looked great through his first two NBA Summer League contests.

Apr 2, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; McDonald's All American East forward Cooper Flagg (32) attempts to block McDonald's All American West forward Airious Bailey (4) shot during the first half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

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2025 NBA Draft: Ace Bailey Possesses Superstar Upside in Loaded Class

While he may not go No. 1 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft ahead of Cooper Flagg, Bailey still has the upside of a superstar.