Every year during the season of pre-draft workouts, combines, and measurements, there are several players who excel and rise into the lottery. This can be because of measurements of elite size or athleticism, or workouts that show skills that were previously disregarded. But each year it happens, whether it’s warranted or not. Among the group of possible lottery or mid/late first round picks, some have scouting to back this rise; others still have larger questions marks. Below are three players who seem ready to rise and who have the tools to be considered steals in this weak draft.
1) Dario Saric- Small Forward
Dario Saric is a nineteen-year-old Croatian playing for Cibona Zagreb. Among the group of mid-late round picks, Saric is the player whose tape and scouting report are most exciting. The Croatian forward has excellent size and length, standing 6’10’’ with a matching wingspan. His measurements and potential will make GMs salivate and his stock skyrocket. He has definite point forward capabilities with arguably the best court vision in the class and definitely the best handle among forwards. He has played a lot of power forward but projects as a wing player who could create ridiculous mismatches. A lack of elite athleticism will make it difficult for him to stay in front of quicker players but his elite length will help him compensate and recover. His biggest question mark is his streaky shot. His release is somewhat off center, but when he’s on he has range out to three. Another concern is that, depending on the pick and team that drafts him, he may choose to stay overseas for another year. Ultimately, if given some time to mature, he could be a scary mismatch who could also run the offense.
2) Gary Harris- Shooting Guard
Harris, an eighteen-year-old freshman SG from Michigan State, has not yet declared for the draft. But among players whose current stock is just outside of the lottery, Harris has the tools to be an elite scoring threat. He projects as the Eric Gordon-style two-guard who operates best with the ball in his hands and kind score from that position in a variety of ways. As a driver, Harris can create his own shot or get to the rim at will. He will have to improve his ability to create perimeter shots for himself to truly excel, as at this point he is a more of a “catch and shoot” perimeter shooter. Harris has proven himself to be a versatile and effective scorer, tallying 13 PPG while shooting 46.3% from the field and 42.5% from the three as a true freshman. There are concerns about his lack of ideal height for the NBA SG position, but he possesses a 6’6.5’’ wingspan and an already bulky body that can only add muscle. If he wants to be the kind of offensive player that the offense is ran through, then he will have to become a better facilitator, as evidenced by his 1.4 assists per game. If Harris continues to improve as a prim+ary ball handler and facilitator, he can be a primary scorer on a good team.
3) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Shooting Guard
A twenty-year-old sophomore guard from Georgia, Caldwell-Pope may be the elite perimeter shooter of this draft. He has a quick, fluid release that makes him deadly from beyond the arc. While his jump shot is his marquee attribute, he is a much better all-around scorer than given credit for. While a somewhat one dimensional player, he will pour in points if drafted by a team that can spread the floor. A solid defensive player who plays the passing lanes well due to his length and athleticism, he only has room to grow in this regard.
One key to him being more than a role player on a good team will be his ability to tighten his handle and create his own shot. The right team that could use him as a “spot up shooter” early in his career while he develops would reap numerous benefits.
By Jamie McNeill
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