The 2014 NBA Draft has passed, but the journey is not over for the players not among the 60 selected. Who are the top undrafted free agents from 2014?
From Andrew Wiggins to Cory Jefferson, 60 players heard their names called on Thursday night, but every year there are athletes who slip through the cracks. Forced to make a team via impressive showings in the NBA Summer League and in training camps, a select few players will get to don an NBA jersey next year. Current NBA starters Wesley Matthews, Jeremy Lin and a plethora of other solid contributors all play a role despite being undrafted.
Listed below are the top ten undrafted free agents from 2014 who have the best chance to make a roster next year and have a prosperous career.
Jordan Bachynski
Bachynski, the 7-2 center from Arizona State, is well suited to be a backup center or fifth big man at the next level. Hindered by his age on draft day (he turns 25 in September), Bachynski is able to block shots and defend adequately. His best-case scenario would be Joel Pryzbilla at the next level, though he drastically needs to get stronger and develop his offensive game.
Khem Birch
Birch was one of a handful of underclassmen who declared for the draft, yet was not selected. A 6-9 power forward from UNLV, Birch’s best attribute at the NBA level is his length. After averaging a double-double during his junior season, while pitching in nearly four blocks per game as well, Birch seemed a good fit to be drafted in the second round. At the NBA level, Birch could be a terrific energy defender off the bench, though his offense is still a significant work in progress. He could be a good, cheap addition for many contenders, similar to what Jarvis Varnado provided the Heat after his collegiate departure.
Jabari Brown
Jabari Brown, a 6-4 guard from Missouri, was a terrific outside scorer at the college level, but questions about his athleticism and decision making likely held him back from being drafted. For Brown to be successful at the next level, he must improve his outside shooting, especially behind the 3-point line. Becoming a specialist will ease his process of breaking into the NBA, similarly to how Troy Daniels broke in last year. Defensively, there are question marks as well.
Deonte Burton
Burton was a do-it-all point guard for Nevada last season. Standing at 6-1, Burton was a capable scorer and distributor, though he was unconvincing in showing scouts he could be a true point guard. In addition, he was an inconsistent outside shooter. Burton likely plays in the NBA D-League next season, and given the right opportunity, he could show the scoring poise that a team looks for in a backup guard.
Jahii Carson
It was very surprising that Carson was not drafted. While the point guard from Arizona State is only 5-10 (perhaps generously listed), he has shown the ability to run a team and score from the perimeter. Defensively, Carson is an easy target for his opponents, though his offensive abilities could help many teams. He could be a more versatile Casper Ware at the next level, and Ware saw time with the 76ers this past year. Keep Carson in mind when watching summer league games.
Bryce Cotton
Cotton is another example of a short, do-it-all point guard who put up terrific stats at the collegiate level. Attending school at Providence, Cotton was a volume shooter who, like Carson, struggled on the defensive end of the court. Cotton showed an increased ability to set up his opponents between his junior and senior seasons, where he doubled his assist-per-game totals. For Cotton to stick on an NBA roster, he needs to improve his defensive energy, tighten his handle, and shoot the ball better from the perimeter.
DeAndre Kane
Kane was a one-year wonder of sorts for Iowa State. While he had been a good player at Marshall before his transfer, he never fully popped into the NBA Draft picture until his season in Ames. Kane has terrific size for an NBA point guard, standing at an athletic 6-4, and has good court vision, but he was an inconsistent shooter at the college level. He failed to reach the 30 percent mark at Marshall. Finally, Kane is already 24 years old and may have to look overseas first to eventually make his move to the NBA.
Artem Klimenko
Klimenko was the top undrafted international player. An athletic 7-footer, Klimenko was likely too raw to get drafted. To his benefit, many international players who are not drafted still find a way to make it to the NBA. For Klimenko to make it overseas, he needs to play a more significant role on a better team. Getting stronger and learning the game better should be top priorities if Klimenko’s name will be heard again among NBA fans.
James Michael McAdoo
Oh how the mighty have fallen. Just two years ago, McAdoo was a likely lottery pick. Now an undrafted player, McAdoo’s biggest downfall was his lack of power forward size. A tweener at the NBA level, McAdoo is a poor defender and below average rebounder to handle NBA post players. His biggest strengths are his mid-range jump shot and soft touch around the rim, but it will take a commitment to the defensive side of the ball to give McAdoo a realistic chance to make a team.
Patric Young
Perhaps the most surprising omission from the list of players selected was Patric Young. Even Bruno Capoclo was drafted! Young has the ability to be an undersized center at the NBA level, as he is strong, athletic and a good defender. Offensively, Young can only score when other players create for him, putting him into a position to dunk. Offensive worries aside, his ability to defend should be coveted by every team in the league, and it would be surprising if Young does not make a team after Summer League and training camp. He has, perhaps, the best chance to make a roster in year one.
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