Finding Value in the Second Round

Every year, a handful of second-round prospects emerge as contributors on good teams. Who could this year’s second-round steals be?

Projecting a second-round steal prior to the draft is difficult.

The players profiled could be drafted higher than expected or go undrafted, essentially making this list irrelevant. Among players projected to go in the second round, the following players have the best chance to work their way into a rotation, assuming they land in a situation that fits their strengths.

Chris McCullough | PF | Syracuse | Freshman

McCullough would have likely been a lock for the first round had he not torn his ACL halfway through the 2014-15 season. The power forward averaged 9.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 2.1 blocks per game for Jim Boeheim’s squad, using his length and mobility to significantly alter shots at the rim. If his knee injury proves to be healing on schedule, a team could opt to select him late in the first round. More likely, look for McCullough to go in the first 10 picks of the second round.

JP Tokoto | SG | North Carolina | Junior

I wrote about Tokoto as one of the biggest sleepers in the draft last week, and firmly believe he represents one of the drafts best values if he falls into the middle of the second round. He is missing an accurate outside shot, but his abilities as a playmaker and defender could earn him minutes right away. Numerous teams are looking for a player of Tokoto’s style, will they pass on the opportunity to select him on draft day?

Tyler Harvey | PG/SG | Eastern Washington | Junior

The Golden State Warriors are showing how effective a 3-point shooting team can be in the NBA. More and more teams should be placing an emphasis on outside shooting, and Harvey is among the best the draft can offer. He is somewhat one-dimensional, but shooters get drafted every year. Harvey has shown some point guard skills, and should make a nice backup in the right system.

Youssou Ndoye | C | St. Bonaventure | Senior

Ndoye has been one of my favorite deep sleepers all year, as he has appeared higher on my draft board than most other top-100 lists. He is a limited athlete but a good rebounder and rim protector. Adequate on offense and willing to be a draft and stash player, look into Ndoye now as there is a better than average chance he will hear his name on the 25th.