We always see this in every draft as the unknown or not well known prospects (sometimes this works with overhyped players) make a name for themselves and they prove a point that a number in the draft can’t limit their potential. What players can the C’s scoop up (C’s own 8 picks) that can help their roster going forward?
Ben Bentil PF Providence 6’8 230 lbs (Sophomore)
At Providence, Bentil, who was PG Kris Dunn’s sidekick, had a lot of media attention but that has faded away because of his Friars teammate Kris Dunn, who is projected as a lottery pick. Bentil has a lot of unique characteristics to his game as he is a high volume scorer (21.1 points a game last season) and balanced his scoring with approximately 8 boards a game. Even though Bentil was fortunate enough to have a talented point guard like Dunn, it will be interesting to see his transition into the NBA. Bentil reminds me of a Brandon Bass type of player. Not the tallest power forward but is very strong and can muscle his way to the hoop. Taking Bentil would be beneficial to the C’s to blend with Sullinger and Olynyk down low and pairing him up with young PF Jordan Mickey has very good long term potential. Take Bentil if he is avaliable around end of 1st round, first pick of 2nd round.
Michael Gbinije SF/SG Syracuse 6’7 205lbs (Senior)
A two way hybrid player that is mature and NBA ready, Gbinije is a player that most teams would like to have as a additional cushion to the depth chart and can adapt to the game early on. Averaging 17 points a game to go along with 4 boards and just over 4 assists a game, the Syracuse breakout player did everything to help propel the Orange into the tourney as many doubted they would even make it. As the #10 seed, they managed to get to the Final Four, which is an unbelievable accomplishment.
If Brad Stevens/Danny Ainge decide to draft Gbinije, it is worth the pick as he is a valuable asset to the team. Plug him in off the bench to relief Crowder as the wing player and he can score while spread the floor. I’d take Gbinije top of the 2nd round or even if his name gets around, maybe end of 1st.
Ron Baker SG Wichita State 6’4 215 pounds
The former 3 sport athlete in Scott City, Kansas, a tiny town out of the middle of Kansas (literally), Baker shined in all sports but decided to continue his basketball career at Wichita State. At Wichita, Baker played all 4 years and made tournament runs with fellow teammate Fred Vanvleet and made a run at a championship but came up short.
Baker can flat out shoot the 3 ball as he was roughly 35% behind the arc as he averaged 14 points a game. The physical guard would be a excellent fit for the C’s, scrappy and determined for success. Scooping up at the end of the draft would be ideal although there is a possibility that he will go undrafted but I like Baker.
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