The NBA Draft is just a day away, but a lot of work is still to be done before each team is still prepared. While the best player in the draft may be set, every other position has at least some debate on who is the top man at each spot, with loads of depth at shooting guard and small forward.
Who’s the top point guard this year? How good is Andre Drummond? Six Kentucky players ranked? Do Iona, Weber State, Norfolk State, and St. Bonaventure all have players ranked?
**Numbers in () are OVERALL RANKINGS**
Top Point Guards
1 (13). Kendall Marshall North Carolina 6’4” 198lbs
We all like to focus on what draft prospects do poorly and what they willl need to improve on to be successful in the Pro’s. What we all tend to forget is when a player does something elite. In Marshall’s case, his court vision and passing are elite at the next level, making him a 10-12 year pro. His poor jump shot and slow feet will negate him from ever reaching the likes of a pass-first, triple-double machine point guard like Jason Kidd. But as far as running an offense, setting teammates up, and pushing the ball in transition for easy layups, there are not to many point guards in today’s NBA that could do it like Marshall.
2 (14). Damian Lillard Weber St. 6’3” 189lbs
Lillard surely is not a traditional point guard. His scoring is a little inflated, playing for a smaller school in a small conference. Yet, his ability to draw extra defenders (due to his quickness in getting to the basket) and his smooth jump shot (45 % from 3-point range) should allow him to transition into more of a playmaker position for his team.
3 (17). Marques Teague Kentucky 6’2” 180lbs
Teague’s management of a talented Kentucky roster was very impressive for a freshman. Teague was able to manipulate his opponents by driving to the basket and setting up his teammates with open 3’s or alley-oops. His decision-making will need to get faster and subtler, as the speed of NBA defenders will easily extinguish his intentions. The two areas that he really needs to improve are his outside shooting and his ability to finish in traffic. Teague doesn’t necessarily look like he’ll aspire to be a shooting point guard in the league, but his quick first step does give him the opportunity to score in bunches.
4 (25). Tony Wroten Washington 6’6” 203lbs
There are plenty of hills and valleys in Wroten’s game. He is extremely long and tall for a point guard with above average ball handling skills and excellent one-on-one sets. His jump shot unfortunately is skeptical. Although he ran the point for Washington last season, he rarely gets his teammates involved.
5 (29). Tyshawn Taylor Kansas 6’3” 180lbs
The main knock on Taylor is his inconsistency. Physically, he has all the tools to make a name for himself in the league. But he never had that “wow” game in college. On top of that, one has to question whether he is a true point guard or not. His decision making, especially in the half court is questionable to say the least.
Others To Watch
Jordan Taylor Wisconsin 6’2” 193lbs
-Taylor exhibits a high basketball IQ and great leadership qualities. Athletically, he is at a disadvantage compared to the competition.
Scott Machado Iona 6’2” 205lbs
-Machado is a gifted passer who finished second in the nation for assists. Where he’ll struggle in the league is as a defender after playing a great deal of zone at Iona. His inexperience in playing against quick guards in college raises eyebrows regarding whether or not he can defend them at the pro level.
J’Covan Brown Texas 6’2” 202lbs
-Inconsistency in his junior year at Texas takes Brown out of the top five. He does have great size and quickness for a guard but he is not a true distributer and he relies way too much on his jump shot.
Tu Holloway Xavier 6’0” 187lbs
-Putting issues that occurred off the court aside, Holloway’s game consists of a lot of off the dribble, one-on-one jump shots – something that he won’t be able to do so easily at the next level. His man-to-man defense could get him drafted in the second round.
Malik Wayans Villanova 6’1” 195lbs
-Malik’s ability to break his defenders down and get to the basket is not the issue; it is finishing at the hoop where he struggles the most. He tends to dominate the ball and needs to become a better facilitator.
Top Shooting Guards
1 (5). Bradley Beal Florida 6’4” 202lbs
Beal’s game passes the eye test the first time you watch one of his games. He is arguably the best shooter in the draft at his position; yet he still possesses the skill set to score in different ways. He is an above average athlete with an upper body that can take a hit and finish while driving to the basket. His potential is untapped – he was the freshman deferring to upper-classmen guards Kenny Boyton and Irving Walker last season in Florida. Beal seems to be an ideal fit on any team in the league because the shooting guard position is not as deep as it once was.
2 (7). Austin Rivers Duke 6’5” 203lbs
His upbringing as the son of a former NBA player aside, Rivers’ game may make him the most NBA ready prospect in the draft. Although he may not be there physically, Rivers showcased how impressive his offensive game is with a quick first step and fast release on his jump shot. His touches and opportunities to score in college may have been limited due to the talented Duke team he played on; but there is no question that Rivers is not ready to take his game to the next level. Because of his size, Rivers may have to transition into becoming a better ball handler and decision maker so he can get some playing time at the point guard position.
3 (10). Jeremy Lamb Connecticut 6’5” 179lbs
Coming off a disappointing season for the Huskies last season, Lamb will be ready to prove his NBA talent with his smooth jump shoot and his ability to create opportunities for his own shot. Although he is no defensive stall worth, his long wingspan and frame should assist in his development to becoming a better play stopper.
4 (11). Dion Waiters Syracuse 6’4” 215lbs
Dion Waiters is an ideal pick-and-roll guard with incredible strength to finish at the basket. His size and quick feet complement one another to make him capable of guarding both guard positions in the NBA. With that, it is difficult to tell how well he will perform defensively after playing zone defense for a whole season.
5 (20). Terrance Ross Washington 6’7” 197lbs
Ross is a prototypical shooting guard. He is most efficient at stopping and setting his feet from 3-point range and anywhere else inside of the 3-point arc. He has limited ball-handling skills, which makes his overall two guard skills questionable to most scouts. Yet, his height and basketball IQ should compensate some of his inefficiencies in his offensive game. Ross was able to score baskets off of the ball when cutting to open spots on the court and offensively rebounding to create second chance buckets.
Others to Watch
(24) Doron Lamb Kentucky 6’4” 199lbs
-He is a capable scorer at the next level with the ability to defer when necessary. He can play both guard spots and should provide some instant offensive opportunities when he comes off of the bench for any team.
(30) John Jenkins Vanderbilt 6’4” 212lbs
-Jenkins is the most consistent three-point shooter in the draft. He is an okay athlete and he will surely need to bulk up if he wants to make a career in the league.
Evan Fournier France 6’7” 204lbs
-It is very rare to see an international player (that could be drafted in the first round) be such a poor shooter (26% from 3 pt range). Fournier nevertheless exhibits a high basketball IQ and excels in reading defenses.
Darius Johnson-Odom Marquette 6’3” 212lbs
– At his size, Johnson-Odom will have to translate his game into more of a proto-typical point guard – something he struggled to do last season. His one advantage heading into the draft is his excellent three-point game, primarily in spot-up opportunities.
Jared Cunningham Oregon St. 6’5” 188lbs
-His athleticism and quickness should make up for his small stature. Where Cunningham will struggle the most is becoming a playmaker and eventually learning to transition into an NBA point guard.
Top Small Forwards
1 (3). Harrison Barnes North Carolina 6’8” 228lbs
With his size, athleticism, and shooting stroke, Barnes is a cannot-miss talent in this year’s draft. Critics will speculate the why’s for his underperformance during the NCAA tournament when point guard Kendall Marshall went down. The truth is, Barnes’ game will only further develop while playing with better talent at the NBA level. Barnes needs to be cautious to get comfortable settling for long jumpers and he needs to develop a post game with his frame. On catch-and-shoot positions and in transition, Barnes should do extremely well.
2 (4). Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Kentucky 6’7” 233lbs
Kidd-Gilchrist is not a great shooter, ball handler, or passer. Still, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist remains one of the most talented and interesting prospects in the draft. Where he lacks in fundamental skills, he excels in intangibles such as hustle, drive, and defense. Additionally, no one in this draft may have a better attitude about improving as an NBA player more than him.
3 (15). Moe Harkless St. Johns 6’8” 207lbs
Harkless does not necessarily have a polished game that could allow him to contribute anything in his rookie season. Nevertheless, length and athleticism prime him to be a potential sleeper. He was forced to play out of possession at St. Johns, playing more time at the center position – a position where he is truly more of a tweener forward in the pro’s. For a young, skinny freshman, he excelled at rebounding; a stat that always translates well in the NBA.
4 (18). Royce White Iowa St. 6’8” 261lbs
The Cyclones do-it-all forward should find himself a home in the first round of Thursday’s draft. His ability to score, rebound, defend, and run the break (5.0 assists last season) separates him from other forwards in the draft. Unfortunately, White does not necessarily do any one thing extremely well. Factor in his off the court issues and suddenly one can understand why this kid is not getting drafted in the lottery. His personal life aside, White needs to improve his decision making on the court while adding some new moves to his offensive game.
5 (22). Perry Jones Baylor 6’11” 234lbs
No one frustrates scouts and GM’s more in this years draft than Jones. For starters, what is his position in the NBA? Is he a wing player? Is he a stretch forward? Or is he just a versatile big? No one questions Perry’s potential; they just don’t understand exactly how to tap into it. He could be considered an above average ball handler and shooter for his size. His height and length could develop into a strong shot blocker. What Perry needed to do at Baylor last season was to have one or two “Wow, that kid can really take over” games, but unfortunately he fell short of achieving that stand-out moment.
Others to Watch
(23) Quincy Miller Baylor 6’10 219lbs
-If Miller did not tear his ACL back in 2010, most scouts would probably have him ranked higher in this year’s draft. Nevertheless, his smooth shooting stroke and incredible length at the wing position makes him one of the more interesting prospects in the draft.
(28) Draymond Green Michigan St. 6’7” 236lbs
-Draymond is your classic hardhat wearing, bring your lunch pail to work kind of player. Where he lacks in athleticism, his high basketball IQ excels. His improved shooting and rebounding should both translate at the next level.
Jeff Taylor Vanderbilt 6’7” 213lbs
-Taylor has all of the tools to become a lock down defender in the NBA. Although he is an above average shooter, his inability to create his own shot will hurt his stock entering Thursday’s draft.
Will Barton Memphis 6’6” 174lbs
-Barton’s best assets are his ability to run the break and finish at the hoop. His small frame will most likely make him a defensive liability against opposing NBA small forwards.
Darius Miller Kentucky 6’7” 233lbs
-Although Miller has been often overlooked because of the talented Kentucky teams that he has played on, Miller shows great promise with his ability to spread the floor and defend on the perimeter.
Top Power Forwards
1 (1). Anthony Davis Kentucky 6’10” 222lbs
His growth spurt that transformed him from a shooting guard in high-school to the best big man in the nation in college is not the only thing that scouts should accredit to Davis’s success. His basketball IQ is off the charts; his knowledge of how to guard bigger, stronger players in the post and how to defend the rim on help defense is outstanding. The fact that he has a jump shot and some ball handling skills to go along with his size and defensive awareness makes him a general managers dream pick.
2 (6). Thomas Robinson Kansas 6’9” 244lbs
Robinson is a gifted athlete with some unpolished skills. His strong build and incredible leaping ability make him stick out physically compared to the competition. Inevitably, he will have to improve his jump shot to become an ideal pick-n-pop player where he will have the option to pull up for a shot or attack the basket. Whatever does not amount from Robinson’s offensive game, he will make up for on the rebounding end. Without question, he is the best rebounder in the draft.
3 (8). Terrance Jones Kentucky 6’9” 252lbs
With the right Coach and the right system, Jones is one of the few players in this draft that could develop into an All-Star. He is physically gifted in every respect with his huge build and long wingspan. Most people see his inconsistency, and consequently, question his focus on the court. Jones would wow scouts some games and look invisible in others. Yet, because of his unique, versatile skills set and the ability to play either forward position (and center in a pinch) teams would be foolish not to take a risk on him.
4 (9). John Henson North Carolina 6’10” 216lbs
The human pogo stick for the Tar-Heels made huge strides since his 180lb frame his freshman year. Henson has turned himself into a great defender both in one-on-one sets and in help defense. His 15 foot jumper has also vastly improved from his first two seasons. He should be able to contribute immediately but will surely need to add more muscle to his lanky frame and continue to learn how to play more physically if he wants to develop into an everyday starter.
5 (12). Jared Sullinger Ohio St. 6’8” 268lbs
His back injury and weight have been the swirling questions surrounding the Buckeye standout leading up to the draft. IF he is healthy, Sullinger could be considered the best low post player in the draft today. While most scouts want to focus on his small stature and lack of athleticism, others forget how he has improved his back-to-the-basket game and his soft touch around the rim. His soft hands make him an ideal big man for point guards in the league. Where he may struggle the most is in pick and roll sets on defense. His huge body may prove clumsy and slow against quicker guards beating him to spots on hedge situations.
Others to Watch
(26) Arnett Moultrie Mississippi State 6’11”
–He is a skilled forward that grew into a productive center at the college level. His offensive game really flourished last season as he took advantage of his size and strength.
(27) Jae Crowder Marquette 6’6” 241lbs
-Marquette’s do-it-all forward will need to prove to NBA GM’s that he can play both forward positions effectively at the next level. With his improved 3-point range shot and his tenacity on defense, Crowder seems to be one of the few players in the this draft that can contribute immediately.
Andrew Nicholson St. Bonventure 6’9” 234lbs
-Nicholson plays a very defined post game. Where he struggles the most is his overwhelmed reaction to defenders in the paint, which leads to costly turnovers.
Kyle O’Quinn Norfolk St. 6’10” 241lbs
-Although a somewhat unorthodox player, O’Quinn’s set of skills allows him to score in the paint and behind the 3-point line. Playing against weaker MEAC competition makes it tough to gauge how he will fair against NBA competition.
Mike Scott Virginia 6’8” 241lbs
-Scott’s ability to score facing the hoop and with his back to the basket makes him one of the more versatile forwards in this year’s draft. He will struggle the most with the speed of his shot release against taller and faster NBA power forwards.
Top Centers
1 (2). Andre Drummond Connecticut 6’11” 279lbs
No question Drummond will prove to be the biggest risk and potentially the highest reward in the draft. His physical attributes are reminiscent of a young Dwight Howard. His play on the court for the Huskies last season assimilates Kwame Brown. What you can expect from Drummond at the next level is a big body that will eat up the paint on D and block a lot of shots. Offensively, he rarely tries to get to the basket for the fear of getting fouled (less than 30% from the line last season) which is why he settles for too many jump shots. Given the right team, with the right Coach to develop him, he could very well end up being better than Anthony Davis.
2 (16). Tyler Zeller North Carolina 7’0” 247lbs
No one improved their stock by staying four years in college more than Zeller did. The senior center has proved to NBA stocks that his improved 18 -foot range jump shot and shot blocking will make him an efficient NBA center. His ceiling may not be as high as some of the other draftees because of his age and below average athleticism. However, Zeller is a model for a player that strives to improve each season as he did in college.
3 (19). Meyers Leonard Illinois 7’1” 250lbs
Drummond aside, Leonard is the best athlete for his size coming into the draft. He has an explosive vertical leap. Defensively, he is quick enough laterally to defend in most pick and rolls and active enough to cause turnovers. He has also shown that he can knock down fifteen footers in pick and roll situations. Where his game truly needs to develop is on the block; his footwork will need to be refined. He looks slow and lethargic when he catches balls deep on the block.
4 (21). Fab Melo Syracuse 7’0” 255lbs
It is tough to gage Melo’s ceiling entering the draft, which questions how high he could get drafted. Playing center in Syracuse’s zone defense last season, Melo had moments where he looked like Dikemebe Mutombo. Where he might struggle the most is defending some of the more skilled big men in the league in one-on-one positions down on the block. Melo could turn into an anchor for a team’s defense or could very well be just another seven footer that can’t stay out of foul trouble.
5. Festus Ezeli Vanderbilt 6’11” 264lbs
Just looking at Ezeli, he is physically gifted enough to have a long career in the NBA. What is odd about him is that he is really not a great rebounder or a great shot blocker. Offensively, his game is really under developed. He has no real post game to speak of and he does not have the best hands for quick catching and strong finishing in the paint.
Others to Watch
Henry Sims Georgetown 7’0” 240 lbs
-Sims has the ability to work from the high post as a threat to shoot and to pass. His lack of toughness and upper body strength make him a liability against most NBA centers.
Miles Plumlee Duke 7’0” 252lbs
-Plumlee brings toughness and offensive rebounding to any team. Yet, his footwork and back to the basket game is severely underdeveloped.
Bernard James Florida St. 6’10” 230lbs
-Rebounding and defending are what James prides himself on the most. Unfortunately, James was never able to improve his low post game, which made it difficult for pro teams to see any potential in him.
Robert Sacre Gonzaga 7’0” 263 lbs
-Sacre is one of the more active big men in the draft, especially on the offensive glass. Although a physical player, Sacre is a below average rebounder for his position.
Yancy Gates Cincinnati 6’9” 287 lbs
-There is no question as to whether Gates possesses an NBA-ready body. However, with little to no post game it will be difficult for him to showcase his talents in NBA workouts.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
