Monday, April 16, 2007

Sleepers

I'd like to take a look at a few players that might be flying under the radar right now, but will likely become solid players in the NBA by their 3rd year. Some of these guys are well-known college players that the "experts" are simply doubting (the Michael Redd/Gilbert Arenas/Carlos Boozer types) and some of them come from smaller schools, so they haven't received nearly as much coverage throughout their careers (the Anthony Mason/Dennis Rodman/Scottie Pippen types). Let's see what's out there, shall we?

Morris Almond (Rice) -- I detailed him in my draft analysis, but I really think that he could be a much more complete player than many scouts are predicting. His scoring ability is amazing, but with some work, he could be a legit starter with an all-around skillset.

Rodney Stuckey (Eastern Washington) -- Another great scorer, he's projected to be a combo guard in the NBA. He's also a solid defender, which brings to mind a younger, taller Bobby Jackson.

Ron Lewis (Ohio State) -- Lewis has proven that he's willing and able to take the big shot in end-game situations. That's a trait that every team is looking for in a player. He's also a good rebounder for his size and is a good defender on both the perimeter and in the post.

Alando Tucker (Wisconsin) -- Tucker wasn't able to lead his team to much success in the tournament after the loss of center Brian Butch, but that shouldn't have dragged his draft stock down as much as it has. He possesses great athleticism, which he understands how to use to its fullest advantage. He's a shooting guard who plays more like a power forward at times, using his strength to achieve an end result to his liking. He'll need to work on his perimeter shooting, but whichever team that winds up with him will likely be very pleased a few years down the road.

Glen Davis (LSU) -- He probably should have entered the draft last year, but c'est la vie. The absolute antithesis of a prototype power forward, his physique and skillset bring to mind another chunky rebounder who went by the name "Sir Charles". He'll likely never reach that level of accomplishment in his career, but if he can stay focused and mentally prepared, then Davis could be a guy who surprises a lot of teams.

Avis Wyatt (Virginia State) -- I've seen him play only once, but I think he'll figure out a way to find a place in the NBA, even if it means a stop in the D-League at some point. He's a good athlete with great defensive skills. He's too skinny to play in the post full time, but he displayed a solid mid-range game that could prove to be his ticket to sticking around at the next level.

Aaron Brooks (Oregon) -- A great scorer, but also more than a little selfish, Brooks will have to be drafted/signed by the right team or he'll never have a fighting chance in the NBA. With his lightning quick first step and sub-6 ft. height, he is reminiscent of a poor man's Damon Stoudamire. If he finds the right system, he could be a dynamic scoring threat as a sixth man.

You can mention anyone I might have overlooked in the Comments.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chris Richard...doy!

Evil said...

I kind of like Sean Williams from BC, Reyshawn Terry from UNC, and Jemareo Davidson from Alabama. Those guys have the ability to be NBA players.

Also according to NBAdraft.net Fazekas is a mid second round pick. I'd take a chance on him. Of course his athleticism is suspect. Still, the kid is 6'11" with skill.

Chip Crain said...

Without a 2nd rd pick and no set GM currently it may be difficult for the Grizzlies to acquire one this season. I doubt West will leave his successor without a future 2nd rd pick or two considering the success he has had so far with 2nd rd picks.

However I suspect some of the seniors projected in the 2nd rd may go undrafted with so many talented underclassmen and foreign players available. DJ Strawberry comes to mind as a player that has all the skills but doesn't excel at anything that could slip thru the cracks.