With the 2014 NBA Draft right around the corner, the attention is on the potential superstars, names you’ve probably heard before. Andrew Wiggins. Jabari Parker. Joel Embiid. Etc. These players will be picked top 5, no question. I mean c’mon, scouts have watched these guys ball since high school, and many call this one the potential to be the best draft since the star-studded 2003 class.
But what about the rest of draft? There aren’t just 10 picks by 10 organizations. One round consists of 30 picks. 30 players. So today, the day before the draft, we take a look at sleepers. Those whom you might not have heard of but could be taken as early as the 8th or 9th pick. Those who could still prove to be all-stars in the league. Those who can risk the jobs of general managers that pass on them. And, in fact, there have been plenty of these sleepers in recent years that have risen to make an impact for their respective franchises:
Terrence Jones of the Houston Rockets, pick #18 in 2012, helped his team make the playoffs in the rugged Western Conference. Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors, selected at #35 in the same draft, has proven to be invaluable for the Dubs as the heart and passion in its most recent playoff run. And most recently, Kawhi Leonard. Heard of him before? Yup, that Kawhi Leonard, the same one drafted as the 15th pick in 2011 who also won the Finals MVP of the 2014 NBA Finals. The list goes on as you go back each year: Eric Bledsoe (#18 in 2010) and his teammate (for now) Goran Dragic (#45 in 2008), Marc Gasol (#48 in 2007), etc. And, of course, one can’t forget Manu Ginobli (#57 in 1999).
Case in point, there are always sleepers in each draft class. This year’s no exception. It’s just the nature of the draft. With that said, let’s move on to tomorrow’s group:
- Jordan Adams, 6’5” shooting guard, UCLA – sophomore. Adam isn’t the most athletic. Neither does he have a consistent shot for a 2 – yet. But man, is he a scorer. Whether it’s his instinct to find easy points through cuts or his improving mid-range game, Jordan Adam tries everything he can to create opportunities for himself to score and for his team to win. He’s a solid defender and continues to address his weaknesses by proving that he’s a hard worker, another attribute teams love. Example? Adams shot 17-25 from NBA 3-point range at the NBA Combine, the highest mark out of those who participated. He also measured 210 pounds at the combine, about 22 less than that of his sophomore season, which will definitely improve his athleticism. Comparisons include Wesley Matthews and Anthony Morrow. Look for this guy to go anywhere from 15 – 25 in the draft and provide a spark off the bench for a team in need of a scoring boost.
- Shabazz Napier, 6’1” point guard, UConn – senior. News came out this morning of the Heat aggressively pursuing Napier to keep LeBron in Miami. But what do Napier and LeBron have anything to do with each other? Well, LeBron is said to be a huge fan of the former Huskie, tweeting during the NCAA title game: “No way u take a PG in the lottery before Napier.” What does Miami lack? A point guard who can distribute while taking some pressure off LeBron. Make sense now? Shabazz Napier is just that: he’s a big time player with maturity and composure capable of rising to big time moments with big time plays. Having spent 4 years in college, Napier displays a willingness to learn and improve his game each year. I might even compare Napier to a poor man’s Chris Paul. He can do it all as a point guard, and his only real weakness is size, which he’s proved to overcome (18 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.9 apg in 2013-14). Just take a look at the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBwsGHAK2SI
Comparisons include Mike Bibby. He will probably go elsewhere than Miami, which has the 26th pick, simply because teams picking earlier will have interest in him. Look at Napier going as high as 12 (Orlando).
- Elfrid Payton, 6’4” point guard, LA-Lafayette –junior. Payton’s draft stock has been on the rise recently and his rise has mainly been attributed to potential. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Payton would be in the realm of taller ball handlers. In addition, with his length and excellent court vision that comes with his height, the guard possesses an above average athleticism combined with a superb defensive skillset. He has the physical tools—all of them. Sounds like the best point guard available, right? Not quite. The key here is potential. The Lafayette guard lacks a jumpshot in all aspects. Consistency, 3-point shot, free throws –you name it –Payton can’t seem to buy a shot to save his life. Well, that might be hyperbole, but anyhow, he’s got time to improve. He can model another point guard who was chosen based more upon his physical traits: Russell Westbrook. Like Westbrook, Payton is capable of a triple double any day; he averaged almost 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in his 2013-14 campaign. Comparisons include Westbrook and Rajon Rondo. Look at him to go as high as 7th to the Lakers to the mid 20’s in a draft not particularly loaded with point guards.
- Nik Stauskas, 6’6” shooting guard, Michigan –sophomore. I love this guy. Maybe it’s because I love shooters so much, but I seriously think he can be the next big shooter in the NBA. Trey Burke’s departure from Michigan last year left room for Stauskas to grow and improve as a playmaker in his own right, dispelling any views that he’s just a one dimensional player. He’s embraced the role of being a ball handler and the number 1 option for the Wolverines this past season, scoring the ball in ways other than just shooting it behind the arc (career 44% 3-pointer). The Canadian’s lack of speed may cause trouble for him, especially when he’s running off screens to get open, but that’s something he can always improve on. He’s hands down the best shooter in the draft (video below speaks for itself), so whichever team needs shooting should pick him right away. Comparisons include Jason Kapono. Look for him to go as high as ninth to Charlotte, where he could provide much needed shooting.
- Adreian Payne, 6’10” power forward, Michigan State –senior. Ever since Ryan Anderson or whoever it was popularized the “stretch 4,” NBA franchises seek after power forwards that can open up room for centers by their 3-point shooting abilities. Adreian Payne is one such player that can offer that to teams tomorrow night. Last season, Payne shot above 40% on 3.4 3-point attempts. This makes him dangerous in a pick and pop situation with any player. He’s athletic and can even score on the low post. He’s also a great leader and a guy who has good character both on and off the court. However, his liabilities lie on the defensive end. With his height and physicality, he can’t seem able to block or even alter many shots, mainly due to poor timing in his jumps. But he will be effective as a role player on any organization that drafts him because of his skill and leadership. Comparisons include Drew Gooden and Markieff Morris. Expect him to go as early as 13 to the Timberwolves, who could be moving to trade Kevin Love, a stretch four himself.
The 2014 NBA Draft is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, 2014. Tune into ESPN at 7PM E.T.
Photo Credit: Kathy Willens // AP
