Thursday, May 21, 2015

2015 NBA Mock Draft: 5/21


With the lottery over we finally know for certain, barring trades, where each team will be drafting. There are still plenty of team workouts between now and the draft that will effect team's rankings, but the picture will slowly become clearer as we move towards the draft.
Note: measurements are rounded combine numbers, ages are on draft night.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, F/C Kentucky (6-11, 250) Age: 19
Minnesota held serve in the draft lottery and ended up with the top overall pick, where rumor has it Flip Saunders is favoring Jahlil Okafor. While they could certainly select Okafor, Towns makes much more sense for a number of reasons, the most of important being he is clearly a better talent. While that may be subjective, what isn't is that Towns is a better fit with Minnesota's current roster because of his ability to play on the perimeter as a power forward. Okafor is a center only and in some ways duplicates Nikola Pekovic while also not fitting well next to Gogui Dieng. Pairing two excellent young two-way players like Towns and Andrew Wiggins will set Minnesota on a path to success they haven't been on since the early days of Kevin Garnett.

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, C Duke (6-11, 270) Age: 19
Karma took a day off as the Lakers made the only move up in the lottery, jumping from 4 to 2. Truth be told however, unless they plan on trading the pick (an terrible idea, but certainly possible) or Towns isn't the top pick, it doesn't really change their future that much unless you think Okafor is significantly better than D'Angelo Russell or Emmanuel Mudiay (I don't, the opposite in fact). Still, center is a big need for the Lakers, though Okafor's inability to stretch the floor isn't exactly a great fit with their lack of any kind of consistent 3-point threat. Okafor is a building block piece, but L.A. will have to remake the roster around him, which is probably their plan anyways based on the lack of talent on their roster. Both Mudiay and Russell are better prospects and fits, but true centers are far less common so you can see the appeal to a team like the Lakers who will likely be signing a point guard and wing player this offseason.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: D'Angelo Russell, G Ohio State (6-5, 193) Age: 19
Technically, Philadelphia "moved" ahead of the Knicks but stayed at 3, actually a perfect spot for them because the clear best fit for their team is likely to be there. D'Angelo Russell is exactly what the doctor ordered for Philly, that need a playmaking guard and shooting, both of which Russell excels at. Mudiay is a possibility and is certainly talented enough to be the third overall pick, he fills the playmaking role and has higher defensive potential than Russell, but the shooting is the biggest differentiation between the two and will be important for Philly's offense with Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel, and Dario Saric in the frontcourt.

4. New York Knicks: Emmanuel Mudiay, PG Guandong (6-5, 200) Age: 19
The Knicks were the big "losers" of the lottery, dropping down two spots, but still ending up fourth with a shot at one of the top four elite prospects in the draft. The only way that the Knicks end up a loser here is if they trade the pick for a middling veteran in attempt to "win now." To me, their process is clear: whichever of Towns, Okafor, Russell, and Mudiay falls, you take them. For the Knicks, they may not be comfortable with Mudiay's unknown factor in which case Justise Winslow, Willie Cauley-Stein, Kristaps Porzingis, and Mario Hezonja would come into play. All four would fill a need but are slightly behind Mudiay's talent level and upside. Whatever the case, the Knicks should get a talented player and building block player.

5. Orlando Magic: Mario Hezonja, G/F Barcelona (6-8, 200) Age: 20
The past three drafts the Magic have selected a high energy, defensive focused player with offensive question marks. Justise Winslow fits that profile to a tee and could easily be the pick, however the Magic's offense was so bad last season, they may wish to add a comparable talent with better offensive skill. Cauley-Stein is also a possibly to play alongside Nikola Vucevic, who was atrocious defensively last season and basically tanked the Magic's defense. A versatile big who can protect the rim like Cauley-Stein to cover for Vucevis could turn their defense around quickly. The issue is WCS plays the same position as last year's first rounder, Aaron Gordon.  

6. Sacramento Kings: Willie Cauley-Stein, F/C Kentucky (7-1, 242) Age: 21
The same logic for Orlando applies to Sacramento, though DeMarcus Cousins is a much better defensive player he is inconsistent in this area and would certainly benefit from a defensive blanket like Cauley-Stein to cover up any mistakes. His athleticism would certainly play well in George Karl's uptempo system, though spacing may be more of an issue on offense than the Kings are willing to deal with. In that case, Porzingis would make a lot of sense because he can stretch the floor alongside Cousins while also helping defensively with his shot-blocking ability. Sacramento's front office seems to be desperate to win sooner rather than later however, which might lead them away from a longer term project like Porzingis.

7. Denver Nuggets: Justise Winslow, G/F Duke (6-7, 222) Age: 19
The Nuggets have a talented roster but had the wrong coach and it is unclear how all the pieces fit together. Whatever the reason for their struggles, the Nuggets have a great opportunity to add another talented player to their roster. Porzingis is a possibility because he offers a different skill set that should compliment Kenneth Faried well. Winslow is the safer bet to contribute right away, which will appeal to a Denver team that got used to making the playoffs and would like to get back there sooner rather than later, demonstrated by the fact they didn't completely blow up their team last season at the trade deadline. Winslow should start at shooting guard over the likes of Randy Foye and Gary Harris from day one and provide insurance at the 3 if Danilo Gallinari fails to bounce back.

8. Detroit Pistons: Kristaps Porzingis, PF Sevilla (7-0, 220) Age: 19
Porzingis is the type of player every team needs and is in play with every pick from 4 on down, so the Pistons would be doing backflips if he falls to them here, not only because he is such a talent, but because he is exactly what they need. With Greg Monroe most likely on the way out, the Pistons will have a massive hole at power forward with a particular need for one that can shoot and play on the perimeter alongside Andre Drummond. If Porzingis is off the board, Winslow or Hezonja makes sense to fill the equally gigantic hole at small forward, which was manned by the decaying corpses of Caron Butler and Tayshaun Prince last season.

9. Charlotte Hornets: Stanley Johnson, SF Arizona (6-7, 242) Age: 19
The Hornets are in a difficult spot because their biggest needs don't necessarily line up with the prospects available, at least not in a traditional sense. The Hornets need a shooting guard that can make outside shots, so Devin Booker or R.J. Hunter are possibilities, Charlotte would be passing on much better players to take them. Stanley Johnson isn't a prototypical shooting guard but he can make outside shots and the defensive versatility that he and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist offer would handle any defensive question marks that might arise from using a non-traditional player like Johnson in that spot.

10. Miami Heat: Frank Kaminsky, F/C Wisconsin (7-1, 231) Age: 22
Myles Turner and Kelly Oubre are certainly possibilities here, but the Heat have had little patience for projects or the inclination to draft them. Kaminsky isn't a reach over those two in any sense and would be able to step in right away to solidify Miami's bench and provide insurance for another Chris Bosh injury, who's loss tanked the Heat's season completely because they lacked even a replacement level option to fill in. Kaminsky can backup both Bosh and Hassan Whiteside immediately. Another interesting option is Kaminsky's teammate Sam Dekker, who can play either forward spot and would be a versatile bench scoring option that can also contribute early in his career.

11. Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner, F/C Texas (7-0, 239) Age: 19
The Pacers are reportedly high on point guard Cameron Payne, but if a talent like Turner is still available, it would be hard to pass up on, especially considering they might be moving on from both Roy Hibbert and David West in the next year or two. Another reason to go for a talent like Turner, or even Oubre is that the Pacers are unlikely to be drafting this high again and should go for "lottery talent" when they have the chance. Payne is a very good prospect but the kind of player that is available in the middle of the first round most years, unlike the size and shooting ability of Turner.

12. Utah Jazz: Jerian Grant, PG Notre Dame (6-4, 198) Age: 22
The Jazz are loaded with young talent at most spots, but point guard is an issue. Dante Exum will be a star, but at what position is still a question, he may be best suited off the ball while Trey Burke is best off the bench. Cameron Payne is another possibility if Grant's age is an issue for Utah. If they aren't comfortable drafting any available point guard, the best player available at any position is a possibility, particularly a wing to provide depth behind Gordon Heyward.

13. Phoenix Suns: Sam Dekker, F Wisconsin (6-9, 219) Age: 21
Backup center is a big need for Phoenix, though they may be more comfortable with a veteran in that capacity due to starter Alex Len's inexperience. If they chose to go in a different direction, power forward is a logical area of improvement because the Suns have nothing behind Markieff Morris. A traditional 4 lie Bobby Portis is a possibility but Phoenix is far from a traditional offense and a perimeter player like Dekker, who has the size to play power forward and the skills of a stretch 4, might be more appealing to them.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kelly Oubre, G/F Kansas (6-7, 203) Age: 19
The Thunder would probably like an instant impact player, but if a talent like Oubre is still available, it would be hard to pass up. Oubre is incredibly talented, but his upside is matched by his inconsistency at this point. New head coach Billy Donovan has had success developing players in college and will likely look to continue that in the NBA to keep talented young players in the OKC pipeline. If the Thunder do go instant impact, Dekker or Kaminsky would make a lot of sense if they are available, as would R.J. Hunter and Devin Booker as shooters to play alongside Russell Westbrook in the backcourt. 

15. Atlanta Hawks (from Brooklyn): R.J. Hunter, SG Georgia State (6-6, 185) Age: 21
Though injuries have certainly played a role, the Hawks bench went into the tank in the playoffs and their offense struggled when Kyle Korver has gone cold. Due to the Joe Johnson trade, Atlanta was able to switch picks with Brooklyn, giving them a prime opportunity to improve their bench. Devin Booker and R.J. Hunter should both provide a boost off of the bench and help to mitigate the Atlanta's reliance on Korver's shooting. Booker is younger and perhaps more highly thought of, but Hunter's ball-handling and passing would fit very well in Atlanta's offense. Booker is a little more one dimensional, and perhaps a little too much like John Jenkins for the Hawks taste. 

16. Boston Celtics: Robert Upshaw, C Washington (7-0, 258) Age: 21
This may seem high for Upshaw, but if a team is comfortable with his off-the-court problems than this would be an excellent value compared to other available players. No team blocked fewer shots per game than the Celtics last season and Upshaw's outstanding shot blocking ability would change that in a hurry. If they don't go with Upshaw, a power forward like Bobby Portis or Kevon Looney would make sense, or even a shooter like Hunter or Booker.

17. Milwaukee Bucks: Devin Booker, SG Kentucky (6-6, 206) Age: 18
The Bucks were actually in the top 10 in 3-point percentage, but were in the bottom third of the league in both makes and attempts. There are questions about his ability to do anything else, but Devin Booker can certainly shoot and Milwaukee has the defenders to cover for him if he struggles in that area. This is another possible higher landing spot of Upshaw, while Portis is also a possibility if the Bucks wish to boost their frontcourt depth.

18. Houston Rockets (from New Orleans): Cameron Payne, PG Murray State (6-2, 183) Age: 20
"Point guard" is a loose term when it comes to the Rockets offensive system, but the fact remains that Pablo Prigioni and Jason Terry are 38 and 37 respectively while Patrick Beverly is coming off an injury. The Rockets have talent everywhere else, but they could take whatever the best prospect is at an position, or trade the pick.

19. Washington Wizards: Bobby Portis, PF Arkansas (6-11, 246) Age: 20
The Wizards were at their best with Paul Pierce at power forward to space the floor, but even if he returns to Washington, they'll need someone else to man that role in addition to Pierce. Portis is developing into that type of perimeter player and does just about everything you'd want from a power forward. Kevon Looney is another option if they're looking for upside. Backup point guard behind John Wall like Payne or Tyus Jones is another possibility.

20. Toronto Raptors: Kevon Looney, PF UCLA (6-9, 222) Age: 19
With Amir Johnson and Tyler Hanbrough free agents, the Raptors will need depth at power forward. Kevon Looney, Portis, Christian Wood, or Trey Lyles are all possibilities depending on what the Raptors are looking for. After drafting Bruno Caboclo last season, anything is possible for Toronto, including another long, raw Brazilian like George de Paula Lucas, who wouldn't be as off board as Bruno. 

21. Dallas Mavericks: Tyus Jones, PG Duke (6-2, 185) Age: 19
After the disaster that was Rajon Rondo last season, the Mavericks will be looking for a new point guard to either start or backup a veteran. Jones or Payne are possibilities, as is Delon Wright. Really, most of Dallas' roster are free agents this summer so they could go any direction with this pick, including drafting a draft-and-stash prospect in order to preserve cap space.

22. Chicago Bulls: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF Arizona (6-7, 211) Age: 20
The Bulls will be hoping for a perimeter player who can make outside shots to fall to them, including Booker and Hunter, while Justin Anderson is another possibility if the Bulls believe in his outside shot. Another possibility is a player like Hollis-Jefferson, who's only flaw is his ability to shoot but is the best perimeter defender in the draft and great scoring off of cuts to the basket.

23. Portland Trail Blazers: Trey Lyles, PF Kentucky (6-10, 241) Age: 19
The Blazers bench has long been a bugaboo, and if LaMarcus Aldridge leave is free agency it will become an even bigger issue. Lyles or Montrezl Harrell are possibilities here, as is Justin Anderson or Anthony Brown to provide depth behind the very inconsistent Nicolas Batum. The best player available makes sense for Portland because their bench needs so much work.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Delon Wright, G Utah (6-6,181) Age: 23
The Cavs are firmly in their competitive window and will likely target a ready to contribute prospect that can help right away. Delon Wright fits the bill, as do Anderson, Brown, Harrell, and Jonathan Holmes. If they are looking for upside, Cliff Alexander would also make a ton of sense because frontcourt depth always seems to come into play in the playoffs.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Christian Wood, PF UNLV (6-11, 216) Age: 19
With Marc Gasol and Kosta Koufos potential free agents, the frontcourt could quickly become a position or great need in Memphis. Wood, Jarell Martin, Harrell, or Alexander are possibilities while I imagine that Upshaw falls no further than this. Brown's knockdown shooting ability is also a potential for here.

26. San Antonio Spurs: Justin Anderson, SF Virginia (6-6, 231) Age: 21
The Spurs have a way of getting the best out of prospects and if they can do the same with an athletic wing like Anderson they'd have a valuable piece. Brown is another possibility as a potential Danny Green replacement. Since they have no clear needs, the Spurs could go in any direction, including a draft-and-stash prospect,.

27. Los Angeles Lakers (from Houston): George de Paula Lucas, PG Pinheiros (6-6, 197) Age: 19
The Lakers could take the best player available here, they have so many needs, but in order to preserve cap space they will likely take a draft-and-stash prospect. Fortunately for them, if Lucas is available he would also be the best player and could play a role down the line in Los Angeles.

28. Boston Celtics (from L.A. Clippers): Montrezl Harrell, PF Louisville (6-8, 253) Age: 21
Even with adding Upshaw earlier, the Celtics still need to find more defense and athleticism in their frontcourt. Brown or Holmes are also possibilities here, as Even Turner is Boston's starting small forward.

29. Brooklyn Nets (from Atlanta): Cliff Alexander, PF Kansas (6-9, 239) Age: 19
The Nets, who are picking here due to the Joe Johnson trade, have needs for talent and youth all up and down their roster, particularly power forward if Thaddeus Young leaves during free agency. Alexander is a strong option if Brooklyn is looking for athletic upside, while Martin is more of a skill option.

30. Golden State Warriors: Anthony Brown, G/F Stanford (6-9, 211) Age: 22
The Warriors are built on versatility, defense, and shooting all of which Brown offers. Obviously as the best team in the league, the Warriors have few needs so they could really go in any direction with this pick, most likely just drafting the best prospect that fits their system.

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Tuesday, May 5, 2015

NBA Draft: Potential Role Players


The lottery and much of the first round of the NBA Draft is driven by the search for potential. However, no team is made up of just high-ceiling stars, role players are needed to fit in various facets of both offense and defense, as starters and bench players. There are several archetypes for these roles which every team needs in the modern NBA.

3-and-D
The name says it all, 3-and-D players excel in two areas: defense and shooting. They are usually wing players who don't create their own shot well, but can finish the opportunities made for them by others. The most important way they do this is by spotting up to keep defenses spread out and making them pay if they are helped off of. Danny Green is a good example of a 3-and-D wing, big men can also be 3-and-D players if their primary offense comes from shooting the ball, yet they can still block shots and protect the basket, some might consider Myles Turner to become this, though I think his upside is higher than role player. However, there are two players in this draft of the former description...

Justin Anderson, SF Virginia (6-6, 227) Age: 21
Anderson is questionable as a 3-and-D prospect because there is some question about his shooting. However, there is no issues with his defense: Anderson is built to defend small forwards, despite only average height, Anderson's 6-11 wingspan and powerful build should allow him to hold up physically against even the strongest 3s in the NBA. I'm not sure he has the lateral quickness to defend all shooting guards, but since he'll likely be coming off the bench, coaches will be able to manage his assignments. The shooting aspect is a different matter; after shooting 30% from 3 his first two seasons (on 168 attempts) Anderson dramatically improved that rate to 45% (104). The question is, which shooter will show up on a consistent basis? The answer to that will determine much of Anderson's NBA value.

Anthony Brown, G/F Stanford (6-6, 215) Age: 22
Brown has no concerns about his shooting after he made 132 three pointers the last two seasons on 45% shooting from deep. Defensively, he lacks the upside of Anderson because he isn't going to rack up huge steal or block totals, instead he is just an extremely solid perimeter defender who can check both guards and forwards. Brown adds additional value because he is a decent ball-handler and willing passer, however it is his shooting and defense that will be his primary responsibility at the next level. Because he is 22 and a fifth-year Senior, Brown will likely not be drafted till at earliest the end of the first round, but whoever takes him should be getting a solid contributor in both ends of the floor.

Back-up Point Guard
This is the golden age of point guards in the NBA, there are so many great starting point guards out there is seems like a team is behind the 8-ball without one. There is still, as always, a need for backups: Ramon Sessions (64 games, 11.17 PER), Brian Roberts (72 games, 11.74 PER), Steve Blake (81 games, 9.48 PER!) and many others played prominent roles in the NBA last season and where less than productive. It's easy to overlook point guards in the draft that lack flash and upside, but there is a big need for them in the NBA. In this draft, Tyus Jones and Cameron Payne could be considered for this category, but they have more of a chance to start.

Delon Wright, G Utah (6-5, 190) Age: 23
Wright can be an impact player because of all that he does to help his team win. Wright is an excellent defender who can sick with either guard spot while also disrupting offenses with his aggressiveness and help defense (2.1 steals, 1 block a game). While defense will likely be his calling card, Wright can also play either guard spot on offense as well. Wright sees the floor well and is unselfish (sometimes too much) enough to run an offense. He is most effective slashing to the rim with long strides, but Wright has also shown the ability to make outside shots as well to the point he is good enough from there (36%) to play off the ball as well. Wright is a very smart player with a natural understanding to the game. His defense, passing, and efficient offensive profile will make Wright and instant impact in the NBA, though as a 23 year-old he is upside is limited, what he is now is good enough to be a rotation player.

T.J. McConnell, PG Arizona (6-1, 195) Age: 23
McConnell is a long shot to even get drafted, let alone make a roster, but in a Matthew Dellavedova out-of-nowhere kind of way, he could stick. McConnell is a very steady player with a good understanding of running an offense; he looks to pass and set-up teammates first and to score second. McConnell was actually good at the rim last season (67%) excellent from mid-range (44%) and though he only shot 32% from three, he was above 36% from there his previous three seasons. Defensively, McConnell is physically limited but puts for great effort and has a nose for the ball (2.2 steals a game). McConnell orchestrated an excellent offense at Arizona and was the tip of the defensive spear for one of the best defenses in the country.

Instant Offense
More commonly known as "gunner," "microwave player" and any other number of colloquialisms, but they all refer to the same type of player. The type that can come off the bench and score in bunches. Sometimes they are score-first combo guards who can't run an offense for a sustained amount of time (Isaiah Thomas), defense-negative wing players (Jamal Crawford), or streaky shooters who can make or miss five shots in a row at the drop of a hat (Gerald Green). Whatever the profile, the role is the same: come off the bench, score points.

Terry Rozier, PG Louisville (6-1, 190) Age: 21
Rozier is quite simply a shooting guard built like a smaller point guard, which just isn't the type of player that is likely to be an NBA starter. Rozier is at his best in attack mode, going full bore towards the rim and drawing fouls. He is very fast playing straight ahead in the full-court and difficult to stay in front of or keep from getting to the spots he wants to. Rozier would be a nice fit with an athletic second unit that can run with him and push the pace. He also add nice additional value defending point guards with pressure defense, though his lack of a consistent 3-point shot hurts (33% career shooter). His shot selection leaves a lot to be desired as well, but that isn't a killer in the gunner role.

Michael Qualls, SG Arkansas (6-6, 210) Age: 21
Qualls has exactly the kind of size/length/athleticism of a starting shooting guard in the NBA, but his style of play is more suited to coming off the bench. Qualls is a ball of energy on both ends of the court, attacking the basket with sometimes reckless abandon which usually ends with a dunk, acrobatic layup attempt, or turnover. Defensively it is the same story, he will over pressure his man to the point that it can lose effectiveness; he has the potential to be better but needs to tone it down and focus more of fundamentals. Qualls attacking style will work best off the bench alongside and uptempo point that can take advantage of his ability to fly up the floor for dunks. Right now, this is Qualls ceiling, but if he can improve his defense and become a better shooter then he could become a valuable starter similar to another Mike Anderson-coached player: DeMarre Carroll.

Norman Powell, SG UCLA (6-4, 215) Age: 21
Powell is another undersized shooting guard who is at his best getting to the basket, where he takes nearly half of his shots. While not overwhelmingly quick or athletic, Powell is very crafty and smooth with the ball in his hands with a strong frame and long 6-11 arms. Those physical traits help him on the defensive end as well, where he could be at least average against shooting guards with some work. What is holding Powell back is his jump shot, which is streaky at best, ineffective at worst. Not being able to consistently make 3s cause defenses to play off him and remove some of his ability to drive. However, if a team is just looking for a guard to break down a defense, Powell would fit.

Rashad Vaughn, SG UNLV (6-6, 210) Age: 18
Vaughn is the classic gunner profile, he takes all kinds of shots, some of them cringe-worthy, from all over the court: chucking 3s, putting his head down and driving to the basket, improbably mid-range pullups. However, for as bad as some of his shot selection was (it wasn't all bad) he was actually remarkably efficient on them, posting above-average percentages at all parts of the floor except the rim, where he not very good, most likely a product of so-so athletic ability and shorter arms. So while Vaughn can get hot and knock down bad shots, that is a very questionably translatable skill. Bad shots get harder in the NBA and coaches have increasingly less patience for inefficient players who provide little else aside from scoring. The good news: Vaughn won't turn 19 until August.

Tyler Harvey, SG Eastern Washington (6-4, 185) Age: 21
Harvey has one special skill that makes him a prime candidate for coming off the bench and providing instant offense: shooting. Harvey can make any kind of jump shot you can think of, whether it be spotting up, of the dribble, pulling up, in transition, turning around, of balance, off curls, with a defender in his face, it doesn't matter. There is absolutely no questioning this skill, it is the rest of his game that makes him a candidate to come off the bench. Harvey is decent with the ball in his hands and good enough to function as a secondary ball-handler, but a point guard he is not. Additionally, he has the physical profile to guard point guards, but bigger two guards will likely give him trouble. Harvey is an interesting case, he will certainly have a role as a shooter off the bench ala an Eddie House, but it is also not impossible to see him improving in some areas to the point he is an Eric Gordon-lite, mostly he settles somewhere in the middle as sort of what many thought Jimmer Fredette would be.

Olivier Hanlan, G Boston College (6-4, 190) Age: 22
Playing in the relative obscurity of Boston College basketball, Olivier Hanlan quietly led the ACC in scoring last season, capping off three very successful seasons for the Eagles. Hanlan is very good at creating his own shot and should be able to do it against non-elite defenders in the NBA, he isn't vertically explosive but is very sudden in his movement and changes of direction. He is a prime candidate to come off the bench because he is undersized but good enough of a playmaker to play point guard in small, controlled run against favorable matchups; not a natural at the position by any means, but good enough to get his scoring onto the floor without getting killed defensively.

Joseph Young, SG Oregon (6-2, 185) Age: 22
Young is yet another shooting guard built like a point guard, but he was so good the last three years for Oregon and Houston, (averaging between 18 and 21 points with very good percentages) that teams should definitely give him a look at least as a UDFA. Young is a very good athlete who can create his own shot and score efficiently from all over the floor. If a team has the personnel or system to play Young at point guard, without asking him to handle too many point guard duties, he could really flourish in as a Jason Terry type of player.

3rd/4th Big Man
It is an easy concept to grasp that the bigger a basketball player is, the more likely they will be be to need rest during games and the less likely they are to stay healthy. Therefore, quality frontcourt depth is crucial to success. There are a lot of reasons a big man might come off the bench, sometimes it is to control their defensive matchups (Carl Landry), other times it is because they are limit offensively (Ed Davis) or they are undersized (Trevor Booker). Whatever the reason, there are several potential quality backups in this draft....

Trey Lyles, PF Kentucky (6-10, 235) Age: 19
While consensus may be split on Lyles offensive ability, it is hard to find an argument that his defense will top out at anything but average, with the likelihood he is even worse in that area. Not particularly laterally quick or overall athletic, Lyles will work off the bench because coaches can limit his exposure against the better offensive power forwards in the league. Lyles verses the Blake Griffins of the NBA on a nightly basis? No Thanks, but against Patrick Patterson? I'll take my chances.

Montrezl Harrell, PF Louisville (6-8, 240) Age: 21
Harrell is undersized, but he has the long arms, athletic ability, and non-stop motor to have an impact simply because he will outwork opponents most nights. However, for 35 minutes a game against the best of the best, this may be less effective as Harrell tries to conserve energy. Though, if you cut that down to 18 minutes and let him go all out defending, crashing the glass, and sprinting up and down the floor in transition, Harrell could be valuable and effective.

Jarell Martin, PF LSU (6-10, 236) Age: 20
Martin is very talented and does just about everything you want from a power forward, but the problem is he does it all at an average or slightly above level, lacking an elite skill. This plays well off the bench for many teams because on a night-to-night basis because he will be versatile enough to fill in the gaps needed for whatever combination of starters and bench players you wish to use. One note: Martin had a rep as a better shooter than he has been so far, if his results lives up to that talent then he could become a starter.

Jordan Mickey, PF LSU (6-8, 235) Age: 20
Martin's teammate Jordan Mickey is a different type of player, a defensive and rebound specialist that will be excellent as a matchup piece for use against perimeter based power forwards. When not being used in this role, Mickey will still have value because he is an excellent shot blocker and rebounder. Offensively, Mickey can finish around the basket but at this point that is the only bankable ability on that end, which will limit his potential to make an NBA team.

Dakari Johnson, C Kentucky (7-0, 255) Age: 19
Johnson is an old school center who plays below the rim, rebounds at a solid rate, and does all of his damage in the paint. As a starter, he could hurt spacing and potentially compromise a defensive scheme. However, as a back-up he could excel versus lighter bigs and provide work on the glass. He isn't a dangerous shot blocker, but he can at least use his size to get in the way. I take the under on minutes as a start for Johnson, but the over for years in the league because he will provide quality insurance and depth while beating up on lesser centers.

Aaron White, PF Iowa (6-9, 220) Age: 22
White making it in the NBA will be based almost solely on whether his 3-point shooting from last year is real. Prior to shooting 36% from deep, White never made more 28% of his 3s. If the shooting is real, White could be valuable spacing the floor while also not be a total negative defensively and on the glass, provided his matchups and minutes are managed. If the shooting isn't real, White will have a great career in the D-League or overseas.

Rakeem Christmas, F/C Syracuse (6-9, 250) Age: 23
Christmas was a defensive specialist up until last season when he took a big step forward and carried Syracuse's offense with strong post play. He isn't starter material because his offense player more like a center, with little range, but he lacks the size to play there. However, as an energy big off the bench he can provide plus defense and even score some in the post when presented with a favorable matchup. This may not sound  too sexy, but it is valuable.

Anyone with role player potential that I missed?

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