Current Roster
PG: Jamal Murray/Emmanuel Mudiay/Jameer Nelson/Monte Morris
SG: Gary Harris/Malik Beasley/Mike Miller
SF: Wilson Chandler/Will Barton
PF: Juancho Hernangomez/Kenneth Faried/Darrell Arthur/Trey Lyles/Tyler Lydon
C: Nikola Jokic
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
F Danillo Gallinari
C Roy Hibbert
Restricted
C Mason Plumlee
Who They Drafted
1-24 Tyler Lydon, PF Syracuse
2-49 Vlatko Cancar, SF Mege Bemax
2-51 Monte Morris, PG Iowa State
After trading down and aquiring Jazz power forward Trey Lyles, the Nuggest selected... well, a player very similar to Trey Lyles. Tyler Lydon is sweet-shooting forward with deep range on his jumper. A career .398% three point shooter (246 attempts), Lydon projects as a stretch power forward at the next level that can make opponents pay for leaving him but also make a couple plays off the dribble if closed-out against too aggressively. The rest of his game is more worrisome, though a good shot-blocker Lydon is an uncertain defender to to his lack of man-to-man experience, playing in Syracuse's 2-3 zone exclusively in college. Though a solid athlete, Lydon isn't super strong and will probably struggle versus any level of force in the NBA. If he can play passable defense, his ability to shoot and block shots will be value, though it will take a lot of improvement to his body and skills. Even then, with stretchy power forwards Jaun Hernangomez and Tyler Lydon already ahead of him on the roster, not to mention Darrell Arthur and Kenneth Faried, it's hard to imagine Lydon is going get any playing time soon.
Later in the second round, the Nuggets took an international prospect, Vlatko Cancar, a wing that can shoot the ball some and should grow into a weapon in that respect. While not much of a playmaker by any means, Cancar is capable off the dribble, at least when given a path to the rim. Defensively, Cancar lacks great physical tools but is smart and gives good effort. Overall, Cancar has potential to be a solid shoot off the bench but it is harder to see how he becomes more than that, though the Nuggets will certainly give him time to try over in Europe.
Two picks later, the Nuggets drafted one of the best players in college basketball, Monte Morris. Despite handling the ball as the lead guard in a fast, wide-open system at Iowa State, Morris had an historically great assist-to-turnover ratio, a testament to his intelligence, ball-handling, and passing ability. Morris isn't a great athlete and will probably never be a good defender or finisher, however he is such a solid passer and ball-handler as well as a knockdown shooter, I bet he'll end up making it in the league despite the poor record of lower second round picks making it in the NBA.
What They Need Going Forward
Though they have been rumored to be trying to trade for Paul George and Kevin Love, what the Nuggets really need to be doing is using their cap space to sign an impact player or two that won't also compromise their prodigious young talent. Paul Millsap is the obvious choice here and a fit that makes so much sense and will likely be the first call they make when free agency starts.
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Showing posts with label monte morris. Show all posts
Showing posts with label monte morris. Show all posts
Friday, June 30, 2017
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
2017 NBA Draft: 5 Second Round Sleepers
Monte Morris, PG Iowa State (6-2½, 170) Age: 22
As a senior, Monte Morris posted an assist percentage over 30 (32%), a turnover percentage under 10 (7.5%), and a usage rate over 20 (22.8), benchmarks that only three players in NBA history playing more than a thousand minutes have reached, add in Morris' career three-point percentage of 38% and you get down to one player (Tracy McGrady). Obviously, that doesn't mean Monte Morris is going to be some NBA historical anomaly but it does show that he can handle and pass the ball a ton while turning the ball over very little. Morris is also a good three-point shooter and, despite his slight frame is a decent finisher (.659%) and two-point shooter (career .517%). With a 6-4 wingspan and good quickness but mediocre vertical explosiveness (33½ max vert), there are questions about how Morris will defend and finish at the NBA level and that is the reason he isn't a first round pick despite those special offensive numbers. However, as a backup point guard that can be relied upon to run a consistently productive second unit offense, Morris should have a lot of takers in the second round. Best Fit: Chicago Bulls, pick 38
Wesley Iwundu, SG/SF Kansas State (6-6¾, 193) Age: 22
A classic wing that can comfortable switch between the guard and forward positions, Wesley Iwundu has a lot going for him that modern NBA teams are looking for. The place to start with Iwundu is his physical tools: standing a shade under 6-7 and sporting a 7-1 wingspan, he has the size and elite length that give him numerous advantages on both ends of the court. Offensively, Iwundu has enough quickness and ball-handling to get to the rim quite frequently, something he did last season, shooting 43% of his shots at the rim, however he needs to improve as a finisher (.625%). While not a lead playmaker by any stretch, Iwundu has developed into a good and willing passer (.229 AST %). Pretty much a non-shooter before his Senior year, Iwundu made big strides in that area, making ,376% of his threes. This will be a key area for Iwundu to continue to improve at the NBA level, as with many prospects he may live and die by his jumper. Defensively, Iwundu needs to play tougher against bigger players but is still hard to deal with on that end do to his length and quickness. While Iwundu doesn't stand out in any one area, his ability to be average at many skills while having the size and length to comfortably play on the wing means he is a valuable commodity.
Best Fit: New Orleans Pelicans, pick 40
Tyler Dorsey, SG Oregon (6-4½, 183) Age: 21
As much as we are fascinated with other aspects of basketball, the single more important skill a player can have is to be able to create and make a basket. Tyler Dorsey can do that. Dorsey, much like the much more highly rated Malik Monk, excels at getting his won shot from a variety of places on the floor, though he prefers scoring from beyond the three-point line, taking over half of his shots from there last season (.514) and making them at a high rate (.423%). Though he is excellent as a catch and shoot player, Dorsey also does a good job creating space to get his shot up through step-backs and quick dribble moves. For three-point focused player, Dorsey was fair from two-point range (.513%) though his lack of great physical tools will likely mean he struggles at the rim, if he can get there. Dorsey's shot making (which has shown the ability to do on the big stage) will need to be backed up by some other skills, be it ball-handling or defense, that allows his to stay on the floor. His size says he defends point guards, but that is not a position he can play on offense, therefore he might fit best alongside another playmaker that doesn't play point guard, allowing him to guard point guards but play off the ball on offense.
Best Fit: Philadelphia 76ers, pick 46
Sterling Brown, SG/SF SMU (6-5, 225) Age: 22
Switching has become the new in-vogue NBA defense (and for good reason, it works) but the supply of players that are actually able to switch onto bigger or smaller players hasn't quite met the demand yet. Enter Sterling Brown (brother of former NBAer Shannon Brown) who the size, strength, and length to guard a number of positions defensively. With a 6-9½ wingspan, very good feet, lateral quickness, and a toughness to go up against bigger players both defending in the post and on the glass. Brown appears to be a player who can guard 1-4 on switches and even play some small ball power forward himself. Offensively, Brown's best skill is his jumper, which he has converted at a .451% rate over 284 career attempts. He is also a solid ball-mover and not a selfish player with a good IQ on the court. The rest of his offensive game, particularly off the dribble, isn't very advanced, but that isn't what you draft him for, you draft him as a versatile 3-and-D wing that can guard and play multiple positions. Think PJ Tucker but a better shooter.
Best Fit: Phoenix Suns, pick 32
Cameron Oliver, PF/C Nevada (6-8¼, 239) Age: 20
The first thing about Cameron Oliver that stands out is his physical frame, which looks exactly as a NBA power forward should, with the strength and length (7-1+ wingspan) to hold his own against the biggest NBA bodies. Oliver is also a explosive leaper, measuring a 39½ inch max vertical leap, a tremendous number for a player his size. Offensively, Oliver has flashed quite a bit of ability as a shooter, making .384% of 172 attempts from deep last season. His physical gifts also makes him a serious threat around the rim on lobs and putbacks. Defensively and on the glass, again his tools give Oliver a lot of potential and he was productive at Nevada (10.9 rebounds, 3.3 blocks per 40). So why isn't Oliver considered a lock first rounder? Well he is still a raw player that needs seasoning as far as his on court IQ is concerned to maximize his potential and his overall game just needs more polish. Due to this, Oliver is more of a project than many teams want to deal with to deal with, however based on the skills he has flashed and the physical upside, a smart team will be patient and season him in the G-League and reap the rewards.
Best Fit: Sacramento Kings, pick 34
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As a senior, Monte Morris posted an assist percentage over 30 (32%), a turnover percentage under 10 (7.5%), and a usage rate over 20 (22.8), benchmarks that only three players in NBA history playing more than a thousand minutes have reached, add in Morris' career three-point percentage of 38% and you get down to one player (Tracy McGrady). Obviously, that doesn't mean Monte Morris is going to be some NBA historical anomaly but it does show that he can handle and pass the ball a ton while turning the ball over very little. Morris is also a good three-point shooter and, despite his slight frame is a decent finisher (.659%) and two-point shooter (career .517%). With a 6-4 wingspan and good quickness but mediocre vertical explosiveness (33½ max vert), there are questions about how Morris will defend and finish at the NBA level and that is the reason he isn't a first round pick despite those special offensive numbers. However, as a backup point guard that can be relied upon to run a consistently productive second unit offense, Morris should have a lot of takers in the second round. Best Fit: Chicago Bulls, pick 38
Wesley Iwundu, SG/SF Kansas State (6-6¾, 193) Age: 22
A classic wing that can comfortable switch between the guard and forward positions, Wesley Iwundu has a lot going for him that modern NBA teams are looking for. The place to start with Iwundu is his physical tools: standing a shade under 6-7 and sporting a 7-1 wingspan, he has the size and elite length that give him numerous advantages on both ends of the court. Offensively, Iwundu has enough quickness and ball-handling to get to the rim quite frequently, something he did last season, shooting 43% of his shots at the rim, however he needs to improve as a finisher (.625%). While not a lead playmaker by any stretch, Iwundu has developed into a good and willing passer (.229 AST %). Pretty much a non-shooter before his Senior year, Iwundu made big strides in that area, making ,376% of his threes. This will be a key area for Iwundu to continue to improve at the NBA level, as with many prospects he may live and die by his jumper. Defensively, Iwundu needs to play tougher against bigger players but is still hard to deal with on that end do to his length and quickness. While Iwundu doesn't stand out in any one area, his ability to be average at many skills while having the size and length to comfortably play on the wing means he is a valuable commodity.
Best Fit: New Orleans Pelicans, pick 40
Tyler Dorsey, SG Oregon (6-4½, 183) Age: 21
As much as we are fascinated with other aspects of basketball, the single more important skill a player can have is to be able to create and make a basket. Tyler Dorsey can do that. Dorsey, much like the much more highly rated Malik Monk, excels at getting his won shot from a variety of places on the floor, though he prefers scoring from beyond the three-point line, taking over half of his shots from there last season (.514) and making them at a high rate (.423%). Though he is excellent as a catch and shoot player, Dorsey also does a good job creating space to get his shot up through step-backs and quick dribble moves. For three-point focused player, Dorsey was fair from two-point range (.513%) though his lack of great physical tools will likely mean he struggles at the rim, if he can get there. Dorsey's shot making (which has shown the ability to do on the big stage) will need to be backed up by some other skills, be it ball-handling or defense, that allows his to stay on the floor. His size says he defends point guards, but that is not a position he can play on offense, therefore he might fit best alongside another playmaker that doesn't play point guard, allowing him to guard point guards but play off the ball on offense.
Best Fit: Philadelphia 76ers, pick 46
Sterling Brown, SG/SF SMU (6-5, 225) Age: 22
Switching has become the new in-vogue NBA defense (and for good reason, it works) but the supply of players that are actually able to switch onto bigger or smaller players hasn't quite met the demand yet. Enter Sterling Brown (brother of former NBAer Shannon Brown) who the size, strength, and length to guard a number of positions defensively. With a 6-9½ wingspan, very good feet, lateral quickness, and a toughness to go up against bigger players both defending in the post and on the glass. Brown appears to be a player who can guard 1-4 on switches and even play some small ball power forward himself. Offensively, Brown's best skill is his jumper, which he has converted at a .451% rate over 284 career attempts. He is also a solid ball-mover and not a selfish player with a good IQ on the court. The rest of his offensive game, particularly off the dribble, isn't very advanced, but that isn't what you draft him for, you draft him as a versatile 3-and-D wing that can guard and play multiple positions. Think PJ Tucker but a better shooter.
Best Fit: Phoenix Suns, pick 32
Cameron Oliver, PF/C Nevada (6-8¼, 239) Age: 20
The first thing about Cameron Oliver that stands out is his physical frame, which looks exactly as a NBA power forward should, with the strength and length (7-1+ wingspan) to hold his own against the biggest NBA bodies. Oliver is also a explosive leaper, measuring a 39½ inch max vertical leap, a tremendous number for a player his size. Offensively, Oliver has flashed quite a bit of ability as a shooter, making .384% of 172 attempts from deep last season. His physical gifts also makes him a serious threat around the rim on lobs and putbacks. Defensively and on the glass, again his tools give Oliver a lot of potential and he was productive at Nevada (10.9 rebounds, 3.3 blocks per 40). So why isn't Oliver considered a lock first rounder? Well he is still a raw player that needs seasoning as far as his on court IQ is concerned to maximize his potential and his overall game just needs more polish. Due to this, Oliver is more of a project than many teams want to deal with to deal with, however based on the skills he has flashed and the physical upside, a smart team will be patient and season him in the G-League and reap the rewards.
Best Fit: Sacramento Kings, pick 34
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Wednesday, November 18, 2015
2016 NBA Draft: Initial Point Guard Rankings
A couple of notes: the asterisk(*) denotes a player also in the shooting guard ranking. The age listed is that of the player on the night of the 2016 draft. The measurements are what their colleges list them as. This ranking is as point guards, so while I might think Jamal Murray is a better prospect overall than Kris Dunn, he doesn't project as well to the point guard position, in my opinion, and Dunn does. Same with Demetrius Jackson and Malik Newman.
01. Kris Dunn, Providence (6-4, 220) Age: 22
Dunn is he best player in college basketball this season and should have a monster year. There isn't quite a lot that he cannot do on the court, he is explosive in transition, super-aggressive getting penetration, has pure point guard passing ability, can shoot 3s, has great size and length, is a good defender and great at stealing the ball. His age and a past of injury concerns are the only drawbacks to his game. Sit back and enjoy his last year in college and prepare yourself for him to bring his explosive style of play to the NBA.
02. Jamal Murray, Kentucky (6-5, 207) Age: 19*
No one had a bigger summer than Jamal Murray, breaking out at the Hoops Summit and Pan Am games playing for Canada an then reclassifying to the class of 2015 and heading to Kentucky. Murray is a score first player with the size to play either guard spot, he ultimately is probably better suited to playing off the ball because he is such a good scorer/shooter and might not quite have the athletic ability to stick with quicker point guards. Murray's crafty, skillful scoring and ability to get super-hot from deep should be a pleasure to watch, but keep an eye on his decision-making and defense to get an idea what position he ultimately might be best suited for in the NBA.
03. Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame (6-1, 198) Age: 21
Jackson played last season off the ball next to Jerian Grant but this year, with Grant off to the NBA he will take the reigns as the lead guard for the Irish, his natural position. Jackson is the second best "pure" point guard prospect going into the season and he really doesn't have many holes to his game aside from somewhat less than ideal physical attributes. If he can flourish in an expanded role with the ball in his hands this season, Jackson could cement himself as a possible lottery pick.
04. Malik Newman, Mississippi State (6-3, 190) Age: 19*
Newman is a rare top-10 recruit to choose to Mississippi State, now under new head coach Ben Howland. Newman is a score first type of guard that may be better suited to a become a C.J. McCollum-like off-guard next to a more traditional point guard so he is free to look for his own shot while also making plays for others at times though he is a great athlete, Newman isn't particularly long and may be no taller than 6-4 so he'll need to shot he is able to guard bigger players if he wants to be considered a starting level player. Newman is awesome at getting to the rim and scores in a variety of ways; he isn't a traditional passer but can find teammates off of the disruption his attacking play creates.
Jackson played last season off the ball next to Jerian Grant but this year, with Grant off to the NBA he will take the reigns as the lead guard for the Irish, his natural position. Jackson is the second best "pure" point guard prospect going into the season and he really doesn't have many holes to his game aside from somewhat less than ideal physical attributes. If he can flourish in an expanded role with the ball in his hands this season, Jackson could cement himself as a possible lottery pick.
04. Malik Newman, Mississippi State (6-3, 190) Age: 19*
Newman is a rare top-10 recruit to choose to Mississippi State, now under new head coach Ben Howland. Newman is a score first type of guard that may be better suited to a become a C.J. McCollum-like off-guard next to a more traditional point guard so he is free to look for his own shot while also making plays for others at times though he is a great athlete, Newman isn't particularly long and may be no taller than 6-4 so he'll need to shot he is able to guard bigger players if he wants to be considered a starting level player. Newman is awesome at getting to the rim and scores in a variety of ways; he isn't a traditional passer but can find teammates off of the disruption his attacking play creates.
05. Isaiah Briscoe, Kentucky (6-3, 202) Age: 20*
Briscoe is definitely scorer first, and like Newman he might have to play off the ball if his point guard skills aren't up to snuff. Briscoe needs to improve his outside shooting and show he can be an efficient scorer and solid defensive player, especially when checking bigger players off the ball in order to be considered for the lottery. He isn't super athletic but has long 6-8+ wingspan and is skilled, crafty, and smooth particularly getting to the rim and finishing.
Briscoe is definitely scorer first, and like Newman he might have to play off the ball if his point guard skills aren't up to snuff. Briscoe needs to improve his outside shooting and show he can be an efficient scorer and solid defensive player, especially when checking bigger players off the ball in order to be considered for the lottery. He isn't super athletic but has long 6-8+ wingspan and is skilled, crafty, and smooth particularly getting to the rim and finishing.
06. Jalen Brunson, Villanova (6-3, 199) Age: 19
A higher regarded recruit than Villanova usually lands, Jalen Brunson will be inserted directly into a big role on a top ten team and he has the skills to run with it, but will also have some pressure on him to produce. Brunson has nice size for the position, knows how to change speeds and get to the basket, is excellent in the pick-and-roll and shoots the ball well. He is similar to Tyus Jones last season as a polished point guard, however he also lacks top-end athletic ability and length to be a truly devastating offensive player but is good enough in that area to project as an average or better starter because he does so much else well.
A higher regarded recruit than Villanova usually lands, Jalen Brunson will be inserted directly into a big role on a top ten team and he has the skills to run with it, but will also have some pressure on him to produce. Brunson has nice size for the position, knows how to change speeds and get to the basket, is excellent in the pick-and-roll and shoots the ball well. He is similar to Tyus Jones last season as a polished point guard, however he also lacks top-end athletic ability and length to be a truly devastating offensive player but is good enough in that area to project as an average or better starter because he does so much else well.
07. Monte Morris, Iowa State (6-2, 170) Age: 20
After a promising but mostly unremarkable Freshman season, Monte Morris broke out as a Sophomore leading Iowa State's fast-paced offense; if he can take another step forward he'll really cement himself on NBA radars as a potential first-round pick. Offensively he is a well-rounded point guard that has shot 40% from 3 so far in his career with a sparkling 4.7 assist-to-turnover ratio despite playing in an uptempo offense. To take that next step, he needs to start shoot more 3s while maintaining the same percentage, continue to develop his driving and finishing ability in the half-court, and become a more consistent defensive player. Continued physical development will also help.
After a promising but mostly unremarkable Freshman season, Monte Morris broke out as a Sophomore leading Iowa State's fast-paced offense; if he can take another step forward he'll really cement himself on NBA radars as a potential first-round pick. Offensively he is a well-rounded point guard that has shot 40% from 3 so far in his career with a sparkling 4.7 assist-to-turnover ratio despite playing in an uptempo offense. To take that next step, he needs to start shoot more 3s while maintaining the same percentage, continue to develop his driving and finishing ability in the half-court, and become a more consistent defensive player. Continued physical development will also help.
08. Melo Trimble, Maryland (6-3, 185) Age: 21
Trimble had an excellent Freshman season and looks to carry that forward on a top five ranked Maryland team with a lot of scoring options. Trimble is much more of a scorer, ceding main point guard duties to Dez Wells last season, but this season Wells is gone and Trimble will have the opportunity to show he is more than just a scorer. Even if not, he might have a future in the NBA as an off-the-bench scoring guard because he is such an efficient offensive player that shot 40%+ from three and got to the line 6+ times a game, the two most efficient ways to score in basketball.
Trimble had an excellent Freshman season and looks to carry that forward on a top five ranked Maryland team with a lot of scoring options. Trimble is much more of a scorer, ceding main point guard duties to Dez Wells last season, but this season Wells is gone and Trimble will have the opportunity to show he is more than just a scorer. Even if not, he might have a future in the NBA as an off-the-bench scoring guard because he is such an efficient offensive player that shot 40%+ from three and got to the line 6+ times a game, the two most efficient ways to score in basketball.
09. Tyrone Wallace, California (6-5, 205) Age: 22*
Wallace eschewed becoming potentially a late first-round pick to return to a loaded California team, with top recruits incoming. He doesn't really have a challenger at point guard so he'll get all the minutes he can handle an put up big numbers, scoring, rebounding, and setting up teammates. His actually on court game is a little bit more dicey, he needs to show a consistent jumpshot and prove he is an efficient playmaker that actually makes a positive influence on games and not just an empty stat guy who steals rebounds and stalls offense. With such a talented team around him, he'll have an opportunity to show he can lead a productive offense. Wallace does have the size to profile as an off-guard in the NBA, if his shooting comes around of course.
Wallace eschewed becoming potentially a late first-round pick to return to a loaded California team, with top recruits incoming. He doesn't really have a challenger at point guard so he'll get all the minutes he can handle an put up big numbers, scoring, rebounding, and setting up teammates. His actually on court game is a little bit more dicey, he needs to show a consistent jumpshot and prove he is an efficient playmaker that actually makes a positive influence on games and not just an empty stat guy who steals rebounds and stalls offense. With such a talented team around him, he'll have an opportunity to show he can lead a productive offense. Wallace does have the size to profile as an off-guard in the NBA, if his shooting comes around of course.
10. Derryck Thornton, Duke (6-2, 175) Age: 19
Thornton, a surprise re-classification into the class of 2015, Thornton might be one to file away for the 2017 or 18 draft because he has plenty of ability, but just has a little bit of maturing to do physically and on the court, mainly because he is more of a scorer but doesn't have the body to handle drives to the rim in the NBA yet, but also is more of a pull-up off-the-dribble inside the arc type of shooter at this point. If he gets the minutes this season and shows an improved jumpshot, Thornton could rise quickly in the eyes of NBA teams, but I would be on next year being his year.
Thornton, a surprise re-classification into the class of 2015, Thornton might be one to file away for the 2017 or 18 draft because he has plenty of ability, but just has a little bit of maturing to do physically and on the court, mainly because he is more of a scorer but doesn't have the body to handle drives to the rim in the NBA yet, but also is more of a pull-up off-the-dribble inside the arc type of shooter at this point. If he gets the minutes this season and shows an improved jumpshot, Thornton could rise quickly in the eyes of NBA teams, but I would be on next year being his year.
11. Gary Payton II, Oregon State (6-3, 190) Age: 23*
The son of that Gary Payton, Gary Payton II has surprising upside despite his age, mainly because he is such a good, impactful defensive player; he averaged 3+ steals and over a block a game last season while still being excellent on ball. Offensively, he has a way to go buy has already made strides in that regard. Really, even if he just develops a consistent 35%-ish jumper, he'll be playable in a Patrick Beverly-type of way.
The son of that Gary Payton, Gary Payton II has surprising upside despite his age, mainly because he is such a good, impactful defensive player; he averaged 3+ steals and over a block a game last season while still being excellent on ball. Offensively, he has a way to go buy has already made strides in that regard. Really, even if he just develops a consistent 35%-ish jumper, he'll be playable in a Patrick Beverly-type of way.
12. Tyler Ulis, Kentucky (5-9, 160) Age: 20
Ulis is a pure point guard with a tremendous ability to pressure the ball on defense that can also make outside shots. The problem is, of course, he is tiny and, despite the success of smaller players like Isaiah Thomas and Nate Robinson, those are exception. Ulis definitely could make it in the league, but it will probably be after four years in college, no just two; the risk of going undrafted is just too great.
Ulis is a pure point guard with a tremendous ability to pressure the ball on defense that can also make outside shots. The problem is, of course, he is tiny and, despite the success of smaller players like Isaiah Thomas and Nate Robinson, those are exception. Ulis definitely could make it in the league, but it will probably be after four years in college, no just two; the risk of going undrafted is just too great.
13. George de Paula, Pinheiros (6-6, 194) Age: 20
George de Paula is an enigma, with great size for a point guard and a 7-foot+ wingspan that allows him to be a very disruptive defensive player. The issues are everything else with his game, as de Paula is still learning the position. He pulled his name out of draft last season and will be in the mix as a draft-and-stash prospect in the second round, possibly late first if his shooting and point guard skills come along far enough.
George de Paula is an enigma, with great size for a point guard and a 7-foot+ wingspan that allows him to be a very disruptive defensive player. The issues are everything else with his game, as de Paula is still learning the position. He pulled his name out of draft last season and will be in the mix as a draft-and-stash prospect in the second round, possibly late first if his shooting and point guard skills come along far enough.
14. Ron Baker, Wichita State (6-4, 220) Age: 23*
Baker has been a steady part of the Shockers backcourt for the last couple of seasons, where he plays more of an off-guard role next to Fred VanVleet. However, due to Baker's ballhandling ability and overall heady style of play, it is possible he could make the conversion to point guard, where his size, strength, and shooting ability could become a real asset. A Senior, Baker isn't a high upside prospect, but has a chance to settle in as a solid depth piece in the NBA.
Baker has been a steady part of the Shockers backcourt for the last couple of seasons, where he plays more of an off-guard role next to Fred VanVleet. However, due to Baker's ballhandling ability and overall heady style of play, it is possible he could make the conversion to point guard, where his size, strength, and shooting ability could become a real asset. A Senior, Baker isn't a high upside prospect, but has a chance to settle in as a solid depth piece in the NBA.
15. Isaiah Taylor, Texas (6-1, 170) Age: 21
After a breakout Freshman season, Isaiah Taylor had a down Sophomore year due to both injuries and poor play. More of a scorer than a passer, Taylor makes his living driving to the basket and getting to the line. Unless he develops more of a jumpshot or becomes a better distributor, Taylor is probably too small and skinny to score the way he does in the NBA and not big enough to play as a shooting guard. However, in a more player-friendly system under new coach Shaka Smart, Taylor could flourish.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
After a breakout Freshman season, Isaiah Taylor had a down Sophomore year due to both injuries and poor play. More of a scorer than a passer, Taylor makes his living driving to the basket and getting to the line. Unless he develops more of a jumpshot or becomes a better distributor, Taylor is probably too small and skinny to score the way he does in the NBA and not big enough to play as a shooting guard. However, in a more player-friendly system under new coach Shaka Smart, Taylor could flourish.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
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