B.J. Young, SG, Arkansas
There is a debate in NBA circles about whether Young is a point guard, shooting guard, or a combo-guard.
Teams find Young’s ability, athleticism, and length intriguing, but are those positives outweighed by his diminutive size and reckless play at times — or even his character concerns?
Across the board Young’s stats are up from his freshman season, but his efficiency stats are down considerably, such as his 20% shooting on 3-pointers this year. Young is the type of prospect that will boost his stock in the NBA pre-draft workouts because of his length, explosion, and ability.
I would not be surprised to see him in the top-20.
Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State
One of the most productive players in the country. Averaging nearly 18.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 3.5 apg, and over 1 steal and block, Franklin looks like a solid pick for whichever team tabs him in the first round.
While Franklin has posted some great games this season, his shot selection can drive you crazy as he often times relegates himself to being a 3-point shooter, which is not a strength in his game. Also, Franklin turns it over more than you want. Still, teams will jump at the chance to take Franklin this June because he will be able to step in and contribute right away, and with a bit more seasoning could be a very good starter.
Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana
Playing on a national championship contender and alongside a possible top pick like Cody Zeller would give any prospect plenty of exposure to NBA teams and scouts, but few have taken advantage of that opportunity more than Oladipo.
All around NBA circles, word is Oladipo looks like a lockdown defender and could defend three positions in the NBA. Knowing one’s limitations and playing smart on offense are valuable traits, especially to playoff teams, and Oladipo’s stock couldn’t be higher if the Hoosiers make a title run.
Don’t be surprised to see Oladipo sneak into the first round come draft day.
Tim Hardaway, Jr., SG, Michigan
I’ve been high on Hardaway for a while, and this season he has really flourished playing in between Trey Burke and Glenn Robinson III.
Averaging over 16.0 ppt but scoring all over the court, Hardaway has the size and skills to be a solid pro — and teams already know he has the IQ and pedigree thanks to his father. Scouts come away impressed with Hardaway’s slashing ability and improved shooting touch from deep.
On the flip side scouts still feel he must become more consistent as a shooter and there are concerns about his frame.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia
If you haven’t heard about Caldwell-Pope, you are not alone. But by June’s draft he should be a name under serious consideration for many teams.
With good size and the ability to get to the rim, Caldwell-Pope is one of the better scorers at his position. While offense is his calling card, Caldwell-Pope has quick hands and is a solid defender.
With NBA scouts reviewing his game, the thing I keep hearing he must improve on to succeed in the NBA is his court vision to focused on creating his own offense. At any rate, Caldwell-Pope is a candidate to crack the first round.
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Joe Kotoch is the Editor-in-Chief of Pro Basketball Draft, a leading scouting service in the world of professional basketball. Before Joe created PBD, he served as an NBPA & FIBA certified agent and scouted players all across the world. Born and raised in Cleveland, Joe also contributes to Fox Sports Ohio and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. You can follow Joe on Twitter @Probballdraft.
McLemore is by far the best two guard in this year’s draft. Bazz is living off his highschool hype. Good scorer, but tends to settle for difficult shots. McLemore is an all around player. Can shoot, penetrate, and create for his teammates.
McLemore seems hands down the top two guard. Shabaaz is an enigma…..best case scenario is the not quite paul pierce, but worst case is a back up three…still good, a quincey pondexter type. After that its really a bunch of guys with potential but a lot of risk. Sleepers though include Michael Snaer at FSU and CJ Wilcox up at washington. WIlcox has real upside. Snaer gives you defense. Eric Green is undersized, but a solid player at both ends. And as for goodwin and young…boy, id stay clear. Goodwin needs to remain in school ’cause he’s just not ready.
Very much disagree with Shabazz being most comfortable attacking the rim. He doesn’t have the athleticism to blow by defenders, is a weak ball-handler and plays below the rim. That’s not the profile of a “attack the rim” or slash first player, it’s the profile of a jumpshot 1st, jumpshot 2nd type