14. Rudy Gobert, C, Cholet (France), 7’1″
The French big with 7’9″ wingspan broke out at the Nike Hoop Summit a year ago and based on his length and athleticism has intriguing potential.
Offensively, Gobert is far from NBA-ready as he is primarily a dunker, but it will be hard for teams to pass on him, especially in the mid-first round where he has the potential to be an elite shot blocker.
15. Trey Burke, PG, Michigan, 6’0″
In many ways Michigan’s success mirrors Burke’s development this season.
While Smart and Carter-Williams are higher on the board, Burke is the most complete point guard in America.
Averaging 18.6 ppg and nearly 7.0 apg, Burke and the Wolverines are primed for a deep run in March. While some scouts have expressed concern over Burke’s smallish frame, he is too productive to not go in the mid-first round — or higher — in a league that has become point guard oriented.
16. Archie Goodwin, SG, Kentucky, 6’4″
Goodwin has been all over the board of late with his inconsistent performances. Based on his style of play and size, Goodwin projects into a combo guard, the type of player best suited to come off the bench in a Sixth Man role.
Buzz from the NBA has waned due to his play of late, but still has first round ability.
17. C.J. McCollum, PG, Lehigh, 6’3″
Earlier in the year McCollum was projected as a lottery pick, but since sustaining a broken foot in January has slipped on many boards as the senior hasn’t been out there showcasing his strengths as a shooter and scorer.
While some teams viewed McCollum as a point guard, he has the versatility to be a shooter off the bench or combo guard depending on a team’s needs.
If McCollum returns and plays well, don’t be surprised to see him in the discussion for the lottery again.
18. Glenn Robinson III, SF, Michigan, 6’7″
In January, I wrote that Robinson was the key to Michigan’s success, and after losing 3 of their last 5 it is obvious.
Robinson’s ability to score gives Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway space to create. Robinson is an athletic wing that has a high basketball IQ.
Based on potential and his overall performance this season Robinson warrants mid-first round consideration that could crack the lottery with a strong finish. Of course, next season he could be a top-10 pick.
19. James McAdoo, PF, North Carolina, 6’9″
By far the most disappointing player in the country, McAdoo was seen as a consensus top-5 pick and has fallen out of the lottery discussion.
McAdoo’s fall is attributable to his style of play as it raises questions about his position and whether he is athletic enough to be successful in the NBA. Still, McAdoo’s name should be called somewhere in the top-20.
20. Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State, 6’5″
Franklin is one of the most productive players in the country, averaging 17.0 ppg and 9.0 rpg. Getting to the basket, defending, or blocking out, there is no aspect of the game that Franklin doesn’t give an all-out effort in.
Franklin’s performance in March will dictate where he goes in the draft, as scouts want to see him matched up against other top-tier opponents.
Just Outside: Kelly Olynyk (Gonzaga), Steven Adams (Pitt), Tony Mitchell (North Texas), Dario Saric (Croatia), Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky).
MORE FROM JOE KOTOCH:
Top 2013 Draft Prospects: Centers
Top 2013 Draft Prospects: Power Forwards
Top 2013 Draft Prospects: Small Forwards
Top 2013 Draft Prospects: Point Guards
Top 2013 Draft Prospects: Shooting Guards
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.
I think Cody Zeller would be a good fit for Phoenix since they want mobility.