Generally, NBA teams do not use high picks to draft defensive-minded players unless those players are 7 feet tall. Everybody seems willing to take a major risk to get the next Dikembe Mutombo, but few want to gamble that they might find the next Tony Allen. Which brings us to Victor Oladipo of Indiana, whose draft stick is rising according to our own Joe Kotoch because of his defensive versatility and Indiana’s success. And at the next level, he may be a
The first week of the NCAA Tournament is in the books, and one thing is clear — the draft stock of many of the top players did not improve. In fact, Kentucky’s Nerlens Noel’s stock was probably helped the most of any top prospect — and he was unable to play in the NIT because of a torn ACL. But there were certainly others who helped themselves. [Read more…]
March Madness is right around the corner, so it’s time to circle the wagons and look ahead to the NBA draft after breaking down each position the past five Saturdays. Since the last Big Board, draft stocks have soared or tanked based on performances, injuries, and inconsistencies. As the NCAA Tournament approaches, the lives of NBA scouts will be consumed by the names on this list as they dissect every wrinkle or wart of each prospect. [Read more…]
Most years, where we’re talking about the NBA draft, the relative strengths of the various shapes and sizes differ. The 2013 draft will be no exception. While there are talented perimeter scorers, lockdown defenders, and everything in between, the 2013 class does lack something significant this year … star power on the wings. [Read more…]