NBA Draft: Potential Undrafted and Second-Round Steals in the 2023 NBA Draft
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Amidst the ongoing NBA Finals, it’s impossible not to marvel at Nikola Jokic's sheer talent for the game. It’s even more astounding that there were 40 other players selected before him in the 2014 NBA Draft. Jokic and Bruce Brown are two second-round draft selections who are pivotal contributors to the Denver Nuggets' success in the playoffs. Meanwhile, undrafted players Caleb Martin, Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, and Duncan Robinson fueled the Miami Heat’s historic playoff run with their quality production. The seven undrafted players on the Heat’s playoff roster have accounted for 45 percent of the team’s overall scoring in this year’s playoffs. The 2023 NBA Finals illustrate that high-quality players can and will be found deep in the second round of the NBA Draft and even as undrafted free agents. Listed below are several NBA prospects currently projected to be selected after the first round of the NBA Draft that possesses the talent and capabilities to make an immediate impact in the NBA given the right circumstance.
Seth Lundy (SG/SF, Penn State, Sr)
Seth Lundy is a 23-year-old 6’6 wing with a solid 220lb frame that can be successful on any NBA team as a catch-and-shoot perimeter shooter while providing versatility on the glass and defensively. As a senior for Penn State this past year, he averaged 14.5 points per game and grabbed 6.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 45 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc. His role at the next level will be limited as an off-the-ball player but has the potential to fit into most teams as a three-and-D wing with great physical tools.
He recently had a dominant performance at the NBA Draft Combine this past May, where he demonstrated his elite three-point shotmaking ability. In the clip below, he displays his shooting versatility by knocking down a mix of three-pointers coming off of ball screens and spot-up looks. With a 6’10 wingspan and strong frame, he has the physical tools to become an imposing defender and impact the game on the glass as well. If he is able to demonstrate his ability to be a lights-out shooter while being able to guard positions 1-3 on the perimeter, he will be a more than serviceable three-and-D wing that can provide instant impact with his jumper and toughness.
Adam Flagler (PG/SG, Baylor, Sr.)
Adam Flagler is a 6’3 combo guard that is an elite shooter from the arc and a savvy decision-maker in the pick-and-roll action. He’s become very comfortable taking advantage of drop coverage on pick-and-roll defensive schemes by utilizing the midrange jumper and the floater. He has a great first step that allows him to be a threat driving to the basket and in transition. But the best quality to his game is his jumper, which he has proven can come off the screen as the ball handler and as a catch-and-shoot situation. The unanimous All-Big 12 First Team player this season averaged 15.6 ppg while dishing out 4.6 assists per game. His scoring prowess is undeniable, as Flagler finished his college career scoring in double figures in 100 out of 127 collegiate games.
The main concern with Flagler at the next level is his size and physical attributes. His size at 6’3 forces him into playing the point guard at the next level, and he could become a defensive liability if switched onto shooting guards or matched up against a larger point guard. Despite a fast first step and good lateral quickness on the defensive end, he is not a jaw-dropping caliber athlete that isn’t the best jumper. Another concern with his game is that he is a score-first type of player, which could turn teams away if they picture him limited to the point guard position due to his size. Many teams envision their point guard as a pass-first type of player, which would force Flagler to play an undersized shooting guard. Despite his potential limitations on the defensive side of the ball, Flagler can make an immediate impact on most teams as an off-the-bench scorer that is proficient in navigating the pick-and-roll and a deadeye shooter from three.
Toumani Camara (Forward, Dayton, Jr.)
Toumani Camara has the potential to bring a physical two-way presence at the forward position to any NBA team. Think of him as a Swiss Army Knife type of player: a 6’8 athlete that has the athleticism to stay in front of guards on the perimeter and the strength to defend against bigger forwards at 220 pounds, while also being a productive offensive player as a roll threat and finisher. Last year at Dayton, he averaged 13.9 PPG, 8.6 RPG, while shooting 36 percent from three. On the defensive end, he averaged 1.2 steals per game and just under one block per game. His stock has shot up in the pre-draft process, as his breakout performance in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament where he averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds per game bought him an invitation to the NBA combine. Another major redeeming quality of Camara’s game is the tenacity he plays with on both ends of the glass, as his nonstop motor puts him in the right position to secure both offensive and defensive rebounds.
The main questions NBA scouts have about Camara’s game are his jump shot and playmaking skills. Although he shot 36 percent from deep last season at Dayton, he only took 80 threes last year over the course of 34 games played. He will need to gain much more confidence in his three-point jumper to heighten his value to NBA teams, as 2.35 three-point attempts per game are not ideal for an off-ball perimeter player. If he develops a serviceable jumper from beyond the arc, he will be an invaluable three-and-D versatile forward that can shoot off of the pick-and-pop and the catch-and-shoot. Another concern about Camara is his playmaking abilities, as he was slightly prone to turnovers in tight decision-making situations. Despite this, he has an upside in his playmaking development, as he has shown flashes of making proper passing reads from the post, which could easily translate to the perimeter in driving scenarios. The bottom line with Camara is that he will get NBA looks with his ability to defend both guards and forwards and his relentless motor on the glass. But what can make him an instant contributor to most NBA teams is a more efficient jump shot from the three-point line and increased playmaking proficiency. This will increase his value as a high-energy defensive-minded forward whom plays with the tenacity that guarantees team success.
Video By: Ersin Demir
Ben Sheppard (Wing, Belmont, Sr.)
Any NBA team looking for instant perimeter shooting off the bench should look no further than Ben Sheppard. At 6’6, he is a lengthy threat from the perimeter that shot 41 percent from the arc his senior season at Belmont. He also added 18.8 PPG and 5.2 RPG in 32 games last year. He had a monster performance at the NBA Combine a few weeks ago, proving to NBA scouts that he is more than just a perimeter shooting threat. His best performance was a 25-point outing on 8-10 shooting in 20 minutes, adding four boards, three assists, and two steals. He could become the ideal three-and-D wing that most teams are searching for. His shooting abilities often overshadow his defensive skillset; this past year he quietly contributed 1.3 steals per game.
What Sheppard can do to solidify his role in the NBA is to increase his efficiency in playmaking and deepen his offensive game off-the-ball. Sheppard by nature is an off-the-ball player, so if he can develop the ability to make smart passing reads from kick-out passes he’ll get off the drive, he’ll be more likely to see minutes. His ability to be a smart off-ball cutter will increase his stock too. This was another aspect of his game overshadowed by his prowess from the three-point line. The clip below shows Sheppard making smart reads in cutting to the basket from the perimeter, utilizing his length to create separation and convert tough finishes at the rim. If this part of Sheppard’s game transfers to the NBA, he will be a highly effective offensive threat that is strong enough defensively to make an immediate impact for a lot of teams.
Video By: Jordan Monaco
Landers Nolley II (Wing, Cincinnati, Sr.)
As the three-and-D archetype has become one of the most desirable roles NBA teams are searching for, Nolley has the offensive skillset to live up to this role. At a solid 6’7 and 220 pounds, Nolley applies tons of pressure to opposing defenses with his versatile shooting capabilities and athletic finishing abilities. He averaged 16.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 2.8 assists per contest at Cincinnati last year. The most notable attribute of his game is his shooting abilities. He shot 41.7 percent from three last year, and in that percentage, he shot 45.8 percent from uncontested catch-and-shoot looks and 40 percent from contested catch-and-shoot chances. What created these high shooting percentages for Nolley was his proactive off-ball movement on the perimeter using screens and efficient cuts to get open. Another part of Nolley’s game that will make him productive at the NBA level is his ability to attack closeouts. Since his credibility as a three-point shooter is so high, Nolley has developed a great pump fake to get around defenders presenting him with an aggressive closeout. This adds a multi-leveled scoring apparatus to his game to make him a greater offensive threat. Here’s a glimpse of Nolley utilizing a smooth pump fake to get to the second level for an easy floater during the NBA Combine scrimmages in May.
Nolley’s main concern as a prospect is his defense and sometimes questionable shot-taking. To adjust to the NBA level, Nolley will have to modify his shot attempts to score at an efficient rate. His initial role in the NBA will force him to take more disciplined shot attempts and become a stronger playmaker and ball handler to fit into the fast-flowing pace of NBA offense. And despite a strong 6’7 frame with a 6’11 wingspan, he doesn’t possess the elite lateral quickness that will be required to fulfill the 3-and-D role. But given the proper coaching, his gifted frame has the potential to develop strong defensive tangibles that will make him a better defender. If Nolley develops composed playmaking abilities and a greater feel for the defensive side of the ball, there is no reason he should not be a proficient three-and-D wing that has excellent physical tools to impact the NBA at the next level.
