Lottery to Late First Round Prospects Teams Don’t Want to Miss
In every draft class, much of the media and NBA community primarily focus on the top 5 or even top 10 players entering the draft but when it comes to lottery picks (#11 through #15) or mid to late first-round talent. If a team can find a gem or a diamond among the rust. That selection will pay dividends down line.
Examples from last year's draft class include Alpren Sengun (Rockets), Tre Mann (Thunder), Bones Hyland (Nuggets), and Cam Thomas (Nets).
Here are lottery and mid to late first-round prospects your team does not want to miss.
A.J. Griffin
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Coming out of Duke, much of the attention was on forward Paolo Banchero. However, between the regular season and the NCAA tournament. AJ Griffin became a star in the making as his 3-and-D skills, shooting ability (Average 10.4 pts, nearly 45% from Three, and 79% from the free-throw line), and his potential to become a shot creator caught scout's eyes. Becoming a crucial player in Duke's run to the final four. If Griffin does not go in the top 15, he will definitely be a steal in this year’s draft.
Mark Williams
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Speaking of Duke, another lottery prospect teams should look out for is 7-1 center, Mark Williams. A contender for the best big men in this year’s draft due to his college accolades (ACC Defensive Player of the Year and Finalist for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year), rim protection (Averaged 2.82 blocks this season), and impact near the rim offensively. So if you’re a team like the Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets, or San Antonio Spurs I’d keep my eye on Mark Williams.
Jalen Williams
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Come draft night, another name that not too many people will know and may likely see as a steal is 6-6 guard/forward Jalen Williams out of Santa Clara who projects to be a versatile scorer and wing defender. Another reason why you should be high on Jalen is his two-way upside, shooting ability (39% from three and 80% from the free-throw line), and playmaking as he led Santa Clara in assists in back-to-back seasons. Lastly, when looking at his college stats it is reassuring to see Jalen as well increase his averages and games season by season.
Dalen Terry
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When looking at prospects from the Pac-12 one player who may fall out of the lottery and someone to look out for is Arizona’s Dalen Terry, a wing who not only provides a skillset of a 3-and-D but the explosiveness and athleticism that vibrates on and off the court. The only con you do have to worry about is his knockdown shooting but besides that, he is a hustle player and has a high IQ.
Honorable Mention
E.J. Liddell (PF, Ohio State), Jaden Hardy (SG, G League Ignite), and Nikola Jovic (SF, Mega Mozzart)
