[JM40Participant]

Every year, a few players slide into the first round that surprise the mock draft world. Here’s a few players I think could make it in this year that no one will see coming;

1. Clint Capela-the forward from Switzerland is getting great reviews out of Europe, can be intriguing for a team looking for a draft and stash prospect.

2. Melvin Ejim-for some reason, I see a team snagging him for his versatility, almost like another DeMarre Carroll or Solomon Hill in previous drafts.

3. C.J. Fair-after his performance against Duke, I am convinced of his talent and ability to play on the wing in the league. Great shot, and can play a little post if needed.

4. Thasasis Antetokounmpo-a high energy athlete with great potential, another guy I see as a perfect draft and stash prospect, especially since he is already in the NBDL.

5. Johnny O’Bryant-his performance against UK was great, and I think he has enough skill and size to be a serviceable 3rd option the 4/5 in the league. Guys like Joel Anthony have carved a niche in the league, so can O’Bryant.

6. Dakari Johnson-I think he declares because of the next wave of talent behind him, and gets drafted on potential alone. Much better than many other bigs that tend to go between 25-30. Some team at the bottom of the first that doesn’t need instant help will take a flier on him.

7. Lamar Patterson-big, skilled 2 guard. Shooting the ball really well, and can maybe make an impact like Alan Anderson has in Brooklyn. A real sleeper pick in my opinion.

8. Bogdan Bogdanovic-big Euro guard (6’6″) who can shoot and even play the point in a pinch. Very skilled and seasoned in the ABA. Every year, it seems like a big Euro combo guard is on the radar of many of the teams drafting in the lower end of the first round, Bogdanovic seems to fit the mold this year.

[LindseyParticipant]

 Nice list. I’m a big Ejim supporter.

Im pretty sure that Dakari is going to stay, as his game is a great match for both Cliff Anderson, and that canadaian/indana power forward (forget his name now). Dakaris solid post and back-to-the-basket game will work well with the athletic freak in Anderson, and the face up skills of the other. Kentucky could have one of it’s best rosters next year.

The guy I’m looking to sneak in the top 20 is PJ Hairston. His game seems to have grown in the D-league and it could do wonders for his confidence going into the league versus some of these college Kids. For example Anthony Bennetts season seems to me like its just him being unconfidant in his own ability as  an NBA player. Hairston has been doing work against other draftees. Growing as a scorer too. 

Also Stauskas has been getting a lot of love lately, but I still dont see him anywhere on the Mock. I would grab him top 15 as of now. Reminds me of a nice mix of a poor mans Steph Curry, and a poor mans Brandon Roy.

 

 

[LindseyParticipant]

 Nice list. I’m a big Ejim supporter.

Im pretty sure that Dakari is going to stay, as his game is a great match for both Cliff Anderson, and that canadaian/indana power forward (forget his name now). Dakaris solid post and back-to-the-basket game will work well with the athletic freak in Anderson, and the face up skills of the other. Kentucky could have one of it’s best rosters next year.

The guy I’m looking to sneak in the top 20 is PJ Hairston. His game seems to have grown in the D-league and it could do wonders for his confidence going into the league versus some of these college Kids. For example Anthony Bennetts season seems to me like its just him being unconfidant in his own ability as  an NBA player. Hairston has been doing work against other draftees. Growing as a scorer too. 

Also Stauskas has been getting a lot of love lately, but I still dont see him anywhere on the Mock. I would grab him top 15 as of now. Reminds me of a nice mix of a poor mans Steph Curry, and a poor mans Brandon Roy.

 

 

[terrancebowerParticipant]

You’re thinking of Trey Lyles. They also have Poythress potentially staying and playing PF with Marcus Lee also coming back. Dakari is being caught between coming back and potentially not getting any playing time next year, or leaving before he’s truly ready and not getting picked as high as he would like (which comes with more guaranteed $$). WCS could possibly even return though it’s not likely, for the same reasons.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

 if Dakari returns, he’ll play. it’ll be Lee thats stuck in the bench,like he is right now. Poythress would play more 3 next year since thats a spot most likely going to be left open with the departure of James Young,who will be a lottery pick this year.

  Dakari has a good post game and plays hard. Calipari would be hard pressed not to give him atleast 20 minutes a game next year. Dakari already took WCS starting spot. he’ll be experienced next year and more polished.i’ll feel confident in him holding down the Center position next year.

but if he finishes the season good,he might end uo declaring.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

 if Dakari returns, he’ll play. it’ll be Lee thats stuck in the bench,like he is right now. Poythress would play more 3 next year since thats a spot most likely going to be left open with the departure of James Young,who will be a lottery pick this year.

  Dakari has a good post game and plays hard. Calipari would be hard pressed not to give him atleast 20 minutes a game next year. Dakari already took WCS starting spot. he’ll be experienced next year and more polished.i’ll feel confident in him holding down the Center position next year.

but if he finishes the season good,he might end uo declaring.

[LindseyParticipant]

 thanks for the name!-

– an ashamed canadian 

[LindseyParticipant]

 thanks for the name!-

– an ashamed canadian 

[terrancebowerParticipant]

You’re thinking of Trey Lyles. They also have Poythress potentially staying and playing PF with Marcus Lee also coming back. Dakari is being caught between coming back and potentially not getting any playing time next year, or leaving before he’s truly ready and not getting picked as high as he would like (which comes with more guaranteed $$). WCS could possibly even return though it’s not likely, for the same reasons.

[terrancebowerParticipant]

I think you mean Cliff Alexander who comitted to Kansas, but Karl Towns is their other big recruit at the Centre spot.

[LindseyParticipant]

 cheers!

[LindseyParticipant]

 cheers!

[terrancebowerParticipant]

I think you mean Cliff Alexander who comitted to Kansas, but Karl Towns is their other big recruit at the Centre spot.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

1.Rasmus Larsen-7 footer from Denmark,very skilled…

2.Deonte Burton(Nevada)-At 6’1 he’s an undersized scoring guard,but has a great 1st step,gets to the rim ,good handles and very athletic..

3.Alex Poythress-Even though he’s had a so-so career at Kentucky,he could move up after workouts..Great finisher,good athlete,solid rebounder,defender and he has extended his range..

4.Dwight Powell-6’10 senior that does a little bit of everything well..If he was more aggressive he could become a very good nba player….

 

[MopgrassParticipant]

I really like Poythress as a 1st rounder. He definitely has the talent. He just hasn’t had the opportunity on a stacked team. He does look lost on defense, but the 1st time I saw his highlights, I thought he was a top 5 guy. Calpari used to think so too. He failed too often as freshman and I’m not sure he’ll ever get a shot in Kentucky.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

 no,he had the opportunity last year and didnt deliver,which was part of the reason they ended up getting bounced in the 1st round of the NIT.

he’s a real good athlete but theirs questions about his position in the Pros. he’s 6’8 and has a good build,its jus he hasnt shown the skillset to play the 3. he doesnt have good handles and hasn’t shown he can shot. he’ll be a tweener at the next level as a 4 so that position is ruled out. unless he starts showing a consistent jumper from here on out,it’ll be hard for him to crack the 1st round.

Also, if you watched Kentucky this year, you’ll know Poythress is getting his minutes and enough chances to show scouts what he’s about.Calipari and the system isnt the problem over there for him.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

 no,he had the opportunity last year and didnt deliver,which was part of the reason they ended up getting bounced in the 1st round of the NIT.

he’s a real good athlete but theirs questions about his position in the Pros. he’s 6’8 and has a good build,its jus he hasnt shown the skillset to play the 3. he doesnt have good handles and hasn’t shown he can shot. he’ll be a tweener at the next level as a 4 so that position is ruled out. unless he starts showing a consistent jumper from here on out,it’ll be hard for him to crack the 1st round.

Also, if you watched Kentucky this year, you’ll know Poythress is getting his minutes and enough chances to show scouts what he’s about.Calipari and the system isnt the problem over there for him.

[MopgrassParticipant]

I really like Poythress as a 1st rounder. He definitely has the talent. He just hasn’t had the opportunity on a stacked team. He does look lost on defense, but the 1st time I saw his highlights, I thought he was a top 5 guy. Calpari used to think so too. He failed too often as freshman and I’m not sure he’ll ever get a shot in Kentucky.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

1.Rasmus Larsen-7 footer from Denmark,very skilled…

2.Deonte Burton(Nevada)-At 6’1 he’s an undersized scoring guard,but has a great 1st step,gets to the rim ,good handles and very athletic..

3.Alex Poythress-Even though he’s had a so-so career at Kentucky,he could move up after workouts..Great finisher,good athlete,solid rebounder,defender and he has extended his range..

4.Dwight Powell-6’10 senior that does a little bit of everything well..If he was more aggressive he could become a very good nba player….

 

[prophetmeirParticipant]

Chris Walker think he will due great in workouts and a team will take a chance on him.

[prophetmeirParticipant]

Chris Walker think he will due great in workouts and a team will take a chance on him.

[slash787Participant]

I like where your head is at but Bogdanovic has already been draft and the Nets own his draft rights. 

[Anton123Participant]

They have Bojan’s rights, not Bogdan’s.

Easiest mistake to make.

[Anton123Participant]

They have Bojan’s rights, not Bogdan’s.

Easiest mistake to make.

[slash787Participant]

I like where your head is at but Bogdanovic has already been draft and the Nets own his draft rights. 

[TenSecondTomParticipant]

 There’s a Bogdanovic from Croatia and Serbia. Nets have the Croatian one.

[TenSecondTomParticipant]

 There’s a Bogdanovic from Croatia and Serbia. Nets have the Croatian one.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

Last two years Pacers drafted Miles Plumlee and then Soloman Hill, two guys that might have gone undrafted otherwise, unfortunately the Suns have their first round pick this year but going out on a limb I’d say if they had their pick they’d reach on either Sean Kilpatrick or LeBryant Nash

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

Last two years Pacers drafted Miles Plumlee and then Soloman Hill, two guys that might have gone undrafted otherwise, unfortunately the Suns have their first round pick this year but going out on a limb I’d say if they had their pick they’d reach on either Sean Kilpatrick or LeBryant Nash

[SpacegrassParticipant]

PJ Hairston is gonna go from 2nd rnd pick to top 20 by the time the draft gets here.  If he continues the tear and measureables are what I think they will be?  He has a solid shot at the lottery.

[SpacegrassParticipant]

PJ Hairston is gonna go from 2nd rnd pick to top 20 by the time the draft gets here.  If he continues the tear and measureables are what I think they will be?  He has a solid shot at the lottery.

[RealDeal24Participant]

 I think Cory Jefferson could sneak into the late first round. Plays very hard, is long, and is very efficient on offense. He could go to a late pick team wanting a solid big off the bench.

[RealDeal24Participant]

 I think Cory Jefferson could sneak into the late first round. Plays very hard, is long, and is very efficient on offense. He could go to a late pick team wanting a solid big off the bench.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

I don’t think it’d be very surprising if PJ Hariston went first round. Title of the thread is “Surprise first round picks”

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

I don’t think it’d be very surprising if PJ Hariston went first round. Title of the thread is “Surprise first round picks”

[TRC1991Participant]

 DeAndre Kane and James Bell deserve some looks

[TRC1991Participant]

 DeAndre Kane and James Bell deserve some looks

[JoeWolf1]

Cleanthony Early reminds me of Solomon Hill, to be honest. He’s just so well rounded of a player, nice size, nice athletic ability, good defense. Doesn’t really jump off the page in any one category, but is just a really solid small forward.

He’s also mades strides on his shot too, as he’s hitting 36% from 3 and over 80% from the free throw line. Early just seems like a guy a playoff team could scoop up in the late 20’s because he’s seasoned, well rounded, plays defense and has a final 4 under his belt. 

WSU’s final 4 run, I feel, also kind of put away any "lack of competition" questions a lot of mid-major guys run into. He dropped 24 on Louisville, 21 against Pitt, 12 against Ohio State and 16 against Gonzaga last year, and in my opinion is a better player this season from what I’ve seen. 

[JoeWolf1]

Cleanthony Early reminds me of Solomon Hill, to be honest. He’s just so well rounded of a player, nice size, nice athletic ability, good defense. Doesn’t really jump off the page in any one category, but is just a really solid small forward.

He’s also mades strides on his shot too, as he’s hitting 36% from 3 and over 80% from the free throw line. Early just seems like a guy a playoff team could scoop up in the late 20’s because he’s seasoned, well rounded, plays defense and has a final 4 under his belt. 

WSU’s final 4 run, I feel, also kind of put away any "lack of competition" questions a lot of mid-major guys run into. He dropped 24 on Louisville, 21 against Pitt, 12 against Ohio State and 16 against Gonzaga last year, and in my opinion is a better player this season from what I’ve seen. 

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