The draft is always billed as a team’s chance to move out of the doldrums. While there is no player this year that is expected to completely reverse a team’s fortunes, there are players who can make the All-Star game.
So-called ‘weak’ drafts tend to encourage lesser known players to sign up meaning there can be an abundance of good players, whereas players often prefer to stay away from strong drafts lest they get selected late in the night.
It’s important to remember that the 2011 draft had the same billing as a weak class but eventually threw up a superstar in Kyrie Irving as well as class players like Kawhi Lenoard, Klay Thompson, Chandler Parsons and Kenneth Faried.
Of the current crop, Noel and Len have both had injuries but are expected to become starters, if not All-Stars, while Bennett, Oladipo and Porter are forwards who provide the sort of characteristics that teams covet in the modern NBA; shooting, defence and heart.
As always there are alluring international players who ,as something of an unknown quantity, can have the potential to be steals.
Draft days are often impossible to predict. The No1 pick is still unknown and we don’t know who will draft first either. The Cavs already have a young team primed to make a playoff push based around Dion Waiters and Irving, and the club have already said that whoever they draft won’t be starting, allowing them to pick on potential.
The Cavs asked the Portland Trail Blazers for LaMarcus Aldridge in return for their No1 pick, although they were quickly rebuffed while the Timberwolves are desperate to select Oladipo and are aggressively trying to force a trade that will allow them to draft in the top three.
This may be a draft defined by its unpredictability.
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Most likely to bust – Nerlens Noel
While he is likely to succeed, there is perhaps no riskier prospect at the top end of the board. Almost every team in the league would use a No1 pick on him but an ACL injury last season as well as an incredibly raw offensive game make people worry he might not live up to expectations.
Safe bet – Victor Oladipo
The shooting guard from Indiana is climbing up the draft boards and every team would want to have him. Universally rookies make terrible defenders but Oladipo should buck that trend. Brilliant athleticism and a thirst for defence ensure he will be able to contribute from the off.
Sleeper – Allen Crabbe
There are always great specialist role players to be found late in the first round or in the second round. The California shooting guard is perhaps the best shooter in the draft. Projected to go around the 25 mark, Crabbe would make a great addition.
Something to prove – Shabazz Muhammad
The high-scoring small forward was a High School star after blowing everyone away at the Nike Hoops Summit. But then it was revealed that Muhammad was actually a year older than he was registered. His stock has since plummeted. Does he have the skills to make up for the controversy?
Project – Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Greek star is a physical freak. 6″9 and 215 pounds and blessed with ferocious speed and length, Antetokounmpo can be anything he wants to be. His attitude is great and he already has some good skills but is completely unproven.
Best international – Alex Len
Dario Saric had this sewn up until he withdrew from the draft. Len is a Ukrainian former gymnast who played at Maryland last year. A genuine seven footer, some people think Len might even go No1 thanks to his burgeoning offensive game.
Best big man – Nerlens Noel
Despite all the fitness troubles, Noel is still believed to be the best player in the draft thanks to his potential as a brilliant defender.
Best wing – Otto Porter
Some have had the Georgetown small forward pegged as the next Scottie Pippen. That’s probably a little generous but he is a contender for the No1 spot and should become a good two-way wing.
Best playmaker – Michael Carter-Williams
Still has plenty of learning to do but Carter-Williams has great size for his position at six-foot-six inches and has blown away many scouts with his skill level.
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