There are a lot of second round picks that have legitimate chances at making it in the NBA. A few to mention are:
- C Vernon Carey (32nd pick – Hornets)
- C Daniel Oturu (33rd pick – Clippers)
- PG Theo Maledon (34th pick – Thunder)
- C Nick Richards (42nd pick – Hornets)
- SG Jahmi’us Ramsey (43rd pick – Kings)
However, there are 3 that stand out from the rest that can really make an impact in the NBA
3.) SG/SF Cassius Stanley (Duke)
Selected 54th to the Indiana Pacers:
Cassius Stanley was the 20th player on my board. As many scouted Duke looking for the top dogs and potential all-stars, this year Duke did not have any type of player like that, but Stanley quickly showed me from early on that he can compete at the NBA level. For starters, Stanley beat Zion’s vertical record at Duke showing he’s got some serious bounce and is an exceptional athlete. Stanley’s biggest flaw was his inability to create his own shot. His handles aren’t that tight, which may convince some teams he’s more of a 3 than a 2. Regardless though, he showed true moments that will translate at the next level. Offensively, he still moves well without the ball and can run in transition meaning he can use his athleticism to finish at the rim. Not to mention, Cassius was efficient shooting 52.7% inside the arc. Then, he also shot 36% from the 3 point line in his freshman year and showed consistent, promising mechanics that were fluid with a high release point. He shot a decent 73.3% from the free-throw line indicating he can be a consistent threat from outside. Then on the defensive end, anyone with his athleticism and willingness to compete can play defense on my team. Stanley always had a team-first mindset as he was always engaged and was a very good team defender. No, he doesn’t make all the home run plays as he only averages 0.7 SPG, but that shouldn’t be overlooked for his ability to stay in front of his man and contain. Cassius also has a knack for being in the right spots to take charges. Cassius Stanley never took plays off, competes on both ends, and always showed a team-first mentality. Also, while most 54th overall picks rarely see the floor, new head coach Nate Bjorkgren has spent many years in the NBA and G-League with Nick Nurse who has a reputation for playing younger players no matter where they were picked as we saw with Terrance Davis and Matt Thomas last year. This was a steal for the Pacers.
2.) PG/SG Tyrell Terry (Stanford)
Selected 31st to the Dallas Mavericks:
Tyrell Terry was the 19th player on my board heading into the draft. Terry rose draft boards after the interview process as teams started to realize how smart he is. Tyrell even broke IQ test records for NBA teams during the draft process according to Hoop Intellect (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUnwP-Qzij0). His impressive shooting splits as a freshman also turned heads as he shot 40.8% from 3 and 89.1% from the free-throw line. His upper body mechanics are promising and he does flare his legs out on his shot, but it doesn’t seem to affect the outcome. As a driver, he’s got good touch and is crafty at the rim, and will finish most shots around the rim unless he’s getting blocked. He’s developing as a playmaker, which does make him that tweener guard. He’s also shown a lack of effort on the defensive end at times as he tends to gamble too frequently. He is only 6’3, so that already puts him at a deficit. However, I really saw his determination as he gained 18 lbs., improved his vertical, and gained 2 inches since the end of his freshman year. I don’t like betting against high IQ players with a good work ethic. He is also a talented player that fits the modern game and will fill a hole Seth Curry left as a spot-up shooter that will space the floor, and make smart plays for the Mavs.
- PG Nico Mannion (Arizona)
Selected 48th to the Golden State Warriors:
In a PG heavy draft class, Nico Mannion suffered from it. He also did not benefit from such a long gap between the end of the regular season and the draft as team’s focused more on the measurables and his negative wingspan. Fortunately for him, he will be going to Golden State. One of the best organizations in the NBA who recently lost Klay Thompson for the season. The Warriors are going to need shooting and Mannion will help with that. His mechanics were mostly good in college, but it was a little low and not as quick as one may have hoped. Over the pre-draft process though, Mannion improved especially with the speed of his jump shot. Mannion’s got a nice overall game to complement his shooting. He’s got some craft around the rim with a nice floater game, a smart and capable passer, and is an underrated defender. Nico is also not a ball-dominant player for a point guard (like Steph) where he does a lot of his work off the ball. Mannion was the 13th prospect on my board and went 48th in this year’s draft. He was the biggest steal and is going to a place where he will have the opportunity to show it.
Article Written by Bradley Patten
Stats found on Sports Reference (https://www.sports-reference.com)
Photo Credit to Jeff Chiu (https://tucson.com/sports/arizonawildcats/basketball/after-emotional-stressful-draft-nico-mannion-finds-perfect-situation-with-steve-kerrs-warriors/article_2f0d29e8-00a2-5a60-a88a-51e6a82c748c.html)
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