While we continue our look at this years NBA Draft, it is now time to look at the Second Round for tonight.
Second Rounders definitely face an uphill battle in getting minutes from veterans, and also the guys drafted before them but we have seen some late picks become big time players for their franchise. Players like Draymond Green who is irreplaceable for all of the Golden State Warriors success and Marc Gasol’s contribution to the NBA Champion Toronto Raptors were second-rounders who really made themselves irreplaceable throughout their careers.
This year’s second round prospects honestly have really good value. There are a lot of guys here to fit their potential draft slot and a handful of guys who have enough interest to be worth watching for and even contribute to NBA teams success. As Donnie Menke listed in his article yesterday, there are some guys on that late 1st/ early 2nd round verge like Purdue’s Carsen Edwards. Here are the guys who should catch your eye in the 2nd round.
Dylan Windler, sf Belmont: Dylan Windler has been climbing up draft boards, some even show him as early as the 28th pick at the end of the first round to the Warriors. According to tankathon Windler projects to be a contributor in so many ways including his 3 point shooting, rebounding ability, and his steal rate. Windler could potentially be looked at as the best shooter in this draft.
Darius Bazley, pf New Balance: Darius Bazley is certainly a player who has had a lot of controversy coming into the NBA Draft. From his verbal commitment to Ohio State to signing with Syracuse and then committing to playing in the G League all the way to sitting out a season and signing the internship with New Balance for $1 Million. Bazley flashes great ball handling skills and excellent athleticism. What I love most about him is the ability to finish at the rim. Bazley is a guy you could see go in that 31-38 range.
Shamorie Ponds, pg St. John’s: Shamorie Ponds size is certainly a question from a lot of NBA Teams, but it also may be the only thing keeping him from being a 1st round selection. Shamorie Ponds is very efficient, shoots a high free throw percentage and is quite the swiper when it comes to stealing the ball on the defensive side. Ponds was one of the most fun talents to watch in College Basketball when he was consistently scoring, I expect Ponds may be a year away from being a rotation guy in the league but I do believe he can contribute.
Eric Paschall, sf Villanova: Paschall can simply jump out of the gym. I was lucky to see him in person this season and saw him catch some insane alley-oops and also am blown away by his ability to get to the foul line. Paschall’s age isn’t a benefit being that he’ll be turning 23 during his rookie season but he knows how to win and play his part to help his team get wins. Paschall was a 2 time NCAA champion during his career at Villanova and was a major player for Jay Wright. The only fear with Paschall is he is close to his ceiling so he may have a limited run in the NBA.
Daniel Gafford, c Arkansas: Truthfully, if Jontay Porter were healthy I don’t think I’d have Gafford on this list, but he is certainly a center worth looking at. Gafford is 6’10 and 235 lbs with a really nice offensive game. Dunking won’t be an issue for Gafford and his ability to catch an alley oop has shown great Tight End skills, but holding onto the ball and his overall defense are worrisome. Tankathon shows Gafford averaged 3 turnovers a game per 36 minutes last season at Arkansas. He also shot just 59% from the free throw line. Gafford is a potential guy who can give your big man some rest, but also has some worries of lots of G league time in his first few years.
Louis King, sf Oregon: I love Louis King. Is he a good defensive player? LOL NO! But NBA 3 point shooting won’t be an issue for him. King’s advanced stats 1 on Tankathon show a 37% NBA 3 point shooter and a potential +3 Box Plus/Minus. King took on a lot of the scoring for Oregon after Bol Bol went down with his injury, and is a vicious dunker. King is also an older freshman at 20 and a half years old come Draft Day but has a very mature game that he may need to develop just a bit more with time in the G League. If the Orlando Magic want to continue their run of young, super athletic players then Louis King can’t get past them.
