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On Thursday, June 28th dreams will be born in New York City. NBA draft lottery picks will collect there millions and expectations will be set high for the early round studs because…that is what comes with being a lottery pick. But, what about the kids outside the lottery? Who will be the steal of the second round? Which prospect has the most NBA all-star potential outside the lottery? Below, I will highlight a few of these potential gems.
Check out our Mock NBA Draft 2012 Part I here.
Perry Jones III: The latest chatter has dropped Jones right outside of the lottery. He’s one of the top talents in this draft and he’s going to reward whatever team rolls the dice on concerns about his motor. In all actuality, he would benefit greatly from being drafted to a playoff team where veterans could surround him, similar to the Kawhi Leonard situation in San Antonio.
Marquis Teague: He’s a John Calipari product. Enough said. He’s not going to get drafted anywhere near the lottery and whichever playoff bound team grabs him will be in luck. He’s ready to play minutes off the bench and most importantly, he’s a point guard that prides himself on being a team player. Without question, he’s raw, but with some NBA veterans smacking him around, he can become an NBA all star.
Moe Harkless: His draft stock has been rising in recent days with scouts taking a closer look at his size and length. We had the chance to see Harkless in person at the Big East Tournament this year and there is one player he reminded us of and that’s Jeff Green. Harkless has great size and
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ball handling abilities. He also has good range and court vision. One thing going against Harkless is that he only played one year in college, but if he continues to develop a killer scoring instinct, he will be a dangerous rookie.
Tony Wroten: He’s a playmaker that boasts a ton of confidence, but consistent poor decision making has his stock dropping in the draft. With the right coaching staff that knows how to capitalize on his dynamic skill set and fix his erratic shot taking habits, he has the potential to become a dominant NBA super star.
Royce White: The biggest thing going against White has nothing to do with his immensely talented skill set. He has severe anxiety issues which is coupled with a fear of flying, but White is one of those players who has an NBA game and can contribute right away. White is one of the few non-lottery picks that is ready to step in and play some key minutes right now. Post lottery, it’s wise to get players that can play right now. White is that guy.
Raju Kansagra
The only one I don’t agree with on the list is Marques Teague…dude is too raw to succeed at the NBA level. In fact, he’ll get eaten up with turnovers when he faces NBA defenses. Rest of the list is spot on though so props for that, especially Royce White. I’m huge on him.
I understand your concerns about Teague…if he can find a team that can develop his talent, I do believe he’s a potential all star. Look at the John Calipari products from the point of the past…enough said.
Austin Rivers anyone? I know he has yet to take his game to the “next level” and was one of the softer Duke players of recent past, but he’s got one hell of a heart and drive.