Draft Digest Roundtable: Underrated Prospects That Could Rise
The pre-draft process in the NBA is a critical time of the year. For most prospects, this is a period of time in which their respective stocks can fluctuate drastically. Whether it’s climbing boards with great workouts and interviews, or falling and dropping out to go back to school, everything is about to get real.
It’s fascinating to track prospects that weren’t on first-round radars for most of the season but emerge in the months leading up to the draft. There’s also players that weren’t on a single top 60 board through April that will become bonafide second-round talents.
This week, the Draft Digest team gives their thoughts on which NBA prospects are lower than they should be on boards.
Derek Parker
There's plenty of names that could fit here: Jalen Slawson, Colby Jones, Leonard Miller. But for my money I'm going with Gonzaga's Julian Strawther. Averaging 15.2 points while shooting 47% from the floor and 41% from beyond the arc on good volume, it's beyond me why he isn't a consensus first-round grade.
And for that matter, trending closer towards the middle of the first round. Of course, age is a factor. But he's going to be a seamless offensive fit in multiple positions, is a good positional rebounder, has great defensive activity and we have successful templates for his archetype.I have a hard time not seeing him thrive in the NBA. And any established team in need of a hyper-efficient role player should be looking to him first.
Nick Crain
While he was somewhat of a surprise entry into the 2023 NBA Draft pool, Bobi Klintman is the perfect NBA player. He wasn't all that productive as a freshman at Wake Forest, but his positional size and versatile skillset make him very intriguing.
While he could definitely go back to school and be a bonafide first rounder next year, I truly think he will rise quickly in the pre-draft process and get early second-round consideration this June. Although somewhat unknown relative to other prospects in this class, Klintman has legitimate upside.
Bryce Simon
Usually these answers involve players in the first round, but I’m going to take a different approach. Kevin McCullar Jr. is the best all around wing defender in this class and is a prospect that often gets left off top 60 big boards and two-round mocks.
I think McCullar is a player that could not only be drafted but actually go high in the second round. The defense is legit and he does everything you would want offensively off the ball outside of the consistent jumper. If he proves to teams in pre draft workouts that he has made strides with this and gives them reason to believe in it there is a real chance he goes much higher than anyone is talking.
Morten Stig Jensen
Emoni Bates. Wait, what? The guy who got hyped for, like, three years is your most underrated player?
Okay, so look. The tide turned on him, but it turned too much. Yes, there are a lot of questions hanging over him, and no, the Kevin Durant potential was never realistic not feasible.
But there is a player in there who will offer compact shooting (one of the advantages of not having a major wingspan), and the ability to score in bunches. I like his handles enough to the point where I think he can create jumpers for himself, even if he isn't the most athletic player.
For a guy slotted for the second round, I believe there is value to be found there. I just can't close the door on Bates coming into the league, under the radar, and suddenly find himself scoring 10 points per game by simply playing off of better players who draw more attention. I could be wrong, of course. It seems that with Bates, he's pretty much an either/or type of player in the sense that he'll either be out of the league in no time, or he'll carve out a role himself for the next decade-plus.
For me, I'm willing to roll the dice on the upside, and the story turning out positive. I think he got humbled by his NCAA experience, and I believe he's far more inclined now, than before, to accept a role as complementary player.
Jam Hines
There are a few that come to mind, but Brandon Podziemski is amongst the standout names. He brings a translatable NBA skill in his 3-point shooting (43% on 185 attempts) and role versatility. He’s able to play on the ball in pick-and-rolls as a scorer and playmaker or thrive off the ball as a spot up shooter, movement shooter and close out attacker.
The concerns about his defense and athletic limitations are warranted. However, as a 6-foot-4ish guard that gives effort and is an active defender both on the ball and in help (2.3 stocks), I believe he’ll be able to stay on the floor. His testing at the combine (assuming invite), will be one of the key measurements to watch as it will likely dictate his draft stock.
Isaac Condra
DaRon Holmes II is the most underrated prospect in the draft. His above the rim finishing ability, secondary rim protection, athleticism, and skill is perfect for the modern NBA. He does a lot of things very well that you look for in a big. The Dayton big man should be seen more as a first-round pick.
Arya Chawla
Relative to consensus, I am highest on Terrence Shannon Jr. at this point in the draft cycle. He’s most commonly viewed as a fringe first-round pick at best, but I value him closer to lottery range.
The 6-foot-6 wing will immediately be one of the most explosive athletes in the NBA. He combines that with craftiness crafty finishing to be one of the best slashers in the 2023 draft class. The ability to apply rim pressure via off-the-catch attacks is the most underrated complimentary skill in the NBA right now, and Shannon Jr. Is elite in this area.
The 22-year-old has immense potential to become an elite starter in the league; he should be valued far more than he currently is.
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