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NBA Draft Buzz

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Moving Up The boards

The consensus among scouts was that four players are making significant moves up draft boards following the NBA combine.

Nobody seems to be rising more than Belmont's Ben Sheppard. We're hearing he's generating first-round interest after his 25-point game on Thursday, erasing some skepticism about his production in a relatively weaker Missouri Valley Conference. He's jumped to No. 26 in our updated mock draft.

Santa Clara's Brandin Podziemski also drew rave reviews, particularly after Wednesday's 10-point, seven-rebound, eight-assist performance in 21.5 minutes. His 19.9 points per game in college speaks to his shot-making skill, but scouts were especially impressed by Podziemski's decision-making, poise, rebounding and defense. That versatility should give him extra cushion at the next level, in case the firepower doesn't fully translate.

He's expected to draw mid-to-late first-round consideration and more interest from teams looking to trade up if he's still there in the second round.

Every scout Bleacher Report spoke to also mentioned Amari Bailey, who operated as a lead point guard and consistently made high-IQ passes. It's a continuation of his late-season play at UCLA when Bailey took on more on-ball reps, showcasing his craftiness and playmaking.

He also scored 17 points and 19 points in two separate scrimmages, creating his own shot and demonstrating versatility inside the arc. NBA teams will be eager to assess his three-point shooting up close in workouts, though scouts do sound relatively optimistic.

Maxwell Lewis | Pepperdine | Sophomore

High-floor prospect with 3-and-D qualities, though his recent progress suggests he can be much more

17.1 PPG | 5.8 RPG | 2.8 APG | 35% 3-Pt Shooter

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Age: 20 Height: 6'7" Weight: 195 Wingspan: 6'10"

Shades of: Devin Vassell, Trey Murphy III

PLUSES

• Knockdown 3-point shooter off the catch with flawless mechanics. He’s not a dynamic threat off screens or handoffs, but he is excellent at one-dribble or two-dribble pull-ups and stepbacks. He loves using pump fakes to get defenders in the air, which gives him space to attack with jumpers or drives.
• Deceptive ball handler with a deep bag of wide crossovers and hesitations.
• Skilled back-to-the-basket scorer who can overpower smaller defenders to get close to the rim for hook shots. If he’s too far away, he can pivot into a post fadeaway jumper.
• Aware cutter with a natural feel for finding open space, whether he’s relocating for a 3 or going to the basket. He uses subtle stop-and-go moves to keep defenders off balance.
• He’s not a lead guard, but he has the playmaking skill and vision for dishing to bigs in the dunker spot or throwing darts to spot-up shooters. When involved in two-man games, his combo of shooting, passing, and perception make him a constant threat.
• High-effort defender with a large frame and good length. He has the upside to become a super versatile defender if his quickness improves.

MINUSES

• Isolation scoring isn’t part of his game yet because of a lack of burst off the dribble. He has moves but they aren’t quick enough to create consistent separation. He doesn’t draw many fouls either.
• Athleticism is good but not great. He occasionally gets exposed when defending quicker guards on the perimeter. Teams target him. In college he makes up for it with consistent effort, but in the NBA he’ll need a strength and conditioning program to improve his lateral mobility.
• Ball watches at times on defense, which might be part of his responsibilities as a roaming defensive playmaker. But it’s a habit he’ll need to change in the NBA.

Jamaaliver wrote:Last one.

Maxwell Lewis | Pepperdine | Sophomore

High-floor prospect with 3-and-D qualities, though his recent progress suggests he can be much more

17.1 PPG | 5.8 RPG | 2.8 APG | 35% 3-Pt Shooter

Watch on YouTube

Age: 20 Height: 6'7" Weight: 195 Wingspan: 6'10"

Shades of: Devin Vassell, Trey Murphy III

PLUSES

• Knockdown 3-point shooter off the catch with flawless mechanics. He’s not a dynamic threat off screens or handoffs, but he is excellent at one-dribble or two-dribble pull-ups and stepbacks. He loves using pump fakes to get defenders in the air, which gives him space to attack with jumpers or drives.
• Deceptive ball handler with a deep bag of wide crossovers and hesitations.
• Skilled back-to-the-basket scorer who can overpower smaller defenders to get close to the rim for hook shots. If he’s too far away, he can pivot into a post fadeaway jumper.
• Aware cutter with a natural feel for finding open space, whether he’s relocating for a 3 or going to the basket. He uses subtle stop-and-go moves to keep defenders off balance.
• He’s not a lead guard, but he has the playmaking skill and vision for dishing to bigs in the dunker spot or throwing darts to spot-up shooters. When involved in two-man games, his combo of shooting, passing, and perception make him a constant threat.
• High-effort defender with a large frame and good length. He has the upside to become a super versatile defender if his quickness improves.

MINUSES

• Isolation scoring isn’t part of his game yet because of a lack of burst off the dribble. He has moves but they aren’t quick enough to create consistent separation. He doesn’t draw many fouls either.
• Athleticism is good but not great. He occasionally gets exposed when defending quicker guards on the perimeter. Teams target him. In college he makes up for it with consistent effort, but in the NBA he’ll need a strength and conditioning program to improve his lateral mobility.
• Ball watches at times on defense, which might be part of his responsibilities as a roaming defensive playmaker. But it’s a habit he’ll need to change in the NBA.

The Ringer

VCfor3 wrote:Cam would have been a great steal even if his medicals are looking shot. Worth the flyer on someone with so much talent. Maybe we can steal him in a Brooks S&T ha.

jman3134 wrote:

VCfor3 wrote:Cam would have been a great steal even if his medicals are looking shot. Worth the flyer on someone with so much talent. Maybe we can steal him in a Brooks S&T ha.

Now I read it wasn't the medical, but poor interviews and poor team workouts. Who knows? Definitely a steal for Brooks!