Long shots -- won't be drafted but impactful anyhow!

payitforward · Post #1 » by **payitforward** » Tue May 21, 2024 3:14 pm

Seems like almost every year some kid comes out of the blue & makes his mark in the NBA even though he went undrafted or else was drafted right at the end of R2.

As an example, let me mention Keon Ellis, who went undrafted out of Alabama in 2022. Zards & I were very high on the kid & wanted him on the Wizards.

I've been following him since he landed in Sacramento, where he played 1000 minutes this year. Let me tell you, he was just terrific!

Although Ellis posted a TS% of almost 63%, shooting the 3 at over 42% (on @7 attempts per 40 minutes), Ellis is not a volume scorer. OTOH, he is, simply, good at absolutely everything. Above all, he's a outstanding defender: that's his calling card.

Sac'to already views him as part of their core.
I'll be shocked if Keon Ellis doesn't have a loooong & productive career in the league.

So... there's the challenge: who's going to be like that this year?

Who you got?

payitforward · Post #2 » by **payitforward** » Tue May 21, 2024 4:34 pm

Come on now! Use your imagination. Use your knowledge.

For example -- a few days ago, I would have put Jonathan Mogbo's name in here. But, lately he's been showing up as a guy who might well be picked in the late 40s or early 50s of this draft. Ditto Mark Sears.

But, there are still some interesting guys out there! You can do it...!

NatP4 · Post #3 » by **NatP4** » Tue May 21, 2024 5:28 pm

I’ve seen him in some mock drafts, not in others, but my favorite under the radar name all year has been JT Toppin. Yet to turn 19 years old, put up great freshman numbers. Measured with a 7’0.5” wingspan at the combine.

Per 40 numbers: 18.6 points 13.6 rebounds 1.6 steals 2.8 blocks 63.5% TS

If he keeps his name in the draft, I would definitely take him at #52 and hope his 3pt shot continues to develop. He reminds me of freshman year Daron Holmes prior to developing the 3pt shot.

payitforward · Post #4 » by **payitforward** » Tue May 21, 2024 8:01 pm

JT Toppin's Freshman numbers suggest that he should be picked in R1 -- maybe even in the lottery!

dckingsfan · Post #5 » by **dckingsfan** » Tue May 21, 2024 8:40 pm

Mine would be Ariel Hukporti... I would assign him to Gortat. He is a very good athlete and has made a lot of progress in one season from a really bad defender to a not to bad defender. He could easily be a bust but could be decent in a few years as a backup C.