In a deep draft, I have no doubt there will be picks made further back who turn out to be studs. People will say “how did he fall that far back in the draft?” It’s impossible to predict which of these player will hit the value jackpot, but some astute GM will find him.
Take a guy like Carter Bryant. Has lots of skills, really good defender, but didn’t get major minutes on his own team. Will he explode into a great player? Certainly has some potential, but not worth taking until later lottery. Some really like CMB despite his smallish height (but big wingspan) but scouts say he has limited upside. And then there’s Knipples, who is teetering on the 7th pick area. He is perhaps the greatest temptation to GM’s like Peterson.
I love to read comments from NBA scouts and assistant coaches. HoopsHype updated their mock today, and they have a key comment for each player. Kon is one who should be considered a player who may surprise. Based on those comments the “wild cards” picks with most surprise upside potential are Jaku and Demin.
Comments on Kon:
An assistant coach told HoopsHype: “He’s not as good defensively or as big as De’Andre Hunter, but I think he’s a better shooting version of him. Knueppel really impressed me during the Kansas game. He stepped up impressively, especially when he helped beat Cooper Flagg’s team. He showcased surprising ability, particularly in his ability to create his own shot. He’s much better off the dribble than people give him credit for. And obviously, you’re getting a lights-out shooter, but he’s more than just that. I think he’ll be better than great. Both he and Gradey Dick have similar body types; he’s not as skinny as Gradey but they’re comparable. Both are decent college scorers, but I have more faith in Knueppel’s ability to translate that to the next level. I think he contributes more than Gradey does in other aspects of the game. He’s a little thicker than Gradey, which helps him defensively. Grady was a really good rebounder, but as pros, being a good rebounder doesn’t always fall on your shoulders.”
Comments on Jaku:
An assistant coach told HoopsHype: “Kasparas is the real deal. This is another classic example of a combo point guard. Look, Tyrese Haliburton is still who I love to compare him to. The difference between Kasparas and Jeremiah is that I have fewer doubts about Kasparas’s playmaking ability at the professional level. He gets to the line pretty well; maybe that’s just because he’s a big point guard going up against smaller defenders in college, but I’m a big fan of his. Plus, he comes from Lithuania, which adds another layer to his skill set. It wouldn’t shock me if he ends up being the best out of the three guards after Harper.”
Comments on Demin:
A pro scout told HoopsHype: “Demin’s a wild card. If he falls past the top 10, someone’s getting a steal. He’s a 6-foot-10 passer with Josh Giddey vibes—maybe even a better athlete, though Giddey’s thicker. The shot’s the question: 28% from three in Europe, but he took them, which matters. If he’s willing to fire the three in the NBA, he’s intriguing. If not, he’s just a tall playmaker. His floor? Giddey on the Thunder – a point-forward who gets hidden defensively. His ceiling? A shooting Giddey, which is a real weapon.”
So if Peterson wants a good project, trade a player and a future dud pick (like the Dallas one that soon has poor value) to get into the later lottery and grab either of those guys. Otherwise play this draft smart and take one of Ace, VJ or Tre.
That’s a GOOD POINT! Actually I do kinda trust them at 4, as any selection made that doesn’t include one of Ace, VJ or Tre will be trashed league wide, and we can all conclude there is no hope for this regime. Therefore I don’t expect Jeff to get stupidly cute at 4. At 20? Yeah he can f#@% that up for sure. Better stay with our two seconds and start drinking hard ahead of round 2.
