Three Sleepers On Draft Night

1 of 5

NEW YORK - JUNE 26: NBA Commissioner David Stern speaks during the 2008 NBA Draft at the Wamu Theatre at Madison Square Garden June 26, 2008 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this phot

As with every draft, no matter the sport, there are some special players who fall deep, known as sleepers. Here are the five players who I believe will fall to the 20s or later and be major contributors.

Last year, we had DeAndre Jordan, Mario Chalmers, Kyle Weaver, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, and Mike Taylor. All of them play significant roles on their respective teams, despite being second round selections.

Taj Gibson from University of Southern California

MINNEAPOLIS - MARCH 20: Taj Gibson #22 of the USC Trojans smiles on court after USC's 72-55 win against the Boston College Eagles during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on March 20, 2

Gibson, on many mocks, is thought to be picked anywhere from No. 29 to No. 35, and he will be a major steal. The 6'9" power forward spent three years at USC and was a starter. A guy that can get up there and challenge shots, grab rebounds and even has a nice mid range jumper. Only knock on him is whether or not he will beef up to stick with the true power forwards in the NBA right now.

Dionte Christmas from Temple

MIAMI - MARCH 20: Guard Dionte Christmas #22 reacts to a foul being called on him during his game against the Temple Owls during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the American Airlines Arena on March 20, 2009 in Miami

Dionte Christmas would be an instant offense off the bench for any team in the league and could work his way into being a starter one day. Slated to be an early second round selection, Christmas is often compared to another second round sleeper, albeit a less athletic version, in Michael Redd. I believe, he will be more along the lines of a J.R. Smith.