2008 NBA Draft: Potential Steals and Sleepers

This draft already has been billed as Rose vs. Beasley by many different people, analysts and fans alike.

However there are many quality prospects besides the fast athletic Rose and the strong dominant Beasley, for example: O.J. Mayo, Eric Gordon, Kevin Love, D.J. Augustin and Anthony Randolph.

Moreover I believe that this draft can go even deeper than that with prospects who can become great players in the NBA.

JOE ALEXANDER 6'8" 230 LBS WVU

Alexander was one of the most improved players this year in the Big East Conference. Increasing his points per game average from 10.3 ppg to 16.9 ppg in his junior year. His rebounding also saw a rise going from 4.3 rpg to 6.4 rpg this previous season.

If teams question his size and strength, Alexander already added 20 pounds to his frame in between his sophomore and junior seasons, and looks able to add another 10+ pounds and not hurt his game and athleticism.

While on the topic, this kid has what some people like to describe as "bounce." He's explosive and gets up and off the ground quickly and with relative ease.

Coming from West Virginia and learning under the tutelage of John Beilein for his first two seasons, he developed a consistent jumper that he only continued to improve through hard work last year. He really pushes off the floor on his jumpshot, making it almost non-blockable when you add his length and wingspan into the equation. Alexander has excellent shooting mechanics and if he is able to add NBA range to his already smooth stroke, that could mean trouble.

Also would need to further enhance his ballhandling skills to become a complete overall player

Comparison: Matt Harping (much much much more athletic).

CHRIS DOUGLAS-ROBERTS 6'7" 200 LBS MEMPHIS

Now, CDR had a great college career and a special run during the 2008 NCAA Tournament. However he is not thought to be "lottery-worthy," with some mock drafts having him being picked between the high teens and early twenties.

I see Douglas-Roberts as a steal in this years draft if he does fall down that low. He's an athletic guard who can drive to the rim and also can slash through defenses and is bigger, height-wise, than some of the current shooting guards in the NBA.

Only true question mark for CDR is his ability to knock down jumpshots. In Memphis' spread drive-and-kick style offense, CDR was often one of the main drivers taking advantage of the smaller players who would guard him. Yes he did shoot 41% from three point range this previous season but that increase in percentage from 32% last year is mainly thanks to the penetration and ability of Derrick Rose.

Also Douglas-Roberts isn't very muscular for his height but he was able to make it work in college and Kevin Durant had a pretty good year—2008 Rookie of the Year—despite his lack of bulk.

Comparison: Jerry Stackhouse (minus the jumpshot)

COURTNEY LEE 6'5" 200 LBS W. KENTUCKY

A very capable and prolific scorer, Lee averaged 20.4 ppg in his senior campaign. Lee almost lead his team deep into the NCAA Tournament before losing a close very well contested game to the Bruins of UCLA.

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