2010 NBA Draft: Top 10 Potential Steals

Every year General Managers, scouting staff, and coaches alike all spend sleepless weeks analyzing dozens of players for their upcoming draft. Sometimes they strike gold (Rajon Rondo), sometimes just rocks (Kwame Brown). The 2010 draft doesn't have a lot of "can't miss" players. But if one searches hard enough, there are potentially some real diamonds in the rough.

10. Jordan Crawford: SG Xavier

6'4" 195 Ibs
Age: 21
Projection: Early second round

Crawford distinguished himself as one of the most potent scorers in the country during his sophomore season. With unlimited range (as displayed in the NCAA tournament) and an ability to hit shots in the clutch, Jordan has the potential to be a dependable perimeter scorer at the next level. He has also shown the ability to get to the rim based on his quick first step and length (6'7" wingspan). If Crawford can improve on his strength and ball handling, he could become a servicable 6th man. He is well worth a second round pick.

9. Terrico White: PG/SG Mississippi

6'5" 211 Ibs
Age: 20
Projection: Early second round

White may have the best physical tools of anyone at his position. This combo guard has an outstanding ability to overpower smaller defenders, as well as shoot over them. White averaged 15.1 points per game his sophomore season at Ole Miss, and has the ability to score much more at the NBA level where spacing and increased game speed should benefit the quick and high scoring White. If he can work at changing directions with the ball, and to draw more contact he will be a dangerous penetrating guard at the next level. He may take some more time, but his physical build and athleticism alone make him worthy of a late first round pick.

8. Jerome Jordan: C Tulsa

7'0" 235 Ibs
Age: 23
Projection: Mid second round

Jerome is a classic case of an athlete from a smaller school being overlooked. This 7 footer has a perfect build for an NBA big man. While he could stand to put on some weight, his sheer length (7'5" wingspan) make him a shot blocking force. Jordan rejected an average of 2.5 shots per game last year. The once incredibly raw prospect has improved tremendously each and every year, mainly on the offensive end. Jordan displayed excellent footwork in the post and even developed a turn around jump shot. Probably a project player after the draft, Jordan should evolve into a solid NBA big man if handled correctly. A 7 footer with the potential to be a force inside deserves better than a mid second round pick.

7. Sherron Collins: PG Kansas

5'11" 190 Ibs
Age: 23
Projection: Mid to late second round

Sherron Collins is synonymous with one thing: winning. The guy just found ways to win while at Kansas. While slightly undersized for his position, he brings an incredible amount of strength to the table at his position. One of the strongest players in the country with the ball, Collins displays an excellent ability to drive past defenders. His superior ball handling and ability to change directions makes him a tough matchup. It doesn't hurt that he consistantly had a knack of taking, and making very big shots. Collins loves to have the ball in his hands, yet displays good enough court vision to find the open man and get him the ball. Collins has the physical ability, and basketball IQ to be a starting point guard in the NBA. His biggest weakness is probably the fact that he is undersized. But teams will be kicking themselves if they pass on him for that reason alone.

6. Willie Warren: SG Oklahoma

6'4" 200 Ibs
Age: 20
Projection: Late first round

Warren is the prime example of what one bad year can do to a players' draft stock. At the conclusion of his freshman season, Warren was considered a lottery pick by many experts. However, after an up and down sophomore season at Oklahoma, his stock has fallen dramatically. Warren has never been someone who relies on his set jump shot to score. He has great ability to hit shots on the move. That is something so coveted in the NBA. He has an incredibly quick first step but has the body control to stop on a dime and show off his dangerous mid-range game. An incredible athlete, Warren manages to score off of countless acrobatic moves to get to the rim. Had it not been for a below average 3 point percentage (30.9 %) he would probably be projected a bit higher. Warren also lacks defensive ability and is slightly off pace laterally, but his offensive ability is too good to overlook in the first round.

5. Lance Stephenson: SG Cincinnati

6'5" 200 Ibs
Age: 19
Projection: Early first round

Lance Stephenson has had NBA scouts drooling since his high school days. After being one of the most highly touted recruts in the country, Lance ended up surprising the experts and taking his game to Cincinnati. Lance isn't quite as pro-ready as many assume, though. His offensive game relies heavily on overpowering opponents and pushing his way into the lane. Because of his strong build, he has been able to do this his entire playing career. However, at the next level he will need to develop a go to move to create some space. He has a great ability to score and with a 6'10" wingspan will not have any trouble getting shots off in space. Physically, there is no doubt that he is first round material. Yet, mentally, there are doubts. Stephenson is rumored to lack work ethic which will not appeal to NBA teams. At only 19 years old, he will most likely mature, making him an attractive option in the early second round. He is a player who can be bought low, but could become a very good scorer down the road.

4. Dominique Jones: SG South Florida

6'4" 205 Ibs
Age: 21
Projection: Late first round

James set himself apart as one of the most prolific scorers in all of college basketball. Averaging 21.4 points per game, James managed to carry the load of USF's entire offensive attack on his shoulders. While only an average jump shooter, James has the best ability of any guard not named John Wall to get to the rim and finish. James runs the floor well and does a great job in isolation; two key aspects of being a guard at the next level. Quite possibly the most explosive scorer in the draft, James is drawing a lot of attention from NBA scouts. He has similair qualities to Dwyane Wade coming out of college. What team wouldn't want that? He needs to work on his defensive ability as well as his outside jumper. Aside from that, his offensive game is ready to contribute right away. One of the few guards in the draft who can excel at either the 1 or the 2, James will be an absolute steal if he slides to the late first.

3. Craig Brackins: PF Iowa State

6'10" 230 Ibs
Age: 22
Projection: Mid second round

Brackins brings something to the table that NBA teams love in big men: versatility. After shouldering the load for his entire career at Iowa State, Brackins has developed an offensive repertoire that is unmatched in this draft. His 3 point shooting skyrocketed to 47 % percent last season, an aspect of his game not previously there. With his height, he wil easily be able to get those shots off at the next level. He needs to improve on his shot mechanics, as he sometimes has a tendancy to wind up before shooting, but this can be easily fixed after his arrival. Brackins also has the ability to score inside using his outstanding touch to float hooks and jumpshots over outstretched defenders. His weakness remains the same since he struggled with the decision to test the waters last season. His decision making must improve at the next level. Many question his basketball IQ and he has not yet done much to prove them wrong. If he can adapt mentally to the NBA, he should be able to be an improving offensive threat throughout his career.

2. Elliot Williams: SG Memphis

6'4" 175 Ibs
Age: 20
Projection: Late first round

Elliot Williams might have the best scoring potential out of anyone in this class not named Wall or Turner. He is arguably the most athletic prospect in the 2010 class, and has staggering jumping ability. Williams' ability to play above the rim helped him average a very solid 18 points per game for the Tigers this season. If a defender lets him go left, Williams will get to the rim. His right hand however, has proven to be much weaker. He tends to shy away from driving right which is something that he will have to change in the pro game. Another aspect of his game which makes him appealing is his defense. Williams might have the quickest hands of anyone in this draft class and great insticts which allow him to jump into passing lanes for easy steals. A solid jump shot makes him an all-around scorer with great defensive ability. Add in the facts that Williams played in a pro-style offense at Memphis (a freshman year under Coach K at Duke didn't hurt either) and that he was a 4.0 student in high school, and Williams sounds like a potential all-star who can be snatched outside of the lottery.

1. Trevor Booker: PF Clemson

6'7" 215 Ibs
Age: 22
Projection: Mid second round

One of the quickest risers in this years' draft, Booker has been making scouts' mouths drop at every workout he attends. Booker tore through the ACC during his career with his physical play and ability to defend. He is very explosive and although undersized, his length and jumping ability make up for lost height. With so much athletic ability, you would expect a smooth transition to the next level. He will have quite the advantage next year attacking opponents off the dribble and this is what he will probably feed off of. He needs to prove to scouts that he can hit the mid range jump shot on a consistant basis, but this shouldn't be a problem. Booker lived in the post in college and has good enough footwork to where he will not be a liability inside. He also manages to impact the game from the defensive side as well. Booker has a great feel for the game and knows where to be at all times. He won't be a shot blocking machine, but he will be more than serviceable. His lack of size is the only red flag for him in the draft process, but with the physical tools and talent that he has at his disposal, he should be able to crack a starting lineup during his playing career. Not bad for an undersized second rounder eh?