NBA Draft 2012: High-Risk Prospects Who Will Validate Upside
The 2012 NBA draft has a few surefire stars and others with undeniable potential to get there.
Boom-or-bust prospects are always the talk of the hour in draft circles. They possess "potential," one of the NBA's biggest buzzwords.
Potential has its risks and benefits. These players don't always pan out. Using a lottery selection on a "bust" can hurt your team moving forward, and that makes these prospects extremely important.
Let's take a look at three players who will erase all doubts and validate their potential.
Andre Drummond
Drummond is young, raw and blessed with incredible athletic ability. He's 6'11'', and he runs the floor like a gazelle.
Offensively, he has a long way to go. He averaged just over 10 points per game with UConn last year and relied mostly on dunks. He has a capable shot, but he must work on his low-post moves.
On the defensive end, Drummond will make an impact in the NBA immediately. He blocked nearly three shots per game in college, and his length will give him similar NBA potential.
Drummond's athleticism is off the charts for a man his size. He excels in transition because of his long strides and ability to finish in traffic. His team just has to make sure he actually runs up, and down, the court.
If he stays motivated, Drummond could be a dominant force at the next level. He's far from a finished product, but when it's all over with, this big man will be an NBA star.
Moe Harkless
Harkless should have stayed at St. John's for another year, but he will be a dynamic NBA player if he is given enough time to develop.
In terms of raw athleticism, Harkless is the complete package. He averaged 15.5 points per game and 8.6 rebounds per game as a freshman last year. His 6'8'', 200-plus-pound frame allowed him to bang in the rugged Big East.
He must improve his shooting. For the Red Storm, he shot 21.5 percent from three-point land and 45 percent from the floor. He relies almost entirely on fast-break opportunities and his ability to get to the basket.
The NBA allows for players like Harkless to succeed. He has potential on the defensive end, and his slashing ability will make him a dangerous offensive player.
He would have been better served by staying, and learning, for one more year in college. Instead, he will take his knocks as a young NBA rookie.
Harkless is going to blossom, but it may take a while. He will make one NBA front office look very good.
Tony Wroten
Wroten is a physical specimen at the point guard position. In one year with the Washington Huskies, he averaged 16.7 points, five rebounds and nearly four assists per game.
He stands 6'5'', and he's put together. His strength allows him to overpower weaker guards. He makes a living by getting into the lane, forcing the defense to collapse and passing to wide open teammates.
Wroten is an excellent passer, and athlete, but his shooting leaves something to be desired. He shot 16 percent from three-point land, 44 percent from the field and 58 percent from the charity stripe. This makes him somewhat one-dimensional, but he's still extremely dangerous.
I think Wroten slides down the board, but he will find the right system. He could thrive on an uptempo team. His elite vision and athleticism will overcome his poor shooting, and Wroten will be one of the NBA's most imposing guards.
He is a capable defender (1.9 steals per game last year), and that will give him many easy layup opportunities. He knows how to score without leaning on his jumper.
