NBA Draft 2013: Underrated Prospects Who'll Become Stars
The 2013 NBA draft is going to be here before you know it. As always, with it will come a plethora of fresh faces entering the league with the intent to carve out a long career.
Outside of the top picks, it’s rare for these young men to find much success and most wind up as nothing more role players, benchwarmers or journeymen.
However, it seems a handful of picks in the latter portion always wind up exceeding expectations and making a real impact in the Association.
Let’s take a look at a few prospects that are flying under the radar that will wind up becoming stars at the next level.
Doug McDermott, F, Creighton
McDermott recently pulled off the rare feat of being named to back-to-back AP All-American First Teams during a season in which he finished second in the nation in scoring and led the Bluejays to the third round of the NCAA tournament.
The junior forward has accomplished much at the collegiate level and could be looking to make the leap to the NBA while his stock is high and the talent level is likely lower than it will be in 2014.
At 6’8”, 225 pounds, the sweet-shooting 3 has the prototypical size and range teams are looking for. Unfortunately, he lacks in the athleticism department and could be a liability on defense at times.
However, due to his high basketball I.Q., innate ability to utilize screens and an uncanny knack for finding a way to get open despite being the opposition’s key focus, McDermott projects to be a great scorer in the NBA.
As long as he lands with a team that will utilize his jump shooting and mask his defensive issues—such as San Antonio—this youngster will be an asset as a third or fourth scoring option, possibly coming off the bench.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G, Georgia
Speaking of long-range gunners, Caldwell-Pope made his intentions to declare for the upcoming draft known on Monday.
While the Bulldogs didn’t have the best 2012-13 campaign, the sophomore is making the wise decision to forego his final two years in Athens.
As an individual, Caldwell-Pope put up great numbers and has an NBA-ready frame and skill set. His 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.0 steals per contest are quite respectable and indicate he should be able to make an impact in all facets of the game.
Due to his lengthy, 6’5” body, long-range jumper, immense athleticism, defensive ability and facilitating prowess, Caldwell-Pope could wind up becoming one of the more complete players in this draft.
He’s a bit raw in certain areas, such as ball-handling, but over time he should be able to create his own shot. Until then, this Georgia product will be able to find a roster spot and even start due to his versatility.
Kyle Anderson, F, UCLA
There isn’t a more interesting player in this draft than Anderson.
Nicknamed “Slow Mo” for the deliberate pace in which he plays the game, the UCLA star brings a unique set of skills to the court.
He’s a big, 6’9”, 235-pound forward with some of the best handling and passing abilities in the class. The New Jersey native isn’t afraid to bang for boards and then take off running as a point forward, whipping a pretty pass to a teammate on the break.
It’s exciting to watch, but obviously the 19-year-old Anderson still has plenty of room to develop. He’s not a top-tier shooter or athlete and doesn’t seem to possess a great motor. He hasn't yet made a decision on his draft status, so it remains to be seen if he'll hone his craft for another year at UCLA.
Should he get motivated to play hard on every possession of every game, the young man could easily develop into a superstar. He brings something to the table that very few players of his size possess and for that, Anderson is worth a first-round pick.
