Most Raw Prospects in 2013 NBA Draft

Not all of the 2013 NBA draft prospects are ready to impact the league with well-honed skills and fundamentals.

In fact, there are a handful of players who are considerably raw in one or more areas of the game.

For some, it doesn't affect their draft status or rookie outlook. Others have a bit more to worry about, though, and they will have a lot of work to do between now and the start of the season.

A few overseas prodigies stand out as exceedingly raw performers. Meanwhile, there are some NCAA standouts from premiere programs who are unrefined themselves.

So who are the most raw prospects on the 2013 NBA draft radar? Read on to find out.

Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh

Age: 19

Height/Wt: 7'0", 255 lbs.

Projected: Mid-first round

Although he's developing quickly as a post player and all-around asset, Pittsburgh center Steven Adams is still raw because his jump shot is inconsistent and his free-throw shooting is suspect.

When he becomes more comfortable in catch-and-shoot situations at the elbow, his shot will be smoother and more effective.

As for the free throws, it looks like there's a bunch of room for improvement there. He shot 44 percent from the line during his freshman campaign, so I'm sure that this will be an area that he'll be working on all summer.

Adams' rawness isn't something to worry about, though, because he's already shown the capacity to learn and progress as a legitimate center.

Archie Goodwin, SG, Kentucky

Age: 18

Height/Wt: 6'5", 189 lbs.

Projected: Mid-second round

As a decision-maker, passer and perimeter shooter, Archie Goodwin is not ready for the rigors of the NBA.

His shooting form has a noticeable hitch and low release, resulting in frequent line drives that miss the mark. Consequently, he shot an unsightly 27 percent from distance in 2012-13, along with an underwhelming 64 percent from the charity stripe.

When handling the ball as a playmaker, Goodwin is also raw. He struggles to diagnose defenses with court vision as he's attacking.

I'd be surprised if he doesn't spend time in the D-League to polish his game before reaching the NBA.

Rudy Gobert, C, France

Age: 20

Height/Wt: 7'2", 238 lbs.

Projected: Mid-first round

If he's not shot-blocking or finishing easy chances close to the rim, Rudy Gobert's rawness is readily apparent.

The French tower doesn't own a wide range of low-post pivot moves, as he's far from being a truly effective post-up operator.

In addition, his mid-range jumper seems to lack a smoothness and quickness that is necessary in fast-paced game situations. Gobert doesn't exhibit the comfort or consistency from 10-15 feet that scouts want to see.

Nerlens Noel, PF/C, Kentucky

Age: 19

Height/Wt: 7'0", 206 lbs.

Projected: Top-five lock

Nerlens Noel is one of the more raw top-pick candidates we've seen in years.

In fact, if he's drafted No. 1 overall, he'll be the most raw top pick since Kwame Brown in 2001.

While his defensive skills are NBA-ready, his offense is miles behind. Basic up-and-under moves and short-range bank shots aren't natural to him, so most of his scoring at Kentucky came from put-backs, lobs and mismatches.

His jumper will eventually develop, along with some basic post moves, but he won't be a dependable offensive tool for a few years.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF, Greece

Age: 18

Height/Wt: 6'9", 196 lbs.

Projected: Mid-first round

 

Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is turning a lot of heads, and for good reason. He's a 6'9" athletic forward who will likely be one of the most versatile players in the NBA.

His top developmental priority right now is shooting fluidity and mid-range effectiveness. Antetokounmpo's form isn't terrible, but it does seem like he pushes the ball, and the motion isn't smooth.

Another area that needs refining is his footwork. Against inferior competition, he gets away with raw athleticism from point A to point B. In the NBA, though, he'll need better footwork, both as a playmaker and defender.

Myck Kabongo, PG, Texas

Age: 21

Height/Wt: 6'3", 180 lbs.

Projected: Mid-second round

Ball-handling, creativity and passing are Myck Kabongo's strong suits, so he's not as raw as most of the other prospects on this list.

However, as a decision-maker and a shooter, he has a little ways to go.

His mediocre shooting will hurt his productiveness in the NBA because defenses will sag on him and dare him to take the triple. Kabongo shot 31 percent from downtown in his two seasons at Texas.

As a floor general, all the tools are there, but he often works his way into crazy plays, resulting in 3.4 turnovers per game as a sophomore.

Lucas Nogueira, C, Brazil

Age: 20

Height/Wt: 7'0", 220 lbs.

Projected: Mid-to-late first round

Brazilian big man Lucas Nogueira is a top-tier draft pick because he's great at basic tasks on each end of the floor. He can block shots as a defender, and he uses his length to finish above the rim on offense.

He's also extremely raw on both ends because he doesn't exhibit dynamic post offense, nor does he show adequate defensive footwork.

Right now, Nogueira relies on his length and mobility for almost everything. His rookie season will be a tough one filled with lessons, drills and limited playing time.

When he learns how to be assertive and incorporate some basic pivot moves, he could be a dangerous center.

C.J. Leslie, SF/PF, North Carolina State

Age: 21

Height/Wt: 6'9", 209 lbs.

Projected: Early second round

At the combine, N.C. State forward C.J. Leslie wowed scouts with his vertical aptitude, lateral quickness and overall explosiveness.

Unfortunately, those things don't matter too much if you don't have a true position and can't put the ball in the bucket.

His scoring repertoire consists of fast-break buckets and simple straight-line slashes in half court situations. Leslie can't create his own shot on the low-block, and even more concerning is his below-average jumper.

For some players, rawness reflects youth and isn't a big deal. Considering Leslie's age and collegiate experience, though, it's a red flag.

Augusto Cesar Lima, PF/C, Brazil

Age: 21

Height/Wt: 6'10", 234 lbs.

Projected: Late second round

Explosiveness, quickness and leaping ability are no problem for Brazilian big man Augusto Cesar Lima.

Creating his own high-percentage scoring chances, however, is an issue.

Draftexpress.com's Matt Kamalsky explains Lima's rudimentary skills:

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Shooting 30% in the post and away from the rim as a jump shooter according to Synergy Sports Technology, Lima lacks consistent shooting mechanics and refined post moves. He doesn't have a consistent means to create his own shot with the ball in his hands and remains unpolished on the offensive end overall.

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It's difficult to imagine him evolving into anything more than a fringe rotational contributor, and he will struggle to get playing time.

Follow Dan for more NBA Draft coverage: @DanielO_BR