NBA Draft 2013: Polarizing Prospects Who Are Fringe Lottery Picks
The 2013 NBA draft is quickly nearing, as teams do their final calculations on prospects before the big day on Thursday in Brooklyn.
As we head into the draft, there are several polarizing prospects on the verge of the lottery (picks one through 14). Whether it's a player's jump shot, size or lack of toughness, each one of these prospects has a definable area of weakness.
Here's a look at some prospects who are just as likely to end up outside of the lottery as in it.
Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA
In ESPN.com's latest experts mock draft (subscription required), Shabazz Muhammad goes to the Boston Celtics at No. 16 overall.
Muhammad's range in the draft is likely from picks 13 on. The Dallas Mavericks, at No. 13 overall, could use a wing scorer alongside Dirk Nowitzki. The Celtics could use a small forward to eventually supplant the aging Paul Pierce.
Muhammad's slide from one of the top recruits in 2012 to polarizing draft prospect has been due to a myriad of developments.
As far as Muhammad's game, he has the explosiveness to the rim and rebounding skills to potentially be an asset in the pros, but his jump shot needs work (he was one of the worst shooters at the combine, subscription required), and some question his character after it was revealed by the Los Angeles Times that he was a year older than he had been represented.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Explosiveness | Jump Shot |
| Finishing Ability | Character Concerns |
| Rebounding | Lack of Size at SF |
Overall, I don't have questions about Muhammad's character, but he is going to have to improve that jump shot to be a difference-maker in the NBA. Fortunately for whoever selects him, he has an outstanding work ethic.
Shane Larkin, PG, Miami (Fla.)
In ESPN.com's experts mock draft, Shane Larkin goes to the Utah Jazz at No. 14 overall. If the Jazz aren't in love with German point guard Dennis Schroeder, that's certainly a possibility.
The biggest concern surrounding Larkin is his lack of size. He's under 6'0" in shoes.
On the other hand, Larkin has just about everything else: electric quickness and explosiveness, vision, passing skills, leadership qualities and deep range. As far as his pedigree, he's the son of Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin.
David Locke, radio voice for the Jazz, tweeted this month:
In my opinion, Larkin is the third-best point guard in the draft behind Trey Burke and Michael Carter-Williams. I think he goes on to have a solid career in the NBA.
Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga
In ESPN.com's experts mock draft, Kelly Olynyk goes No. 13 to the Mavericks, who are in need of another big man alongside Dirk Nowitzki.
Olynyk has good height at center (7'0"), and he has a polished inside-outside game. He's also versatile, with the ability to run the floor on the break.
On the other hand, he's not much of a rebounder or shot-blocker for his size, and some (subscription required)—including myself—have questioned his toughness. He also needs to add strength if he expects to bang down low in the post with the big boys.
I project Olynyk to be a serviceable player in the NBA but not a high-impact starter. I wouldn't take him in the lottery.
