Under-the-Radar 2014 NBA Draft Prospects Guaranteed to Flourish
Hiding in the shadows of 2014's monster NBA draft names is a pack of players who will also flourish.
These pros might not attain the stardom of a Jabari Parker or Andrew Wiggins, but they are each poised to succeed, whether immediately or down the road.
A pair of captivating ACC forwards made our list of future standouts, as did a couple international ballers. A handful of point guards are also primed to crash the professional ranks and exceed expectations.
If you're an NBA fan, get used to hearing the following names.
T.J. Warren, N.C. State F (Sophomore)
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Vitals: 20 years old, 6'8", 6'9.5" wingspan
Key Stat: Scoring 27.9 points per 40 minutes as non-ball-dominant forward
Why He'll Flourish in NBA: As one of the most productive players in the entire country, N.C. State forward T.J. Warren has proven he can put up big numbers within the flow of the game.
He's shooting 55 percent as a sophomore despite being cold (25 percent) from the three-point line. It seems as if he finds a favorable angle toward the hoop on every possession, as he moves without the ball and scores smoothly in transition.
ESPN scouting analyst Fran Fraschilla has taken notice of how painless and straightforward Warren's huge season has been, saying "if NC State's T.J. Warren keeps playing this way, he's a First or Second Team All-American. Effortless and efficient scorer."
The Wolfpack's top dog has the inside-out tools that translate to the NBA: body control and dexterity to finish contested shots, and promising outside shooting skills. No matter where he lands, he will make life easier for his club, which in turn will afford him more opportunities to shine.
Jordan Clarkson, Missouri G (Junior)
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Vitals: 20 years old, 6'5", 6'7.5" wingspan
Key Stat: Assists per minute increased 42 percent from sophomore to junior (via Sports-Reference.com)
Why He'll Flourish in NBA: Jordan Clarkson has done much more than excel in his new environment. He's carrying Missouri and catapulting his draft stock by driving and creating.
A few more of these 20-point, six-assist outings, and we won't be able to label him "under the radar." Clarkson has become increasingly comfortable as the Tigers' playmaker, as he's a legitimate threat to score or dish on every trip down the floor.
After his 25-point, eight assist performance against Illinois, Bleacher Report draft guru Jonathan Wasserman affirmed Clarkson's ability to operate as a high-level quarterback. He noted the floor general's knack for driving and "locating his shooters like a true point guard."
At 6'5" with ample length, athleticism and skills, Clarkson is in a position to enjoy long-term prosperity in the Association.
K.J. McDaniels, Clemson G-F (Junior)
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Vitals: 20 years old, 6'6", 6'9.5" wingspan
Key Stat: 32.3 PER in 2013-14
Why He'll Flourish in NBA: He passes the eye test in three key categories: shooting, finishing above the rim and defending.
In his third season at Clemson, K.J. McDaniels has grown comfortably into a more prominent role, and he's impacting the Tigers' season in a handful of ways. He's shooting 36 percent from three, slashing to the rim, blocking shots (2.8 per game) and rebounding at a high rate (6.6 per game).
Clemson head coach Brad Brownell told The Post and Courier how much McDaniels has progressed during his collegiate career.
"It’s time in his career to be a high-level player and he performed at a high level tonight. He always makes the highlight plays with the blocks and dunks. His skill level has improved tremendously with his shooting, his ability to drive it and attack some close-outs. Those weren’t really things he came here with the ability to do.
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Don't expect him to be a playmaker or world-class shooter in the NBA. What you can count on, though, is his 6'10" wingspan and vertical aptitude to wreak havoc defensively and for him to convert scoring chances when called upon. His efficient style of play could make him a standout complementary player for a winning franchise.
Dario Saric, Croatia PF
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Vitals: 19 years old, 6'10", 6'10" wingspan
Key Stat: 58 percent shooting in Adriatic League 2013-14
Why He'll Flourish in NBA: 6'10" skilled players are a tough matchup.
Croatian forward Dario Saric is having a challenging year because he's not in the best situation, so he's flying under the radar somewhat. He's also not the hottest new name in draft circles because this is his second year as a potential draftee.
Some people have forgotten he's only 19, and he's got tangible potential.
Although he's far from mistake-free, he has impressive instincts for someone his age. Saric exhibits great tendencies in the team game when he moves without the ball and passes.
His scoring instincts and execution aren't always consistent, but he handles the ball well and moves well for a big man. Just ask DraftExpress.com's Matt Kamalsky, who said "(Saric's) lack of bulk limits him at times around the basket, and while he isn't terribly explosive, he shows impressive fluidity for a player his size and a unique skill level."
No, I'm not crowning him as the next great international superstar like Toni Kukoc or Dirk Nowitzki. That being said, his long-term outlook could be thoroughly productive all over the stat sheet.
Sam Dekker, Wisconsin F (Sophomore)
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Vitals: 20 years old, 6'7"
Key Stat: 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3-of-5 3-PT vs. Marquette
Why He'll Flourish in NBA: He'll grow into a small forward role as an ultra-consistent third option.
In the first couple months of his sophomore season, Wisconsin forward Sam Dekker has significantly boosted his draft stock by showcasing his versatility.
He makes his team better with or without the rock, and when it's his turn to score it, he can sink the deep ball or finish among the trees.
The intangibles make him more than just a 6'7" shooter who can attack the hoop. CBS Sports' Matt Moore explains:
"Dekker has great understanding of how to work in a set, something that's hard to learn in college. He'll do well negotiating screens and knows how to manage space. He's not going to be any sort of passing playmaker, he's a tip-of-the-spear weapon. Doesn't take many plays off from what I've seen and is mentally locked in, an underrated asset on the wing.
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When Dekker turns pro, he won't reach stardom as a go-to-guy, but his team will be more than pleased with his weighty contributions every game. Don't be surprised if he becomes much more than a poor man's Chandler Parsons.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Delaware 87ers F
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Vitals: 20 years old, 6'7"
Key Stat: Scored 15-plus points in each of last three games
Why He'll Flourish in NBA: His physical tools and upside make him a matchup nightmare.
NBADL Delaware 87ers forward and Greek import Thanasis Antetokounmpo isn't as young or quite as fascinating as his younger brother Giannis (Milwaukee Bucks rookie), but he still has a hatful of his own potential.
His ideal size for the wing and sensational end-to-end athleticism turns heads. However, it's his perimeter shooting and defensive potential that make him a solid bet to thrive one day in the NBA.
Gino Pilato of DLeagueDigest.com explained how Antetokounmpo is earning favor as a minor league mainstay:
"The lanky 6’7” Antetokounmpo moves well without the ball, and attacks the basket by cutting towards the hoop often. If he can generate a go-to move, but also keep up his intensity on the offensive end, NBA teams would likely take a hard look at him. His stock is certainly rising though.
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When you factor the younger brother's rapid learning curve and what we've seen from Thanasis in the D-League, it's no stretch to say the older brother will blossom in the Association as well.
Russ Smith, Louisville G (Senior)
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Vitals: 22 years old, 6'0"
Key Stat: Career defensive rating of 87.6 (per Sports-Reference.com)
Why He'll Flourish in NBA: He's a defensive menace and an unpredictable offensive speedster.
In the NCAA, Louisville guar Russ Smith is not under the radar at all. That tends to happen when you win a national championship.
In the NBA draft realm, it's a little different. The undersized combo guard isn't the most attractive prospect.
Even if he's selected in the second round, Smith's disruptive nature as a defender and shiftiness as a creative sparkplug will allow him to tear things up as a crucial bench contributor.
According to C.L. Brown of ESPN.com, Smith has been studying footage of small guards such as Kemba Walker, D.J. Augustin and Eric Bledsoe for comparison. If he can be poised and efficient like them, the odds are that his talent will do the rest.
Smith's assist numbers are up so far this season, and his field-goal percentage is humming at a career-best 45 percent. Looks like he is on the right track to be an influential asset in the NBA.
Spencer Dinwiddie, Colorado G (Junior)
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Vitals: 20 years old, 6'5", 6'7.5" wingspan
Key Stat: Led Pac-12 in free-throw attempts in 2012-13
Why He'll Flourish in NBA: Because he's a creative playmaker on both sides of the ball.
Colorado has feasted off Spencer Dinwiddie's craftiness and skill for a couple years now, and as a junior he's looked every bit the part of a serious NBA prospect.
Not only has he been displaying efficient ball-handling and tremendous shooting, but he's also been forcing turnovers and taking advantage of his size as a defender.
John Gold of the Arizona Daily Star relayed praise for Dinwiddie from Lorenzo Romar, who lauded the guard's versatility:
"...To Washington coach Lorenzo Romar, Dinwiddie’s offense is only a part of his package.
“He has that rare ability to control a game,” Romar said. “He’s big enough on the defensive end to rebound and get deflections and create havoc. Offensively, he can take it to the block, he can penetrate, he can hit the jumper. That’s an NBA player as far as I’m concerned.”
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He might not take over the NBA as a top-tier guard with colossal statistics, but Colorado's leader will flourish in his role as a key reserve or rotational spark. His confident approach and rich talent will enable him to maximize his stints.
Dan O'Brien covers the NBA draft for B/R. Follow him on Twitter:
