2015 NBA Free Agents: Predictions for Top Undrafted Prospects After the Draft
The NBA draft is over with all 60 picks in the books, but there are still quality players available who will likely sign as undrafted free agents in the coming week. We've seen guys like Jeremy Lin, John Starks and Ben Wallace go on to have successful careers in the NBA, despite not being drafted out of college.
NBA teams will be hoping to find the second comings of those players as invitations to training camp are extended. Here are three guys who didn't hear their names called who have a chance to make a roster if given the opportunity.
In a draft so deep at point guard, there's no surprise all three players spotlighted play that position.
T.J. McConnell
There's nothing spectacular about T.J. McConnell's athleticism, but he simply knows how to play the game. McConnell only made 32 percent of his three-point shots in the 2014-15 season, but he has the makeup of a guy who makes big shots and one who will improve his shooting percentages.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about McConnell's game is his ability to take care of the basketball. As the man running the Arizona Wildcats offense last season, he had a 3-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. That's a rare feat for a college point guard.
He'd be a great pickup for the Houston Rockets, who need help and depth at point guard. DraftExpress interviewed McConnell after a recent draft workout:
Keifer Sykes
As pure athletes go, you'll be hard pressed to find a player more impressive than the Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix's Keifer Sykes. He's only 6'0", but he has a vertical leap that measured an insane 43" at the NBA Draft Combine.
Sykes proved he could score in the mold of Nate Robinson in college. During the 2014-15 season, he averaged 18.5 points per game. He only shot 30.1 percent from three-point range, and that likely hurt his chances of being selected.
If he can improve his shooting, he could be a dynamic scorer off the bench later in his career. Scott Venci of the Green Bay Press-Gazette quoted an NBA scout who thinks the San Antonio Spurs might be a landing spot for Sykes:
There are other options. The Chicago Bulls have made a habit of tabbing diminutive scoring guards with Robinson, D.J. Augustin and most recently Aaron Brooks.
Sykes could be an even lower-cost version of the same concept.
Ryan Boatright
Another explosive athlete available is Ryan Boatright from the Connecticut Huskies. Boatright has great leaping ability, and he vastly improved his shooting from long range. He made 41 percent of his threes last season.
Boatright's best attributes are his experience as a winner with UConn and defensive intensity. His team won a national championship during the 2013-14 season with Boatright playing a huge role. As a defender, he can lock down on opposing point guards.
His issue is a lack of playmaking. He averaged just 4.1 assists per game and 2.4 turnovers. Still, he could find a spot in the league with a team like the Indiana Pacers. They are in need of depth at point guard, and Boatright's defensive prowess could be an endearing quality to head coach Frank Vogel.
Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
