Undrafted NBA Free Agents 2015: Predictions for Top Prospects Available
As the smoke settles on a 2015 NBA draft class many considered one of the deepest in recent memory, one order of business remains—those who slipped through the cracks.
Plenty of talented names are now free agents after not hearing their names called Thursday, a natural occurrence given the wealth of depth at each position. Reasons for falling vary outside of the depth, though, with some prospects featuring character issues and others just flying under the radar.
Regardless of the reason, it's not hard to figure out which players are the top undrafted names available. They feature enough pro-ready talent or upside to help teams, and best of all from their perspective, they can choose where they want to play at the next level.
Here's a look at the top names to know.
Christian Wood, PF, UNLV
Sometimes it just doesn't work out for underclassmen.
Christian Wood is one such example. At 6'11" and 216 pounds after averaging 15.7 points and 10.0 rebounds as a sophomore while shooting 50 percent from the floor, it seems off-court issues hurt the UNLV product's stock.
ESPN.com's Chad Ford wrote before the draft teams raised an eyebrow over his interviews: "Wood has the talent of a lottery pick. He has great size, athleticism and skill. But as I wrote on Monday, teams seem to be very turned off right now. The feedback from his interviews at the draft combine and in workouts has been disappointing."
CBS Sports' Gary Parrish was quick to point out Wood as an example showing sheer talent isn't the lone part of the equation for prospects:
Therein lies the silver lining, though—Wood remains an elite talent despite the questions. Given time and maturity with the right team, he can morph into the player some think he can be.
Best of all, he gets to choose where he goes. Look for him to stay as west as possible and sign with the Dallas Mavericks, a team in need of future depth at the position.
Prediction: Wood signs with Dallas.
Cliff Alexander, PF, Kansas
One of the other names mentioned above by Parrish, Kansas' Cliff Alexander was a more confusing draft decision.
As Ford points out in his final writeup, an NCAA investigation into his family for improper benefits means the globe last saw him take the hard court in February and forced him into the draft.
Alexander touts a wiry frame at 6'9" and 239 pounds and averaged just 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a freshman, earning him the "project" label. Alex Kennedy of BasketballInsiders.com was one of many still surprised he wasn't worth a pick:
Like Wood, it's not all bad news. Before Kansas sat him down, Alexander showed elite flashes of potential. He's capable of filling out the frame well without losing athleticism.
He also gets to choose where he develops. Look for him to pick a young team such as the Boston Celtics, where he stands a chance fighting for a roster spot and rests in good hands coaching-wise.
Prediction: Alexander signs with Boston.
Michael Frazier, SG, Florida
It's beyond odd Michael Frazier went undrafted.
In a budding era defined by shooters such as Stephen Curry, Frazier entered the 2015 draft as one of the best in the area, if not the best outright.
As a junior with the Gators, Frazier averaged 12.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 42 percent from the floor and 38 percent from deep. As Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post pointed out before the draft, advanced numbers suggested a bright future for the former Gators' star:
It seems the Association disagrees, to an extent.
Some team will land a major steal with Frazier, who is more than just a shooter—he plays solid defense, touts elite athleticism and can run the pick-and-roll with the best in class.
Frazier will wind up with a team that might use him right away while helping him develop. The New York Knicks are as good an option as any for a shooter looking for a chance.
Prediction: Frazier signs with New York.
Quinn Cook, G, Duke
It's odd to see a four-year player with solid averages fall by the wayside of the draft.
While teams may not like the fact that Duke's Quinn Cook is a bit older than most in the class, averages of 15.3 points while shooting 45 percent from the floor and 40 percent from behind the arc—paired with plenty of experience, of course—make Cook an intriguing prospect.
Again, for a league defined by its shooting right now, Cook falling out of the top 60 doesn't make a ton of sense.
Regardless, some team will land a pro-ready prospect who can enter games right away as a scorer off the bench. He takes care of the ball and takes smart shots, making him an ideal addition for most teams.
Look for a team such as the Philadelphia 76ers to pounce, playing the Jahlil Okafor card. There's a spot there and a chance to develop, allowing Cook to hit the fast track to proving the Association wrong.
Prediction: Cook signs with Philadelphia.
All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
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