2011 NBA Draft: Top 5 Second Round Sleepers That Will Make an Impact in 2011-12
With the 2011 NBA Draft just over one week away, I wanted to focus on some of the lesser known prospects that could make an immediate impact next season, despite not being picked in the first round.
You know when guys like Shelvin Mack, Kyle Singler and Chandler Parsons are barely hanging on to their projections as first rounders that there must be some quality talent in the second round.
Guys like DeJuan Blair and Chase Budinger in 2009, Mario Chalmers and DeAndre Jordan in 2008, Carl Landry, Marc Gasol, and Ramon Sessions in 2007, Paul Millsap in 2006, Monta Ellis and Louis Williams in 2005, Trevor Ariza in 2004, Mo Williams in 2003 and Carlos Boozer in Matt Barnes in 2002. I think you get the point...
Now let's take a look at five potential second round sleepers in the 2011 NBA Draft.
5. David Lighty, SG, Ohio State
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There is so much to like about David Lighty (6'6", 216 lbs) that I don't even know where to begin. Does your team have room for a battle tested, proven winner that is willing to accept any role he is asked to fulfill? I thought so.
Lighty played 157 games in his college basketball career, five more than any other player ever. He went 129-28 (.822 winning percentage) during his career at Ohio State, and when head coach Thad Matta asked him to focus on his role as a defensive stopper, he did exactly that.
So what about his NBA career; will he succeed on the next level? Well, he certainly has the size for a wing player, and he can definitely defend on the perimeter. Most of all, he's a very smart player who is going to make very few mistakes while playing an extremely unselfish game.
When it's all said and done, Lighty will be an ideal teammate that is fundamentally sound with great footwork. Lastly, he will be an elite defender at the next level and a solid fourth or fifth offensive option.
4. DeAndre Liggins, SG, Kentucky
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A lot of times when I'm trying to determine who is going to be able to successfully make the transition from college to the NBA, I just look at how they are built. Please see the picture to your left.
DeAndre Liggins (6'6", 202 lbs) passes what a lot of scouts call the "look test," meaning he just looks the part of an NBA player.
Liggins is long and lean with NBA size and will be able to lock down wing players at the next level as a result of his long arms and corresponding 6'11" wingspan.
He's a good three point shooter, and if he can prove to be able to knock down the NBA three with consistency, he will have a long career in this league.
3. Jon Leuer, PF, Wisconsin
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Jon Leuer (6'11", 223 lbs.) possesses an all-around game that translates perfectly to the NBA. He has an excellent post game as a result of great footwork and can take his game outside to the perimeter.
He has great hands and an excellent shooting stroke from both the free throw line and further out. He can even take bigger defenders off the dribble when necessary.
Leuer has a very European feel to his game, and although he isn't going to bang around with you inside, his all-around game is NBA ready to contribute on Day 1 for the lucky team that snags him in the second round.
2. Reggie Jackson, PG/SG, Boston College
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Reggie Jackson (6'3", 200 lbs) is too good to go in the second round in my opinion, yet he's only projected as a top 40 prospect.
Jackson has a ridiculous seven foot wingspan to go along with his incredible athletic ability that allows him to get to the rim whenever he wants as a result of his explosive first step. He shot 42 percent from three point land last season while averaging 18 points, 4.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds.
Jackson's long arms will make it tough on opposing guards to penetrate and should help him rack up a ton of steals on the perimeter.
This guy can literally do it all, and I have a tough time understanding why he's not projected to go higher...maybe he will fall into the Lakers' lap at 41. Wouldn't that be nice?
1. JaJuan Johnson, SF/PF, Purdue
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You know it's a pretty deep draft if a first team All American like JaJuan Johnson (6'10", 220 lbs) is projected as a second rounder. All Johnson did last year at Purdue was average 20.5 points per game to go along with 8.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.
Johnson is a great athlete (seven foot wingspan) who loves to get out in transition and finish around the rim. He also possesses one particular trait that NBA scouts love, the ability to jump quickly.
He was dominant all season long on both ends of the court and will be able to contribute at the next level immediately. The only issue with Johnson is his weight; he needs more of it, a lot more.
A world class NBA training staff should have no problem helping him bulk up in the weight room, which will allow him to play more at the "4," instead of having to float around on the perimeter due to his lack of strength.
I think Johnson has a long NBA career ahead of him (assuming he can add enough weight) as a result of having a good head on his shoulders and will be a great teammate wherever he ends up.
