With March Madness underway, let’s take a look at some second round prospects for the 2019 NBA Draft.
The college basketball regular season has officially ended, and March Madness has finally arrived. We have now gotten a chance to evaluate draft prospects over the course of a full season. As a result, it seemed like the perfect time to take a look at some second round prospects.
The NBA trade deadline passed us by over a month ago, and the playoffs picture is almost set. Many non playoff teams are in full tank mode and are no doubt looking ahead to the 2019 NBA draft class.
This class is an intriguing one. Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, and RJ Barrett all possess superstar potential and can contribute right away. However, the rest of the class is murkier.
The rest of the potential lottery picks come with serious question marks or lack upside. Draft workouts will be huge for a lot of these players. Nevertheless, front offices could significantly upgrade their rosters if they make the right moves, and there are many second round prospects who can help teams.
Despite trade deadline speculation, the Portland Trail Blazers still own their upcoming first round pick. However, they do not own their second round pick due to the draft night trade for Jake Layman in 2016. Nevertheless, the Portland Trail Blazers could simply purchase a second round pick like many teams do or acquire one in another trade.
Let’s break down the draft stocks and performances of some prospects who could be available in the second round.
Late Second Round/Undrafted
SG Tyus Battle, Syracuse
Battle is a talented scorer and had another strong season at Syracuse averaging 17.2 points per game. The problem is that Battle is essentially the same player that he was as a freshman and his three-point shooting has actually regressed. Battle’s strong mid-range game should translate to the next level, but his old school game and lack of growth will certainly hamper his draft stock.
SF Charlie Brown Jr., St. Joseph’s
After missing his entire sophomore season due to a wrist injury, Charlie Brown Jr. had a strong season averaging 18.8 points per game for St Joseph’s. Brown Jr. is a three level scorer, who can handle the basketball. However, his lack of elite competition, low efficiency, and below average defensive will be question marks for teams. Nevertheless, Brown Jr. can score the basketball, and he has a chance to blossom into a quality bench scorer.
SG Max Strus, DePaul
In the second round, front offices look for players with a definable skillset to potentially fill roles on their team. Max Strus can shoot the basketball. He has displayed NBA range at DePaul and has even managed to carry his team offensively averaging 19 points per game. That alone should earn Strus the opportunity to compete for a roster spot. If the Blazers lose Rodney Hood and Seth Curry in free agency, Strus is worth a flier.
Late Second Round
PG Tremont Waters, LSU
Waters has developed into an excellent leader at LSU and has a natural feel for the game. His ability to pass the ball and get in the paint will intrigue teams, but his 5’11” height and lack of elite shooting ability cause concern. If Waters can take a step forward offensively, he could become a quality NBA reserve.
PF Zylan Cheatham, Arizona State
Zylan Cheatham is a very unique prospect. He is a double-digit rebounder at Arizona State (10.4 per game) and has the potential to become an elite pick and roll defender due to his athleticism, size, and toughness. He has also flashed playmaking ability on offense. His inconsistent shooting and lack of scoring potential drop him into the second round conversation, but he is the type of player that modern NBA front offices value.
PG Shamorie Ponds, St. John’s
Shamorie Ponds has a real chance to rise up draft boards depending on his combine performance. He is an excellent scorer and has shown improvement as a playmaker. Playing in the Big East, Ponds has faced top level competition, as well. Ponds considered entering the NBA draft last year, but there were concerns about his three-point shooting and general efficiency. Well, Ponds has put those concerns to rest this season by shooting 46.2% from the field and 36.3% from three. Ponds’s stock should be monitored as we move forward in the pre-draft process.
Middle of the Second Round
SG Matisse Thybulle, Washington
Matisse Thybulle can contribute to a NBA team from day one. He has the potential to be an elite NBA defender and is averaging a whopping 3.5 steals per game at Washington. I would not be surprised to see him develop into an Andre Roberson type. Nevertheless, Thybulle’s offense is a huge question mark. He is a streaky three point shooter. His three-point percentage has dipped to 32.6% in his senior season after shooting a 40.5% clip during his sophomore campaign. With a limited offensive skillset, Thybulle’s perimeter shooting will be critical to his value. At the end of the day, he is the type of the backcourt defender that a team like the Blazers desperately needs, and offensive consistency would make him an absolute steal.
SF Chuma Okeke, Auburn
Chuma Okeke is a player that fits perfectly in the modern NBA. He has length and can shoot the ball well for a player of his size. His lack of production and limited upside will ultimately limit his draft stock. A team will believe in his three-and-d potential even if he is raw.
SF Eric Paschall, Villanova
Eric Paschall has been sensational for Villanova and was a key member of their championship team last season. Paschall has developed into a quality three point shooter and is dominant defensively at Villanova. The main question surrounding Paschall is whether his skills will translate to the NBA. He lacks quickness and athleticism which could cause him trouble defensively against NBA small forwards. His lack of size casts doubt on his ability to play the power forward position, as well, but Paschall could find a role in a increasingly position less league. Teams will value his leadership and experience.
Mid/Early Second Round
SF Ignas Brazdeikis, Michigan
Ignas Brazdeikis is a 41.7% three-point shooter with size (6’7″). At only 20 years old, Brazdeikis still has plenty of upside. At the very least, his shooting ability should intrigue front offices. He would be a solid second round pickup for the Blazers.
PF Naz Reid, LSU
Naz Reid is in the midst of an up and down season at LSU. He disappears during games and seems disinterested at times. Reid does has all the offensive tools of a first round prospect with shooting touch, ball handling ability, and size, and I would not be surprised to see a team reach for him. However, the red flags will likely limit him as a second round prospect.
C Neeimas Queta, Utah State
Neemias Queta is averaging 2.5 blocks in only 26.7 minutes per game and possesses a 9’6″ standing reach. He could become a quality rim protector, but lacks the athleticism and vertical of centers like DeAndre Jordan and Clint Capela. He is extremely limited offensively and struggles at the free throw line, but his defensive potential should get him drafted.
Mid/Early Second Round
SF Isaiah Roby, Nebraska
Roby is a divisive prospect. His game has no true weaknesses, but he also does have any elite traits that separate him from the pack. His career 33.3% three-point shooting does not inspire confidence either. Hopefully, his playmaking or defense will take another leap forward at the next level.
PG Chris Clemons, Campbell
There are a few undersized scorers late in this draft class, but if anyone has a chance to be the next Isaiah Thomas, it is Chris Clemons. In fact, here are the college shooting splits of each guard.
Clemons: 44.4%/36.3%/85.2%
Thomas: 42.6%/32.5%/71.3%
Clemons is the nation’s leading scorer at 30 points per game. He is the first division one player to average 30 points per game since the 1996-97 season. At 5’9″, Clemons will certainly have trouble defensively, and he needs to improve as a passer. In the second round, his scoring potential is worth a flier even if there is a chance that he is another Kay Felder.
PF Dedric Lawson, Kansas
Dedric Lawson has been fantastic for the Kansas Jayhawks. He is averaging 19.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game this season and is one the best players in the country. Lawson’s lack of athleticism along with the fact that he has spent three years at Kansas will leave him in the second round, but some team will value his production and experience.
Early Second Round
PG Jalen Lecque, Brewster Academy
Jalen Lecque is a high school prospect who is reportedly considering skipping college and entering the draft. His athleticism, length, and explosiveness make him a very intriguing prospect. Lecque is relatively raw and will need time to develop. However if he does declare, his upside could possibly even launch him into the first round conversation in this shallow class.
PF Jaylen Hoard, Wake Forest
Jaylen Hoard’s stock is tied to his defensive potential. His athleticism, ability to play multiple positions, and 7’1″ wingspan will entice front offices. Hoard is extremely raw offensively. His 22.6% three-point shooting is also very concerning. Hoard is a name to watch at the combine.
PG Ashton Hagans, Kentucky
Ashton Hagans keeps improving as the season progresses. Hagans has exceptional quickness and defensive instincts. He will need to improve offensively to gain consistent NBA minutes, but at 19 years old he has plenty of time. Hagans might not declare, but if he does, his perimeter defense would be a nice addition for the Blazers.