Chad Ford: Top 30 NBA Draft Prospects in March Madness
ESPN's NBA Draft guru Chad Ford has released a ($ paywalled) Top 30 list of NBA Draft prospects in the NCAA Tournament. Michigan has a pair of players included. This is a little scary, but unless either plays there way into a surefire first rounder, there shouldn't be much reason for worry. Also, this list leaves out international players and anyone else not in the tournament (like Markelle Fultz).
25. D.J. Wilson
Draft projection: 30-50
Michigan Junior ForwardWilson is an athletic forward who can both stretch the floor and protect the rim. He has a rare combination of explosiveness and skill. His inconsistency and soft play (despite his size he doesn't really like contact in the paint) concern NBA scouts.
He's on the first-round bubble, but a big NCAA tournament could change things for him. He was outstanding in the Big 10 tourney for Michigan with 26 points, eight boards and three blocks against Purdue and 17 points, six boards, three assists and two steals against Wisconsin to lead Michigan to the title.
26. Moritz Wagner
Draft projection: 30-50
Michigan Sophomore Forward
Wagner might be the biggest sleeper on this list. The native of Germany brings many of the things that Lauri Markkanen brings to the table and is just six months older, such as size, agility, a terrific 3-point stroke and a high basketball IQ. Like Markkannen, he isn't a great rebounder or shot blocker, but you don't find many players with his size and skill set in the draft.
all those players or even a significant portion of them would have had extended NBA careers if they stayed in college longer with limited practice time? You think that playing in NBA summer leagues and practicing against NBA players and literally being paid and developed to be a pro actually hurt their careers? If your'e going to make it, you'll make it regardless of how much time you spend in college.
Some guys leave and don't make it, but more college ball wouldn't have helped. If the NBA drafted them or signed them, they had as good a shot as they were ever going to get. And even then, there is the D-league and overseas. Again, if you're going to make, you'll make it. But it's a really hard league to make.
March 13th, 2017 at 12:37 PM ^
Worth noting that Ford projects them both as second rounders (in the 30-50 range). Hopefully they will end up right in that sweet spot where the best choice is to come back and prove you're a first rounder. Or prove that they're lottery picks by winning the whole thing. I would settle for that.
March 13th, 2017 at 12:43 PM ^
LOL at people that think Wagner will be back next year.
The NBA doesn't draft phycially ready guys. How many seniors go in the 1st round each year? Very few becasue they have tapped out potential--they are all 2nd rounders.
Young guys with the skills of Wagner and Wilson are EXACTLY who NBA GMs want. Get them into full time weight programs and skill programs and can get them ready by the time they're 21 instead of 23 or 24.
I don't think Wilson will go, but I think he will have a tougher decision than most people think.
March 13th, 2017 at 12:45 PM ^
March 13th, 2017 at 12:48 PM ^
March 13th, 2017 at 12:45 PM ^
Wagner will be a lottery pick next year. He's a 6'11 guy with an inside out game and decent handle. NBA scout fall in love with the big men that can shoot and handle the rock. A stretch 4/5 is the new norm in the league.
but you have to play some defense to be a lottery pick so he has a long way to go there.
March 13th, 2017 at 12:49 PM ^
There's 7 to 8 NCAA players that are surefire first rounders who are not in the tournament. There's 3 international players that are surefire first rounders.
they play themselves into surefire range, because that means Michigan will have quite the run in the tourney.
If we have DJ, Mo and MAAR as the core. Assuming each progresses at least a little. Would love for one or two freshman to contribute early. I love X's ability to get to the cup, but his shot seems a little iffy (hopefully it's just a confidence thing). And of course, going to miss Walton a LOT!
This is exactly my point when I was arguing about DWJr. the other day.
Awesome player, could have a solid NBA career...not going to be a draft prospect. Never was at his size and measurables. It's just the way the NBA rolls.
This is exactly my point when I was arguing about DWJr. the other day.
Awesome player, could have a solid NBA career...not going to be a draft prospect. Never was at his size and measurables. It's just the way the NBA rolls.
said Beilien couldn't develop bigs....