NBA Draft: Hidden Gems
Leading up to the NBA Draft, it’s easy to spend all your time talking about Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, O.J. Mayo and the other Top-10 caliber talents. But it’s been proven over the years that teams consistently develop stars out of guys who were taken in the latter part of the first round as well as well as the second round: Tony Parker (28th), Gilbert Arenas (31st), Josh Howard (29th), Andrei Kirilenko (24th), Monta Ellis (40th) and Manu Ginobili (57th) have turned into legit All-Stars, while the next level down, guys like Jason Maxiell, Paul Millsap, Kendrick Perkins and Lou Williams have been at least serviceable contributors on good teams.
Out of the ‘08 Draft field, who is that hidden gem? Some guys projected to go late in the first round or in the second round that stand out include Chris Douglas-Roberts, Darrell Arthur, Donte Greene, Courtney Lee, D.J. White and Joey Dorsey. Who else sticks out as a potential impact player to you?
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Junio says:
Like a lot Arthur, could be a 20-10 non-glamour guy like David West in the right system.
Like CDR too….will be a good wing in the league, good size, stroke, experience in big games, would be an excellent fit in Utah, Now Orleans, Dallas, Suns….anywhere with a good point.
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Dime Magazine says:
I have a feeling that this year’s steal will be Courtney Lee. He just has that look about him right now that he’ll be the guy we’re talking about years down the road, amazed that he went as low as he did in the draft.
- PC
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Jim says:
CDR really seems like the guy…unusual game, a little older, and seems like a good dude who would fit in doing what coach asks.
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
D says:
CDR definitely will be a legit NBA dude. Sucks that his workouts are apparently less than stellar and it will overshadow his great college career, and performance in the tournament. Now do an article on who will be the lottery’s biggest BUST. there are definitely some dudes on the list with “upside” that will never ever reach anything near what their “potential” is claimed to be.
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Amar says:
okur, boozer and korver were all 2nd round guys as well . . .
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Junio says:
Biggest Bust -> My money in Anthony Randolph.
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Kobeef says:
-Maresse Speights is the second coming of Al Jefferson only more athletic.
- Serge Ibaka is going to fall to the late first or second round and has amazing potential for a team that needs an athletic PF. Think Shawn Kemp.
- JR Giddens was a top prospect out of highschool but had some issues that caused him to fall off the radar. He is a great athlete with a great shot and would be a really nice SG for a team that needs one. Think Larry Hughes.
- Richard Hendrix is built like Elton Brand and while his skill set is not quite there he is a skilled and experienced player who will be as good or better than a guy like Milsap.
Busts?
For me, the following are VERY over rated in most draft boards:
- J. Bayless = undersized SG and cannot function as a PG (think Mo Williams)
- A. Randolph is severely underdevelped physically and skill wise (a bigger Shaun Livingston)
- Donte Green is a poor shooting, poor playmaking tall guy who is trying to make people think he is Rashard Lewis
- Kosta Kufos is too slow, unathletic for the NBA
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Junio says:
Bayless is a combo without the PG skills. Think Ben Gordon. Agree with Kobeef, don’t think he should be draft this high.
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Willis says:
Anthony Randolph could be the second coming of KG so I wouldn’t call him a potential bust. He probably ends up like Antawn Jamison, but KG is his cieling and Tim Thomas is his rock bottom. haha.
June 23rd, 2008 at 5:38 pm
godfreyallstar says:
i dont think darrell arthur would be considered a sleeper, hes gonna be a top 20 pick.
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:19 pm
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June 23rd, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Jeffrey says:
I like dj augustine. Maybe it’s because were both from texas
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
omar says:
steal will be bill walker people are sleeping on this guy if he is healthy he really impresses
June 23rd, 2008 at 9:35 pm
JoeGym says:
Augustin is from Louisiana & migrated to my bro’s HS after Katrina. He’s not physically gifted enough to excel in the NBA.
TJ Ford who is also from the same area of Houston was much quicker w/the ball & was explosive enough to dunk.
Augustin was swallowed up by Memphis: couldnt get off shots, blow by guys or finish at the hoop. He’ll be a nice backup or semi-starter on a team w/some legit stars to get him open looks.
@Omar: I agree, Bill Walker could be a steal. The Rockets are keeping an eye on him and CDR.
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Go Get 'Em says:
It’s all about Mike Taylor and Keith Brumbaugh.
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:34 pm
makedr says:
so cool guy,does he still hook up with those tall beauties on the tall dating site ___Tallmingle.com___ ???The last time I saw his profile is last monday, hope he does not leave.
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Jason says:
I think my second round gem is DeVon Hardin (Cal). He has an NBA ready game, plays defense, boxes out and is a great rebounder.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:06 pm
heavy d says:
Bill Walker and Jason Thompson are my steals. I’m also liking Pat Calathais to stick in the league and contribute.
Also every year we have undersized PFs in the 2nd round who contribute from day 1. This year that should be DJ White and Joey Dorsey.
June 24th, 2008 at 1:08 am
TalenTed says:
CDR and D.J. White most def. I hope D.J. Augstine from Texas.
June 24th, 2008 at 2:23 am
aaron says:
Kobeef is about right now let me make my points
JR Giddens – hooper. They say character issues but that’s weak. JR Rider got a dozen chances, Ricky Davis is still in the league, JR Smith(what is it with these JR’s?) Rasheed, Artest i mean come on. If he can play and contribute to a winner then it won’t matter. He’s a top 20 talent in this draft.
CDR – Obviously
Othello Hunter – Big guy from OSU. At least as good as Fransico Elson.
Robin lopez – Aren’t both Collins bros still in the league? He can’t be that much worse then his brother.
woulda said ty lawson but…
Shoulda stayed til senior season:
Anthony Randolph. had good numbers on a horrible team…weak
Koustas or whatever. Why was he so hyped anyway. Has any white guys with his skill set every been that successful in the league? Unless he’s a deadeye like Matt Bulliard he’s the next Lafrentz, without the pedigree.
Rose – Blasphemy
June 24th, 2008 at 8:18 am
D Reezy says:
Reggie Roby out of Colorado. Remember the name….Remember I said it too.
June 24th, 2008 at 9:06 am
doc says:
Sean Singletary.
June 24th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Kobeef says:
@DReezy
I Think you mean Richard Roby out of Colorado (Kenyon Martin’s cousin)
He looked good two years ago but lost his shot. He has a good build for a SG but if you can’t shoot you aren’t a SG/
June 24th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Austin Burton says:
@Kobeef — Roby is actually K-Mart’s brother.
June 24th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Kudabeen says:
Barring injury isn’t Kareem Rush the most complete player in the draft not named Beasley?
What can’t he do? They keep saying that he is not a superstar, but he strikes me as a guy that plays his role. In college when he was called on to score he did it. Rebound he did it. Knock down from deep he did it. Defend 4 positions he did it. Teams like orlando, Boston, Spurs need to be working hard to get a guy like Rush or CDR. I like Courtney Lee as well.
Can’t wait for the summer league to see what guys going to step up…
June 24th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Luigi says:
look out for singletary. he could go undradted but impress a team enough to sign him for a cheap deal. watch him