NBA Draft Stock Report

The season has come to a close, which allows time for closer analysis of players, and head to head comparisons.  Here are players whose stock has risen or fallen:

Stock UP:

Dario Saric F/Croatia: Saric is rising fast up the board because of his versatility.  He reminds a lot of Hedo Turkoglu because of his ability to see the open court and play as a point forward despite being 6'10".  The biggest obstacle for Saric's success is his inconsistent three-point jump shot, but there are plenty of opportunities to improve that (Turkoglu only shot 32% in year 1).  It wouldn't surprise me to see him taken in the top ten.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope SG/Georgia: Caldwell-Pope is emerging as a favorite of analysts (myself included) because of his abilities to shoot the three and defend wing spots.  3 and D players are highly coveted, and Caldwell Pope combines his deep range and solid defense with the ability to get to the rim and rebound the ball as a guard.  He looks like a cross of JR Smith and Will Barton.  The big question is can he be efficient?

Jackie Carmichael PF/Illinois State:  Carmichael could get drafted in the late first round and it would not surprise me.  Just as Taj Gibson was projected a fringe rd. 1 prospect, Carmichael is as well.  He has an NBA body that can pound in the paint right away, and is a good rebounder with jump shot range out to 20 feet.  Every year there is a forward who goes between 25 and 35 who makes a big difference for a team off the bench (Carl Landry, Jimmy Butler, Dante Cunningham, Draymond Green).  This year's player in that category- which has been quite productive- is Jackie Carmichael.  A team like the Spurs or Thunder would find a gem to put out there for 15-20mpg.

Stock DOWN:




Tony Mitchell PF/North Texas:  In hindsight, Mitchell probably should have stayed in school.  Last year, he would have been a first round pick, and was hailed as a potential lottery pick for this draft.  After a season (points and rebounds 2 less per game despite playing more minutes) in which he statistically regressed, he has scouts wondering if the best has already been seen from Mitchell.  He can still be a first round pick, but more than likely he goes between 31-45 on draft day.