Make or Break NBA Prospects

To make it in the NBA, a player needs elite athleticism and knowledge of the game.  High level production usually helps too, but can be sometimes forgiven for younger players.  When upperclassmen have been touted as highly regarded prospects, but stayed in college only to produce marginal statistics, draft stocks tumble.  Here are 5 players who drastically need a good season to gain the NBA Draft traction they once had, or to maintain their current status.

1. James McAdoo PF/North Carolina- After his freshman year, he was graded by some as a top 10 pick.  His averages of 14/7 were not terrible, but they sure don't scream first round pick.  He shot a poor percentage from the floor, and didn't play with the same motor that was evident during his freshman season.  North Carolina drastically needs interior scoring this year, and a rise in averages to at least 18/8 would go a long way towards McAdoo avoiding a free fall.  Current Big Board Rank: 42
   
2. LeBryan Nash SF/Oklahoma State- Nash was a McDonald's All American who has failed to stand out at Oklahoma State.  After a positive freshman season, Nash regressed statistically, and did not improve his poor outside shooting percentages and steal rate.  He is a terrific athlete, and as a 6'7" wing is tough to contain in the college ranks.  When he takes bad shots (often) and commits foolish turnovers, however, he becomes a defense's best friend.  He needs to buy into the Oklahoma State system, and form one of the nations best 1-2 punches with point guard Marcus Smart.  Current Big Board Rank: 53
   
3. Russ Smith G/Louisville- I'll be the first to say I am squarely on the Russ Smith bandwagon.  He has NBA level athleticism, especially quickness, and has potential to be a scorer off of an NBA bench.  His defense could be a positive for a team at the next level as well.  The biggest question for Smith surrounds his guard play.  We know what he is capable of as an off-guard and scorer, but can he become a more efficient ball handler and outside shooter?  Russdiculous is good for his brand, but may not be the best for his NBA Draft status.  Current Big Board Rank: 26
   
4. Alex Poythress F/Kentucky- Poythress is only a sophomore, but he failed to meet the lofty expectations set for him last year.  He entered the 2012/13 college season regarded as a top 10 prospect, but could have been a second round pick had he declared for the 2013 draft.  He enters this season having to compete with perhaps the best recruiting class on record, including Julius Randle and James Young, who will use many minutes at the 3 and 4 spots.  Poythress had his moments of brilliance (he averaged 11/6 for the season), and needs to improve his outside shooting- he shot a good percentage on a low number of attempts- and his steal and block rate- a supposed strength of his, he only recorded 14 blocks and 9 steals.  He could still be a lottery pick next year, if he chooses to enter.  Current Big Board Rank: 17
   
5. Marshall Henderson SG/Ole Miss- For the record, I in no way endorse Henderson to be drafted by any team.  He is a volume shooter with no conscience, and has had off the court issues.  He will likely average 20 points again this year but it will not matter.  He jacked up nearly 11 threes per game last year, and while he makes a high percentage the shots he takes simply won't be tolerated by a coach at the nest level.  He has obvious talent, and Andy Kennedy needs to be strict with Henderson this year about his antics on and off the court.  If the same tactics are applied as last year, Henderson will not succeed.  ESPN will cover him, and he needs a great support system in place to make sure the coverage is not to his detriment.  Shooters are always needed in the NBA, so consider Henderson a vast longshot.  Current Big Board Rank: N/A