Three Draft Prospects Getting Slept on in Mock Drafts

The Dallas Mavericks may not be picking in the late first round, but if they decided to trade for another first round pick, here are three players that are getting slept on in a lot of mock drafts around the league.

The NBA Draft is always loaded with more questions than answers. Just ask the teams at the top of the draft order this year, who will likely have to choose between some of the most talented players we have seen in a few years. However, these concerns don’t stop with just the top teams.

Once you get into the picks in the teens, there are a lot of players that could be considered. Offensive threats, defensive threats, and a couple that seem to be potentially strong on both sides. But who should be picked? Here are just a few players that people seem to be sleeping on so far.

Dzanan Musa

While everyone knows that Luka Doncic is undoubtedly the top prospect from overseas in this year’s NBA Draft, some are not aware that Dzanan Musa is undoubtedly the 2nd best prospect from overseas. Musa has become one of the best sharpshooting prospects in the draft with his play in the Croatian league.

Musa is 6’9″ with a 7’0″ wingspan. He is a bit skinny weighing in at only 195 lbs. and plays the small forward position currently.

Strengths

His biggest strength is undoubtedly his shooting. With a pure stroke that he can fire up off the pass or the dribble, there is no doubt that Musa should become an elite level shooter in the NBA with his size as well.

The next biggest one could be viewed as a weakness but I am giving it to him as a strength. Musa shoots the ball willingly with a lot of confidence. This can get you into some trouble at times in the NBA, but without it, you will never get your shot off in a league with some of the best athletes on the planet.

Weaknesses

The obvious weakness for Musa is going to be his defense. He doesn’t have enough lateral quickness to stay in front of the NBA’s small forwards, but he is far too small to guard the power forwards as well. This could make him a difficult player to take a chance on.

The next most noticeable weakness would have to be his streaky shooting. Consistency is important for shooters in the NBA who often have a very small window to get the ball off. If you are missing open shots and the only reason you are here is to shoot…well, there is a problem.

Chandler Hutchison

One of the quieter prospects that has been moving up in a lot of mock drafts is Boise State senior, Chandler Hutchison. Hutchison has been a regular starter for Boise State all four years, but he really did not become a force in the Mountain West Conference until his junior and senior years. He is a good scorer, a good defender, and a very reasonable rebounder.

Hutchison is a 6’7″, 196 lb. small forward with good instincts and a lot of athleticism. Hutchison could easily become a good two-way player in the NBA with his size and skillset.

Strengths

Hutchison looks like maybe the best option for a two-way forward in the draft after Mikal Bridges. With his length, he can be an absolute pest on the defensive end. He also has plenty of lateral quickness to help him stay in front of other athletic wings.

Hutchison is a decent shooter, but his strength on the offensive end comes when attacking the basket. Hutchison averaged 20 points per game in his senior year while shooting 47.5% from the field. As he has continued to work on his shooting and finishing at the rim, Hutchison has slowly became one of the stronger players in the draft.

Weaknesses

Hutchison’s weaknesses appear to be things that can be fixed with next-level coaches. He has had some issues with decision making and with getting into foul trouble. Those two things plagued an otherwise great career for the wing.

The other thing that is going to concern people is that he was a pretty late bloomer. In his first two college seasons, Hutchison was pretty average. He started to show out in his junior year, but this season was the first one where he became a real force to be reckoned with. That doesn’t scare me as much, but I can see how it may deter some drafters.

Jevon Carter

Perhaps the best defensive point guard in the NBA Draft this year, Jevon Carter helped make West Virginia a powerhouse in the heavily loaded Big 12 conference. Now finished with his senior season, Carter will prep for the NBA Draft the same way he has prepped for his entire college career; through hard work and betting on himself.

Carter comes in at 6’2″ and a recorded 205 lbs. Despite his size, Carter was best known for his quick feet and quick hands during his All-American senior season. He should be able to transition well into the NBA.

Strengths

The strength of Carter’s game is absolutely on the defensive end. He is an excellent on ball defender with quick hands and quick feet. The point guard position is one of the strongest in the NBA, but if Carter can carry on his success from college, he will be a great defender in the league.

Carter is also a very good leader, who helped his West Virginia squad go deep into the tournament in his senior year. With the help of Coach Huggins, he has conditioned himself and pushed himself to be ready for the NBA work ethic that is required to succeed.

Weaknesses

As was the case with Hutchison, Jevon Carter is also entering the draft after his senior year. This again will look like a blemish on his record, even though he had an incredible season. Although his strength is definitely on the defensive side of the ball, his quickness will also be tested by the elite guards of the NBA.

Carter is a good shooter and that should carry over well in the NBA, but he will need to become better at creating his own shot. Offensively strong point guards are all the rage in the current NBA and, even if you are a good defender, the shooting still needs to be available.

Next: How the 2018 NBA Draft Will Impact Free Agency for Dallas Mavericks

These are just a couple of the players that are getting overlooked by some of those out there doing mock drafts, but teams would be lucky to get these talented players. Give it a few years and theres a good chance you’ll know these three names in the NBA.