NBA Draft Observations…..So Far

Prospects who were widely seen as second rounders who might get into the bottom of the first round;

1 Jerian Grant-big, scoring PG with a great deal of experience running the show for a winning team. Grant can score, pass, and defend smaller players, all with great height and length.
2 Jonathan Holmes-strong, athletic wing who is now in great shape and looks the part of a pro swingman. He has gone from a combo 3/4 forward to a definite SF prospect.

Prospects who would be lock lottery picks if they played more;

1 Domantas Sabonis-as a freshman he is playing behind veterans right now, but still putting up good numbers. You can’t argue with the pedigree and refined skill set for a young player.
2 Trey Lyles-big combo forward on the second UK platoon, may see a thrust forward with injury to Poythress. If Lyles gets major minutes and contributes alongside the UK first platoon, I predict his draft stock will be on the rise.

Disappointments so far;

1 Kelly Oubre-for a guy who was seen as a possibility at #1, he has fallen short so far, although the potential is there. To date, he has been overshadowed by Mykhailiuk and even Brannen Greene.
2 Chris Walker-athletic big man still has a very raw offensive game, and his numbers seem very subpar for a player with so much hype. If his skills can catch up to his athleticism, he would be scary. Just not there yet.

Surprises so far;

1 Jakob Poeltl-this big man seemingly came out of nowhere, but has a great feel for the game and looks more and more like a lottery pick every week. True big men with great skills and length are hard to find, and this Aussie looks like a real find for Utah so far.

2 Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk-everyone knew the long-term potential of this young wing, but few thought he would be an integral part of the success at Kansas this season. He looks like a lock for a top 3 pick in 2016, and may even contest for the overall spot if he continues to grow and improve.