[JNixonParticipant]

 52: J’Covan Brown, 6’2 195, SG/PG, Texas, Jr.

After a breakout season as Texas’ main scorer (20 ppg), J’Covan Brown entered the draft feeling he had nothing left to prove, much to the disagreement of many. Brown played at Texas for 3 seasons, and had to wait his turn behind some talented players that were recruited to play over him, but he’s always been a very capable scorer as he showed throughout his career. Has had a few brushes with Coach Rick Barnes, and that may have played a role in him leaving early. Fouled out of a game Texas was winning because he got a technical after having 4 fouls (who does that??), and Texas lost at the end. Often shows a bad attitude on the court and poor language at times too, and teams will definitely find out why as the process goes on. Physically, Brown is below average for both guard spots, but especially the SG he plays like. He might be 6’2, and he does have a strong frame, albeit one that could bloat if he’s not careful, but his wingspan seems average so he doesn’t play tall. Athletically, Brown struggles with leaping and he’s not especially quick or fast, having adequate levels in both but nothing special. He’s also not explosive.

Offensively, Brown’s biggest strength is his confidence, by far. A nice shooter who will let it fly anywhere from within 26 ft with no hesitation. Really good range. Can hit shots in all kinds of ways: spotting up, off the dribble, or off screens. Is heavily reliant on his jumper and it opens up the rest of his game. Will make you pay if you sag off of him or dive his screens. Likes to shoot pull-up jumpers, especially when he drives left, which he does often. Can get points in big bunches with his shooting skills, and if he makes his 1^st shot he usually is dangerous for long stretches. No shot is a bad shot in his mind though, and it hurts his efficiency. Struggles with getting cleans looks, and has bad shot selection, combine that, and Brown takes a lot of poor shots. Such a natural scorer that he gets away with making bad shots at times, but that will have to change when he’s in the NBA against even better athleticism and strength. Often settles for pull-up jumpers when he should drive to the paint or dish the ball out. As a slasher, Brown is decent and somewhat underrated, but it is kind of his fault he is. He shows a low center of gravity when he drives, and is good enough at changing directions and using his strength to absorb contact when he slashes, often getting to his favorite spots. He settles for a lot of jumpers so he doesn’t drive to the rim as much as he possibly could, but he does like to work the mid-range and has a fairly effective floater and runner game in his arsenal too, even though he’s inconsistent with it. Not going to finish around the rim in the NBA very much, as he struggled with that even in college, so it is real important that he has a more polished runner and floater. Not a PG, which is a concern at his size, but is effective as a passer in the drive and dish. Never ran the offense at Texas for extended time, and usually looks to shoot in pick and roll situations more than pass. Will flash nice vision at times, but will have a whole lot to learn about running sets, getting guys the ball where they are most effective and being a leader. Is good at drawing fouls and is a nice shooter once he gets there.

Defensively, Brown is probably gonna struggle a bit. He has decent lateral quickness and he actually gives effort, but he just doesn’t have the physical or athletic gifts to be a big threat. He’s not going to be a ball thief. Shows iffy urgency when he closes out at times, sometimes even against shooters. Struggles to defend dribble penetration against quicker guards, and was torched on D by Jared Cunningham, Marcus Denmon, and Pierre Jackson most notably when they matched up head-to-head. Is pretty good at getting through screens and sticking to his man off the ball, to his credit, mostly due to his upper body strength.

Overall, Brown has a lot of the tools team look for in an instance offense piece, including confidence, experience playing the role in his 1^st 2 seasons, and a natural ability to make shots. He needs a lesson in shot selection and he will never be a real PG even though a team likely will try and test it out wherever he plays. Brown’s biggest limitations are his size, lack of athleticism, and his inefficient play. Those are risky problems, so he will have to land on a team that will let him work on his chucking, become at least able to play PG in stretches, and overlook the fact that he’s undersized. That’s asking a lot.

51:  Bernard James, 6’10 240, PF/C, Florida State, Sr.

We know the story. Bernard James is a 27 year old guy who just finished his college eligibility this past season, was a HS dropout at 16, later returned to get a GED, and shortly after was bravely serving our country for 6 years in the Air Force. Had a late learning curve, was only 6’5 when he enlisted in the Air Force. He has probably the most unique story of any prospects in the draft I’d say, and it is one that makes you respect him a lot as an athlete and person. He had a nice 2 season run at Florida State, being a standout defensive presence for their frontline. Physically, James is nice. He’s got good enough height at 6’10 to play either PF or C, and he’s got enough strength to bang down low effectively. Wingspan appears to be very good, definitely in the 7 ft area. Athletically, James is pretty good as well. He shows good explosiveness and has quick leaping skills. He’s not very quick, fluid, or fast though.

Offensively, James is a work in progress. He mostly has to make his presence known by making basic finishes off of feeds off the ball. Has a left-handed (his strong hand) jump hook that is effective at times, but no real other moves he goes to very much. Is very predictable with his back to the basket and can be neutralized by bigs with similar size as him. No right hand. Looks stiff when he tries to back down and create shots. Touch around the rim is not very good. Never going to be a good scorer, and will likely always be a 5^th option. His jump shot is also non-existent. If he were to have an even slightly respectable 15 ft. shot in his arsenal he’d be a surefire draft choice. Not a threat facing up. Is reasonably good at getting easy shots, and got them a lot at FSU. At his best offensively off of offensive rebounds, where he is really good, and simple cuts to the basket. Will finish with explosiveness at the rim when he doesn’t have a hard contest, but struggles when contested. Lacks the footwork and lower body strength to just power up and through defense though. Does not have great hands, but will catch most feeds clearly. Struggles from the foul line badly, 50% FT shooter. Not a good passing big, and doesn’t pass much because of his role.

Defensively, James has one of the absolute best resume’s in the 2012 class. His shot-blocking skills are really good, and his timing and length make him a big-time presence. Also has the strength to deny post position and is willing to get physical. Is a guy guards must spot on weakside help when they drive the lane. Doesn’t bite for pump fakes a bunch like a lot of other shot-blocking bigs. Also, doesn’t foul a lot at all to be the defensive stalwart he is, which makes him look a lot better as a prospect than some other defensive-minded prospects. Rarely is out of position. Has made life tough for a numbers of prospects in the frontcourt when he matches up with them. Does struggle when faced with a quick PF, so he probably will be best served to add weight and play C. Not a great pick and roll defender, but has enough size and length to hedge and be a distraction for guards, especially smaller ones. Needs to play with a lower center of gravity, as he too often stands up straight when on the court, further showing his lack of lateral quickness. A decent rebounder, but not great. Plays with a motor.

James is a really good defender, arguably the best in the NCAA these past 2 seasons at FSU. He isn’t going to provide much offense at all, but his value is on D. He has the length, athleticism, and energy to be a really good defender against back to basket frontline players, but he does need to polish his fundamentals on this end. The age issue is somewhat alarming, considering he doesn’t have much time to improve, but he has some NBA ready qualities if a team looks over his lagging offense. He has a great resume’ against some top level opponents.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

People will look at his age and discount him, but I think that is a mistake. If you have a second round pick and could get a guy that gives you even 3-4 years of value, that is well worth it. He may not be a starting center, but I think he provides a couple of things that would be great to have in a back-up big man. Like that you included James and I hope that age does not end up being his down fall in getting drafted.

The average NBA career lasts approximately 6 years (I believe). If you are lucky, you will have maybe 8 out of 30 second round guys who have a career around that span. If you believe Bernard James can come in and be a presence for you on the bench, plus bother opposing post players with his size, length and speed at 27, I think you take the chance.

The first round is one thing, when you sign players to longer term deals. To me, 2nd round picks are worth major gambles. If you have a player you like, take him regardless of age and longevity concerns. If you can get 6 years of a back-up big who does not back down, it is well worth it. Do not know if teams think that way or would rather draft a young player they are assuming might be around longer, but chances are pretty much the same for James staying around the league as a younger big with less intangibles and ability to guard big bodies.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

I think James should be ranked in the 26 to 40 range on your List..He’s 1 of the only centers among this year’s prospects that is ready to contribute from day 1 on the defensive end..And he plays post defense better than some pros…..Former team mate Chris Singleton success might help him..Singleton showed maturity as a defender rookie starter for Washington and improved his post game & footwork around the basket…And Singleton & James games are almost similiar and James have 2 inches on Singleton..To some his age might be a problem to gamble on in the top 25 picks in the draft..But he might be 1 of the players teams regret passing on.. Becuz there arent  many rookie centers come prepared to play defensively as James..

[JNixonParticipant]

 The age thing is no big deal to me. I think it actually helps with some things, like his physical and mental maturity. He will have to adjust because its a new league, but his age actually could help with that more than hurt. Just my opinion

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

I mean, he might be higher than 51 but at the very least you have him on your Big Board of 60. Chad Ford has him 92 and only seems to talk about age concerns without looking at the other side. To me, if you want a big body that can defend and you have a second round pick, James would be worth it.

You want a guy who will be around forever, but ultimately, if you get a guy who gives you 3-4 good years in the 2nd round, you got a great value pick. Ford points to James not having much upside, but he is a ready and willing defender with great size and decent athleticism. Those are hard to come by and are worth as much of a gamble as the younger kid who will never have Bernard James body or intangibles.

[JoeWolf1]

 J’Covan Brown reminds me of John Lucas III coming out of college.  He’s going to have to work to make it in the league, but his talent as a scorer will give him a shot.  I feel he could go undrafted and he’ll have to do some serious work on his game to make it as a pro.  

I agree with you, that he’s not a point nor will he be one, but look at what John Lucas III’s game evolved and I think Brown could do the same thing if he’s willing to put in the work.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

@Hey Joe Wolf..I see on our Mocks we Both have the T Wolves Taking John Henson at 19…I have a feeling they’re going to select him then trade him and another player for either Beal or Lamb…..

[JoeWolf1]

 I could see that, they certainly don’t need him, but I feel he’s too talented to pass up at #19.  They would probably kill to get Beal or Lamb, but they’d probably have to throw in Ridnour or Derrick Williams if I had to guess.  I think people look at Beal and imagine Eric Gordon, I think he’d take a bit to acquire.

[kobyzParticipant]

is Bernard James eligible for the draft? i wanted to add him to my mock but the site don’t let? he remind me Ronny Turiaf but without the vision and passing,

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