With the Jazz in desperate need of a real point guard and one that can play defense as well the Jazz will look to draft a point in this summer’s draft. Currently the Jazz own the 14th and 21st picks in the first round. Most know who Trey Burke and Michael Carter-Williams are but the others not too many have heard of. Marcus Smart of Oklahoma State has withdrawn his name and opted to stay in school.
1. Trey Burke (Michigan)- This 20 year old six-foot sophomore took the Wolverines to the National Championship game. He single handily forced overtime with Kansas after hitting two deep threes and did everything right. He moved his draft stock up more than maybe any other player due to his performance in the tournament and with Marcus Smart not entering the draft Burke should be the top point guard picked. He averaged 18.6 points and dished out 6.7 assists to go with his 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals a game. His shooting improved across the board from his freshman to his sophomore season. The only question from scouts is will his play cross over to the NBA.
The player in the NBA he reminds me most of is a poor man’s Kyrie Irving.
2. Michael Carter-Williams (Syracuse)- At 6’6″ he is the tallest point guard in the draft. He is a true point guard that averaged 11.9 points, 7.3 assists and 4.9 rebounds. He defends on and off the ball very well with his 6’9″ wing span. His inability to shoot the ball consistently is why he won’t be drafted in the top 5 or maybe even 10. He currently sits as the number 2 or 3 best point guard in the draft so he will go early to a team that is desperate for a point and can’t get high enough to draft Burke. He is also on the slower side for guards which means he will most likely need to work on his lateral quickness to keep the faster guards in front of him.
The player he reminds me of most is a poor man’s Penny Hardaway.
3. C.J. McCollum (Lehigh)- This kid can flat out score the ball. He is 6’3″ and averaged 23.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists. He is not a true point as his passing needs some work. He can get to the basket at will and has an uncanny ability to get the ball in the hoop from all angles. He is very athletic and has a first step that is second to none. Expect over the next couple months for him to be compared a lot to Damian Lillard as he comes from a small school and his play is very similar to Damian. Lillard is the better player though but I also have watched a lot more of Lillard than CJ.
NBA player he is most like is: Read the review.
4. Erick Green (Virginia Tech)- Leading scorer in college at 25 a game. Same concerns as CJ as to whether or not he can be a distributor. He is 6-3 and has the ability to play off the ball although is too small to play the 2. SOme scouts have him very high while others don’t know where to put him on their draft boards.
NBA player comparison: A taller JJ Barea with a Deron Williams like shot
5. Lorenzo Brown (NC State)- A 6-4″ Junior averaged 12.2 points and 7.2 assists. His team struggled all year so it was hard to get a good view of Lorenzo. If the Wolfpack would have done something this year Brown might be higher on the board as he has the ability to find the open man while still being able to score and keep composure when needed. His ability around the rim is up there with the best of them.
NBA comparison: Alec Burks
6. Dennis Schroeder (Germany)- The most interesting prospect to me in this year’s draft. He is 6-2″ and has great dribbling skills. He’s not the greatest scorer but seems to have great court vision for getting to the hoop or finding the open man. Their are a lot of doubts concerning this kid after his average season this past year in Germany. However he seems to be on his way up and might even be this year’s surprise pick as he could move himself into the lottery.
NBA comparison: Rajon Rondo mixed with Brandon Jennings