9. Marcus Paige – Utah Jazz
Drafted: 55th pick in 2016 Draft
Last season stats: 12.6 points, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals per game on 40% shooting and 36% shooting from three-point range at the University of North Carolina
Three picks after Joel Bolomboy was drafted, Marcus Paige heard his name called as well. Some people may remember Paige as the kid who passed Michael Jordan for 12th on UNC’s all time scoring list this past season, but the majority of us will remember Paige as the guy who hit the double-clutch three pointer to tie the National Championship game with five seconds left.
Paige averaged 17.5 points per game his sophomore season, but his scoring dropped off both his junior and senior seasons. While his numbers may have dipped, he was still a very productive player who led his team to a 108-40 overall record over his four seasons. He also broke the record for the most made threes in UNC history.
At best, Paige is the fifth point guard on the depth chart right now behind George HIll, Dante Exum, Shelvin Mack and Raul Neto. Paige will likely start his career in the Developmental League with the Stars, but don’t expect him to be there too long. Paige will get his shot in the league, and that makes it worth watching him now.
Next: 8. Jonathon Simmons