NBA Draft Mix Day 2: Sport 3 Prospects
The second day of NBA Draft Mix scrimmages featured a number of notable performances, as prospects appeared to strengthen their inventory or bounce again from earlier struggles. San Diego State’s Miles Byrd was among the many most spectacular, exhibiting a mixture of passing, capturing, and protection that helped him stand out. Whereas questions linger for some, a handful of gamers continued to development upward within the eyes of scouts.
Miles Byrd, San Diego State
Byrd (pictured) constructed on a powerful opening day with an much more spectacular exhibiting in Day 2, posting 13 factors, 4 assists, 4 steals, and hitting 2-of-5 from deep. Byrd’s easy really feel, court docket imaginative and prescient, and assured playmaking popped all through — he confirmed flashes of creating superior reads within the halfcourt, creating alternatives for teammates and preserving the offense flowing. His size offers him actual defensive potential to go together with his offensive intrigue, as he blocked pictures, disrupted passing lanes, and made performs on the perimeter. Byrd additionally flashed deep vary and contact, connecting on powerful perimeter appears and enjoying with the poise of an older participant. Among the many greatest risers of the Mix, Tahaad Pettiford and Yaxel Lendeborg, he separated himself as one of the intriguing long-term wings in Chicago. With momentum absolutely on his facet, Byrd now faces a troublesome choice that might land him within the high 30 if he stays in.
Jamir Watkins, Florida State
Poured in 23 factors in 32 minutes, showcasing his trademark explosiveness and relentless power. Watkins attacked the rim with objective, performed by means of contact, and persistently hustled in transition, injecting emotion and fireplace into each possession. His motor and toughness had been on full show, serving to him stand out in a crowded subject. Whereas his capturing stays a query mark (0-of-2 from three) and he’ll be 24 shortly after the draft, Watkins improved his inventory with this efficiency. His bodily instruments, aggressive edge, and talent to influence the sport in a number of methods give him an actual shot at incomes a roster spot and listening to his identify on draft night time.
Koby Brea, Kentucky
Brea stayed sizzling from deep, dropping 16 factors on 4-of-8 capturing from three and persevering with to solidify his standing as the most effective pure shooters within the draft. His calling card is apparent — elite flooring spacing — and he’s firmly on the radar as a capturing specialist who can contribute instantly in an outlined position. Whereas he’s nonetheless a little bit of a one-trick pony with restricted shot creation and common defensive instruments, that one trick is arguably essentially the most in-demand talent in at the moment’s NBA. For groups in want of dependable perimeter capturing, Brea presents a plug-and-play two-way choice with a clearly translatable power.
Karter Knox, Extra time Elite
Bounced again with a greater exhibiting than Day 1, scoring 10 factors and searching extra comfy creating his personal shot, significantly within the midrange. He confirmed improved confidence and some glimpses of the scoring upside that makes him an intriguing long-term prospect. Nonetheless uncooked and inconsistent, Knox stays extra of a developmental guess, however his bodily instruments and shot-making flashes proceed to draw consideration. Given his age and improvement curve, he has clear first-round potential — however with an unsure draft outlook, a return for his sophomore 12 months could also be the most effective transfer to solidify his inventory.
PJ Haggerty, Memphis
Delivered one other stable exhibiting with 10 factors on 5-of-10 capturing, as soon as once more highlighting his power, composure, and talent to complete by means of contact. Haggerty impressed together with his poise in visitors and flashed higher level guard abilities than marketed, exhibiting imaginative and prescient and management as a lead ball-handler. Whereas not a pure lead guard, his downhill aggression, scoring craft, and toughness give him actual potential in a combo guard position on the subsequent stage. He could finally decide to return to high school, however he made a powerful impression in Chicago and confirmed he belongs within the draft dialog. Along with his physicality, enhancing playmaking, and scoring instincts, Haggerty has an actual shot to listen to his identify known as.
Mark Sears, Alabama
Bounced again from a poor capturing outing with 19 factors on 6-of-13 capturing, together with 3-of-7 from deep. Sears appeared extra in management and assured, showcasing the scoring contact and maturity that helped him take a significant leap as a lead guard over the previous 12 months. His improved flooring recreation, environment friendly decision-making, and constant shot-making proceed to spice up his inventory. Whereas he lacks preferrred measurement for an NBA level guard, his capacity to stretch the ground and create offense makes up for it to some extent. Sears stays a gradual, skilled guard with second-round enchantment.
Mackenzie Mgbako, Indiana
Mgbako put collectively one other environment friendly outing, ending with 17 factors and exhibiting confidence and rhythm in his jumper. After two robust scrimmages, Mgbako’s draft inventory is clearly trending upward, as he demonstrated he can rating in any respect three ranges and maintain his personal bodily in opposition to high competitors. His profession projection has been a little bit of a curler coaster, however he answered questions this week with poise and manufacturing. Mgbako was one of many extra constant performers in Chicago and clearly helped his case as a possible second-round choose.
Hansen Yang, China
Hansen continued to show heads together with his mixture of measurement, contact, and fluidity. The 7-footer scored 11 factors on 3-of-4 capturing and appeared agile transferring in house, getting up and down the ground properly for a participant his measurement. He completed performs across the rim and confirmed a really intelligent talent set and really feel for passing and offensive stream, persistently making the appropriate reads from the excessive publish. Whereas his straight-line velocity is spectacular, his lateral quickness stays a little bit of a query mark defensively. Nonetheless, Yang’s instruments, instincts, and long-term upside make him one of many extra intriguing worldwide prospects on this class.
Michael Ruzic, Croatia
Scored 5 factors, going 0-of-3 from the ground however 5-of-6 from the road. Ruzic struggled to make a constant influence in both scrimmage, failing to say himself offensively or on the glass. Whereas he’s proven intriguing potential as a stretch huge in previous Eurocamp settings, the rust and up to date accidents look like slowing him down. He appeared a step behind at instances and lacked the assertiveness scouts hoped to see. Nonetheless, his measurement, contact, and long-term talent set might preserve him within the draft dialog as a stash candidate. One other 12 months of improvement abroad would possible increase his inventory.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Penn State
The Swiss-born heart confirmed promising flashes in Sport 3, ending with 12 factors and seven rebounds on 4-of-8 capturing. Possessing true heart measurement with mobility and size, Niederhauser measured properly and appeared extra comfy in his second scrimmage. He reveals actual flashes of two-way potential, with rebounding instincts, contact across the rim, and defensive versatility. Whereas he’s nonetheless uncooked in his offensive timing and is usually a little cold and warm in his influence, the instruments and upside are evident. With worldwide expertise and intriguing measurables, Niederhauser is a viable mid-to-late second-round or two-way candidate price creating.
Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest
Completed with 9 factors on 3-of-10 capturing in Sport 3, together with 0-of-2 from three, and struggled at instances to discover a constant rhythm. Sallis compelled a number of pictures and had some errant passes, however he continues to indicate flashes as an elite run-and-jump athlete with intriguing instruments. He performs with power and has the potential to develop into a flexible defender, particularly if he provides power. Whereas his offensive decision-making and consistency are nonetheless creating, his bodily upside and defensive potential preserve him firmly on the radar as a long-term challenge.
Vladislav Goldin, Michigan
Had a quiet outing with 4 factors in 14 minutes, going 2-of-3 from the ground. Goldin didn’t make a significant influence on the glass or as a rim protector and had hassle asserting himself in visitors. The Russian huge man could have struggled to adapt to the brand new atmosphere, however he put collectively a really stable season at Michigan, and the Mix is only one piece of the analysis puzzle. Along with his measurement, contact, and expertise, Goldin stays an fascinating developmental choice who might nonetheless draw second-round or two-way curiosity.
NBA Draft Mix Sport 4 Prospects
Tamar Bates, Missouri
Performed himself from the Portsmouth Invitational Match to the G League Elite Camp and finally into the NBA Mix — and made essentially the most of each step. Bates scored 14 factors, hit 4-of-5 from three, and delivered the dunk of the camp over a rotating huge, placing a stamp on what’s been a breakout pre-draft run. He’s actually impressed scouts together with his capturing, vertical explosiveness, and improved poise, and has persistently stood out for his maturity, motor, and method. One of many greatest winners of the occasion, Bates now appears like a powerful guess to be drafted — probably early on Day 2 — as groups proceed to purchase into his progress and translatable talent set.
Neoklis Avdalas, Greece
Delivered one of the spectacular all-around performances of the day with 13 factors, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, displaying stable poise and management all through. Avdalas knocked down 2-of-6 from deep with easy mechanics and stood out together with his superior ball-handling and passing creativity, persistently making sensible, instinctive performs. Lengthy thought-about a little bit of an enigmatic prospect attributable to his inconsistency and occasional struggles with maturity, Avdalas is starting to place the items collectively. He’s lastly developed into a way more dependable spot-up shooter, and that added spacing has helped unlock his recreation as an enormous facilitator. At simply 19 years previous, he created actual intrigue together with his really feel and talent to influence a number of areas. Recent off a go to to Virginia Tech, Avdalas possible boosted curiosity in him significantly with this efficiency and left a powerful impression on scouts in Chicago.
Brice Williams, Nebraska
Scored a game-high 24 factors whereas hitting 4-of-9 from three, showcasing his popularity as a sharpshooter and scoring effectively in any respect three ranges. Williams introduced a relaxed, veteran presence to the ground and confirmed why he’s considered as a gradual offensive contributor. Although he’s a below-average wing athlete by NBA requirements and turns 24 on July 5, his good size and constant perimeter capturing give him an actual probability to be drafted. He could lack high-end upside, however the mixture of measurement and shot-making makes him a powerful candidate for a bench scoring position on the subsequent stage.
Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB
Struggled to copy his robust Sport 1 exhibiting, ending with simply 4 factors on 2-of-6 capturing and failing to make the identical influence on the glass. His depth tended to come back and go, and he appeared out of rhythm for stretches offensively. The inconsistency might cool a number of the current draft hype, as scouts weigh his rawness in opposition to his flashes. Nonetheless, Lendeborg’s power, instruments, and distinctive mix of athleticism and playmaking at his measurement stay extremely intriguing. The upside is actual — sufficient {that a} staff would possible nonetheless roll the cube on him within the 20s in the event that they’re keen to guess on long-term improvement.
Micah Peavy, Georgetown
Scored 9 factors and as soon as once more showcased his elite vertical athleticism, ending performs above the rim and flashing severe bounce in transition. Peavy’s bodily instruments stood out amongst his friends — he was one of the explosive athletes on the occasion and persistently made his presence felt together with his power, velocity, and physique management. Defensively, his size and agility give him versatility on the wing, and he competed with toughness all through. Nonetheless, he struggled from outdoors (1-of-5 from three), and his offensive ceiling stays intently tied to the event of his jumper and half-court scoring bundle. Nonetheless, Peavy’s athletic profile alone has stored him firmly within the draft dialog, particularly for groups looking for defensive-minded wings with upside.
Milos Uzan, Houston
Had a stronger exhibiting than earlier within the week with 7 factors and extra composed play, however nonetheless failed to totally play to his capacity or stand out in a crowded guard subject. Uzan’s first-round buzz has cooled significantly, and extra questions are surfacing about his scoring capacity. Whereas he was considerably restricted by Houston’s system, he nonetheless should show he can create and rating when wanted on the subsequent stage. Until a staff was already offered on him as a first-rounder and ready to increase a promise, a return to school — the place he might tackle a bigger position — would possible provide a safer payday than turning professional at this level.
Grant Nelson, Alabama
Introduced flashes of shot-making and rebounding however didn’t persistently influence the sport over stretches. At 6’11”, his mobility and perimeter talent set stay intriguing, however questions persist about his total upside. Nelson is an older prospect who hasn’t added a lot power over his school profession and stays simply a mean athlete by NBA requirements. He reveals glimpses of being efficient on each ends, however struggles to maintain that influence persistently. Whereas the instruments are there, the inconsistency continues to cloud his draft outlook.
Sion James, Duke
Scored 7 factors, competed properly defensively, and performed a powerful connective position on the wing. James brings imposing bodily power and a transparent team-first mentality, persistently making the appropriate reads and doing the little issues that contribute to successful. Whereas he’s not an amazing scorer or offensive creator, his toughness, defensive versatility, and unselfish method make him a glue-guy candidate. Along with his bodily profile and intangibles, James stays a attainable draft choose for groups looking for role-ready depth on the wing.
Ryan Nembhard, Gonzaga
Scored 8 factors and hit 2-of-3 from past the arc, persevering with to run the offense with management and poise. Nembhard’s really feel for the sport and decision-making are robust, however his small stature stays a hurdle in convincing scouts he can maintain down a full-time NBA position. He doesn’t cross the standard eye take a look at for a professional guard, and historical past reveals only a few gamers his measurement stick. Nonetheless, together with his pedigree, toughness, and high-level expertise, it might be unwise to depend him out. His bloodlines and dedication give him a preventing probability to carve out a job on the subsequent stage.
RJ Luis Jr., St. John’s
Scored 16 factors, together with 3-of-6 from three, exhibiting scoring instincts and the flexibility to benefit from defensive breakdowns. Luis acquired into rhythm early and performed with confidence, however his jumper stays just a little unpolished, and his athleticism, whereas stable, isn’t elite. His decision-making and defensive consistency nonetheless depart room for progress. Nonetheless, his 6 turnovers highlighted a necessity to guard the ball higher and bolstered ongoing issues about his decision-making and consistency.An honest exhibiting total that might earn him extra appears in exercises, although a return to school — probably at a brand new program — could assist refine his recreation and increase his long-term inventory.
John Tonje, Wisconsin
Responded properly to a quiet Day 1 with a a lot stronger efficiency, scoring 17 factors and exhibiting extra confidence on the offensive finish. Tonje knocked down open pictures, performed inside himself, and displayed a relaxed, mature method all through. Whereas he nonetheless lacks top-end velocity — which limits his upside in transition, shot creation, and defensive versatility — his talent stage, dedication, and really feel for the sport stood out. Tonje’s poise and capturing might assist him stick to a staff in the appropriate setting, significantly in a structured system that values toughness and execution.
Jalon Moore, Oklahoma
Rebounded from a tough capturing day with 13 factors on 6-of-10 capturing, attacking the basket with objective and ending by means of contact. Moore performed with extra power on each ends and continued to flash intriguing athletic instruments and defensive versatility. He’s a stable shooter with a sluggish launch, however he’s correct when given house. His huge wingspan permits him to make use of his size successfully on the boards and as a disruptor defensively. Along with his bodily instruments and two-way upside, Moore stays a reputation to observe within the second-round or two-way combine.
Dink Pate, Mexico Metropolis Capitanes
Had a tough outing, ending with simply 2 factors on 1-of-6 capturing in a efficiency that echoed a few of his struggles through the G League season. Pate appeared unprepared for the depth and competitiveness of the Mix setting, with sloppy ball dealing with, restricted shot creation, and a scarcity of really feel for the sport that stood out in opposition to older, extra polished gamers. Whereas he has intriguing instruments and occasional flashes of offensive expertise, this was one other inefficient exhibiting that damages his draft inventory. Nonetheless simply 19, Pate stays a long-term challenge, however his probabilities of being chosen this 12 months look like slipping.
