Someone, please explain to me why Moritz Wagner is being considered a second-round prospect. He is just a tad below seven-feet, has a big frame, and fits the modern NBA with his ability to stroke the three. Wagner was a huge catalyst in Michigan being the surprise team in the NCAA Tournament. He was one of the more efficient players in the country despite having a usage rate of 25.9% and has a true shooting percentage of .619%. Wagner’s skill set will at minimum give him a shot at being a role player in the league and very possibly more.
You have probably never heard of Kevin Hervey. He is not included in a bunch of two round mocks. But make no mistake. This kid can play. Hervey played for a small school, UT-Arlington. He may be the most accomplished player in the school’s history. In 2016-17 he was the Sun Belt Player of the Year, and last year he averaged 20.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. I had the joy of watching Hervey play first hand and he lived up to the hype. He was automatic. This is the draft’s diamond in the rough pick.
Shake Milton is a combo guard with great length from SMU. Unfortunately, with this length has not translated great defensive ability. Milton can score, but there are question marks surrounding other facets of his game. He could still be a great value at either of these spots.
Bruce Brown is an intriguing prospect because he can do a bit of everything. He used his great height for a shooting guard to average 7.1 rebounds last season and also dished 4 assists a game. Brown is coming off a down shooting year but had stronger shooting numbers as a freshman. He has the potential to be a really solid role player, and perhaps more, at the next level.
Hats off to Aaron Holiday for being patient and waiting to regain his starting job after he ceded it to Lonzo Ball for a year. Holiday rebounded with a great year of his own. Holiday averaged 20.3 points per game last season as a Junior. He has shot at over a 40% clip every season in college. He also comes from a great gene pool, as he has multiple siblings playing in the league. Holiday could be worth a draft pick even if the Hawks decide to keep Dennis.
Another point guard. Carter had one of the better seasons in recent memory for Bobby Huggins and the West Virginia Mountaineers, a coach that stresses defense as much as Lloyd Pierce. Carter was a late bloomer and a four-year college player, but he should be a solid backup point guard in the league.