NBA Draft Sleepers You Should Look For

Every NBA player has a unique story in how they got to the league. For some players it’s evident that one day they’ll play in the NBA. For others not so much.

It takes talent to play in the best basketball league in the world but if you don’t pan out you can quickly find yourself looking for other work.

Let’s face the fact all the guys can’t be lottery picks. Some may slip through the cracks making it a tougher road.

Ultimately it comes down to if you can play and opportunity. By now you the household names. These are the five guys who might not get a lot of press but are worthy of your attention.

 

Photo Courtesy of WTOP

Bruno Fernando, Center, Maryland- Sophomore: Fernando will contribute immediately to any team that drafts him. He has a NBA read body with elite athleticism. He’s only 20 years old. Fernando runs the floor very well. He’s a high volume rebounder that can defend the paint and guard the pick and roll.

Best Fits: Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves

 

Photo Courtesy of Rock Chalk Talk

Dedric Lawson, Forward, Kansas- Junior: Lawson is a versatile forward that can score A tough rebounder, Lawson can guard and play multiple positions depending on the lineup. Lawson can take slower bigs off the dribble and has a decent low post game. He may not be explosive but he makes up for it with his High IQ. With the right fit Lawson will flourish.

Best fits: Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards

 

Photo Courtesy of Philly.com

Charlie Brown, Guard/Forward, St. Joseph’s-Sophomore: Brown is a shooter and is one of the best scorers in this draft. A shooter with range, he can guard and play multiple positions. Brown has the potential to be a solid two way player.

Best fits: Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers

 

Photo Courtesy of Michigan Athletics

Charles Matthews, Guard/Forward, Michigan- Senior: Matthews is ready to play now: at 6’6 he has a NBA ready body. Matthews does a great job of finishing around the rim and scoring from the mid range. He knows how to use his body to be a strong defender to guard and play multiple positions. With the right coaching and fit Matthews can be an Andre Iguodala type talent.

Best fits: Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets

 

Photo Courtesy of Big East Coast Bias

Shamorie Ponds, Point Guard, St. Johns- Sophomore: Ponds has been one of the elite point guards in the country the last two years. With a stringy handle, the Red Storm point guard can get to anywhere he wants on the court. Ponds excels in isolation but can definitely create for others. He does a great job of finishing at the basket or taking his opponents off the dribble to score off jumpers.

Best fits: Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic

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