Mar 23, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Julius Randle (30) reacts against the Wichita State Shockers during the first half in the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men
5. Julius Randle – If this were any other draft, he’d be ranked far higher than #5. Seriously, why wouldn’t he be ranked over Anthony Bennett, Alex Len, or Ben McLemore of last year’s draft? He has the 7′ wingspan, NBA level strength, NBA level quickness, and surprising dexterity in terms of creating shots in the paint and working at the high post. If he fulfills his potential, there’s a possibility he may be able to outshine the aforementioned players. Most people won’t think about him in that way, but he’s considered one of the best finishers of the draft. Wait until he has a jumpshot and reads the floor better. He would be that much more scary offensively, and surprisingly dynamic in the painted area.
Mar 20, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Marcus Smart (right) dunks over guard Markel Brown (22) during practice before the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
6. Marcus Smart – Marcus Smart has elite size for the PG position. While he may not be considered a pure point guard, he is at least a shooting guard with much improved court-vision. What makes him stand apart in the draft is the ability to shutdown all wing players remaining in the draft. He has power forward strength and retains elite point guard lateral quickness. Some, may liken him to a Ron Artest of the point guard position. Randy Brown is a player that comes to mind, but he had nowhere near the athletic ability or dynamic offensive ability as Smart. Once Smart has a jumpshot down, he becomes a scary Kyle Lowry-type of point guard with elite physical tools and defensive IQ. Of the players in this draft, he’s most likely to become an All-Defensive NBA type. Wiggins has the physical tools and the motor, but he doesn’t have the defensive IQ of Marcus Smart just yet.