They’re missing the stud at the top, unlike the past two years when Kevin Durant and then Michael Beasley were drafted second overall. Nobody from Prince George’s County will go that high in the NBA draft Thursday.
But the county will still get two more first-round picks. They’ll just have to wait until, oh, the middle of the first round this time. That’s when Ty Lawson and Sam Young, both from Clinton, Md., will be selected.
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In all, four locals have a shot to be picked Thursday night:
Lawson » His size and the foot injury continue to worry some teams, as does his jump shot. In reality, he could be hurt by the fact that so many good point guards are in this draft. He’s not expected to go in the lottery, but Philadelphia, selecting 17th, is one team that’s been interested. There’s a lot to like: he’s quick, handles the ball well and is a good passer.
“Lawson gives you a little of everything,” said Ryan Blake, the NBA’s assistant director of scouting.
Young » His age (24) scares some teams; they see him as fully developed. That’s one reason he’ll likely be picked between 20-25. But those teams should keep this in mind: He’s probably more ready to help immediately. The 6-foot-6 Young’s ability to defend on the perimeter makes him valuable.
“When you look at today’s game, a lot of teams aren’t just looking for set positions,” Blake said, “they’re just looking for players. He’s a player.”
DaJuan Summers (Georgetown) » He could be better in the NBA than he was in college when he can play in a friendlier system for his game. He’s athletic and has an NBA body at 6-foot-8, 241 pounds. He can also shoot the three-pointer. Most likely, he’s a late first-round pick at best. But he’d better get used to playing good defense.
Dante Cunningham (Silver Spring) » He was terrific for Villanova in the NCAA tournament. He must realize his main job will be to defend, though that shouldn’t be a problem for the 6-foot-8 Cunningham. He probably won’t be much of an offensive threat in the NBA, which is why he’s projected as a late second-round pick.
