For NBA playoff teams to improve, finding a hidden gem late in the draft is essential. Here are five possible steals who likely will be picked outside the draft lottery.
5. SF Moe Harkless » As a freshman at St. John’s, Harkless proved he could score. He had double-digit points in all 11 games vs. ranked teams, including putting up 30 on Duke. The 6-foot-9, 207-pound forward has the athleticism to make an impact on both ends of the floor.
4. SG Doron Lamb » With four likely first-round picks accompanying Lamb in Kentucky’s starting lineup, the 6-5 guard was often overlooked. But he was second on the team in scoring at 13.7 points a game and led the Wildcats with 22 points in the national championship game.
3. PG Scott Machado » The Iona point guard led the country in assists last season, averaging 9.9 a game. The 22-year-old is smart and efficient. During his senior season, he shot 49.5 percent from the field, 40.4 percent from 3-point range and 81.1 percent from the free throw line.
2. SF Royce White » The do-everything 6-8, 270-pounder led the Cyclones in scoring (13.4 points a game), rebounding (9.3 per game) and assists (5.0 per game). His versatility and ability to handle the ball will allow him to be used as a point-forward or in the high post.
1. PF Jared Sullinger » No one is falling down draft boards more than the 6-9, 268-pound Ohio State forward. But it’s hard to argue with production. In two seasons, Sullinger averaged more than 17 points and nine rebounds while shooting better than 50 percent from the floor.
– Jeffrey Tomik
