If a player goes in the lottery, then he can’t be considered a sleeper, can he? So we’ll skip those guys. Here are guys who will go after the lottery — and who can help:
5. Nikola Mirotic » The Serbian went from someone who figured to sit a lot for Real Madrid to potential first-round pick this past season. Mirotic is mobile and has a 7-foot-1 wingspan. And the fact that he’s only 20 bodes well. Big men don’t mature until their mid-20s. He’d be first on this list, but a nasty buyout clause could lengthen his stay in Europe.
4. Norris Cole » The Cleveland State point guard was the Horizon league’s defensive player of the year. He also has a terrific mid-range game, a rarity for a guard coming out of college. He’s a slight 6-foot-2, but he’s deceptively strong and competitive. He’s likely a second-round pick.
3. Jeremy Tyler » A couple years ago he was the highest-ranked player in his class. But the 6-foot-10 Tyler signed with an Israeli pro team in high school and skipped college. He was a disaster in Israel, but flourished in Japan this past year. He’s a risk, but taken in the right spot (second round) he offers high reward.
2. Kenneth Faried » The 6-foot-8 Morehead State star can help a team immediately if only because of his effort level. He needs a lot of work on his shot, but that’s not why he’ll get paid in the NBA. He’s a hustle player and, because of that, he’ll do well.
1. Marshon Brooks » The 6-foot-5 Brooks has an 85-inch wingspan, so he can play even taller and provide rebounding. But scoring is what he does best, having led the Big East at Providence this past season. Most expect him to go in the middle of the first round. Whoever gets him will be pleased.
