With just a month (and counting) to go until the 2021 NBA Draft, prospects are doing their best to raise their respective stocks among teams.
In his NBA Draft Stock Watch article, Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Woo listed several players who are popping up on more and more radars after the combine. Florida State’s Scottie Barnes was the notable lottery selection in the group. With that said, many prospects in the late-first or early-second round range are set to capitalize on great pre-draft workouts and performances.
After improving drastically as a shooter throughout his college career, Houston guard Quentin Grimes is noted as a likely top-40 pick. VCU’s Nah’Shon Hyland got the same treatment. Hyland has legitimate NBA range and displayed the ability to handle the ball as a secondary option in college. It remains to be seen what his NBA role will be early on, but he has intriguing potential.
Ohio’s Jason Preston, too, improved his stock. He’s one of the best floor generals in this draft. A pure playmaker, Preston serves as a throwback-style point guard. Another notable riser: Arizona State’s Josh Christopher. He’s a first-round talent with a lot of tools in his bag. Workouts and scrimmages appear to be being kind to him.
More Draft Notes
- Many anticipate that the Rockets will select USC big man Evan Mobley with the No. 2 overall pick, but that may not be the case. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony details that Houston may prefer Jalen Green‘s “shot creation and playmaking ability” over Mobley’s calling cards of defense and potential or overall skill.
- Virginia’s Trey Murphy III has been very busy in the month of June. The athletic forward has worked out for or interviewed with San Antonio, Boston, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Los Angeles (Lakers), Memphis and Golden State.
- The Wizards have had a busy draft season, conducting interviews with players such as Jalen Johnson, Ziaire Williams and Jared Butler.
