A weekly update of whose NBA Draft stock is rising and falling
By David “NBA Draft Treasury Secretary” K.
BUY:
Damion James, SF, Texas, Jr, 6-7
If I was an NBA scout, I would be drooling over this kid. He has an NBA-ready body, three-point range, can put the ball on the floor, a nice mid-range game, great athleticism, and gets after it on the defensive end. James had 18 points, 15 rebounds, and the game-clinching blocked shot in the Longhorns’ victory at Wisconsin. I don’t see how he is not a top ten lock.
Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky, So, 6-9
Let’s just say I am really happy Patterson was hurt when Marquette played Ashley Judd’s boys in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last year. Patterson is a beast, averaging almost 20 points and 10 boards a game. Plus, he is shooting a ridiculous 72% from the field. If these numbers continue during SEC, he doesn’t fall out of the lottery.
DeShawn Sims, F, Michigan, Jr, 6-8
I’ve given love to Wolverine sophomore guard Manny Harris, but now it’s Sims’ turn. The junior forward has been as important to Michigan’s turnaround this season as Harris. Sims is putting up 17.2 points and 9.2 rebounds a game which includes a 20/20 game, albeit against Florida Gulf Coast University. Keep an eye on Sims as Big Ten play begins, he could be a first round sleeper if he keeps playing at this high level.
SELL:
Stephen Curry, G, Davidson, Jr, 6-2
Curry’s cold. I mean, he is 4 of his last 21 from three and only scored 42 points in his last two games. OK, so he is still out of his mind good as demonstrated by his 29 point, 9 assist, 7 rebound game against Charleston, but defenses are starting to figure out how to guard him more efficiently and Curry is has been forcing too many shots. He was 5 of 26 in a big loss at Purdue and has committed 24 turnovers in his last four games as he stills transitions to the point guard position. Maybe I am to blame for having him third in my last mock draft. That was probably a little too high.
B.J. Mullens, C, Ohio State, Fr, 7-0
Simply put, Mullens is not near ready to compete at the NBA level. He is having a difficult time finding consistent minutes for the Buckeyes and I can’t imagine him being a top five pick like many mocks are predicted. Maybe in 2010, but certainly not next summer. He needs to become stronger and learn how to play the game against college level big guys before he makes the leap to the pros. He doesn’t have a single double-digit rebounding game and has only scored in double figures twice this season.
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