David K.’s weekly update of whose NBA Draft stock is rising and falling. “The Interest Rate” is always rising on this column.
BUY:
A.J. Abrams, G, Texas, Sr.
At 5-11, size is Abrams’ biggest Achilles heel. The kid can flat out shoot the ball and has been lighting up opponents as of late. He dropped 31 and 26 respectively against top 25 teams UCLA and Villanova, and followed that up with a 30-point performance against Texas State. Despite his size for a two-guard, Abrams is catching scouts attention and should find himself getting drafted early in the second round.
Manny Harris, G, Michigan, So.
I’ve been high on Harris since his freshman year, but he has really elevated his game this season; leading the Wolverines as one of the biggest surprise teams of the year. He had 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in just 23 minutes against Eastern Michigan on Saturday. Harris has proven that he has a complete all-around game and definitely would be worthy of a first round pick.
Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona, Jr.
Hill has shown glimpses of being a potential lottery prospect. He has recorded six double-doubles in nine games including an impressive 22 point outing in Zona’s upset win against Gonzaga. A more consistent touch on his outside shot combined with his ability to patrol the glass has helped his stock. Now if only he could stay out of foul trouble…
SELL:
Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma, So.
Ok, so I’m not really selling Griffin’s draft stock. But after averaging 25.7 points and 19.2 boards through his first six games of the season, Griffin has come back to reality putting up just 19.3 points and 9 rebounds during his last four games thanks to almost constant double teams. He is still #1 on my board, but may not be the runaway pick that I thought a few weeks ago.
Connor Atchley, PF, Texas, Sr.
Some draft sites had Atchley rated as the highest senior in this year’s class. Hardly! Atchley is only averaging 6.6 points and 3.8 boards a game. His shot hasn’t been falling, he lacks the aggressiveness to attack the hoop, and is a very soft 6-10 which often leads to him getting in early foul trouble. Right now, he will be lucky to find himself a spot in the second round.
Antonio Anderson, SG, Memphis, Sr.
With Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts gone, many were expecting Anderson to pick up some of the scoring for the Tigers. Instead, Anderson hasn’t been able to make that leap and remains a complimentary player. He struggled in Memphis’ overtime loss to Georgetown, going 0-8 from the field and is shooting just 18% from downtown.
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