Second-Round Draft Picks Ready to Surprise in the NBA

K.J. McDaniels, G/F Philadelphia 76ers (No. 32)

As said by Jalen Rose and Bill Simmons during the draft, this year's draft had first round talent in the second round and last year's had second round talent in the first round. K.J. could have been a top 20 pick last year, but this year, he came as the second pick of the second round. McDaniels, like all second round picks, isn't guaranteed a contract. His athleticism and defensive ability, along with his developing shooting touch, are going to make McDaniels a very strong role player in the NBA for years. The former Clemson star has a strong opportunity to succeed on a Philly team that has a weak roster.

Cleanthony Early, G/F New York Knicks (No. 34)

Early fits this draft's profile as an athlete. He slipped due to concerns about shooting and size, but he still will be able to make an impact off the bench for the Knicks. The Knicks struggled on the defensive end, and Early can bother opponents on and off the ball. He also will provide the fans in the Garden with big dunks and frequent shows of his athleticism.

Nick Johnson, G Houston Rockets (No. 43)

Johnson looked like one of the best players in both the Orlando and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. The Arizona product is, pound-for-pound, one of the best athletes in the NBA at the moment, and he hasn't even played a game yet. The All-American showed off his incredible shooting range as well as his hops as he made other teams look like fools trying to guard him. Now with Jeremy Lin gone, Johnson will have a better shot to break the Houston rotation and see minutes in a Rockets uniform.

Jordan Clarkson, G Los Angeles Lakers (No. 46)

Jordan Clarkson is the real deal. He slipped in the draft because of an erratic shooting percentage in college, but he proved he can play with the big boys in the Summer League. The 6'5" point guard showed he was comfortable with and without the ball in Las Vegas, due to Kendall Marshall taking the point guard duties. The former Missouri guard shot well from the perimeter while also doing what he does best by driving to the lane. Clarkson will play both guard positions for the Lakers, and has the potential to start.

Jordan McRae, G Philadelphia 76ers (No. 58)

Jordan McRae, the four-year Tennessee star who only showed up for the last one and a half years of his career, happens to make this list because of his exceptional shooting touch. He displayed it in the Vegas Summer League and in college, but his percentage wasn't great. Like K.J. McDaniels, he has a great shot to produce in Philly, where he could very well start at shooting guard late in the season. McRae's athleticism is elite, and he fits the profile of a productive NBA guard. If he can put on weight and be more consistent, he could be a matchup nightmare for years to come.

2013-14 College Basketball 5 for 5: Top Five Moments, Freshman, Jerseys, Dunks, and Shockers

TOP FIVE MOMENTS

5. Askia Booker

Booker makes a beautiful euro step to get free, and then drains the shot to give the Buffs a win.

4. Jonathon Holmes

The Big-12 is full of surprises, including this buzzer-beater by an unknown stud.

3. Shabazz Napier

He beat Florida in the Final Four rematch too.

2. Tyler Ennis

Bang.

1. Adreian Payne- Lacey Holsworth

In one of the most heartwarming stories in sports, Michigan State star Adreian Payne and 8-year old cancer patient Lacey Holsworth developed a near family relationship. She was there at his senior day, and he visited her nearly everyday in the hospital. Unfortunately, Lacey died soon after she appeared at Adreian's appearance at the NCAA Dunk Contest. Our hearts go out to Adreian and the Holsworth family.

TOP FIVE FRESHMAN

5. Isaiah Taylor, Texas G

Taylor can do about everything on the court, except shoot. He is an incredible player that is similar to Rajon Rondo and Elfrid Payton.

4. Marcus Foster, Kansas State G

The new K-State guard looks a lot like a former K-State guard, Rodney McGruder. He shoots like him too.

3. Julius Randle, Kentucky F

Randle is a bull. Although he only played one year of college basketball, he led the nation in double-doubles and also was a top 10 draft pick.

2. Andrew Wiggins, Kansas F

How many freshman had rap songs about them? Two actually, James Young from Kentucky and the wonderful "A-Wiggins". Wiggins is one of the best leapers in the world right now, and his game will continue to expand.

1. Jabari Parker, Duke F

Parker is the next Melo.

TOP FIVE JERSEYS

5. Miami Hurricanes

Miami added these fresh new orange jerseys this season, but they didn't help at all.

4. Nevada Wolfpack

Nevada's sky blue didn't really do anything, but they sure looked good.

3. Tennessee Volunteers

Only worn once, these jerseys made the Volunteers look great, and helped lead them to the Sweet 16.

2. St. John's Red Storm

New York skyline? Check.

1. UCF Golden Knights

PINSTRIPES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TOP FIVE DUNKS

5. Wagner?

Dwaun Anderson swoops on to posterize his own teammate #embarrassing.

4. Air Nevada

That's on your family.

3. Air-Zona

All-American Nick Johnson flies in for the oop.

2. Jimmy Buckets

James Young a.k.a Jimmy Buckets slams it home in the title game.

1. And the DOTY is....

Javonte Douglas!

TOP FIVE SHOCKERS

5. These Shockers

31-0, but lost in third round of NCAA Tournament to Kentucky in a heck of a game.

4. Stanford Cardinal

The Cardinal made it to the Sweet 16 as a 10 seed, knocking of Kansas on the way.
3. T.J. Warren

In his first year as a primary scoring option, Warren exploded, becoming the third leading scorer in the nation.

2. Mercer Bears

The lowest seed to win this year; the 14 seeded Bears knocked off Jabari Parker in the second round of the tournament.

1. Dayton Flyers

The 11-seeded Flyers advanced to the Elite 8, beating Syracuse and Ohio State on the way.

Orlando Summer League Preview: Rosters and Trios to Watch

The 2014 NBA Orlando Summer League will start on Saturday, June 5th. The Summer League is a place for rookies and sophomores to compete with players who are trying to earn a roster spot with an NBA team. The defending champs, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be present, among with the following teams.

Boston Celtics
Brooklyn Nets
Detroit Pistons
Houston Rockets
Indiana Pacers
Memphis Grizzlies
Miami Heat
Orlando Magic
Philadelphia 76ers

Rosters:

Boston Celtics
Anosike, O.D. F/C
Babb, Chris G/F
Bertans, Dairis G
Coursey, Daniel F/C
Iverson, Colton C
Jackson, Edwin G
Johnson, Chris G/F
Moser, Mike F
Oliver, Devin F 
Olynyk, Kelly F
Pressey, Phil G
Smart, Marcus G
Young, James G

 

Brooklyn Nets

Brown, Markel G

Casey, Kyle F

Clark, Dan C 

Greene, Donte F 

Gutierrez, Jorge G

Jefferson, Cory F

Jenkins, Michael G

Kromah, Lasan F

Minnerath, Nick F

Omic, Alen C

Plumlee, Mason F/C

Roberson, John G

Southwell, Shane G

Summers, DaJuan F 

Teague, Marquis G

Thames, Xavier G 

Thomas, Adonis G

 

Detroit Pistons

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope  G

Brian Cook F/C  

Spencer Dinwiddie G (injured, will not participate)

Justin Harper F 

Jordan Heath F 

Damion James F 

DeAndre Liggins G

David Lighty G

Ian Miller G

Tony Mitchell F

Tim Ohlbrecht C

Peyton Siva G

Tristan Spurlock F

Markel Starks G

Chris Watford F

 

Houston Rockets

Bilan, Miro C

Black, Tarik F/C

Brown, Jabari G

Canaan, Isaiah G

Carson, Jahii G

Covington, Robert F

Crawford, Chris G

Johnson, Nick G

Kramer, Chris G

Leunen, Maarty F

Marshall, Jermaine G

Mitchell, Akil F

Solomon, Richard F

Udofia, Chris F

 

Indiana Pacers

Allen, Lavoy C

Atkins, Eric G

Bost, Dee G

Carmichael, Jackie F

Gaines, Frank G

Hill, Solomon F

Jones, DeQuan F

Jones, Kevin F

Leslie, C.J. F

Mason Jr., Roger G

Nunnally, James F

Odum, Jake G

Onuaku, Arinze C

Rojas, Sadiel G

Sloan, Donald G

Stone, Tyler F

 

Memphis Grizzlies

Adams, Jordan G

Cobbs, Justin G

Cooley, Jack F/C

Famous, Jarrid C

Franklin, Jamaal G

Giffey, Niels G/F

Jackson, Joe G

Lucas, Kalin G

Stokes, Jarnell F/C

Thompson, Deon F

Timma, Janis F/G

Ubiles, Edwin G/F

White, Okaro F

White, Terrico G

Wilbekin, Scottie G

 

Miami Heat

Aska, Ivan F

Barthel, Danilo F

Benimon, Jerrelle F

Boungou-Colo, Nobel F

Dawkins, Andre G

Drew, Larry G

Ennis, James F

Hall, Langston G

Hamilton, Justin C

Holman, Eli F/C

Honeycutt, Tyler F

Johnson, Tyler G

McKinney-Jones, Trey G

Napier, Shabazz G

 

Oklahoma City Thunder

Adams, Steven C

Christon, Semaj G

Edwin, Fuquan G/F

Huestis, Josh F

Jerrett, Grant F

Jones, Perry F

Lamb, Jeremy G

Lewis, Marcus F

Little, Mario G

McGary, Mitch F

Roberson, Andre F

Smith, Nolan G

Stockton, Michael G

Sutton, Maurice C

 

Orlando Magic

Batts, Kadeem F

Bouldin, Matt G

Curry, Seth G

Dedmon, Dewayne C

Dixon-Tatum, Ashaun C

English, Kim G

Gordon, Aaron F

Hancock, Luke F

Jones, Cameron G

Magette, Josh G

Marble, Devyn G/F

Oladipo, Victor G

Osby, Romero F

Payton, Elfrid G

Perry, Kendrick G

Rubit, Augustine F/C

Suggs, Scott G

Macklin, Vernon F

Williams, Darrius G

 

Philadelphia 76ers

Bader, Travis G

Craft, Aaron G

Daniel, Ed F

Ejim, Melvin F

Grant, Jerami F

Hagins, Jamelle F

Jackson, Pierre G

Noel, Nerlens C

Roberts Jr., Ronald F

Sampson, JaKarr G

Sykes, Isaiah G

Thompson, Hollis F

Ware, Casper G

Zanna, Talib F

Trios to Watch:

Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart (G), James Young (G), and Chris Babb (G/F)

Smart (36) and Young (13) were top twenty draft picks in this year's NBA Draft. Babb was an undrafted free agent in the 2013 draft. But the Celtics' perimeter will be close to unstoppable. Smart is a defensive hound and excellent at getting to the paint. Young is a great athlete and a nice shooter. Babb isn't much but a shooter, but he is a great one. These three will most likely lead a Celtic squad with Kelly Olynyk and Colton Iverson in the frontcourt, along with Phil Pressey and Mike Moser off of the bench.

Brooklyn Nets: Markel Brown (G), Mason Plumlee (F/C), and Cory Jefferson (F)

This trio is two second-round picks from this year and first round pick from last year, but they all have something in common: A 36"+ vertical jump. Markel Brown was one of the best dunkers in college basketball history at Oklahoma State. Plumlee (above) is pretty much just used for dunking, but he can surprise people sometimes. Cory Jefferson once injured his elbow when he caught an alley-oop at Baylor. These players are top-flight athletes and will provide Brooklyn with excitement, and hopefully wins.

Detroit Pistons: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (G), Peyton Siva (G), and Tony Mitchell (F)

This trio was the 2013 Detroit Pistons draft class. They are the best three players on the Summer League roster for the Pistons this year. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) is a 3-and-D shooting guard who played well in the NBA last year, despite limited playing time. Siva (34) struggled some early in the year, but played well to close out the year. Siva is a defensive stud, but his offensive game could use work. Mitchell (9) is a great athlete, but he wasn't able to make the Pistons rotation last year. They will be able to play well for the Pistons in Orlando.

Houston Rockets: Jabari Brown (G), Jahii Carson (G), and Nick Johnson (G)

This is a three-guard trio of players with chips on their shoulders. Jabari Brown and Jahii Carson (1) were undrafted free agents that deserved to be drafted. They will be playing for roster spots in the Summer League. Nick Johnson (13) was drafted by the Rockets, but he is not guaranteed a spot. Brown is a sweet shooter who led the SEC in scoring last year at Missouri. Jahii Carson is a 5'11" athlete who is somewhat undisciplined shooter. Nick Johnson is a spectacular athlete who developed an offensive game over three years at Arizona. These three will make a huge impact on the Rockets team.

Memphis Grizzlies: Jordan Adams (G), Jamaal Franklin (G/F), and Jarnell Stokes (F)

This team features Memphis' recent draft acquisitions over the past two years. Adams (1) and Stokes (2) were acquired this year, and Franklin was acquired last year. Adams, a former UCLA standout, is an exceptional shooter that the Grizzlies have desperately needed. Stokes is a bully inside, but neither Stokes nor Adams are great athletes. That's were Jamaal Franklin comes in. The sophomore shooting guard slipped in last years draft because of shooting concerns, but his athleticism is the reason he got picked. These three compliment each other well, and they should make noise in Orlando.

Miami Heat: Shabazz Napier (G), James Ennis (G/F), and Justin Hamilton (C)

In the words of Bill Simmons, I think teams need to stop helping out the Heat. The Hornets basically handed Shabazz Napier (13) to the Miami Heat. Napier is a two-time NCAA champion point guard who will lead this team in the Summer League. He luckily has some help in Ennis and Hamilton. Ennis is a sizable athlete who can shoot, but he spent last season overseas. Hamilton has been in the Heat system for a few years, but never really got a shot in the league. These three will shine in the Summer League this week.

Indiana Pacers: Dee Bost (G), Solomon Hill (G/F), and DeQuan Jones (G/F)

These three players are under-the-radar studs. Bost, Hill (9), and Jones were all excellent college players, and they have shone glimpses at the pro level. Bost, a former Mississippi State star, played well in the D-League last season and can find himself on an NBA roster soon. Hill has a contract with the Pacers, and he showed he is not only a defensive stud, but a good athlete and shooter. DeQuan Jones is one of the best athletes in the Orlando Summer League, and he will show it soon. The Pacers will not rely on any of these guys to make an impact in the winter, but they will now.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Steven Adams (F), Jeremy Lamb (G), and Perry Jones (F)

These three players have a solid 5 years of NBA experience under their belt. Adams, Lamb, and Jones (3) all have potential through the roof. Adams is one of the most persistent players in the NBA, and although he may not have the skill level, he definitely will get his points and rebounds. Lamb is an excellent shooter and athlete. Jones has not reached his potential, but if he does, watch out. All three of these players are rotation NBA players, and they will light up Orlando.

Orlando Magic: Victor Oladipo (G), Elfrid Payton (G), and Aaron Gordon (F)

Ladies and gentlemen, here are your Orlando Summer League favorites. This trio is three top-10 picks, in the 2nd-pick Oladipo, the 4th-pick Gordon (00), and 10th-pick Payton (4). Oladipo finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting last year, and for good reason. He improved his shooting touch while using his athleticism and defensive persistence to annoy opponents. Gordon is a star athlete, but a dreadful shooter. He can help defensively and on the boards. A common trend here is defense, and that is were Payton continues the trend. He isn't a great shooter either, but he is young and has room for improvement. The Magic are the favorite to win in Orlando, and these three are why.

Philadelphia 76ers: Nerlens Noel (C), Pierre Jackson (G), and Melvin Ejim (F)

None of the players in this trio have played in NBA game, and one is a first-round pick, one is a second-round pick, and one is an undrafted free agent. Nerlens Noel is the first-round pick. He was the first pick last year, but didn't play in a single game last year because of injuries. He is a jumping jack and shot blocker who fills up the paint. Second-round pick Pierre Jackson spent last year in the D-League/overseas, but there was no reason he shouldn't have played. He lit up the D-League but never earned a call-up from the Pelicans, who traded him to Philly on draft night. Melvin Ejim is an undrafted free agent from Iowa State, where he once dropped 48 points in a game. Ejim is a good shooter and a jumping jack, but the concern is size. He is small for a power forward at 6'6". He may be able to overcome it, but that is unpredictable. The 76ers have a great future with them, and they will show it in Orlando.