The NBA Draft Stock Report checks in on which players have made a name for themselves in the past week; either helping or hurting their future draft position. These early pre-season tournaments give players great exposure matching up against marquee opponents on national television. In this week’s addition, a pair of highly touted freshman point guards look like they have a ways to go before being NBA ready while a Duke big man is finally looking like a legit lottery prospect.
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BUY:
Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke, Jr.
This pains me to admit since Plumlee is a member of “My Anti-Boy Team.” The middle Plumlee brother has to emerge as a nightly threat for Duke to reach their potential this season and he has done so. Mason is more assertive on the offensive end and continues to crash the glass due to his length and athleticism. He still doesn’t have much of a jump shot but I am finally starting to see why scouts have had their eye on this kid for the past couple years. The lottery could be in his future if he continues to play at his current level and improve his all-around game.
Shabazz Napier, PG, UConn, Soph.
Napier has quickly erased any concern about replacing Kemba Walker as the sophomore has averaged 18-6-6 through four games including a triple-double of 22 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds against Coppin State. His size is a bit of a concern (6-0, 170 pounds) but he has a tremendous feel for the game as both a scorer and distributor, plus he is an absolute pest as a one-on-one defender.
Tony Mitchell, SF, Alabama, Jr.
Mitchell has always been known as a high riser and had some rim rocking dunks at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. His biggest knock last season was that he didn’t shoot the ball well from distance, but so far has hit seven of his first fifteen three-point attempts this season. Combine that shooting ability with his impressive strength and athleticism, and there is no doubt in my mind that he is a first round prospect.
Scott Machado, PG, Iona, Sr.
Through three games at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, the Gaels senior point guard averaged 15.3 points, 13.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals, and just two turnovers per game. ESPN’s Doug Gottlieb deemed Machado the best point guard in America (take that for what you will depending on your opinion Gottlieb.) The Bronx native finished third in D-1 assists last season and hasn’t missed a beat even with the addition of Arizona transfer Momo Jones. Machado should continue to work his way onto draft boards and will likely get plenty of second round looks.
Mike Moser, SF, UNLV, Soph.
The UCLA transfer is averaging 16.5 points, 14.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.8 steals through the first four games of his Rebel career. He has terrific size and athleticism for a forward and will be someone to keep an eye on out west.
Casper Ware, PG, Long Beach State, Sr.
Ware came up huge in the 49ers upset win at Pitt and nearly led LBSU to a win San Diego State. At 5-10, his height is holding him back some, but Ware has a tremendous ability to score the basketball and is also a solid passer. He gained some terrific exposure this summer when he was named MVP of the Drew League, a very competitive summer league featuring some top NBA level talent. The buzz about Ware has only grown since the season has tipped-off.
SELL:
Josiah Turner, PG, Arizona, Fr.
From starting point guard to being benched in just four games; not exactly a vote of confidence from ‘Zona head coach Sean Miller for his freshman. Turner has returned to the rotation but has been anything but the possible draft sleeper that some pegged him to be. He has looked lost in his transition to the college game and at this rate, will need a couple of years with the Wildcats before considering the leap to the next level.
Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky, Fr.
Teague is another freshman floor leader who has struggled to adapt to the college game. He has an abysmal 18 turnovers and only 11 assists through four games. John Calipari has yanked Teague in and out of the line-up as he has tried to force the issue way too often. The talent is certainly there but it appears as if it might take a little while for Teague to truly reach his potential as a possible lottery prospect.
David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank. He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities. David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Honolulu. He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft on the web.
You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.