2014 NBA Draft Board update

Submitted by Leaders And Best on

Three updates today on the NBA Draft potential of some Michigan players. Nik Stauskas, please stop reading here as the rest of the post contains spoilers. It looks like most reputable sites have Nik Stauskas in the #15-20 range of the 1st round, Glenn Robinson III as an early 2nd round pick with potential of sneaking in the end of the 1st round, and Mitch McGary in the 2nd round.

ESPN's Chad Ford:

Stauskas 1st round pick at #15, GR III at #39 on his Big Board, McGary at #42.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2014/story/_/id/10552402/nba-embiid-stays-no-1-ennis-vaults-2014-mock-draft-30

DraftExpress:

Stauskas 1st round pick at #20, McGary at #37, GR III at #44 on their board.

http://www.draftexpress.com/rankings/Top-100-Prospects/

ESPN's Jeff Goodman:

Stauskas 1st round in the #10-20 range, GR III in the 2nd round with potential for the end of the 1st round.

On Stauskas:

NBA folks I’ve talked to have the 6-foot-5 and change Canadian wing as a guy who will likely be taken somewhere in the 10-20 range. Stauskas has expanded his game and shown he can do more than just shoot the ball. He's athletic and has a tremendous feel for the game. John Beilein has three players who could all decide to leave -- Stauskas, Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary. If somehow all three returned, the Wolverines -- with freshman point guard Derrick Walton Jr. having a year under his belt -- could have a chance to challenge for the national title next season.

On GR III:

There are times when he looks terrific, and others when GR3 appears disinterested and invisible. He has good size for a wing and possesses tremendous athleticism, but he hasn’t lived up to the expectations this season. Robinson, according to multiple NBA executives, could still go in the latter part of the first round -- but he’s far from a lock to go in the first 30 picks. The Wolverines could well lose Stauskas and McGary, and that would almost force Robinson to be the go-to guy if he returns to Ann Arbor.

http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/jeff-goodman/post?id=3269

SI's Chris Mannix from 2/27:

Stauskas 1st round at #17

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20140227/nba-draft-big-board-andrew-wiggins-jabari-parker/index.html

UMfan21

March 5th, 2014 at 11:46 PM ^

GRIII as the "go to" guy makes me nervous.  But I think Caris and Irvin would be more "go to" than GRIII.  I think GRIII may have hit his ceiling.

MontuckyYooper

March 5th, 2014 at 11:49 PM ^

Seriously?  You watch Glenn Robinson III play and think to yourself, "This is as well as this guy can possibly play basketball.  He has hit his ceiling."

Are you out of your mind?  Serious question.  

This guy has the talent to be an out-of-this-world superstar.  His "ceiling" is way way way way higher than what we're seeing right now.

bluesalt

March 6th, 2014 at 12:41 AM ^

He's got tons of ability. He would not be the first kid to not his potential until his early-to-mid 20s. If you draft him at the end of the first or in the second round, you can have him on your team for very cheap (by NBA standards) for four years.. At the minimum salary if he's a second rounder, or not too far above it at the end of the 1st. If I were running an NBA team, I'd take that chance. If he puts it all together in year 3, I've got a starting caliber player in the cheap, which let's me pay more for a star at another position. Gambles like GR3 that pay off can really set a team up. It's a key factor in how the Spurs have stayed so dominant.



We'll see what happens in the tournament, but I expect we'll lose at least two of GR3, Stauskas, and McGary to the NBA, and more likely all three than one or none. And that will be okay, because Beilein.

MontuckyYooper

March 6th, 2014 at 12:58 AM ^

Personally; I'm pretty confident that John Beilein will get the most out of a players talent.  Have you noticed how well GRIII has been playing lately?  We don't really need him to be a high volume shooter right now.  He's rebounding, playing defense, cutting hard, and making the right play.  

JB will coach this kid up; despite your lack of confidence.  

Shoopy

March 6th, 2014 at 7:28 AM ^

I couldn't disagree with you more.

He has terrible handles, is very slow laterally, shoots a set, low, mechanical jump shot with little arc, and has a skinny, skinny base. There is literally nothing about GRIII's game that suggests he'll be anything more than what he is now because he hasn't improved since his freshman year. When he's not being spoonfed dunks by Burke or other point guards, he's throwing up bricks with his jumper and turning it over with his poor handle.

 

He is a solid roleplayer and nothing more. Don't let the fact that he can jump high cloud your judgment. Because jumping high is the only thing he does well.

Not a bad player. Just more of a glue guy, third option type. And he always will be.

IndyBlue90

March 6th, 2014 at 8:39 AM ^

I can see from your prior comments that you are a troll who specializes in hating on GRIII, so this will probably fall on deaf ears. Despite that, I have some questions. Have you ever played basketball competitvely? Have you ever seen a great player play in person? Have you been around people who have ascended to excellence?



My guess is that your answer to all of these will be, "Well, kinda." I'm  not going to claim to be a great basketball player, but even as a complete novice, I know you can always grow your game, even as a 70 year old you could improve something in your game. Glenn will spend another season working Lavall Jordan (hopefully), and he'll continue developing his guard skills to compliment his forward skills.

He definitely can improve, it's a matter of time, effor and experience.

umumum

March 6th, 2014 at 10:43 AM ^

to think you know more than NBA scouts and GMs---ya know, experts.  Those who see GRIII's ceiling are also frustrated that he isn't consistent and has barely tapped his potential.  You are welcomed to be frustrated about that as well.  But if you cannot see GRIII's skill set and potential, well then you don't know nearly as much as you think.

And, your post is just nasty--as almost all of your posts are.  I suspect you believe your negativity is just "telling it like it is".

Champeen

March 6th, 2014 at 9:55 AM ^

GRII is not going to be an out of this worls superstar.  He pretty much is what he  is right now.  He lacks explosive penetrating skills ... his dribble drive and ability to create is what is killing him.  Awareness is just not there either.  Honestly, he just appears to play very lazy unless their is an dunk to go up and grab. 

Next year, GRII will not be the 'go to guy' even if stauskas and mcgary leave.  It will be Lavert with Walton 2nd.  This guy doesnt watch our games, only reads talking head opinions and regurgitates them.

Lavert is the one who is going to be a star, and i believe walton will eventually get close to it also.  Remember, Lavert is still a very young sophomore.  He will take another exponential jump going into next year.  his basketball IQ is unbelieveable.

My opinion of Irvin is still up in the air.  I really think he can make the stauskas jump, but need to see more toughness and penetrating skills out of him.

alum96

March 6th, 2014 at 1:59 PM ^

GR3 seems on the career path of THJ (hopefully).  Nice freshman season as a support player, expectatiosn raised as lead player in sophomore year...unfilled mostly, and hopefully like THJ leading player as a junior as he puts his nose to the grindstone this offseason.  THen head to draft.

He needs to improve his handle big time and be able to create his own shot.  THe small forwards in the NBA are a beastly lot, great combinations of skill and physicality.   The mental game with him, who knows - I agree he seems to be disiniterested at time or he could just be a quiet kid who is not assertive.  When he is engaged it is great to watch.

Michigan4Life

March 6th, 2014 at 3:07 PM ^

could cause people's conclusion lead to being disinterested and not putting forth an effort in a game.  It is not GRIII's nature to be assertive and dominant.  That is probably one of the more frustrating thing that fans and evaluators would see when looking at GRIII.

Generic MGoBlogger

March 5th, 2014 at 11:51 PM ^

Dang... Loving the fact that we have a good shot at getting GR3 and McGary back next season, but I was really hoping Stauskas would be a four year guy like Novak... Should have seen it coming after his Youtube dunk video was made. The dude has too much talent not to go after this season, though.

TheNema

March 5th, 2014 at 11:55 PM ^

"Could have a chance to compete for the national championship next season."

I'll take the double qualifier and apply it to this season, thank you.

Qmatic

March 6th, 2014 at 12:02 AM ^

If Robinson can harness that 'killer instinct' that he has in flashes, he will be a lottery pick in 2015. I expect to lose Stauskas and that's it, but if Robinson can bring what he has brought in spurts a la first half vs Arizona, and a Levert-like leap for Irvin next year I think we should be able to transition nicely.

Bambi

March 6th, 2014 at 12:05 AM ^

I expect Nik to go. He and his dad have both said many times how his dream is to go to the NBA. He has this chance now, as potentially a first round pick, and while he could probably improve his stock a bit if he did come back, I wouldn't bank on it.

denardogasm

March 6th, 2014 at 12:16 AM ^

Every college player's dream is to play in the NBA.  But if a guy was going to pull a Lewan, I think it might just be Stauskas.  This team is very tight and the core is all Stauskas's recruiting class.  He just seems to love playing with them and really wants to win a championship to avenge last year's loss (see post championship game interview).  I think it will depend on how this season ends and what kind of taste is left in his mouth honestly.

Bambi

March 6th, 2014 at 7:43 AM ^

Yeah it's a given every player wants to play in the NBA. But if you compare GR3 to Stauskas it's different.



GR3 seems like he'll leave whenever his stock is highest, whether that be this year, next year, or after all 4 years are done. Stauskas seems like now that he has the opening to go the the NBA, he'll run with it.



You mention the interview Stauskas did after the national title game. But if you lol at almost any other interview he or his parents have done, it's basically been him saying he wants to play in the NBA, and ASAP. His dad at one point earlier this year essentially said he's gone after this year.



And I don't want this to come across as a knock on Stauskas. He's done a ton for Michigan, and if he feels that this year is the final, then let's try to have it him go out on top

LesMilesismyhero

March 6th, 2014 at 12:40 PM ^

His draft rating is based largely on his potential, if he stays in college too long the questions about why he can't sustain a high level of play are going to overshaddow that potential.

Just happy that nobody is looking in Derrick Walton's direction.  He is gonna run wild in the B1G next season.

denardogasm

March 6th, 2014 at 12:13 AM ^

If all we lose is Stauskas after this season, we're in the black.  Trade Morgan for McGary, trade freshman Walton for sophomore Walton, trade skinny Levert for slightly less skinny Levert, and trade just a shooter Irvin for not just a shooter Irvin hopefully, maybe get a few more active possessions out of GR3 per game, and we are a top 5 team easily.  All we'd have to do is avoid getting hit by whatever nuclear missile so mangled the Spartans this year and we're golden.

LSAClassOf2000

March 6th, 2014 at 6:12 AM ^

In that scenario, we still retain GRIII with another year of experience, as well as Irvin and Walton, a healthy McGary and we would probably still be getting some timely production from Albrecht as well. Jon Horford is staying as well, I believe, which helps the team too. DJ Wilson, Kameron Chatman and others coming on board - if they can contribute early, I still like the look of this team a lot. 

youn2948

March 6th, 2014 at 12:45 PM ^

Appling using his wrist to brace his fall and slapping the floor despite knowing his wrist is injured.  I broke\sprained my wrist twice then learned not to land on it.  Or Dawson punching a table.  Or Payne playing with a minor injury, then turning it into a long drawn out major one?

Yeah totally poor MSU.  *rolls eyes*

Mr. Yost

March 6th, 2014 at 12:20 AM ^

He needs to be more assertive and more aggressive and tougher on both ends of the floor.

His 3 point shot is the last thing he needs to worry about in comparison to everything else. Right now he does absolutely nothing well except be a freak athlete and find holes in the defense when he's playing without the ball.

He needs to improve his defense, his shot off the dribble, his low post game and his defensive rebounding all before worrying about his 3 point shot.

Gulogulo37

March 6th, 2014 at 1:11 AM ^

I agree for his role at Michigan, but I was talking about in regards to the NBA. He's not gonna be a big man in the NBA. He's already got problems dealing with big men in college. I don't watch much of the pros, but the idea that he's got a better future posting up in the paint in the NBA than a guy you have to guard on the perimeter as well sounds insane to me.

I Like Burgers

March 6th, 2014 at 11:03 AM ^

I agree with the guy above, a 3pt shot is the last of GRIII's worries.  He needs to develop one great to excellent skill to survive in the NBA.  Currently he has none.  Given his outstanding athleticism, focusing on defense and/or rebounding would be a good place to start.

Mr. Yost

March 6th, 2014 at 11:59 PM ^

So that theory is kind of out the window.

You still need to develop a post game offensively and defensively if you're going to play SF in the NBA.

Hell, you need to if you're going to play SG in the NBA.

There aren't too many sucessful SF's in the NBA that don't have SOME resemblance of a post game or can't guard another SF in the post.

GRIII (or Stauskas) haven't developed ANY part of that yet. Even THJ had a little before he left, he loved to post up PGs that switched on him. I rarely see GRIII do anything and I don't think I've EVER seen Stauskas play downlow even on a mismatch.

It doesn't need to be a bread and butter, they don't even need to be GOOD. Just average to compliment their other talents.

That said, you can say that about 3-4 things for GRIII and I mentioned them above.

Pit2047

March 6th, 2014 at 3:06 AM ^

I like his mid range game and if he Caris like handle with the ability to get anywhere one the floor whenever he wants he could be a top 5 pick.  With his jump shot and ability to finish at the rim he could be deadly if he added that.  Low post game would be nice but how much will he really play there at the next level?  Also he could be a better passer but I think handle should be his number one priority.

shawnducati

March 6th, 2014 at 12:19 AM ^

And I keep on touch with Jalen and Jimmy still. Those were the greatest times to be on campus. They were all so friendly with everyone on campus even thought they were rock stars. Chris f&cked up but the rest of their legacy is GOLDEN. 5 freshmen went to the championship game?! And followed it up the next year!!? Seriously. Stop the hate youngsters who have no idea.



Long live the FAB5 and go blue!!!



Shawn

BSME 1996

rockydude

March 6th, 2014 at 12:32 AM ^

Has anyone heard any mention of Caris Levert making an early exit? I don't think it's very plausible, but I only mention it because I could have sworn I saw the possibility somewhere. It was probably just a poster here being goofy, but I wasn't happy about that premise. The NBA drafts on potential these days, and a young and skinny kid who is going to fill out but has all the potetial in the world? I still don't buy it, but everyone reassure me again that it is impossible!

Also, I concur with the majority - McGary and GRIII come back, Stauskas wins B1G PoY, and leaves, possibly as a lottery pick, depending on his tournament performance. (he disappeared like Houdini in the title game last year)

WinThyGame

March 6th, 2014 at 1:16 AM ^

One of the analysts on ESPN yesterday (I don't remember which one. Seth Greenberg or Jason Williams perhaps) had LeVert as a lottery pick, which I think is ridiculous. He has improved his game immensely between this year and last year, but is not ready for the NBA yet. However, another offseason in the weightroom and continual improvement in his jumpshot, and I wouldn't be surprised if he left after next year. 

Mr. Yost

March 6th, 2014 at 12:43 AM ^

And not just because I'm selfish.

They all have a shit ton to improve on.

Right now Stauskas is some mix between Gordon Hayward, Ray Allen and Grevis Vasquez.

He's likely a 6th or 7th man because he's not going to be able to stay in front of anyone and he doesn't have a handle to be a starting combo guard like Vasquez. He's not physical enough in the post to be Hayward. However...he could work all summer and actually be a good as both in both of those categories. Defensively he's better, but he's not even close right now. Offensively if he develops a better handle and a slight postgame. He's a fringe lottery player. I'd come back for ONE more year.

McGary needs to play a full year...natural progression and a full year makes him a late first round lock and a potential steal.

GRIII I spoke about above. If he can do those things and stop playing like he's trying to impress the cheerleaders...he's a lock for the lottery.

LeVert definitely needs one more year to get bigger. But he MAY be ready at the end of next year. I think he'll be where Stauskas is now. A #15-#20 type no matter if he comes out after next year or after his senior year. IMO he should stay all 4 and get that year of being "the guy."

Irvin is 2 years away. Right now he's improving but he's still a chucker that offers little else. He needs to develop all aspects of his game but I think 2 years and he's done. No senior year.

Walton is somewhat of a wildcard because he's going to get better but I don't see him getting lottery pick better. So really I think after next year he should leave if he wants. Just going to depend of if he likes college and wants to stay. He's a guy that I see getting hurt each year he stays (draft wise). I think he's a 20s type Chalmers/Cole level player after next year...Top of the 2nd round after his junior year and mid 2nd round after his senior year.

I'd lock GRIII in the gym with J-Mo this summer and tell Jordan to guard him tough all summer and make him better and more physical. Stauskas just needs to work on having some resemblance of a post game and defensive foot speed. He also needs to get better using his left and playing on both sides of the floor.

LeVert is unorthodox like Manu or Harden but it works. He just has to master his skillset and continue to get bigger.

McGary needs one year in J-Mo's minutes and needs to be 2013 NCAA effective over an entire year.

Walton needs one more year. Irvin needs 2.

Glad Horford is returning in his role...I could see Max B leaving and doing the grad school thing after next year ala McLimans.

If Walton leaves after next year...Spike likely starts as a senior.

We need a big time post in this recruiting class...BAD.