The NBA Draft has come and gone, and as we’ve seen over the years, just sixty picks leaves a lot of strong talent left undrafted. As we’ve often seen, many undrafted players not only make the NBA, but become rotation players and starters in the league.
With the continued expansion of the G-League, and the new Two-Way contract which will give teams two extra roster spots to move players back and forth from the NBA team to the G-League. Players under two-way contracts can spend up to 45 days at the NBA level, and will earn pro-rated NBA money when up with the team, while still making the money on their G-League deal.
Last year, 44 players on NBA rosters had G-League experience, and with the talent left undrafted last night, many on this list could join their ranks in the coming future.
Jonathan Motley, PF, Baylor – Of anyone on this list, Motley not getting drafted was the most unexpected. The 6’9 forward averaged a double-double for Baylor last season (17 points and 10 rebounds), to go with over two assists and one block per game. Motley only shot 28-percent from three-point range last year, on just 32 attempts, and that’s likely what held him back. Still, his shot isn’t broken, and the energy, scoring, and defense he could provide would have been worth a shot. (Unsigned as of now)
Devin Robinson, SF/PF, Florida – The 6’8 Robinson is a very good athlete for his size, though his production never seemed to match his potential in college. He did shoot almost 40-percent from three-point range last season, to go with over a block and steal per game. Robinson’s game still needs a lot of polish, but the package of physical ability and skills are worth the shot. (Summer League with the Washington Wizards)
Chris Boucher, PF, Oregon - Boucher probably would have been among the sixty names called if it weren’t for a late-season knee injury, though he is as strange a case as you’ll find. 6’10 and just 200 pounds, Boucher played junior college ball after coming from Canada, though he hasn’t been playing the game all that long, and he often seems more like a raw 18-year-old than the 24-year-old he is, which means there is probably still a good deal of growth potential. Boucher was one of college basketball’s best shot blockers the past two seasons, while shooting over 34-percent from three-point range. His 7’3 wingspan is impressive, and he runs the floor well for his size. In the right developmental system, he could eventually be a decent NBA player. (Signed Two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors)
Isaiah Briscoe, PG/SG, Kentucky - A former McDonald’s All-American and five-star high school prospect, Briscoe never really stood out in his two years at Kentucky, but he has the kind of game which could land him in the NBA, if he can fix his one major flaw – shooting. At 6’3 and 210 pounds, Briscoe is solidly built, and he uses that build well to bully his way into the lane and to the basket. He does a great job drawing defenders, and he isn’t afraid to go right at rim protectors. While not really a point guard, he sees the floor well and can be a good passer. Briscoe also has the body and skill to defend NBA level point guards, but his problem is he just can’t shoot, hitting just 29-percent from behind the arc, and 63-percent from the free throw line. If he can even become an average shooter, he could make his way onto an NBA roster. (Summer League with Philadelphia 76ers)
Ben Moore, PF, SMU – An undersized four, Moore developed into a big contributor on both ends of the floor for the Mustangs. 6’7, with a 6’10 wingspan, Moore can defend multiple positions, rebounds well on both ends of the floor, and he has the versatility on offense to score around the basket or create a bit off the dribble. He will need to show he can be a consistent perimeter shooter to improve his chances of finding his spot in the league. (Partial guaranteed deal with the Indiana Pacers)
PJ Dozier, PG/SG, South Carolina – Another former McDonald’s All-American, Dozier was a key part of the Gamecock’s march to the Final Four this past season. He has good size at 6’6, though he never fully developed at either guard spot. He doesn’t seem to have the speed or vision for the point guard spot, and he isn’t a good enough shooter to play at the two, but he does have a nice collection of skills which allow him to be effective on both ends of the floor. Leaving college after just two years, Dozier still has time to develop, and a smart team will try and lock him up to see what they can make of him. (Signed unspecified free agent deal with Los Angeles Lakers)
Cameron Oliver, PF, Nevada – Oliver is coming off a strong sophomore season for Nevada, averaging 16 points and 9 rebounds per game, while shooting over 38-percent from three-point range. He doesn’t really have good size for the four, and isn’t a good enough ballhandler for the three, but Oliver is tough and athletic, with the potential to move to the wing at the NBA level with some work. (Signed unspecified free agent deal with Houston Rockets)
LJ Peak, SG, Georgetown - Peak seemed to fly under the radar during the whole pre-draft process, though had a strong junior season with the Hoyas. The 6’5 guard averaged 16 points, and over 3 rebounds and assists per game, while shooting 48-percent from the floor. Peak shot just 33-percent from three-point range, but was at 41-percent as a sophomore, and his shooting stroke should carry over to the pro level. He’s a good athlete with a craftiness to his game often seen in players a bit older. (Unspecified free agent deal with Houston Rockets)
