With the 2021 NBA Draft set to kick off in mere hours, we decided it would be advantageous to look at some potentially undervalued prospects set to start their journey in the League. There are players on this list currently climbing draft boards and projected to get drafted in the lottery'so technically not every prospect actually classifies as a 'sleeper.' However, the bigger emphasis is on these players who fall outside the top six picks. Beyond the main grouping (Cunningham, Suggs, Mobley, Green, Kuminga, Barnes), teams should be eyeing the following players… (Read Part One)
6'9 Trey Murphy (Rice/Virginia)
Like Jackson in part one, the amount of buzz surrounding Trey Murphy has widely put him in consideration to be drafted as a lottery selection. His foundation as an elite shooter paired with unforeseen physical growth (specifically getting five inches taller) ultimately led to Murphy possessing obvious NBA appeal. His upside in the League relies completely on continued development as a defender and lateral athlete, but certainly possesses the tools to be a lethal floor-spacer and potential 3-and-D option.
6'6 Aaron Wiggins (Maryland)
Although he possesses archetypal similarities to other players listed, Aaron Wiggins could potentially be better in the NBA than college. The general amount of spacing should make him a more consistent shooter, and his size, athleticism, and desire to defend should make him a useful piece. Wiggins' value lies directly within his ability to make shots (and defend), so don't be surprised if the long, capable shot-maker cracks a rotation within the coming years.
6'5 Ayo Dosunmu (Illinois)
Between his production and clear improvements as a shooter, it's extremely difficult to understand why Ayo Dosunmu isn't higher on draft boards. After seemingly bringing Illinois basketball back from the dead, Dosunmu was the catalyst in reestablishing a winning culture. They struggled his freshman year, but immediately turned things around and started becoming a team regularly worthy of national rankings. So, what does he bring to an NBA roster' Well (assuming the shooting numbers can be maintained), basically everything. Teams might be overthinking it, and Dosunmu should receive legitimate consideration for a lottery selection.
7'0 Jay Huff (Virginia)
Interestingly enough, Jay Huff might be more undervalued than any of the other names mentioned. There is truly no justification for the lack of buzz surrounding his name as a draftable prospect. As expected, Huff's slender frame has scared enough teams into overlooking his incredibly unique identity as an NBA prospect. For starters, his career block percentage (11.69%) ranks 68th over every college player in the last eleven seasons. Though not widely viewed as a 'powerful' athlete, his senior block percentage (11.9%) just narrowly trails notable rim-protectors like Nerlens Noel or Isaiah Jackson. Add in his abilities as a floor-spacer (career 38.6% from distance) and absolutely insane offensive/defensive ratings, and Huff has all the tools to potentially surprise the masses.
