Fansided

NBA Draft 2015: 5 second-round bargains

By Brad Rowland

Oregon Ducks guard Joseph Young (3) dribbles around Wisconsin Badgers forward Frank Kaminsky (44) during the first half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Oregon Ducks guard Joseph Young (3) dribbles around Wisconsin Badgers forward Frank Kaminsky (44) during the first half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas Jayhawks forward Cliff Alexander (2) attempts a shot against Oklahoma State Cowboys forward/center Mitchell Solomon (41) during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas Jayhawks forward Cliff Alexander (2) attempts a shot against Oklahoma State Cowboys forward/center Mitchell Solomon (41) during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Cliff Alexander, PF Kansas

I still believe.

Cliff Alexander entered college as a much-heralded prospect, including a landing spot as ESPN’s third-ranked player in the Class of 2014. However, Kansas wasn’t a forgiving place for the 6-foot-9 power forward, as Alexander averaged only 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in 28 appearances, and his collegiate career wasn’t short on bumps and bruises.

That hiccup has forced the 19-year-old out of the first-round picture in most places, and given his vast upside, that is a mistake. Yes, it is very possible that Alexander flames out at the NBA level in the same way that he did under Bill Self, but Kansas has an uneven track record of dealing with highly-touted freshmen, and because of that, it is easier to take an optimistic approach.

At 6-foot-9 and 240 pounds, Cliff Alexander possesses all of the athletic traits you could ask for at the power forward position. It would be encouraging if Alexander could add an improved jump shot in the mid-range, but he already possesses all of the tools as a rebounder and potential rim protector at the next level, and he has a legitimate NBA athlete.

You won’t find a higher ceiling for a project second-rounder in the 2015 NBA Draft than Cliff Alexander, and if teams can stomach the potential downside (both on and off the floor), there is value to be gained.

Next: Olivier Hanlan

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