NBA Draft 2015: 5 non-lottery players who will bring value
By Brad Rowland
Bobby Portis, PF Arkansas
For the life of me, I can’t understand why Bobby Portis isn’t projected as a lottery pick.
The 20-year-old former Arkansas big man possesses the rare combination of high-end collegiate production and legitimate NBA Draft measurables. Portis averaged 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game (30.0 PER) during his second season with the Razorbacks, and he was (rightfully) chosen as the SEC Player of the Year ahead of the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns and Willie Cauley-Stein.
Of course, that isn’t to say that Portis projects as a better NBA big than either Kentucky standout, but in the same breath, the 6-foot-11 big man profiles very well at the next level. In addition to that size, he possesses a 7-foot-2 wingspan and a motor that never seems to quit. That is a quality combination for an NBA big, and even Portis’ biggest drawback (his lack of elite athleticism) can be masked with skills.
To be clear, Bobby Portis probably isn’t a star in the NBA.
Because he doesn’t have that burst on either end, the ability to churn out 20-10’s or emerge as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate doesn’t appear to exist. Still, Portis is a quality scorer on the interior with the ability to step out and make jump shots out to the NBA 3-point line, and he is going to rebound and defend.
The value is apparent with Portis in the middle of the first round, and an organization will acquire a steal in that range.
Next: Christian Wood