NBA Draft 2018: 5 potential sleepers to watch

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 06: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts to his basket in the second half during Game Four of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Rockets beat the Jazz 100-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

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Every draft reveals a few hidden gems outside the lottery. Who are the potential diamonds in the rough in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Every draft a few players slip through the hands of teams leaving them pondering on how to avoid this inevitable mistake in the future. In short, it is inevitable. As Daryl Morey discussed at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, teams are drafting more poorly than in the past. With more information than ever before, the decisions front offices make are more complex and convoluted.

A multitude of causes may result in a player fairly or unfairly losing draft stock ranging from off-court decisions, poor quality competition, and hidden skill sets based on playing out of position. All the reasons above present risk and reward situations. In determining the future of an organization, the safe bet may not always reap the same rewards as drafting a risk but it may just keep a front office employed as they continue to build towards the ultimate goal of winning a championship.

Not every sleeper is a risk and reward situation or at least anymore than a drafting any other player. Occasionally, teams simply overlook draft prospects. Another way to define a sleeper is by acquiring undervalued talent relative to the position of the pick and current demand throughout the NBA. And with that, here are five potential sleepers in the 2018 NBA Draft.

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