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) /

2 of 6

LEXINGTON, KY – FEBRUARY 24: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena on February 24, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

5. Jarred Vanderbilt

Somewhat surprisingly, Jarred Vanderbilt elected to enter the NBA Draft after one season at Kentucky mostly spent sidelined due to a foot injury. At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, he is a player who can do a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor. Once being considered a potential lottery pick, he is hopeful a team buys stock in him and opts for the inherent risk drafting him.

Vanderbilt has sharp handles like a guard and is able to dribble in tight spaces and penetrate to the rim. The point forward is strong passer too but sometimes his high risk passes result in turnovers. His length is useful when he aggressively crashes the offensive glass. With the a poor jump shot, he has put in work but still has a long way to go so he can score on multiple levels. That said, he is lethal in the open court.

Vanderbilt has great BBIQ allowing him to know how to be effective in the half court off-ball. Quick cuts and slashing ability at the appropriate times create opportunities for him to score. Additionally, he is a demon defensively rebounding the ball.

Defensively, Vanderbilt has the agility to guard up to 4 positions. However, his defensive versatility may be limited to defending the the 3 and below for a lack of lower body strength to defend a larger player, particularly down low, right now. He is a strong defender on the perimeter thanks to his length and ability to maneuver and fight over screens.

Drafting Vanderbilt comes with a lot of unavoidable risk. He has played parts of seasons every year since his junior summer of high school due to injury. However, if a team slows him down and handles the situation properly, they may receive a player with huge potential and the ability to contribute in the league for a long time.

Home/NBA Draft