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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SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 02: Omari Spellman #14 of the Villanova Wildcats drives to the basket against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Brett Wilhelm/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

3. Omari Spellman

Omari Spellman elected to opt-in and enter the NBA draft after testing the waters following a National Championship at Villanova in his first season playing. Old for his class, he attended a post grad year. At 6-foot-9, he is not nimble enough to defend most forwards but lacks the size and strength to defend many centers even with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. The potential second rounder may prove to be a good small ball center with the ability to rebound the ball and space the floor.

A pick-and-pop and catch-and-shoot prospect, Spellman shot a stunning 43.3 percent from deep. His ability to space the floor as a big is incredibly appealing to combat modern day small ball. Another underrated contribution is the fact he sets good screens to really allow the intended advantage of a pick-and-roll to materialize. In the low post, he displays good footwork and the ability to drive the ball to the rim. His shot includes a bit of a crank but still allows him to knock down open shots.

Spellman relied on his wingspan and vertical athleticism to defend predominantly in college with little punishment for his poor mobility and tweener size. While his decrease in weight over the past few years has improved his speed, his ability to guard the pick-and-roll is a major liability at the next level. He has shown some ability to effectively discourage opponents from entering the paint with his length and his north-south speed allows him to close out at the NBA level.

The concerns with Spellman are not ones that can be taught unfortunately. That being said, he possesses an appealing skill set with a potential niche for him to contribute to winning in the NBA.

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