2014 NBA Draft: Smart tops scoring guard prospects

A point guard at Oklahoma State, NBA teams view Marcus Smart as a combo guard who could slide to shooting guard. He’s listed there by The Sports Xchange, along with top-15 rated sophomore shooters Gary Harris (Michigan State) and Nik Stauskas (Michigan).

The top shooting guard for the 2014 NBA Draft:

1. (No. 6 overall) Marcus Smart, PG/SG, Soph., Oklahoma State.

Overview: After a volatile year that included a suspension, Smart is still one of the top guards in this class and could crack the top 5 overall picks. His strong frame and 18 ppg average have him as the clear frontrunner at SG.

Analysis: A bit undersized at 6-4, Smart makes up for his lack of height with a monster 6-9 wingspan. He’s polished offensively and has an NBA ready game for transition and pick and rolls in the half court. Scouts are also intrigued at the defensive potential Smart presents with his long arms.

2. (11) Gary Harris, SG, So., Michigan State.

Overview: A very good all-around guard whose stock was helped by a good end of the season and tournament run by Michigan State. He measured well shorter than scouts expected at the combine at just a bit over 6-2, which is a concern.

Analysis: Harris brings a solid all-around game to the NBA after two years at Michigan State. He’s a good perimeter player who will be solid in the mid-range game. Defensively, Harris is able to guard both PGs and SGs, which makes him a valuable commodity.

3. (13) Nik Stauskas, SG, So., Michigan.

Overview: Sharpshooting guard from Michigan whose stock increased due to an increased role in Michigan’s offense last season. Stauskas is known for his shooting, but his offense in general took a big jump the past year, putting him in position to be a potential lottery pick.

Analysis: Stauskas leaves Michigan with a 17.5 ppg average and a reputation as one of the most dangerous shooters in this year’s draft. Offensively he’s capable of creating off the dribble as well, something he hadn’t shown until last season. There are concerns about his athleticism and defense.

4. (15) T.J. Warren, SG, So., North Carolina State.

Overview: An elite wing scorer with nothing left to prove at the college level. At 6-8, 220 pounds, he possesses good size and leaves NC State with a gaudy 25 ppg average.

Analysis: For someone who scores so much, he’s not particularly great on the perimeter but does have a knack for finding open space and getting his shot off in traffic. Defense is a concern, as he wasn’t asked to guard perimeter players in college and will have to do so in the NBA.

5. (22) Zach LaVine, SG, Fr., UCLA.

Overview: A wildly athletic prospect who probably should have stayed at UCLA for another year. Will most likely take a couple years to develop, but the payoff could be huge. LaVine has skyrocketed up draft boards with impressive workouts, including a remarkable 46-inch vertical.

Analysis: The biggest question surrounding LaVine is whether he will play PG or SG in the NBA. Coming out of high school he was a PG, but was asked to play SG at UCLA. His physical gifts are a sight to behold, but LaVine will most likely need some time to add some weight to his slight frame.

6. (25) Spencer Dinwiddie, SG, Jr., Colorado.

Overview: Had he not torn his ACL midway through last season, Dinwiddie would probably be higher on this list. Has the potential to jump up with a healthy knee and good pre-draft workouts.

Analysis: He missed the last half of the season but when he was able to play, Dinwiddie put up impressive numbers against top competition. Offensively he’s one of the more polished SG’s in the draft, he’s just going to have to put concerns about his knee to rest.

7. (26) C.J. Wilcox, SG, Sr., Washington.

Overview: One of the best pure shooters in the draft, Wilcox is deadly in spot-up and catch-and-shoot situations. He has trouble making plays with the ball in his hands but has shown he’s willing to work on his ball handling.

Analysis: Wilcox entertained the idea of bolting Washington after his junior year but decided to return. While the Huskies didn’t have the season they hoped, Wilcox turned in a very solid 18.3 ppg built primarily around spot-up shooting. Definitely has the potential to help space the floor at the NBA level.

8. (27) P.J. Hairston, SG, Jr., Texas Legends NBDL.

Overview: Played in the NBDL after being dismissed from North Carolina. Has NBA 3-point range and can score in bunches.

Analysis: Playing in the NBDL might have been a blessing in disguise for Hairston as now many scouts believe he’s more seasoned and ready for the NBA game having played in a professional setting. At just 21-years-old he has shown the offensive potential to indicate he can make it.

9. (34) Jordan Adams, SG, So., UCLA.

Overview: A natural scorer who plays with a high basketball I.Q. Finds ways to get shots and scoring opportunities despite being labeled an average athlete.

Analysis: Adams leaves UCLA after a solid two-year career in which he went from relative unknown to potential first-round pick. Since the season has ended he has dropped about 20 pounds and has measured a 6-10 wingspan, both of which could combat the notion he’s not a strong athlete.

10. (38) Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG, Int. (Serbia).

Overview: The 6-6, 21-year-old led his team in scoring at 15 ppg in the Euroleague last season and also made a mark as a solid contributor for the Serbian National Team.

Analysis: Bogdanovic has made a name for himself playing well against top-level competition over in Europe. He has been on the NBA radar a couple years and has always opted to stay in Europe.

11. (54) Jabari Brown, SG, Jr. Missouri.

Overview: Oregon transfer known for being a spot-up shooter used his junior season to upgrade offensive game. After one year at Missouri he leaves with a 19.9 ppg average and SEC All-Conference First Team honors.

Analysis: Brown’s NBA potential lies in his offensive game, where he is a very good perimeter shooter who’s able to put the ball on the floor and get to the line as well. Defensively he’s expected to struggle a bit as he’s undersized and limited as an athlete.

12. (56) Markel Brown, SG, Sr., Oklahoma State.

Overview: Three-year starter at Oklahoma State and wingman to Marcus Smart the past two years; averaged a shade more than 17 ppg last season.

Analysis: Brown is a highlight waiting to happen in the open floor. His bread and butter is in transition and attacking the basket, but he has improved his offensive game so he’s not just known for his highlight reel dunks anymore.

13. (57) Joe Harris, SG, Sr., Virginia.

Overview: The knock on Harris is that he’s not a great athlete, but