NBA Rookie Projections: Ben McLemore

Mar 14, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Ben McLemore (23) shoots a jumpshot in the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second round of the Big 12 tournament at the Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Team: Sacramento Kings

Position: Shooting guard

Role: Bench player

Analysis: Projected as a possible number one pick, Ben McLemore fell into the laps of the Sacramento Kings with the seventh overall pick. With high hopes, McLemore struggled mightily in Summer League. Teams exposed his inability to make things happen off the dribble.

With a logjam at the guard position for the Kings, this rookie needs to put in more work creating his own shot. Jimmer Fredette, John Salmons, Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Thornton, Greivis Vasquez, and Ray McCallum can all play the guard position.

One thing McLemore has going for him is that his team isn’t built to win, yet. He’s going to get an opportunity to show why he was being talked about as a number one pick.

McLemore thrives on coming off screens for his shots. Luckily, he has two great point guards, Thomas and Vasquez, who can find him.

There are a lot of question marks surrounding the young kid. He just may not be NBA-ready, yet. However, don’t look for the Kings to give up on him like they did on Thomas Robinson.

Statistical Projection: 18 MPG, 7.8 PPG, 36% 3PT