Feb 15, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Tyler Ennis (11) on a break away basket during the second half of a game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse won the game 56-55. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
21. Oklahoma City Thunder– Cleanthony Early, Wichita State, Small Forward– The Thunder should go with Cleanthony Early over the raw Jerami Grant at No. 21, mostly because of his ability to shoot the three (38 percent). Early has terrific athleticism as he displayed at the Draft Combine, where he posted a 40-inch vertical. The concern with the 23-year-old is that he isn’t always aggressive and lacks play-making ability (0.8 assists per game). Early will give the Thunder a perimeter threat that can fill the role that Caron Butler played in the latter part of this past season.
22. Memphis Grizzlies– Jerami Grant, Syracuse, Small Forward– Jerami Grant seems like a Grizzlies type player: one that defends, grabs rebounds, and doesn’t hit three’s. Grant can be a terrific defender as he possesses the versatility to guard multiple positions. The problem with Grant is that he is still fairly raw of the offensive side of the ball, most of his points come off cuts and put-backs.
23. Utah Jazz- CJ Wilcox, Washington, Shooting Guard– CJ Wilcox is a terrific shooter (39 percent on three’s) with athleticism (37.5-inch vertical). Wilcox has a good feel for the game and doesn’t make many mistakes as he averaged under two turnovers in all four of his seasons at Washington. Wilcox will thrive as a catc- and-shoot guy, though, the question is whether he can create his own shot.
24. Charlotte Hornets– Glenn Robinson III, Michigan, Small Forward– Glenn Robinson III is a terrific athlete (41.5-inch vertical) that can guard multiple positions. Robinson has a solid mid-range game and a developing three-point shot (31 percent). Robinson is good at many areas but doesn’t stand-out in any other than his athletic ability. In order for Robinson to succeed, he must become a better rebounder (4.4 rebounds per game).
25. Houston Rockets- Tyler Ennis, Syracuse, Point Guard– Tyler Ennis is the truest point guard of all prospects in this year’s draft. Ennis reads the defense well and has an excellent feel for the game. Ennis possessed a 3:2 assist-to-turnover ratio as a freshman, and hit timely shots. The problem with Ennis is that he is not a scorer and might struggle to guard NBA point guards. Ennis will be a good fit for Houston as they need someone to make plays at the point guard spot.