NBA Draft 2014: Projecting The Top 10 Guard Prospects

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Mar 22, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Tyler Ennis (11) gets fouled late in the second half by Dayton Flyers forward Devin Oliver (5) of a men

10. P.J. Hairston- P.J. Hairston is one of the better scorers in the draft and has one of the most NBA-ready bodies. Hairston, who didn’t play at North Carolina for what was supposed to be his junior year due to suspension, played in the D-League and averaged 21.8 points and 1.5 steals per game. Hairston is very strong (229 lbs) and is ready to score at the NBA level — he possesses NBA three-point range (36 percent) and has a good mid-range shot. The problem with Hairston is that he may be too one-dimensional. Hairston must improve at making plays for others, as he averaged only 0.8 assists. Hairston also must improve as a rebounder (3.5 rpg), he may be asked to play some small forward in the NBA. Hairston is a solid defender that possesses an excellent wingspan (6’9″) which makes up for him being 6’5″. Overall, Hairston will help a team similarly to the way Tim Hardaway Jr, did last season as a rookie. Expect Hairston to go as high as No. 21 in the draft to the Oklahoma City Thunder or possibly early second round.

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9. Tyler Ennis- When Tyler Ennis’ name pops up, the first thing people think of is that three-point shot he hit to beat Pittsburgh at the buzzer. As a freshman, Ennis was the leader of a Syracuse team that was ranked first for a good portion of the college basketball season. It is arguable that Ennis opened eyes because of his team’s success. Ennis only had one game where one can say he dominated offensively, which came against California, a game in which he scored 28 points. However Ennis played better under pressure as he made timely shots and rarely made a mistake. Ennis’ strength is making reads and knowing where his teammates are at all times, similar to Jrue Holiday of the New Orleans Pelicans. Ennis had an incredible 3.5 assist-to-turnover ratio this season. While there is a chance that Ennis can be selected at the end of the lottery (Orlando or Minnesota), it is more likely that he goes to Chicago (19th) or Toronto (20). With Derrick Rose‘ health still up in the air, as it has been the past two years, the Bulls can use at least a back-up point guard or Toronto can use him if Kyle Lowry signs elsewhere. While I don’t believe Ennis will be a star (there are too many concerns with his ability to create his shot and defending explosive guards) he will be a George Hill type player, a border line starter or good back-up.

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