The players who won’t be at the NBA draft combine will be more noticeable than those who will be in Chicago on Thursday and Friday.
No Lonzo Ball. No Josh Jackson. No Jayson Tatum, Lauri Markkanen or Malik Monk.
But here are five players who can turn NBA scouts’ heads:
Markelle Fultz, 6-4, PG, freshman, Washington. He’s considered the prize in the draft class because of his shot-making, ballhandling and ability both to finish at the rim and to make 3-pointers. The only question is his defense.
De’Aaron Fox, 6-4, PG, freshman, Kentucky. The lefty’s combination of size, speed and athleticism is exceptional. Fox is a streaky shooter, making only 24.6 percent of his 3-pointers. He might be the third or fourth point guard selected after Fultz, Ball, and Dennis Smith Jr. (not attending).
OG Anunoby, 6-8, SF, sophomore, Indiana. An explosive threat on offense and an active defender, he could become a terrific NBA wing. He missed the final 15 games of the Hoosiers’ season with a knee injury.
Zach Collins, 7-0, C, freshman, Gonzaga. He came off the bench in all 39 games, averaging 10 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks while hitting 47.6 percent of his 3-pointers. NBA teams had to like how he played in the NCAA tournament as the Bulldogs advanced to the championship game.
Jarrett Allen, 6-11, C, freshman, Texas. He took some time to get comfortable as a freshman but came into form at midseason and showed off his versatility. He averaged 16.2 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in Big 12 play.
