With the NCAA Tournament approaching, it’s the best time to look into some NBA Draft prospects. The league is past the All-Star break as well, allowing one to have a solid scope of where teams will likely be drafting. There’s already a solid crop of “can’t-miss” players, but it’s time to take a look at three dark horse prospects.
2021 NBA Draft: Three Dark Horse Prospects
Usman Garuba – the Potential Steal of the NBA Draft
There’s no more international player bias. Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are just a couple of examples of international players excelling in the league after not playing in the NCAA.
Not to say that Usman Garuba will reach their level, but he has tantalizing potential. Coming out of Real Madrid, he’s accustomed to a competitive background, similar to how Doncic was.
With his measurables and talent, Garuba is going to be an intriguing combo-forward. He also has the ability to shoot from the outside, which fits in well with the modern game.
Garuba’s athleticism and build are also impressive. He has the NBA-body and above-average mobility for someone of his size. His ability to quickly move up and down the floor will translate well.
Playing for Real Madrid is more competitive than college basketball. There were skeptics about Doncic for playing there over the United States, and there likely will be for Garuba, but that’s wrongful thinking. Garuba will be a steal in the 15th-20th pick range.
Jared Butler – Baylor University
Jared Butler is older than most first-round prospects, but that shouldn’t hurt his stock. He has the NBA-frame, is a leader on the floor, and excellent in both distributing and shooting. He’s been a winner for most of his collegiate career, and he’s going to bring that same mentality into the league.
There are times where “older” prospects are looked down upon during the first round. Looking at last year’s draft, that might have hurt Desmond Bane. Right now, however, he’s an ideal role player on the Memphis Grizzlies.
Butler shares similar qualities to Bane, in where they played in the same conference, led their teams for years, and excelled in shooting and handling. More than that, however, Baylor has been more of a winning program.
This Baylor Bear is going to be a perfect pick for a playoff team looking to add depth onto their side. Butler can easily be a strong bench option in his first year.
Neemias Queta – Utah State University
Neemias Queta out of Utah State has not been talked about enough. This season he’s averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks per game. Those are excellent numbers for a tough big-man like himself. In addition, he’s also averaging three assists and a steal per game. He’s arguably a jack of all trades.
Queta will likely be a second-round pick in the NBA Draft, although he has true potential into being a late steal. His size and strength are off the charts, so he won’t necessarily have to work on that. Defending in the NBA will come easy to him, and although he has to sharpen other skills, he has enough in the toolbox to succeed early.
It’s very possible that Queta has a trajectory similar to that of Mitchell Robinson. He’ll be drafted in the second-round and turn into a very usable center in just a couple of years.
Main Image: Embed from Getty Images
