With the NBA Draft quickly approaching, it’s time to familiarize yourself with some of the less heralded players in the 2014 class. You already know about Embiid, Wiggins, and Parker, but the NBA Draft is more than 15 minutes long, so you might want to dig a little bit deeper. Lets take a look at five players who are low on attention, but heavy on potential with our All-Sleeper Team.
PG. Elfrid Payton, Louisiana Lafayette
At point guard, we have Elfrid Payton, the 6'4 Louisiana Lafayette product who’s been climbing draft boards in recent weeks after going unnoticed for most of three years as a Raging Cajun.
A strong ball handler, defender, facilitator, Payton is one of the more polished players in the draft. His outside shot will make some teams balk, but the one who chooses to look past it could be rewarded big.
SG. PJ Hairston, Texas Legends
At the 2, we have PJ Hairston, who’s trying to become the first player to be drafted from the D-league into the 1st round. Hairston had a rocky falling out at UNC, but he helped his stock by posting solid numbers with the Texas Legends, averaging over 20 points per game. Talented 6'5 shooting guards don’t grow on trees, and the 2 might be the thinnest position in the NBA right now. With D-league experience and a sweet jumper, Hairston should be one of the most NBA-ready players in this draft.
SF. Cleanthony Early, Wichita State
At small forward is a familiar name: Cleanthony Early. The biggest thing going on with Early’s draft stock is that teams already think they know him. They watched him at Wichita State, they see he’s 23 years old, and they’re inclined to assume he doesn’t have much potential. But take a look at Early’s stats from his junior and senior years, and you‘ll see a player still blossoming into his grown man game. The 6’8 forward has a diverse skill set on offense and he’s a solid rebounder for his position too. As for defense, lets just say he’s a sleeper for a reason.
PF. Adreian Payne, Michigan State
At the 4, we have one of the best stretch forwards in the draft in Adreian Payne. If I had a first round pick, I‘d take Payne myself. Some see the Michigan State senior being 23 as a drawback; I see it as an asset. Payne is 6’10 and 240 pounds and has been coached by one of the best in college basketball for four years. He can do a little bit of everything on the floor. He shoots above 40% from deep, hits his free throws, rebounds at a high level, and can also put the ball on the floor. If Payne trims down ever so slightly, he could be a force in the NBA.
C. Clint Capela, Switzerland
And finally at center, we have an international sleeper in Clint Capela, the 20 year old shot blocking phenom. The 6'11 Swiss born player is coming off a strong season playing pro ball in France, showing promising rebounding, and defensive skills for a player his age. A terrific athlete with incredible measurables, Capela undoubtedly has the talent to be a lottery pick. He’s also probably 2-3 years away from contributing at a NBA level. If there’s a team mid-to-late in the first round that has multiple picks, or one that doesn’t mind being patient with their lone selection, Capela could be a great long term investment.
And that’s SI’s All-Sleeper Team.
