NBA
Three Potential 2018 NBA Draft Steals
There are plenty of potential 2018 NBA Draft steals. Some of them will be successful while others could be out of the league in a couple of years. In this article, I will breakdown three second-round picks who could end up being steals when it’s all said and done.
Jevon Carter
Jevon Carter is the epitome of the Memphis Grizzlies. He will grit-and-grind exactly like this team wants. The Grizzlies have started trying to bring back their defensive intensity and with Carter, they will be able to do that.
"It’s no secret that Coach Huggins runs a tight ship. The secret was treadmills. We learned to be afraid of them."@nextlevel_03 looks back on how @WVUhoops helped form him into the player he is today. https://t.co/Nexub3E6Bp
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) July 20, 2018
Jevon Carter locked up so many opposing guards during his four years at West Virginia. He faced many top guards such as Frank Mason and Trae Young. His offensive game improved a lot during his time there as well.
He started off averaging 8.1 points per game his freshman year and got it up to 17.3 points his senior year. His passing has really improved as well. He averaged 6.6 assists per game his senior season after averaging just 3.7 assists the year before.
His three-point shooting should be good enough at the next level. He shot 39% from deep last year. That should be good enough to keep it at a respectable percentage throughout his career.
The Grizzlies have other point guards though that could keep Carter from having a big role on the team. Andrew Harrison and Shelvin Mack are both guys who would have the backup point guard minutes if they’re on the roster.
Jevon Carter is going to be an elite defender at this level. His improved offensive game is gonna lead to him being a steal in this league. He has the potential to be a starter one day in this league, or at the very least, a very successful backup.
Sviatoslav Mykhailuik
Svi developed a lot during his time at Kansas. He is known as just a shooter but he can contribute in so many different ways. His shooting will lead to him making an impact at this level right away.
Svi Mykhailiuk with 31 tonight, continuing big summer league. Same kid who averaged 11 pts/34 min on 39% FG over last 16 games at Kansas. Different player. Obviously shooting it well, but more scoring versatility off dribble. pic.twitter.com/KunxoOaHcm
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) July 17, 2018
He shot 41% from three over his four-year college career. There’s no denying his shooting ability, that should make him a great fit alongside a guy like Lebron on the Lakers.
He came over to Kansas at just 16 so he isn’t as old as most other college graduates would be. He turned 21 years old in June which gives him an advantage over some of the 23 or so year old college seniors.
His 6’8″ frame is an ideal size for an NBA wing. He can play either spot on the wing and he will help out the Lakers. Svi’s ability to shoot the ball is a great fit for this Lakers team.
They have a lot of veterans who aren’t the best shooters so he should be able to come in and be a shooter on the wing alongside some of these guys for at least a few minutes.
His shooting will keep him in the league. If he can improve in some other areas then he will be a legit steal. He has a shot at being a very good role player for a long time. He’s gonna fit in great with this Lakers young core.
Keita Bates-Diop
Bates-Diop falling so far in the draft was one of the biggest surprises of the night. Many mock drafts had him projected to go to the Minnesota Timberwolves; they had him projected to go there in round one though.
Him falling all the way to forty-eight could make him one of the biggest steals of the draft. He seems like an ideal fit for this young team. He has the shot to become the power forward of the future on this squad.
U-High alum F Keita Bates-Diop (@KBD_33) with 14.8 PTS, 40 FG%, 7.4 REB per game for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the @NBA summer league. #AFAthlete pic.twitter.com/oQDng81EUV
— BN Athlete Factory (@bnafactory) July 16, 2018
Taj Gibson is gonna start this season but after that, it could be Keita’s job. He has the capability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. He can score inside and outside.
His percentages are good in every aspect. He shot 48% from the field, 36% from three and just under 80% from the free-throw line. He might be a bit undersized as a power forward though.
He is listed at 6’9″ which is being generous to him. That’s tall enough to guard most power forwards but he could struggle inside against some.
His offensive skill set made him a matchup nightmare at Ohio State. He dominated during his senior season. He won’t need to have the same impact but having him at the four spot could really open things up for Towns down low.
Him being able to play alongside guys like Jimmy Butler and Karl Anthony-Towns will open up a lot of things. He has the skill to be a legit draft steal. He will have a lot of success with the Timberwolves.
All three of these guys are going to be NBA Draft steals. They all played well in the Summer League and they have their fanbases excited to see them play this upcoming season.
Credit: Chris Kern
