Saturday, June 21st 2014, 8:34 pm
It's day No. 5 of the Thunder's NBA Draft countdown. To read about how the countdown works and about prospects 25-23, click the link below.
RELATED STORY: Ranking The Thunder's Top 25 NBA Draft Prospects: 25-23
To read about prospects 22-14, click the following links.
Ranking The Thunder's Top 25 NBA Draft Prospects: 22-20
Ranking The Thunder's Top 25 NBA Draft Prospects: 19-17
Ranking The Thunder's Top 25 NBA Draft Prospects: 16-14
13. Jordan Adams – SG – UCLA
Grade if picked 21st: C-
Grade if picked 29th: B+
Strengths
Adams has what you can't coach – physical tools and upside. At just 19 years old, Adams stands at 6-foot-5 with a 6'10 wingspan and is perhaps the strongest wing in the draft. He uses that strength and length to bully his way to the rim and finish consistently. Adams has been criticized for his weight at times, but with an NBA conditioning program, he could evolve into a physical beast.
Weaknesses
Adams' athleticism is limited (29-inch vertical) and it shows at times in his play. It's crucial for guys like this to develop a consistent 3-point shot at the NBA level, and Adams is no different. He shot a respectable 35 percent last season at UCLA but needs to increase that percentage moving forward.
NBA player comparison
Jared Dudley, Draymond Green (if he played guard).
How he fits the Thunder
Adams is higher on this list because he fits the Thunder's No. 1 position of need. If he develops a consistent 3-point shot, he'll jump right into the rotation with Jeremy Lamb and perhaps Andre Roberson.
12. James Young – SF – Kentucky
At 21: B
At 29: A+
Strengths
At 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Young has ideal size for an NBA small forward. He has a nose for finding open looks and shot 35 percent from deep last season at Kentucky. At just 18 years old, Young has one of the highest upsides in the entire draft.
Weaknesses
The downside of being 18 is the lack of NBA-readiness. Young needs to improve his body in order to defend the bigger, more physical NBA small forwards. He'll also need to polish every area of his offensive game.
NBA player comparison
Paul Pierce, Joe Johnson, Chris Copeland
How he fits the Thunder
Young would be higher on this list but the Thunder doesn't desperately need a small forward OR an 18 year old. OKC is a title-ready team and needs to fill its holes with guys who are ready to make an impact. At the same time, Young is a high-value pick who could end up paying off big time in 2-3 years.
11. K.J. McDaniels – SF – Clemson
At 21: D
At 29: A+
Strengths
McDaniels is an experienced leader and scorer. He averaged 17 points on 53-percent shooting and seven rebounds per game during his junior year at Clemson. At 6'6 with a 6'11 wingspan, McDaniels has a rare combination of length, athleticism and ball-handling skills. He excels at attacking the basket.
Weaknesses
The only hole in McDaniels' offensive game is his 3-point shot. He managed just 31 percent last season with a shorter college 3-point line. NBA small forwards have to be able to space the floor with the 3-pointer. Some also criticized McDaniels for mental lapses, but others believe those will go away once he's placed on a team where he doesn't have to do everything.
NBA player comparison
Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard
How he fits the Thunder
He's NBA ready and has the skill to crack next year's rotation. He's quick enough to play some shooting guard if he develops his 3-point shot fast enough. His ceiling might not be quite as high as a guy like James Young, but for a team like the Thunder, he's ready right now.
Stay tuned on Monday for 10-8.
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