2014 NBA Predictions: Top 5 Undrafted Players Most Likely to Make an NBA Roster

2014 NBA Predictions: Top 5 Undrafted Players Most Likely to Make an NBA Roster: The 2014 NBA Draft is over, but for those players that didn’t hear their names called Thursday night, their chances of making it to the NBA aren’t necessarily gone. After all, the draft is only two rounds long so there are plenty of quality players that don’t get drafted every year. More importantly, several teams don’t have any picks in the draft because of trades but still have several roster spots to be filled. Some of these roster spots will be filled be veteran free agents, but many undrafted players will also get a chance to prove themselves. With that in mind, here is a look at the players that went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft that have the best chance of ending up on an NBA roster.

1. DeAndre Kane, Guard, Iowa State Cyclones

His all-around production at Iowa State last season was impressive as Kane averaged 17.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. Meanwhile, he has great size and strength for his position, and he showed a knack for creating his own shot. The problem with Kane is that he is already 25 years old so he didn’t have enough upside to get his name called on draft night. However, the Lakers have already signed him to a Summer League deal, and with a senior citizen like Steve Nash running the point, Los Angeles is going to need a backup ball-handler. Plus, his age won’t bother a team that is trying to win while Kobe Bryant can still play at a high level. Look for Kane to end up in a Lakers’ uniform this year

2. Sean Kilpatrick, Guard, Cincinnati Bearcats

Age was the biggest factor in the 24-year-old Kilpatrick going undrafted, but his game is certainly legit. With is attacking offensive style, he averaged 20.6 points per game and was in the mix for the AAC Player of the Year Award. Granted, his 3-point shot can be streaky, but Kilpatrick is creative with the ball and is slashing shooting guard that knows how to get to the rim and create his own shot. His ability to get his own shot makes him particularly valuable at the next level, and he is an ideal fit for a contender looking for some scoring punch off the bench. He should find a home on an NBA roster.

3. Melvin Ejim, Forward, Iowa State Cyclones

He averaged 17.8 points last year at Iowa State, and Ejim can stretch the floor with his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter. Unfortunately, he is only 6’6″ tall, making him a very undersized power forward at any level. While a move to the small forward spot would make sense on the offensive end, Ejim simply doesn’t have the foot speed to defend NBA small forwards. Still, teams continue to become more reliant on the 3-point shot, and big men that can stretch the floor are becoming a hot commodity. For a team that covets spacing and needs a power forward with some outside touch, Ejim is an ideal fit. He will play limited minutes if he does land on an NBA roster, but he can be effective in the right situation.

4. Bryce Cotton, Guard, Providence Friars

Cotton carried Providence to the NCAA tournament last season, and he is an offensive-minded point guard with plenty of range. The problem is that Cotton is only 6’0″ tall and has modest quickness, meaning he could be a liability on the defensive end and struggle to get off his own shot in the NBA. That being said, Cotton is great at running the pick-and-roll, and he can knock down 3-point shots. Both skills are crucial in today’s NBA, and as a result, he should get some looks. Cotton is never going to be a starter at the NBA level, but he could carve out a reserve role in the right offense.

5. Scottie Wilbekin, Guard, Florida Gators

Wilbekin was the leader on both ends of the court for the No. 1 team in the country last year, but he doesn’t have prototypical size and athleticism to play point guard at the next level. Still, Wilbekin did show a knack for hitting big shots, and he was an absolute pest on the defensive end. In the end, he is probably one of those players that was great in college that just don’t fit well in the pros, but he has enough intangibles to garner some looks.

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