SEC: Could Michael Frazier II Be A Steal In the NBA Draft?

It’s great to be a Florida Gator.

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OK, maybe normally in the past but last season that historic phrase couldn’t have been used to describe the athletics program.

The football team didn’t have a good season at all and when people thought that the basketball would pick up the slack, fans and coaches alike got a rude awakening. Florida started off the year with many high hopes as they began the season with the No. 8 ranking.

Everyone might have been hyped in the beginning but after a 69-67 loss to the Miami Hurricanes everyone knew they had been exposed.

Florida finished with a 16-17 record. In fact, it was one of the worst seasons that Billy Donovan has ever had.

If you didn’t see Florida basketball this season, then don’t worry there wasn’t much to miss. Well I take that back. There was something that was missed for everyone who jumped off the Florida bandwagon during their season, a 6’4″, 194-pound lighting quick triggered, athletic, shooting guard, Michael Frazier II.

Don’t worry, you didn’t miss much during Frazier’s last season playing in the O-Dome (That’s the Stephen C. O’Connell Center for those who don’t know) because soon enough Frazier’s going to become one of the rookies you’re going to get to know after the 2015 NBA Draft.

It’s brash, but it’s true. Frazier could become one of the biggest steals in the 2015 NBA Draft.

Nov 21, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators guard Michael Frazier II (20) drives to the basket as Louisiana Monroe Warhawks forward Majok Deng (13) defends during the second half at Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Florida Gators defeated the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks 61-56 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

During his time playing for the Florida Gators people got to see how dynamic of a player that Frazier actually could become.

Frazier in his last season playing for the Gators didn’t have the explosive stats like many thought he would produce (averaging 12.1 points per game on 41 percent shooting) and that’s why it was a huge surprise for some that he decided that he was ready to take his skill set to the NBA.

For others they saw how much Frazier’s game could translate and knew he made the right decision to leave. Even with the down year and the skeptics, it only takes one team to think differently and potentially give an opportunity to as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2015 NBA Draft.

~~The Contract Killer~~ The Hired Shooter

The NBA is in a new era of basketball (What are your thoughts on that, LeBron James?).

No longer are athletes ruling the battlegrounds to own the league (Russell Westbrook and John Wall would disagree). In the NBA we’ve seen a number of players without elite-level athleticism take over the league. Stephen Curry getting ready to become the MVP of the league shows that.

Curry’s MVP trophy is for every person in the world who focused and practiced on making three-pointers, shooting off of screens and using the proper footwork while running for a catch and shoot jump shot, more than making layups.

His MVP award is strictly for the shooters.

Mar 27, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Florida Gators guard Michael Frazier II (20) shoots a three-point shot against UCLA Bruins forward Travis Wear (24) during the second half in the semifinals of the south regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports /

The reason why Curry was so yearned for when he left Davidson in 2009 is because of his ability to shoot the basketball. It’s that distinctive trait that will make Michael Frazier II an extremely hot commodity when the NBA draft rolls around on June 25.

Since the NBA is changing and a lot of offenses are using the space and pace model of basketball (a la the San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers & Atlanta Hawks) players who can knock down shots are that much sought after and coveted. Mike Miller, James Jones, J.R. Smith all changing teams from last year to join the same roster in Cleveland proves that.

That’s why it makes sense for a franchise to draft someone like Frazier, because he’s younger, more athletic and he’s already a developed shooter like the veterans in the league. He’s a true natural marksman and when he plays in the NBA he’s going to hit his mark.

Just look at some of the notable achievements during his time playing at Florida.

Frazier for his career is a 43 percent shooter from the three-point line.
Frazier holds records for three-pointers made in a season with 118 makes
Frazier at one point hit 11 three-pointers vs. South Carolina

Just ask the Miami Heat if they could’ve used a 43 percent shooter on their team.

Better yet ask the Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves if they could have used his services. All of those teams were among the bottom ranks when it came to three-point field goal percentage last season.

But it’s just not mediocre teams who could use some help. Even playoff teams like the Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks could use his services. If they found a way for Frazier to get a roster spot he could help their franchise get to the next level.

Jan 15, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators guard Michael Frazier II (20) drives past Auburn Tigers forward Alex Thompson during the second half of an NCAA basketball game at Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Florida won 75-55. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

What’s even more interesting is the fact that Frazier II has a few flaws in his game that could improve on the next level.

Offensively Frazier has to improve when it comes to shooting off of the dribble. If teams figure out not to leave him an inch of space, he’ll have to figure out how to get to the free throw line using his ability as a jump shooter to help his scoring ability.

In essence Frazier still has to learn how to put the basketball on the floor and use his ability to shoot to help make his game develop more. When Frazier takes that next step by scoring off the dribble (which he should in due time) he’s going to become a seasoned professional.

That part of his game getting developed will be the difference between him becoming Nik Stauskas or Eric Gordon.

But of course it’s going to take some stones from a team to draft Frazier II knowing they’ll have to have a bit of patience.

As I mentioned in this story…

"This pick isn’t for the faint of heart. This pick is for the statistical stat nerds like myself who understand the type of impact a spot up shooter can be in the league.On one hand, an NBA team could draft Frazier and it could turn into Nik Stauskas Sauce CastilloOn the other hand a team could turn this pick into a poor man’s version of Eric Gordon … OK, Bradley Beal (note the Florida connection)."

Another note for concern about Frazier’s game is comes with the stigma attached to shooters. It’s the age-old perception that they are only one-dimensional, meaning they can’t play defense. Frazier stands at 6’4″ with shoes on which is looked at as a negative since he’ll have to guard opposing shooting guards.

However, Frazier’s wingspan is 6’9″, so it will allow him to have the ability to not only guard shooting guards, but also multiple positions on the next level. Outside of making jump shots the defense will be a huge factor to decide how much playing time he’ll receive (ask Doron Lamb about that).

Frazier will get an opportunity to play in the league. He’s an underrated prospect going into the draft. He’s going to make a team happy with his game. He’s also a person who I hope the Miami Heat & Utah Jazz deeply consider looking at.

Next: SEC: 5 Players Who Will Play Better In The NBA

SEC: Could Michael Frazier II Become A Steal In The 2015 NBA Draft?

By DJoumbarey A. Moreau | Apr 19, 2015

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