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2017 NBA Draft: 5 potential first round sleepers

By Max Holm

Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) drives to the basket as Kansas Jayhawks forward Landen Lucas (33) defends during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Kansas won 90-85. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) drives to the basket as Kansas Jayhawks forward Landen Lucas (33) defends during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Kansas won 90-85. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 25, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) goes after a loose ball with Kansas Jayhawks center Landen Lucas (33) during the first half in the finals of the Midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Oregon defeated Kansas 74-60. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) goes after a loose ball with Kansas Jayhawks center Landen Lucas (33) during the first half in the finals of the Midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Oregon defeated Kansas 74-60. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Jordan Bell, PF/C, Oregon

Jordan Bell is very much in that first round/second round range. It could really go either way. The knock on him, like many players who are in this area, is age. He’ll be nearly 23 when next season starts. Add that to the fact that he’s a tweener who cannot shoot and you see the skepticism. But that’s not Bell’s game. He’s never going to be a shooter or a major scoring threat. Bell should be a first-rounder because of his defense.

Not only is he the perfect small-ball center for the modern NBA, but he’d also thrive as a tough power forward next to a center that can shoot threes. Bell is a game-changer on the defensive end who can protect the rim and switch everything.

He carried Oregon for much of their Final Four run after having a sensational season defensively. For the 2016-17 season, Bell led the Pac-12 in blocks, defensive rating, defensive win shares, and Box Plus-Minus, per sports reference. 

With the way the NBA is going smaller, a player like Bell holds incredible value. It’s why OG Anunoby may go in the lottery despite recovering from a torn ACL. No one should ever compare another player to Draymond Green, but that’s the type of versatility you’d hope for from Bell.

He’s also shown a knack for playmaking, which can compensate for his limits on offense. Bell is ready to be plugged in and do his thing on defense right now, making him a top option for teams in the first round not interested in drafting a project.

Potentially good fits: Raptors (23rd), Jazz (24th), Lakers (28th), Spurs (29th)

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