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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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Dec 7, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) during the first half against the Xavier Musketeers at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) during the first half against the Xavier Musketeers at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Derrick White, PG/SG, Colorado

I am extremely late and fully aboard the Derrick White bandwagon. Like Jordan Bell, White is likely a late first-rounder or an early second-rounder due mostly to age. He’s over 23 once the 2017-18 season begins. The fact that White is even in this conversation is incredible given he only played one season of Division I ball.

After multiple years in D-II, White got a chance at Colorado and made it count. He put up a line of 18-4-4, while recording over a block and a steal per game. White also shot it well from virtually everywhere on the court. Per Hoop-Math, White shot 68 percent at the rim, nearly 44 percent on two-point jumpers, almost 40 percent from three and over 81 percent at the line. That’s absurd no matter how old you are.

White has first round talent just based off of that arsenal of scoring methods, but he’s even better. He can make play for others, so he offers the ability to play either guard position at the next level. That means it’ll be hard to find a team he can’t fit on. He’s a solid defender too.

When it comes to fit, he’ll need to fall to a team that is looking for immediate help and isn’t interested in grooming a teenager’s flaws. The only thing possibly hurting his stock is age. It’s certainly not his game.

Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery edition

Potentially good fits: Heat (14th), Bulls (16th), Thunder (21st), Spurs (29th)

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