NBA Draft: Three prospects improving their draft stock

NBA draft rising prospect No. 1: Immanuel Quickley

Despite not being a regular fixture in the starting lineup until midway through the season, Immanuel Quickley averaged 16.1 points and 4.2 rebounds while leading the Kentucky Wildcats to a 25-6 finish. For his efforts and stellar play, Quickley was awarded the SEC Player of the Year award and named to the All-SEC first-team.

He wasn’t the primary ball-handler in Kentucky’s three-guard lineup, but he’s very unselfish and quickly gets the ball to the open man (no pun intended). In college, Quickely showed a team-first attitude, willing to accept a lesser role and do whatever his team needs him to do to win.

An elite marksman from deep, Quickley hit 39.7 percent of his 3-pointers and 89.5 percent of his free throws in two seasons at Kentucky. He can hit jumpers off the dribble, and he has a smooth and quick release off the catch.

After shooting 34.5 percent from downtown in limited minutes his freshman season, Quickley improved his efficiency from behind the arc to the tune of 42.8 percent while simultaneously increasing his volume from 2.35 to 4.83 attempts per game.

Quickley is a terrific defender as well. The 6’3 guard out of Kentucky can stay in front of and slow down guards and wings alike with his 6’10” wingspan. He leaves Kentucky after two seasons with a 99.2 Defensive Rating, according to RealGM.

ESPN NBA Draft analyst and co-founder of the renowned Draft Express, Jonathan Givony tweeted a video of Quickley showing off his shot during an NBA Draft Combine shooting drill. Quickley’s trainer Jide Sodipo was also quick to show the world how well Quickley performed during shooting drills.

https://twitter.com/jidesodipo/status/1317548708096081920?s=19

Since the NBA started its prolonged draft process, several teams have shown interest in the former Wildcat. Last month, Adam Zagoria of Forbes reported Quickley met twice virtually with the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Earlier this month, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that the Miami Heat held multiple meetings with Quickley as well. Jackson also stated, “One NBA evaluator told me he thought the 30s was more realistic, but there are some people in the industry who like him earlier than that.”