The 2015 NBA rookie class hasn’t even played a regular season game yet but already scouts from around the league are excited about next year’s group can do. We’re always on the lookout for the next Andrew Wiggins. On that note, let’s take a look at the top five shooting guard prospects heading into this season.
Malik Newman, Mississippi State Bulldogs
Freshman
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Newman is the top shooting guard on our list despite his freshman status heading into this year. That’s because NBA scouts have had a close eye on him for years as an impressive young scorer with the potential to be special. Newman averaged 16.2 points in 22 minutes for the USA at the 2013 FIBA Americas and then averaged 14.9 points at the 2014 World Championships to solidify his status as an elite pure scorer.
He packs a unique blend of shooting ability, speed, quickness and athleticism. Newman has the potential to be an elite pure scorer at the NBA level and with such a strong reputation heading into his freshman season at Mississippi State, he is easily a lock as the top shooting guard prospect heading in to this year. He should get ample opportunity to shine against so-so competition in the SEC.
Caris LeVert, Michigan State Spartans
Senior
Many thought LaVert was destined to be a first round pick in this year’s draft before a season-ending foot injury sidelined him and put his NBA future on hold at least temporarily. However, LaVert is back at Michigan State for his senior year and at 6’7’’ with a reported 7’1’’ wingspan, he is a player that will be on every team’s radar.
The biggest concern for LaVert is his ability to stay healthy as he has missed time in each of the last two years but if he can bounce back with a strong season and stay in the lineup, he should be a lock to go in the top 20 in next year’s draft. Michigan State players tend to have a good pedigree, so he has that going for him.
Furkan Korkmaz, Turkey
Korkmaz has been on the radar of NBA scouts for years while playing overseas in Turkey and he has the potential to become a first round pick with a strong performance this season. He’s been drawing some comparisons to Gordon Hayward. He still has to refine his offensive game but he is a good spot shooter that has excelled at the defensive end of the floor. If he can continue to develop this year overseas, he could declare for next year’s NBA draft as a potential first round pick.
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Buddy Hield, Oklahoma Sooners
Senior
Hield has put up big numbers for the Sooners in consecutive seasons and while he isn’t as tall as some scouts would like, he has the physical strength and shooting ability to become a quality NBA player. Hield has done most of his damage spotting up but he can also attack the rim. His considerable upside makes him an intriguing player to keep an eye on. Hield decided to play his senior at Oklahoma only after realizing he wouldn’t be a lock to go in the first round last year but if he can build on last year’s performance, he’ll make the cut for the first round in 2016.
Grayson Allen, Duke Blue Devils
Sophomore
Allen doesn’t have elite size or length but he is an outstanding athlete. He also put on a show in last year’s Final Four and the national title game. Allen scored nine points in just 16 minutes against Michigan State and then went off for 16 points in 21 minutes against Wisconsin to help the Blue Devils win the national title. He might not have the physical tools to go in the top 10 next year but he could very well be a first round pick if he builds on last year’s March Madness performance.
