13. Vernon Carey Jr.
Current Team: Duke
In what is a rather thin draft class at the five spot, Duke’s star freshman center Vernon Carey Jr. could rise pretty far up various big boards in the coming months. But a lower usage rate and a traditional skill set that is quickly getting phased out in starting lineups at the next level could also hold Carey back in next year’s draft.
While the common school of thought holds it that Carey is more of a traditional big man that is pretty polished heading into his freshman season, the jury shouldn’t be out on that classification yet. He’s made two big three-pointers on his only attempts from downtown this season. A better than anticipated looking shooting stroke should give Coach K the idea to give Carey more tries from 16-feet and beyond.
However, where Carey could also be held at fault is with his size and athleticism. Although he stands at 6-foot-10 (probably closer to 6-foot-8 or 9 without shoes), his wingspan is barely above 7-feet and he doesn’t have the best quickness or leaping ability. The rim-running center that Carey could slot into in the modern NBA might not be the most ideal role for him.
Start to take on more of a stretch-five role and Carey could be a solid lottery pick in the NBA Draft 2020. Keep shooting at least 33 or 34 percent from three-point range (especially with the recently extended college arc) and at least 55 percent from the field and Carey could find himself a nice role at both the collegiate and professional levels.