Matthew Mayer, SF
There’s no guarantee that a team like the Bulls will be able to snag a truly underrated draft prospect like the 6-foot-9 and 225 pound Baylor junior small forward Matthew Mayer. A legitimate market of suitors in the NBA doesn’t look to really exist for Mayer right now, but that is something that could change in the near future.
Mayer is a product of Westlake High School in Austin, TX, and certainly has the floor spacing ability and length to take his talents to the next level. But a lack of athleticism and ability on the defensive end of the floor could largely prevent him from getting a lot of attention from NBA scouts. If he can show that he can defend some of the better guards/wings that the Zags have to offer, then that image might start to change.
Mayer has consistently improved his game to a lengthy degree over the course of his three years in Waco. His defensive rating got better and better, working from 102 his freshman year, to 92 as a sophomore, to 87 this season. With his defending ability getting better, his three-point shooting percentage above 40.0 should mean a lot more to NBA scouts.
If he can fit in as a two-guard or wing at the next level, then Mayer could be a true hidden gem as a possible undrafted free agent signing of the Bulls. More and more NBA players that can work off-ball and are sneaky good defenders, despite a lack of athleticism, are starting to make more headway. Even dating back within the last decade, the likes of Joe Ingles, Duncan Robinson, Maxi Kleber, and Royce O’Neale, could all fit into this category.
Don’t sleep on someone like Mayer.