NBA Draft 2019: 3 Prospects to keep an eye on at NBA Draft Combine
By Chris Kern
Mfiondu Kabengele
Mfioundo Kabengele is an exciting NBA Draft prospect who doesn’t always get the respect that he deserves. He can make plays inside and out and has all the tools needed to be a big man in today’s NBA. He didn’t start a single game during his two years at Florida State, but he was still a key part of their NCAA Tournament success.
This past season with the Seminoles he averaged 13.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game on 50% shooting including 37% from three-point range. His ability to impact the game in so many ways gives him a great chance to find a role right away. He might not ever be a key starter on a great team, but he has all the skill needed to find a good role in the NBA.
His inconsistency against some of the bigger teams he had to match up with is worrisome, but he was dominant when he had a size advantage. In their first two NCAA Tournament games against Vermont and Murray State, he had 21 and 22 points respectively. He then followed those two games up with just eight points against Gonzaga and their front line featuring players such as Brandon Clarke and Killian Tillie.
With his size and skill in the frontcourt, he would be a great addition to the Grizzlies. NBA teams are starting to look for players such as him when they’re filling in the second unit of their roster. His versatility as a backup big will give him a chance to be in the NBA for a long time.
He is currently expected to go either late first or early second round, but with a good Draft Combine performance he will have a chance to get into the first round. He has some areas of his game that needs to be worked on, but he is more than capable of still making an impact right away.
Next. This Could Be the Memphis Grizzlies’ Big Break. dark
All three of these players have a chance to improve their stock at the NBA Draft Combine. With the Memphis Grizzlies looking to possibly trading Mike Conley maybe they can get back a pick or two to acquire one of these players. No matter where they end up, expect all three of these players to have successful professional careers.