NBA Draft 2019: 3 major sleeper prospects with top 10 talent

Darius Bazley

I saved the best prospect of all for last and that is none other than Klutch Sports Agency’s own Darius Bazley. This kid is easily the biggest enigma of the draft. He was a McDonald’s All American last year coming out of high school and originally committed to Syracuse. Shortly after his mother reached out to Rich Paul about career advice best for Darius in particular, he de-committed from Syracuse and decision to enter the NBA G-League circuit to focus solely on his obvious future career in pro basketball.

He then decided against the G-League after being offered a paid internship with New Balance for three months to the tune of one million dollars. Let’s just say his decision to skip college has already paid off if he never steps foot on an NBA court. He is a very well articulated kid in the sense of discussing business, already sounding like a very well thought out seasoned vet despite still being a teenage high school student.

His physical frame resembles more Kevin Durant although his playing style may not. He was the definition of a point forward in high school, looking to create for others and make the best play more so than anything else but let’s not get it twisted, he is a pretty talented scorer who can consistently create scoring anywhere on the court and also has a nice touch on his shot.

Darius may not be hyper flight but never the less still a damn good athlete, very lean fluid and smooth runner with the necessary explosiveness to get the job done. His skill and level of being poised as a ball handler maybe his biggest strength along with his height & vision to see over defenses for sound passes.

Bazley also gets to the bucket at will when he wants due to his size skill and savvy to make moves on the court very few will be able to guard in a league where the defense gets worse by the day. His decision to skip college may have cost him some draft positioning but Darius Bazley was once a projected lottery NBA draft pick who hasn’t been in any trouble or had any character issues of note.

Rest assured someone will take a chance on him first round if that’s what you want to call selecting a 6’9 200 lbs, point forward with high IQ and skilled who is also a former elite preps player, barely one year removed from the said circuit. He’s a lefty but ambidextrous all around on the court, but he signs with his right hand despite being a lefty shooter.

He finishes with either hand as well as passing. He reads the court very sound & poised but makes the quick passes. Very smooth stroke from NBA range and can become a deadly pull-up threat. His poise and craftiness getting to the basket make him look 6’5 at times, yeah in a good way. He likes the corner catch and shoot jumper. Can definitely add more weight as he may struggle early on being so thin at around 200 lbs soaking wet.

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The good thing is he has broad shoulders to do so. I can see Nic Batum but it’s something about this kid that gives me superstar vibes. Runs the pick-and-roll effectively, as the roll or handler. Persona-wise he controls a room so well for a teen unlike any other in the draft & he’s very laid back but very candid.

Even if you aren’t yet convinced of his potential, pay attention to his power moves. The first thing is the fact he landed an unprecedented paid internship with New Balance for a whopping one million dollars, with incentives up to $14 million.

He signed with super agency Klutch Sports which is co-owned by none other than the King himself LeBron James and super agent Rich Paul, who has taken him on as a priority client despite having arguably THE best client roster in all of sports agency world. That says a whole lot to one who pays attention to detail.

Two major brands making serious investments in a high school kid more than one year removed from his last regulated game? Add that with what you get from watching his delivery and body language in interviews and I feel that this kid may very well end up being one of the best players in this draft. He clearly has the accolades and potential to make a case.