Draft night is one of the most exciting days of the year for NBA fans. It’s that perfect mix of hope, hype, and chaos — watching your team try to land the next Steph Curry while praying they don’t end up with another Anthony Bennett. And let’s be real, a lot of teams lean more toward the Bennett side of things.
But every draft, there are always a few steals — guys picked outside the lottery who come in and make an immediate impact. I’ve been watching a lot of college hoops and some overseas tape this year, and there are a few names flying under the radar that I really believe could surprise people.
Jace Richardson – 6’3” G, Michigan State
Right now, Richardson is projected to go late in the first round or early second, but don’t let that fool you — this kid can hoop. He averaged 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists on nearly 50% shooting. He’s an aggressive finisher at the rim and has a smooth, if slightly slower, jumper that still gets the job done.
Jace has a solid handle, loves to get flashy with his passes, and honestly feels like a do-it-all kind of guard if put in the right system. A team like the Suns or Clippers could use someone like him — a spark plug off the bench who could grow into something even bigger with the right minutes.
Cedric Coward – 6’6” F, Washington State
Cedric’s sample size is small — he only played six games this past season — but the numbers pop: 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. What really stands out, though, is how versatile he is. With a nearly 7-foot wingspan and serious two-way potential, he could easily develop into a top-tier role player in the league.
A lot of people compare him to Josh Hart, and I totally get it. He’s the kind of guy who may not get the spotlight on draft night but could be out there swinging games in April and May. You put him in a system that values energy, defense, and smart play, and he’s gonna thrive.
Tyrese Proctor – 6’6” G, Duke
Okay, this one might be a stretch for some, but hear me out — Tyrese Proctor fits the modern NBA. He played alongside Cooper Flagg this season at Duke and quietly put up 12 points, 3 boards, and 2 assists. He’s got great feel for the game and is a smart scorer.
The concern? He’s not the quickest guy out there, and defensively he can struggle, especially against faster guards. But as a secondary ball-handler and off-ball scorer? He has real value. In the right backcourt pairing, he could carve out a solid role. Think of him as a high-IQ combo guard who just needs the right landing spot.
With the salary cap tighter than ever and stars taking up massive chunks of the payroll, teams have to find value in the draft. You can’t miss on these late-round guys anymore.
Every year, a few players prove that you don’t have to be a lottery pick to make a difference. I think Jace Richardson, Cedric Coward, and Tyrese Proctor have the potential to be that next wave of underrated contributors — guys who don’t just make a roster, but actually matter.
Keep an eye on them come draft night. I think they’re gonna surprise people.
Landon Neilson
2025
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