NBA Decisions

We are days away from the declaration deadline concerning college players entering the draft. Many of the big names have already announced their decisions. Parker, Wiggins, Embiid, Randle, and others are turning pro as we expected. Guys like Cauley-Stein, Harrell, Selden, Hollis-Jefferson, and others are big name guys that are returning to school. BUT, there are still players making important decisions this week. And these decisions will still impact the draft this summer, and will majorly impact college basketball next season. Here are those players:

Andrew and Aaron Harrison - While both played better basketball late in the season and in their tourney run (especially Aaron), neither player is a first round lock. That is making their decision very difficult. If they chose to return, Kentucky would move up to the #1 spot in my preseason rankings. With Cauley-Stein and Marcus Lee, plus the newcomers they are bringing in, the Harrison's would turn Kentucky into a powerhouse next season.

Alex Polythress and Dakari Johnson - These are two more Kentucky players making decisions this week. Both are likely second rounders at this point in the draft, but can these two really improve their stock? Polythress really can't, and Dakari would return to a very crowded frontcourt next season. Again, their return would make Kentucky unreal, but we'll have to wait and see.

Mitch McGary - Despite an injury that kept him out the last few months, McGary still could decide to turn pro. That would be devastating for Michigan as they lost Stauskas and Robinson III to the NBA already, along with Horford (transfer) and Morgan (graduate). They were once a top 5 lock for next year, and now they are a fringe top 20 team. Losing McGary would potentially take them out of my preseason Top 25. In terms of his stock, I'd guess he's a late first rounder, but that's much lower than his lottery status a year ago.

Spencer Dinwiddie - This is another player that was injured for most of the season. He's probably only a second round draft pick now, but he's another guy that may not want to risk returning. With Colorado bringing back nearly everyone on the roster, Dinwiddie's return could make them a threat to Arizona in the Pac-12. If he declares, they won't improve much from this past season.

DeAndre Daniels and Ryan Boatright - Both have hinted at returning, but no official decision has been announced. I wouldn't blame them for leaving after a National Championship, but if they both returned they could be a very good team once again. Boatright would risk being drafted altogether, and Daniels is probably only a second round selection (maybe late first). But after their tourney success, can those statuses be improved upon? UCONN hopes so, because with them back, they could make a return trip to the Final Four.

In terms of the NBA Draft, the other big decisions will take place overseas. Dario Saric could be a lottery pick if he declares. Other international stars include Micic, Capela, Nurkic, and Hezonja.

In terms of college basketball, Myles Turner's decision could change the outlook for some team next year. I've heard Kansas and Texas are the favorites now. Transfers will also make an impact for teams. Bryce Dejean-Jones and Anthony Lee have already helped the outlook of Iowa State and Ohio State respectively for next season. So we'll keep an eye on those decisions as well.

So as these things play out, look for our updates and our new mock drafts. We'll stay on it so you don't have to.

By: The Sports Guys