UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:

Overlooked 2nd Round Players in 2020 Draft:

SABEN LEE - The Vanderbilt product has been scorching hot since Derrick Rose got traded. It's more likely that Killian Hayes is the future point guard on this team, even with Dennis Smith Jr added to the roster. That does not diminish what Lee has done over the last two games. With the Pistons honestly needing upgrades at just about every position, it's possible Lee ends up as the starting point, with Hayes as the 2-guard. Lee improved every year playing for the Commodores, and now he is given a great opportunity to develop. Over the last two games he's averaged 16.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, and 2.5 SPG. He also added 1.5 3PG. His FT% is a crux, but he's getting the minutes and usage to be an interesting prospect, at least for the short term. As an older rookie, he comes in with a certain level of polish and should see heavy minutes until their backcourt is at full health.

XAVIER TILLMAN - He was a popular pick-up while Memphis was devastated by COVID. As a rookie, his per-36 numbers are 13.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, and 1.1 BPG. While this is not earth shattering, it's great production for the Spartan forward. His value is not so much in his offense, but in the defense he brings. He's a high motor guy that honestly has a lot of overlap with his teammate Brandon Clarke. He could end up being a solid high usage bench player for this team next year when Dieng's contract expires. In a league where a lot of second round players never make it into an NBA game, I think he should carve out a solid role.

SKYLAR MAYS - The LSU product has a shot as pure as the driven snow. He's shooting almost 42% from beyond the arc and got a lot of people's attention during his 20-point effort earlier in the month. Atlanta went out and got Bogdan Bogdanavic in the off-season, so when he returns, Mays will likely either spend time buried on the depth chart or sent to the G-League. In the meantime, he's getting minutes in the double-digits and trying to make a case for a larger role. The 6-4 2-guard has excellent per-36 numbers for a rookie, averaging 17.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.8 SPG and 41/41/90 splits. Even with the high assist numbers, he does not have a lot of turnovers and could see a larger role if the Hawks consolidate and move on from guys like Huerter and Hill.

BONUS QUICK HITS:

CJ Elleby - He had a solid spot start for the Blazers and could end up being a higher usage wing in the coming years for this team. With much of the payroll dedicated to the Portland backcourt, he could be an inexpensive option to play large minutes at the 3.

Theo Maledon - The Frenchman slid in the draft and is obviously the point guard of the future for this young Oklahoma City team. He continues to improve and will eventually be a reliable 2-way option at the position.

Isaiah Joe - The hype train somewhat fizzled out after his January outburst when the 76ers were ravaged by COVID. He doesn't contribute much beyond shooting, but with the shooting struggles of guys like Simmons and Embiid, his shot will be beneficial for the team long-term.

- Adam Safianow - NBA Analyst - Upsyde Sports [Copyright 2021]