2014 NBA Mock Draft: An in-depth look at both rounds
By Joe Nardone
41. Denver Nuggets – Khem Birch, C, UNLV
H: 6′ 9″ W: 209 lbs DOB: 09/28/1992
2013-14 NCAA (33 GP) 11.5 PPG 10.2 RPG 1.2 APG 26.7 PER
Before I proceed, this pick was originally slotted for former Baylor center Isaiah Austin, who was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome this past Sunday, and will retire from basketball immediately.
Khem Birch is a similar pro prospect to Timberwolf (that’s the singular of Timberwolves, right?) Gorgui Dieng, as both are undersized centers but you know you’re going to get an animal on the defensive end with some unknowns on the offensive end.
The reigning two-time Mountain West Conference Player of the Year, Birch is one of the more impressive big men in terms of physical specimens, as he’s strong, quick, and explosive, which explains how at 6-foot-9 he should be able to match up with NBA centers. Birch is a tremendous shot blocker and a good rebounder, and he’ll be able to help Minnesota on the defensive end immediately.
When it comes to scoring, Birch has no business commanding the ball, at all. Despite quick feet, he has no moves on the block, has below average touch for a guy with his size, and don’t even bring up his ability to shoot from short to midrange.
This isn’t to say that Birch can’t work on these aspects of his game, if anything I think it’s impressive that he’s been able to develop as much as he has in his three years between Pittsburgh and UNLV, but if he had more to offer we wouldn’t be talking about him as a mid-to-late second rounder. — Jared