2014 NBA Mock Draft: An in-depth look at both rounds
By Joe Nardone
Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
59. Toronto Raptors – Cory Jefferson, PF, Baylor
H: 6′ 9″ W: 218 lbs DOB: 12/26/1990
2013-14 NCAA (36 GP) 13.6 PPG 8.a RPG 1.0 APG
Cory Jefferson may have been better off entering the 2013 NBA Draft than coming back for his Senior season, but who am I to tell a kid not to pursue his education?
Either way, this past season saw Jefferson’s shooting efficiency numbers plummet, which as an undersized four will undoubtedly scare NBA GM’s. I still think that showing the ability to score from multiple areas on the floor, combined with his explosive athleticism is enough to land him a spot on an NBA roster, but he has to show that this past season was more of a fluke than the finished product of what we can expect from Jefferson.
Jefferson’s still a very good rebounder, has a few moves when he posts up, is effective in transition, and is arguably at his best playing off of the ball. I think he’d be a great fit playing next to Jonas Valanciunas, and as a potential stretch four, if he can shoot the ball like he did his Junior season, he should be able to stick around the league for several seasons. — Jared