Alabama Basketball: 3 Best Prospects for 2019 NBA Draft

Herb Jones, Guard

Herb Jones did not have incredible stats last year, but he’s not a stats guy. When you watch him play, he shows his skill. His length and size at a guard can translate to the NBA. He can shut down guards with ease.

The main reason Jones will receive NBA consideration will be from his game against Oklahoma. Trae Young played one of his worst games in the hostile environment, and Herb Jones was a key defender against him. Jones and Sexton simply shut down Young so well that it inspired memes on Alabama Twitter.

Jones should improve his offensive output now that the team will rely on him more often. He will play with the ball in his hands and show his attacking ability. His defense will also improve as he continues to contest perimeter shots and block drives to the basket.

In terms of NBA ability, there’s a reason he didn’t declare for the draft this year. He needs to improve if he wants to make it in the Association. But he will improve after another year of learning under Avery Johnson. If scouts come to watch him by the end of the season, they will not be disappointed. His moves simply translate to the NBA. He’s where the NBA is heading in terms of switchability and length.

I think a first-round pick for Jones would be too optimistic as of now. I do believe that he would be worth a flyer in the second round. Let him play in the Summer League, let him work through the ranks, and he could become a solid role player in the NBA. He might also wait another year or two before he declares. He has time to make that call, so we’ll just have to see what he does. I would wait at least one more year, but it’s his decision.