NBA Draft 2019: 7 prospects that could thrive as future role players

Desmond Bane – TCU

Draft status: Bane is exploring his NBA draft options, but could end up returning for his senior season. He could showcase himself in a bigger role, but I’m not sure how much good it would do him, as he already played a pretty large role on last season’s TCU squad. Still, there is always the potential for him to improve his draft status with a great senior season.

Draft projection: I think I’m a bit higher on Bane than the general consensus, but based on current mocks, it doesn’t look like he would get drafted if he enters.

Role Player Projection: 

Strengths: At 6-5, Bane has a shot that should translate to the next level, shooting 46% and 43% from three respectively over his last two seasons. He’s a solid athlete that has posted good numbers in transition and projects as at least at a passable defender at the next level. Bane really limited his turnovers during his junior season and despite his reputation as as three-point shooter, has been efficient inside the arc as well (60%, 61%, 65% on 2pt field goals over last three seasons).

Weaknesses: Similar to a lot of the players that have been discussed, Bane doesn’t create a whole lot off the dribble and will need his shot to really translate to have success.

He hasn’t had a reputation as a great defender, and his only 6-4 wingspan (relative to 6-5 height) won’t impress NBA teams in terms of projecting a defensive upside.