2020 NBA Draft: 5 prospects flying under radar for upcoming draft

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MARCH 29: Nate Hinton #11 celebrates (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Nate Hinton, G, Houston

They don’t make guards like Nate Hinton anymore.

A hard-nosed, high-energy two-guard, Hinton was one of college basketball’s toughest players last year. He averaged 10.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and shot 39% from 3-point range. He was also one of the best defenders in the American Athletic Conference.

There’s a lot to like about Hinton’s game at the next level. He measures out well at the two at 6’5 and 210 pounds, also having a 6’9 wingspan, making him a matchup nightmare defensively for opposing guards.

Hinton is an underrated playmaker, taking over the responsibilities of main facilitator in Kelvin Sampson’s offense. While only averaging 2.0 assists per game, Hinton showed flashes of being a good playmaker.

He could stand to tweak his jump shot just a bit, as it is not very compact, and hitches just a bit. He is a capable shooter but could become a good one if he fixes some mechanical things.

Hinton contributes to winning in every aspect of basketball. Every team in the league would benefit from getting an ultra athletic, scrappy, hard worker. Whatever team takes a chance on him in the second round is getting a solid contributor for multiple years.

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