Busting Brackets
Fansided

NBA Draft 2021: Stock watch after a month of college basketball games

By Brandon Simberg

Dec 5, 2020; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
NBA Draft
Caleb Love North Carolina Tar Heels (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images) /

Caleb Love – North Carolina – 6’4, 195 lbs- Freshman

Stock: Down

Unlike his fellow freshman teammate Sharpe, Love is off to a very lackluster start to the season. In my pre-college viewings of Love, I was concerned about his lack of burst which has presented itself so far. He has a hard time beating opposing players, regardless of position, off the dribble.

The one thing I did love about Love, was his shooting versatility. I thought at worst, that would translate. But so far it hasn’t. Love is shooting 28% from the field and 11% (4-34) from deep. UNC’s team context is certainly a part of that, but Love looks unconfident at times and is passing up some shots he used to make. His lack of burst has inhibited his ability to create for others. His 3.8 assists per game are mitigated by his 3.4 turnovers.

Even without offense impact, Love’s lack of size has made it hard to be a plus defender on the other end. He’s got a -2.0 box plus/minus, which is pretty alarming through eight games.

I had Love at No. 15 on my preseason board and thought there was a chance he could even get into the late lottery. But after a slow start, I’m not sure Love is even worthy of a first-round selection this year. He may be better suited off returning for a second season and some growth.

Home/NBA Draft News