2021 NBA Draft: Ranking the top-10 players at G-League Elite Camp
The second-ever G-League Elite prospect camp for the NBA Draft recently completed and there were several standout performers.
The 2021 edition of G-League Elite samp, which saw 40 participants most of which were from the collegiate ranks, completed its second-ever camp this past weekend. There were several strong performances and three players — Carlik Jones, Aaron Wiggins and AJ Lawson — earned an invite to the NBA Draft combine as a result of their excellent efforts. With those three players, the G-League Elite camp has now sent 14 players to the NBA Draft Combine since 2019 and five of the 11 players that previously received an invite went on to get drafted.
Here is a look at the 10 players that improved their draft stock during the camp. JaVonte Smart, Hunter Dickinson, Mac McClung, and Scotty Pippen Jr. receive honorable mention for their performers.
10. Dalano Banton
The big 6-9 guard bounced back from a poor shooting performance in his first scrimmage with a decent outing in game two. He struggled mightily from beyond the arc, which he did at Western Kentucky and Nebraska as well, and did not get to the charity stripe.
However, Banton was outstanding on the glass and demonstrated superb ball- handling, and passing skills while also showing good athleticism. If he stays in the draft, he will likely go undrafted but could get a look from NBA teams down the road due to his all-around game and physical ability.
G-League Elite stats: 4.0 points, 10.5 rebounds (1.5 offense), 4.5 assists, 1.0 turnovers, and 1.0 blocks. He made only 4 of 13 (30.7%) shots and was 0 of 6 from long distance.
9. Kofi Cockburn
The 7-footer dominated the interior on both ends of the floor, using his size and strength advantage. He scored the ball well on the interior, excelled on the glass, and defended the paint extremely well while also playing with a high motor.
The former Illinois Illini did struggle with turnovers and will need to improve his face-up game as well as demonstrate to switch off on pick-n-rolls. Cockburn is a potential second-round selection, however, there is a chance that he goes undrafted. Regardless, he will likely spend most of next season in the G-League.
G-League Elite stats: 10.0 points, 9.5 rebounds (4.5off), 1 assist, 1.5 steals, 2 turnovers. and1.5 blocks. He converted 9 of 18 (50%) shots from the field but just 2 of 7(28.7%) from the free-throw line.