NBA Draft 2021: 5 observations from the G-League Elite Camp

Underclassmen underwhelm

While there was a fair share of standouts, some players also appeared clearly not ready for the next level. While this sort of event is more tailored for guards and wings instead of bigs, Big Ten forwards E.J. Liddell and Hunter Dickinson both couldn’t hang with the speed and size of their opponents. Liddell looked small next to the other frontcourt players, measuring in at just under 6’6 without shoes on. I expect both players to return to school next season.

Guards D.J. Carton and Scotty Pippen Jr. also struggled in the camp. Carton’s lack of a left-hand and reliable jumpshot hindered him, while Pippen was turnover prone and his lack of size made it difficult to finish. Carton has forgone his eligibility and while Pippen probably isn’t an NBA player, he probably can’t be more productive than he was at Vandy last season.

Marquette freshman big Dawson Garcia has an interesting decision on his hands as well. Despite leading the camp in points, he did not get invited to the NBA Combine. He’s viewed as a year away from being taken seriously as a pro prospect. He could return to Marquette, but the roster and coaching staff are completely different with Shaka Smart now at the helm.

It wouldn’t shock me if Garcia elected to return and then enter the transfer portal, in that case making him, arguably, the most coveted player on the market.