As the NBA Draft combine kicks off this week, Michigan freshmen Caleb Houstan and Moussa Diabate are viewed widely as fringe second-round picks — at least by the various experts online.
Most big boards rank Houstan and Diabate outside the top 50 players available, projecting Michigan State freshman Max Christie as a much more valued prospect.
But Houstan’s stock might be much higher than we realize. The 6’8 wing won’t be among the 100-plus players at the combine this week in Chicago, where prospects will put their talents on display ahead of the June draft, because he might not have anything left to prove.
Per ESPN, ‘some NBA teams speculate (that Houstan) already has a promise in the first round.’
That would be quite the leap for Houston, who averaged 10.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and shot 35.5 percent from three last season at Michigan. Then again, he has the length and shooting stroke that NBA teams covet. The former five-star recruit was viewed as a likely lottery pick when he arrived at Michigan for a reason.
Both Houstan and Diabate declared for the draft last month, but retained the option of returning to school. They have until June 1 to solicit feedback from NBA evaluators and make a decision.
If Houston has indeed received a first-round guarantee, his decision has likely already been made.
Christie, on the other hand, will be at the combine, with ESPN listing him as a player with ‘a lot to prove to NBA scouts.’ Another former five-star recruit and potential lottery pick, Christie’s stock took a bit of a hit last season when he struggled to score consistently and shot 31.7 percent from three.
Per ESPN, ‘This is a huge week (for Christie) to gain some positive momentum for his draft stock.'
'Once a projected top-20 pick, Christie is not lacking in talent, but showing he can hold his own against older players while reminding scouts of his skill level will go a long way in solidifying him as someone worthy of guaranteed money in June.'