Losing the way North Carolina State did against Saint Louis definitely didn't help in their bid to retain sophomore ACC Player of the Year T.J. Warren, but it probably wouldn't have mattered. According to numerous reports, he'll enter the NBA draft next season with a decent chance of landing in the lottery.
Warren will be a tough one for NBA general managers to assess. He doesn't play with much emotion, but has a seemingly preternatural ability to score (24.8 ppg). He doesn't shoot the three, but has an efficient, high jump shot. From a quick glance, what Warren possesses is an old school game. Hesitation dribbles, unnecessary pandering, and other tricks of the new trade don't follow his path to the basket. Quick decisions, the occasional crossover, and an advanced off-the-ball game do.
Further muddling Warren's draft stock is his questionable athleticism (for the record, I'm not one of those questioning). In terms of measurables and quickness, he apparently does not stand out. For a 6-foot-8, 220-pounder, the way he moves does.
According to draftexpress.com, Warren takes floaters and runners at one of the highest rates in the game. That type of between game could work at the next level; it could also frustrate whatever team buys his services.
I don't think the NBA is too good for T.J. Warren. He'll exceed 10-15 ppg some time in his career.
Other reports also confirm Indiana's freshman forward Noah Vonlegh will enter the draft. He's expected to land in the top 10.
