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As far as mid-major selections go, the 2019 NBA Draft has been one rife with some surprising selections. Another such outcome came later in the night as the Sacramento Kings selected the Wyoming Cowboys’ Justin James with the 40th overall pick.
The 6’7 guard has been through some highs and lows with a program that has struggled since making the NCAA Tournament in 2015, but he has personally flourished in that time, posting stellar scoring totals in his final three seasons in Laramie. Indeed, he put up 16, 18.9, and 22.1 points per game in his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, respectively (even if his efficiency took a bit of a dive in his senior season).
Wow
— Connor Hope (@CondorianFM) June 21, 2019
Pick 40, Sacramento Kings
Justin James, Wyoming
Pros
- Solid size for a two guard
- Good athleticism
- Can find his own shot
- Excellent rebounder
Cons
- Not a great jump shooter
- Lack of strength
- Defense could improve
Grade: F
Regardless, James has some upsides, and this point in the draft is the time for taking a chance on players one might see some hidden potential within. Prior to tonight, no one had been talking about James as a potential NBA Draft selection, so something must have obviously stood out to Kings front office members for them to pick him and give Wyoming its first NBA Draft pick since 2015 (and its second since 1995).