4. Jared Harper, Auburn
Age: 21
Height, Weight: 5-foot-11, 175 pounds
Slash Line: .399/.371/.831
Season Averages: 15.4 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 2.5 3PM
Wiley’s teammate, Jared Harper, has another interesting profile. There is no reserve title or suspension attached to his name, but as a 5-foot-11 point guard, this is hardly the “ideal” size for a player at this position, even though other, smaller talents have succeeded.
The overall shooting percentage does not stick out, either, for the junior guard, who’s status is another factor towards his shaky draft status.
However, Harper’s at least made a name for himself in the conference and NCAA tournaments. That includes two 20-point performances in SEC action and 26 points and a dozen three-pointers to push Auburn over Kentucky in the Elite Eight.
Harper’s decision-making is sharp, with 5.8 assists to just 2.4 turnovers. He gave up the ball just twice to 11 assists in the stunning Sweet 16 win over No. 1 North Carolina.
While all great, Harper is still a fringe second-round pick. He deserves a chance in the summer league and should land with a G League team, but his game might better suit an overseas team that wants NBA talent. Plus, the New York Knicks have offensive-minded guards who are somewhat small, so this probably is not a fit.