Two from SMU in latest Mock Draft from Draft Express

[Harry0569]

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2017/

#29 - Semi to Spurs

#58 - Sterling to NYK

[max the wonder dog]

What's the pay for a late first rounder vs a middle of the pack position? Don't see Semi as a lottery pick this year.

[smusic 00]

First round is guaranteed contract, that's what matters.

[PonyLawExpress]

What's the pay for a late first rounder vs a middle of the pack position? Don't see Semi as a lottery pick this year.

3-4 Million less over a 4 year contract is the difference between end of the lottery and late 1st round. As Music said though it doesn't matter as long as it is first round, because that is the guaranteed money and the team has more of an investment in you and you are more likely to get to that second contract.

Semi is right on that line. Said it before, he falls somewhere between 25-40 on most people's boards, but until the combine happens it will be tough to know exactly where. That is why he is likely a 50-50. Also, the DraftExpress Mocks never puts enough Foreigners in the 1st round.

[LA_Mustang]

http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/info/rookie_scale

[JasonB]

Semi isn't a Spurs type of player. Brown is more likely to be a Spurs second round pick than for them to get Semi in the first round..

[ponyboy]

That's seems tough bet to make if you're projected to go near the end of the first round.

[indianmustang]

if it happens,did we have 2 players go in draft

[MFFL02]

That would be so special if Sterling gets drafted!

[JasonB]

Semi was the only one invited to the combine...

[LA_Mustang]

Pretty safe to say these next two weeks will be very important for direction of our team next season. We all want Semi to return but if he gets drafted in the first round it will be a great thing for our program. Either way, I think we can and will be very good next season.

[PonyBait]

It's a real shame Sterling didn't get a combine invite. He works his butt off and could've had a real opportunity to show what a versatile NBA wing he can be. Hopefully plenty of teams are calling for a private workout

[SMUstangs22]

Pretty safe to say these next two weeks will be very important for direction of our team next season. We all want Semi to return but if he gets drafted in the first round it will be a great thing for our program. Either way, I think we can and will be very good next season.

I am not so optimistic without Semi.

[LA_Mustang]

Again, I don't think many understand how good Whitt and McMurray are. Both should hit the ground running. Whitt scored in double figures in several games in SEC play as a freshman (12 vs. Missouri, 12 vs. LSU, 11 vs. Miss St, 10 vs. Tennessee, and he also had 14 against Stanford in OOC). As good as our league is, the SEC still has longer, more athletic 2 guards and Whitt proved he could score at that level as a freshman. With his ability to slash and get to the rim, he should be tough to handle for most AAC guards.

McMurray is even more proven. The guy can flat out score the bsketball. With Shake, Whitt, McMurray, Douglas and Landrum, that is a ton of backcourt talent. And include Jarrey in there because he's about as versatile a player as you'll find in college bball.

Obviously, the concern is the front court if Semi doesn't return. I have no doubt the staff has someone (grad transfer) ready to jump onboard if Semi leaves. Will there be a drop off, sure, but we will rely on small ball more and either Ray or Chargois will need to step up. The biggest difference is we will have more depth, quality depth.

[sadderbudweiser]

No doubt that without Semi we'll still have a fairly solid lineup. Whitt and McMurray should thrive.

But without Semi my guess is that we are stuck at about the same level we are now: competitive in conference but lacking the pieces for national success.

Maybe we still get a big via the grad transfer market but options are shrinking daily.

Ray and Chargois may or may not be ready for prime time but asking them to face a USC or Cincy type front line? Nah!

If Semi goes he goes and we'll all wish him success. But unless another move is made for a solid, proven big before next fall (and we have no Semi) the rose colored glasses are coming off. NIT is a reasonable goal. Making the dance would exceed my expectations.