Four under-the-radar prospects poised to be NBA Draft steals

Maxwell Lewis, Pepperdine

• Height: 6-foot-6  
• Weight: 207 pounds
• ESPN mock draft projection: 27th overall to Hornets

The Pepperdine Waves haven't produced a first-round draft pick since Brandon Armstrong was taken 23rd overall in 2001, but that shouldn't be the case for much longer. Despite the program's struggles in recent years, Lewis showed flashes of NBA-level talent and made strides in his sophomore season. 

After averaging 11 points, mainly off the bench, as a freshman, Lewis returned to school, where he earned a starting role and emerged as the Waves' top option offensively. The All-WCC second-teamer averaged 17.1 points while shooting 46.8% from the field and 34.8% from behind the arc to go along with 5.7 rebounds per game. 

Although Lewis didn't display much passing ability, having played for a team that finished 16-47 over the past two seasons, it's understandable why he focused on scoring. It might seem like Lewis' stats are empty calories; however, he managed to score 20 points in each of his two games against Gonzaga last season.

At the NBA Draft Combine, Lewis recorded the longest wingspan and standing reach among guards, which should pair well with his high motor, giving him some defensive upside. His frame and skill set would make him a fit on any team in today's era of wing-dominant play.

Leonard Miller, G League Ignite 

• Height: 6-foot-9 
• Weight: 212 pounds
• ESPN mock draft projection: 21st overall to Nets

While G League Ignite teammate Scoot Henderson dominated the headlines (and deservedly so), as the season progressed, Miller continued to solidify his status as a first-round pick. The Canadian ranked 43rd in the ESPN 100 for the 2022 class and declared for last year's draft before withdrawing and signing with the G League's developmental program. 

Miller averaged 16.9 points and a team-leading 10.1 rebounds last season — chipping in a steal per game as well. There may not be a player in this class more committed to hustle and doing the little things than Miller, one of the reasons why his stock continues to rise.

A team needing instant production from a rookie should probably cross Miller off their draft board, but he'd be a low-risk, high-reward selection for one with a solid foundation. 

Gregory “GG” Jackson II, South Carolina 

• Height: 6-foot-8 
• Weight: 214 pounds
• ESPN mock draft projection: 32nd overall to Pacers

As the youngest player in the draft, it's possible that Jackson may have the highest ceiling outside of the top three prospects. The South Carolina forward is nearly two years younger than Alabama's Brandon Miller and won't turn 19 until December. 

Jackson, a former UNC commit and the No. 1 player in the 2023 class, according to 247Sports, reclassified to the class of 2022 last July to become draft-eligible. 

Last season, Jackson led a disappointing Gamecocks group in scoring (15.4 points), but it's particularly impressive since he competed in a tough-nosed SEC conference at such a young age. Offensively, he's a strong isolation scorer with a handle that will only continue improving, and on the other end, Jackson has proven to be a competent defender.

Indiana would be a solid landing spot for Jackson, as it has a solid young nucleus capable of competing for a playoff spot in the near future. However, an existing championship contender should consider snagging him toward the end of the first round, given his talent and the potential opportunity to gain experience playing winning basketball.