20 Best NBA Draft Picks from Michigan State
By Zac Snyder
Mar 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Adreian Payne (3) dribbles the ball up the court in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Target Center. The Hornets won 109-98. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
125. . Round 1. Pick 15 (2014). Adreian Payne. 20. player
Adreian Payne is just starting his NBA career, but he has a skill set to succeed in today’s NBA. With the league increasing looking for versatile big men capable of playing away from the basket, Payne can be the stretch-four, so many teams are after.
Placing Payne on this list takes quite a big of projecting but don’t be surprised if he would be ranked higher if this list was to be re-visited in the years to come. His rookie year got off to a slow start because of injuries and a crowded Hawks roster, but minutes came with regularity after being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Payne’s potential was on display in an early March 2015 game against the Los Angeles Clippers in which he scored 16 points and brought down 15 rebounds.
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