Josiah Jordan-James An Early NBA Draft Standout

Originally posted on FanNation Volunteer Country
By Jonathan Lidskin | Last updated 5/14/23

While Tennessee awaits a couple of draft decisions, there's a chance one player's decision might've become a little clearer. Josiah-Jordan James was listed by multiple draft analysts as a player who improved his stock in the first game of the G League Elite Camp. James was one of two Volunteers, along with Olivier Nkamhoua to receive an invite to the camp.

James battled a mid-season injury last season but still managed to post double digits in scoring in addition to averaging nearly five rebounds per game. James also showed his elite defensive ability on the wing as he had a 2.34 Defensive Bayesian Performance Rating. While that was only 4th among Tennessee players, it was 8th among SEC players.

Tennessee would only be one player over the 13 scholarship limit if James were to stay in the draft. Of course, Uros Plavsic staying in the draft would get Tennessee under the limit, but in today's day and age of college athletics, there's always a chance that Tennessee could use NIL to get an extra scholarship player. In terms of JJJ's draft stock, he's most likely looking at a second-round pick at best. Not just because of his skills, as his defense could get him into an NBA rotation at some point, but his age is something that NBA GMs will be considering. After the G League Elite Camp and the NBA Combine, we will likely find out more about the players staying in the draft and the players returning.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Volunteer Country and was syndicated with permission.

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