2015 NBA Draft: 5 Prospects Heat should have on their Radar

A.J. Hammons, Center, 7’0″ 278 lbs., Purdue, Junior

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

There was a time when A.J. Hammons looked like just another tall, uncoordinated basketball player. But, times have changed and Hammons is slowly living up to his potential.

Last season, the big man averaged 10.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. He ranked 10th in the nation in blocks per game and shot 70 percent from the stripe, which is stellar considering his size. The only knock on Hammons is his average rebounding skills; at 7’0 he should be averaging close to 10 rebounds per game.

Hammons is a project player in the NBA and is projected a mid-to-late second rounder, according to DraftExpress. Teams in the NBA wouldn’t ask much from Hammons on the offensive end, but would utilize him as a rim protector. The Heat have never really used a traditional center in their lineups, but Hammons could prove to be a key reserve off the bench.