NBA Draft Watch: Niels Giffey

Niels Giffey turned heads during his second championship performance of the season last month at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT). Giffey continued to play his role in the winning formula, knocking down shots and playing solid defense, causing Tournament MVP Davante' Gardner (Marquette) to tweet:

Niels Giffey is the real deal .. He winnin to many ships but I was part of one so I'm cool with that lol

— Davante' Gardner (@iGetBuckets_54) April 23, 2014

In an interview with the Hartford Courant today, Kevin Ollie spoke of his former players NBA potential, specifically referencing his ability to fit into any NBA offense "triangle, square or round". Following graduation, Giffey flew to Indianapolis where he worked out at the St. Vincent Sports Performance's NBA Pre-Draft Training Program. Other participants included Eric Atkin (Notre Dame),Semaj Christon (Xavier), Luke Hancock (Louisville), Gary Harris (Michigan State), Jake Odum (Indiana State), Trevor Releford (Alabama) and Glenn Robinson III (Michigan). According to their website, St. Vincent Sports Performance provides not only skill development but also performance nutrition and performance psychology among others to prepare prospects for the NBA.

Measurements

Here is Giffey as he compares to other wings in the draft, including Deandre Daniels. Melvin Ejim, former Iowa State star familiar to UCONN fans, appears to be Giffey's main competitor for a late second round selection.

Workout Update

Here is a list of Giffey's workouts, as well as other notable players invited.

Utah Jazz, May 20th: Niels Giffey, Melvin Ejim (Iowa State), Scottie Wilbiken (Florida)

Philadelphia 76ers, May 27th: Niels Giffey, James Bell (Villanova), James Michael McAdoo (North Carolina), Melvin Ejim (Iowa State)

New York Knicks, May 29th: Niels Giffey

Detroit Pistons, May 31st: Niels Giffey, Jordan McRae (Tennessee)

Toronto Raptors, TBD: TBD

In addition to these workouts, Giffey has accepted an invitation to the Adidas Eurocamp this weekend in Treviso, Italy. The camp, showcasing the best international players, has hosted the likes of Serge Ibaka (OKC), Danilo Gallinari (Denver) and Nicolas Batum (Portland) in previous years.

Draft Projections

Analysts have Giffey anywhere from late second round to undrafted. As an underexposed role player, workouts will only help Giffey get his name out there. Scouts at the Portsmouth Invitational came away impressed and there is no reason to believe that trend will not continue. Here are some potential opportunities for Giffey:

• 32nd, 39th, 47th, 52nd or 54th, Philadelphia 76ers: With five second round picks to go along with two lottery picks, the 76ers can address immediate needs and plan for the future.
• 58th or 60th, San Antonio Spurs: Giffey is the epitome of a role player on a team of role players.
• New York Knicks: With no draft picks and change on the horizon, the Knicks could look to make moves.
• Germany: Big contract, free apartment, free car, home country and all the schnitzel you can eat = not a bad deal