Kansas basketball: Marcus Garrett should be an easy undrafted pickup

Former Kansas basketball point guard Marcus Garrett went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, and while that was a strong possibility, the Texas native still brings plenty to the table.

Now, Garrett will be in play for a free-agent deal, the same avenue former Jayhawk and teammate Devon Dotson took to the Chicago Bulls. Regardless, Garrett’s defensive component should stand out among scouts and strengthen his signing odds.

Finishing off the 2020-21 season, Garrett was averaging 11 points, 4 defensive rebounds, a 1.4 steal(s) per game. He would score his third consecutive spot on the Big 12 All-Defensive team, including being named the Big 12’s Defensive Player of the Year one season earlier.

Through all the inconsistencies seen this past season at Kansas, the ability to show up and make a defensive play made Marcus Garrett a valuable part of the Jayhawks’ starting five. He’s become arguably one of the best defenders on the market, with a special knack for stripping the ball loose and switching momentum on a dime.

Garrett wasn’t ranked in Sports Illustrated’s NBA Draft Big Board and was one of many college players on the cusp of making the cut.

The road doesn’t end here for Garrett though. Even if he doesn’t sign a deal with an NBA franchise, he could have success in the NBA G League and find his way up the ladder there. He’s attended the G League camp before draft day and has spoken with several teams already about his goals.

Whichever path Garrett finds, he will contribute at the professional level. He’s proven his worth as one of the best defenders from the Big 12 and deserves a shot in the NBA.