I didn't see the comment from Vecenie, and honestly it is just one comment from one writer. Maybe it is just the writers Draft Twitter guys I follow, but I get the sense people are a bit luke warm on his prospects as a future all-star. What I have seen is that he is a nice complimentary piece, which is what he was on Gonzaga.
Seth Davis interviewed NBA scouts and here is the assessment on Suggs:
“He’s not the most talented player in the draft skill-wise, but he’s gonna rip your heart out to win a drill. The only thing I would question is his shooting. He will impact your organization and help you win games. I’ve heard his workouts have been great, but people are surprised how much work his passing needs. He’s got unbelievable confidence and swagger. He’s in the Jamal Murray model. If there’s a weakness, he’s got average size for his position. In our league he’s not gonna get to the basket like he did in college. He can be a little turnover prone.”
https://theathletic.com/2709333/2021/07/22/his-shooting-is-atrocious-finch-reveals-all-on-top-2021-nba-draft-prospects/?article_source=search&search_query=jalen%20suggsTo me, it is kind of like why people are not as keen on Davion Mitchell. Was he a true lead initiator, or did he just succeed in his role as combo guard? At least with Mitchell you know his shooting is solid given the diversity of shotmaking in his arsenal.
Here is another assessment on Suggs:
Streaky shooter. Sound mechanics and good balance but a career 27% from 3 on 190 attempts, according to our database. Nothing to suggest he won't become a reliable shooter, but the results just aren't there yet.
- From ESPN's assessment. ESPN thinks he is a Franchise PG, but they also think the same of Davion Mitchell.
From what I can see, Suggs wasn't a great lead initiator in college. Andrew Nembhard played more of that role and had a 4-1 assist to turnover ratio (Suggs only had 4.5-3). I wonder what drives his high turnover percentage. My feeling is that he wasn't really a lead guy that ran the offense. He was more of a create off the dribble and make quick hitter passes as secondary options.
With Suggs it is just hard to define who he is. HIs steal% is the only thing elite about him. He gambles smartly on defense in passing lanes but his size, wingspan, athleticism are not elite. I am curious how he will translate to the NBA, but to me drafting a combo guard at 4 is not the best, unless Suggs already at age 20, has a lot of room to grow. I would rather just continue with FVV, Malachi and short stint with Lowry if we want to win-now.
