STRENGTHS
VERSATILITY:
- Plays PG for his HS and AAU team and handled ball handling duties for US u19 team as well. Not amazing vision but his handle allows him to make plays for others and himself. Able to bring the ball up even against pressure.
- Very fluid and coordinated, doesn’t look out of place at any position 1-4. Will find open man, comfortable making pass off dribble, keeps his head up, likes to draw and kick
- Shot selection needs work but he has excellent range on his 3 point shoot, already comfortable from NBA range. Quick release.
- Gets low to the ground with his handle, flexible, has serious moves off the dribble. Live dribble counters, can stop on a dime and pull up or use size and craft to get all the way. Handle doesn’t slow him down at all, in open court situation, his top speed is pretty good.
- When feet are set and he goes up with balance he is a knockdown shooter. Low 3pt percentages seem to be more a product of role and shot selection. Hand down, man down from out to 30 feet, can really provide great spacing in modern game.
PHYSICAL TOOLS:
- 6’7 with 7’1 wing span, in one AAU game defended Marvin Bagley and the opposing team’s PG about half the time each. Battled Bagley for post position, good job of denial.
- Excellent anticipation and timing to go along with length, absolutely a terror in foul court press, traps and passing lanes.
- His wingspan and size even allows him to be a threat as a rim protector. Good rebounder as well.
- Not huge but solid frame, can play some small ball 4, does well with contact, fights for rebounds, can post up, understands positioning.
- All-NBA defensive potential, super versatile but active with quick hands as well. Length allows him to cover huge distance.
WEAKNESSES
AVERAGE BURST/EXPLOSIVENESS:
-Not explosive finisher, gets to the basket with handle and skill more than athletic ability. Doesn’t really get up as much as you’d expect with his length, struggles to finish in tight spaces and over length.
-Just average first step, his tendency to settle for jumpers is partly explained by inability to beat guys to spots, just average quickness. More fluid/smooth than quick twitch.
SHOT SELECTION/DECISION MAKING:
-Loves pull up 3s, took more 3 pointers than anyone else in EYBL this season but shot less than 30%. Serious tendency to take zero pass pull up 3s, about 5 per game
-Often has poor balance on pull ups, tends to lean or fade instead of going straight up.
-Still learning how to run PnR, not too many advanced reads
-Not always aggressive, some have questioned his motor but I think may have to do with just overall approach/mentality. Avoids contact.
OVERALL
Super versatile forward with elite defensive potential but does he have the first step, explosiveness and decision making to be a primary option offensively?