Cassius Winston

[ElectricMayhem]

Cassius Winston is an interesting player. He's smart. He's a great leader. And he's usually the most talented guy on the floor any given night. He has a fierce first step, great court vision, and can catch fire from anywhere on the court. He's one of the most talented players I've ever seen put on the Spartan uniform. Yet, due to his size, he is (probably rightfully) not getting much notice from scouts.

I assume that he'll come back next year for his senior year, but whether it be this year or next, do you see any possibility for success at the NBA level for Cash? The track record for guys his size (6'1ish) is not good, but there have been smaller guys throughout the years who have been exceptions. He's taller than Bogues, Webb, IT, Augustin, Barea, Collison, Lowry, Mills, CP3, and Ish Smith.

Personally, I'd take a 2nd round flier on him. Also, I'll say he will be somewhere between a bench player and rotational player for a handful of seasons.

[Stillwater]

If he can run a team he can be a career backup.
The shot mechanics although somewhat irrelevant are pretty unorthodox. His athletic testing at the combine will either elevate or kill his stock and I get the feeling it would Trimble him into a 2-way deal at best. He'll probably skip the testing and hope for a second round contract negotiated allowing him to prove he can hang with the big kids.

[Kalela]

Good player but really small. He is listed as 6'0" but he is probably shorter than Kyle Lowry and Kemba Walker. Would make a really good back up PG but may become something even more down the line.

[atlantabbq99]

He reminds me of Jameer Nelson. I think he can have a 10 year career, with 2 or 3 seasons as a starter.

[EvanZ]

I think Jameer was quite a bit more athletic than Cassius at that age. Jameer also had a crazy high steal rate in college and was really built. Not sure that comp makes much sense to me but whatever.

[ElectricMayhem]

I hate to say this as a Spartan fan, but I think it would be in Cash's best interest to enter the draft this year. Big 10 player of the year, will be universal 1st or 2nd teal all-american...There really isn't much more he can prove on the college stage. The reason he doesn't make a great NBA prospect are elements out of his control (physique, athleticism). Another year won't change that. On the other hand, an extra year being acquainted with the pro game and figuring out how he can build a niche for himself could be helpful.

I hope he doesn't read this. I don't think it is a popular idea, because I haven't even heard anyone entertain the notion he would leave after his junior year, I just don't see the point of one more year if his goal is to play in the NBA. Of course, MSU will be returning a helluva team next year so if he wants to be a part of a team competing for a championship, if he wants to make sure he gets his degree, if he is enjoying the college life, those are all good reasons to stay.

As I mentioned at the outset of this thread, he is far from a sure thing to latch on in the NBA. I voted he'll be a 2nd round pick and bench player for 4 seasons+. Even that might be a bit hopeful. Great college player a la Mateen Cleaves.

[kobyz]

i think he rather go second round than a first round, but could still be solid backup PG in the league, reminds me JJ Breah or a Vanvleet with worse defense...

[ElectricMayhem]

That's not too shabby.

Overall, I think Cassius Winston is going to be the litmus test for whether it is possible for an undersized, not overly-athletic guy to make it in the NBA in this era on skill and brains alone. If he can't develop a niche and earn a role in the NBA, then it simply can't be done for someone of his physical attributes.

Chart from this fivethirtyeight article:
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/can-anything-stop-cassius-winston/

[EvanZ]

That's not too shabby.

Overall, I think Cassius Winston is going to be the litmus test for whether it is possible for an undersized, not overly-athletic guy to make it in the NBA in this era on skill and brains alone. If he can't develop a niche and earn a role in the NBA, then it simply can't be done for someone of his physical attributes.

Chart from this fivethirtyeight article:
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/can-anything-stop-cassius-winston/

JJ Barea has been in the in the NBA for 3000 years. So it's possible.

[doordoor123]

His ability to score is translatable because he takes good shots and knows how to find the angles to score. On top of that, he’s a great passer with a good thick body. Defensively he’ll get killed and will have to produce offensively via assists or through scoring. His body size and strength is why he can do a solid job in terms of staying in the league. To me he’s a second round pick, but I don’t foresee a long career unless he learns to be consistent while being undersized (like JJ Barea). Probably one of the smartest players in this class.