Stratmaster wrote:kodo wrote:Jvaughn wrote:
Seeing how Branham's biggest skill is his midrange game, is be utterly surprised if he couldn't learn how to have en effective career from the king of the midrange.
Also as Dresden pointed out, he's a long time vet and multiple All-star selection which means he's one of the best to play the game. Just learning to be a pro is a huge plus for a young player.
Yeah plenty to learn, because Derozan is top 3 in the league in the most effective scoring play in the game. Not the 3 pointer, not a post up. The shooting foul. A 35% 3P shooter generates 1.05 points per shot. A shooting foul on Derozan is worth 1.75 points, overwhelmingly more efficient. Derozan is top 3 in the league in FTs along with Embiid & Giannis.
Derozan is also the 2nd best isolation player in the league, behind Trae and ahead of Tatum, Embiid, and Joker. His best play isn't getting free for an open 15 footer like Joe Harris. Derozan's best game is attacking his defender's chest, getting his defender off balance and up in the air, and making contact for 2 easy ones.
If Branham becomes as good as Derozan with physical play and drawing fouls, as good as Derozan inside the arc, and maintains his 41% 3P shooting on more volume, he's probably the best guard in the league.
Yeah but you don't always get the foul call. Certainly, when you do it is the most efficient scoring play. But I agree, I overlooked that.
I have never watched Branham. All I know is reading a couple draft reports, his stats and game logs. He averaged less than 3 3-point attempts per game. He had 2 big games from 3. In the other 30 games he shot 36% from the college 3 point line and averaged about 2 per game. 6'5" guard not known for any passing skills. He took 89 total 3 point shots. His mid-range game is described as "old school pull-up". Not especially athletic, average at best.
The consensus seems to be that if that 3 point shooting translates he could end up a starter somewhere; but likely not for a while. If it doesn't translate he likely won't be an asset.
I am not convinced he's the guy for the Bulls. But again, the numbers and profiles don't tell the whole story. There could be something there I am missing.
Givony also has Branham going to the Bulls:
"If they stand pat, the upside offered by Branham could be attractive, as he has a strong case to be considered the most talented prospect on the board. Branham’s combination of size, frame, length, scoring instincts and shot-making prowess off the dribble (44% FG%) and with his feet set (43%)
look seamlessly translatable to what the NBA is looking for at his position. He plays with a unique combination of aggressiveness and poise for a player who just turned 19, and his impressive strides as the season moved on, facilitating more for others and showing competitiveness defensively one-on-one, give him a high ceiling as a prospect.”
He and Ogbaji seem very similar, with Ogbaji being more athletic, and has proven himself at the NCAA level. OTH, Branham is 3 years younger, and showed a lot as a freshman. If both are there, I think I'd go with the younger guy.
